JC98

Thanks, Fire. Yes, seeing Giotto's grotto would be the main/only objective of going to Padua. How far in advance should I book it? Thanks

JC98

Lake Como? Many of you preferred Lake Como over Cinque Terre. We've been to several other alpine lake districts in Europe --like in Austria (Halstatt, Wolfgang, etc.) and in German Bavaria (Berchtesgaden). Is Lake Como kinda like those places but probably with fancier villas?

We like the idea of hiking in Cinque Terre while we're still young and able, and not wait too long for the next trip.

I've heard many people liked Siena, so we'll probably do 1 night there.

Thanks

PalenQ

I do not think Lake Como for you will be as awesome as say Hallstatt's lake or the one near Berchtesgaden - did not see a whole lot of fancy villas along it - some really nice ones and town and of course Bellagio - famous Bellagio which to me when I was there was one of the biggest tourist traps/mobs I've seen in Europe.

The 5 Terre is unique - from what you say I think you should hike around the 5 Terre - there is the main 7-mile trail between the five lands that can get rather gridlocked in high season but there are other trails that see few hikers as most stick to the shortest beaten route between the villages.

I only hiked the main trail and loved it - other hikers or not!

ElendilPickle

We're going next week, and we booked the Accademia and Uffizi in Florence ahead of time. I don't want to spend my limited time in Florence waiting in lines.

We tried to get tickets for the Last Supper the day they went on sale and were unsuccessful, so we have other things planned for Milan.

Lee Ann

chatnoir

I've been living in Milan for the past six months and have travelled to most of those places, you could spend 2 days in Milan and see everything. Try to call in advance and make reservations to see The Last Supper, visit Duomo, Galleria, Castello Sforzesco (museum is free after 16:00), maybe a few other things, the city is really quite small.
Como is nice and relaxing, but really not much to see. I would recommend going from Milan and taking the train to Padua maybe two days then to Venice, spending maybe two days there as well. Check out SM Square, wander the tiny streets and canals, eat at Dal Muro's and see Libreria d'Acqua Alta.
From Venice you could take the train to Florence. There is a lot to see in Florence even though it is also small, so many monuments and museums. You can by a card for 15 euros I believe which allows you to hike the 400 something steps to the top of Duomo (highly recommended), the Bell Tower, and a few other things. Go to Uffizi and Boboli gardens. If you are looking for good food and not expensive, cross Ponte Vecchio and go to Santo Spirito Square, there is Santo Spirito Osteria. If you spend a few days in Florence you could also hop on a train and go into Tuscany for a day or night and go wine tasting and see some of the cities there. From Florence you could go back up North a little to CT or head south past Rome to Naples.
CT won't be too touristy in May, go a month later and it's a different story. CT is relaxing and you can hike through the Five Villages or just simply relax by the seaside. Or you could go down to Naples and visit Capri or Positano.

Hopefully this helps!

PalenQ

Cinque Terre in May - absolutely wonderful - like chatnoir says few mobs and lovely weather.

Mimar

It's strange for PalenQ to recommend the Cinque Terre (very crowded) and then dis Bellagio. The key is you're traveling in May. The trails in the CT may not have recovered from the winter storms. (Google for the website about the trails' condition.) Whereas Bellagio should be relatively quiet in May.

bilboburgler

Note that the Uffizi got blown up a few years ago by the Mafia, hence security is ultra getting in, do not turn up with loads of shopping and water bottles.

Fire

Check this link for information on reserving the visit to the Chapel:
http://www.cappelladegliscrovegni.it...et-reservation

I can see that at the moment the next two days are fully booked and some time slots aren't already avaible even in your two weeks vacation, so I wouldn't wait too much.

JC98

Thanks, all, for the great info and helpful suggestions!

Below is a tentative itinerary, and we hopefully will check the weather and adjust things. I've booked a few places that allow cancellation w no penalty a few days in advance.

Is there a reliable website that talks about the condition of the CT trails? Which ones are open? Heard some trails are not officially open, but you can still go at your own risk.

=====
Itinerary (Also we just changed our return date, so get 1 extra day (whohoo!) -- 14 days total in Italy!)

Too long/too short in any places? Anything else to add? I haven't looked at specific sights to visit yet, so welcome your knowledgeable tips on what to skip, what not to miss, any interesting food, etc.

Grazie!


5/23 (Sat): Land in Zurich in a.m. One day sightseeing in Zurich. (any suggestions?) Overnight in Zurich.
5/24 (Sun): Land in Milan at 9 a.m. Overnight in Milan.
5/25 (Mon): Milan
5/26 (Tue): Morning train to Cinque Terre. Overnight in Vernazza.
5/27 (Wed): Cinque Terre. Overnight in Vernazza
5/28 (Thu): Mid-day train to Florence. Overnight in Florence.
5/29 (Fri): Florence
5/30 (Sat): Florence
5/31 (Sun): Florence
6/1 (Mon): Siena (Bad day to be in Siena? Everything closed?). Overnight in Siena (or just do daytrip from Florence?)
6/2 (Tue): Morning in Siena. Train to Padua. Overnight in Padua.
6/3 (Wed): See Giotto’s Grotto in Padua. Train to Venice. Overnight in Venice.
6/4 (Thu): Venice
6/5 (Fri): Venice
6/6 (Sat): Venice
6/7 (Sun): Fly home to USA

mama_mia

http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/s...sp?id_lingue=2

The popular Sentiero Azzurro trails look to still be closed, except for the trail between Monterosso and Vernazza.

I was in CT last May. It was very crowded, particularly in Vernazza. Lots of day trippers seem to hit Vernazza--maybe it empties a bit at night.

We did the Sentiero Azzurro trail between Monterosso and Vernazza and the trail too was fairly crowded. We also did one of the higher trails that links Manarola-Volastra-Corniglia and found it very enjoyable with better views. The trail between Levanto and Monterosso is also very nice, with great views as you come into Monterosso. I like to start in Levanto because you can then relax on the beach or hit one of the beachside cafes in Monterosso.

PalenQ

Relocating is a hassle - so I would say do Siena as a day trip from Florence plus rail links from Florence to Padua are much easier and quicker than from Siena.

PalenQ

To go to Padua from Siena by train would have you going back to Florence itself - by bus would be the quickest as trains take a round-about route due to high hills being in the way of the most direct way that buses can take. Buses are dirt-cheap - just show up at the bus station next to Florence's main SMN train station and hop the up one of the very frequent buses.

JC98

Thanks, all, for very helpful tips! Very busy with work, so I haven't been actively responding but been reading all your posts. Only a few more weeks to the trip, but I still have to travel for business next week!

Quick question: What is the best train station to go to from Milan to Cinque Terre? La Spezia or Genoa or? We're thinking of going there on Monday night and sta one night near the train station and next day take a train to CT.

Thanks!

bobthenavigator

Why?
Just go directly to Monterosso---there are trains from Milan.

PalenQ

mcart34 - how stupid do you think we really are? You must be the world'smost idiotic idiot to believe that this type of spamming would really work - I hope fodor's folks not only delete this BUT reprot it to authorities as the scam it is.

You are encouraging bank theft?

Again I URGE Fodor's to report you to the appropriate authorities and the worst wishes to yous.

nytraveler

I don;t think he's scamming banks - I think he's scamming the poor fools who believe this is possible and send him however much money to get the blank ATM card.

And agree he should be immediately reported to the authorities.

PalenQ

Quick question: What is the best train station to go to from Milan to Cinque Terre? La Spezia or Genoa or? We're thinking of going there on Monday night and sta one night near the train station and next day take a train to CT.>

Well you always have to go through Genoa and sometimes change trains there - though there are direct Milan to Monterosso trains there are more from Genoa so depending on the time it may behoove you to change at Genoa if the direct Milan-Monterosso train is not running say that hour.

Monterosso is where mainline trains stop, along with some at Riomaggiore - the CT milk shuttle train runs between all 5 Cinque Terre villages at least hourly - so if going to say Vernazza, a favorite with many, change trains at Monterosso.

JC98

Thank you, all, for your helpful responses! Just came back from a business trip and our Italy trip is coming up in less than 2 weeks! Good to know there are direct trains to Monterosso.

Question: It seems like only 2 sections of the popular trail in CT are open: V-M and V-C. Is there a particular direction that's easier or more scenic? Time of day? We'll be staying in Vernazza for 2 nights.

How about this:
Day 1) V->C, train or boat from C->M->R with stops at each village to sightsee

Day 2) Train to M and hike M->V. Which hilltop hikes should we consider? Scenic? Interesting landmarks to see? Monasteries / vineyards?

* Milan: Looks like we're staying an extra day in Milan to see the Expo. The pavilions look pretty cool, and the theme is food, so might as well.

Grazie!

PalenQ

Question: It seems like only 2 sections of the popular trail in CT are open: V-M and V-C. Is there a particular direction that's easier or more scenic? Time of day?>

Good question - I think it is more uphill to Corniglia as this is the only village not perched right on the sea but high above it - if you take a train to Corniglia then the shuttle bus from its sea-level train station up to the old town then you may have more downhill walking all told then uphill?

Would be interested in others' takes on this question. Trails close and trails open - especially in high season so stayed tuned.