Hi all,
I'm looking to visit Italy at the end of July. I'll be in Courmayeur already (Northern Italy) for a music festival, and afterwards a friend will fly to meet me and travel for 7-10 days. I've been to Venice before, but the friend has not been to any of Italy. Were should we go???? I don't want to move around too much, as I'm anticipating a lot of luggage and an instrument, so I was thinking two days in Milan (closer to Courmayeur) and the rest of the time in Florence (with the potential for day trips throughout Tuscany?). We're also trying to be budget minded, as we're students, so opting for safe, clean, and inexpensive (60-70 E) housing if possible. TIA!
Marissa

Hi,

Turin is nearby and it's a charming city. I like it even better than Milan. The Duomo and the Last Supper in Milan are hightlights in northern Italy, though.

I'd spend 3 nights in Turin and a week in Tuscany or, if you're flying out of Milan, a week in Tuscany first and then 3 nights in Milan with a day trip to Lake Como.

Try Hotel Brianza in Milan. I paid 67 Euros for a double room with breakfast in 2006. It doesn't have an elevator and the tram passes right in front of it, but it has sound proof windows, a nice breakfast and I thought it was clean and decent. It's a few blocks away from Corso Venezia.

Have a great trip,

Castellanese.

HI M,

With 7-10 days, I suggest

3 nights in Venice - look for hotels in Mestre at www.venere.com.

It's only 10 min by train (1E) from Venice. Last train back is about midnight.

I would spend the rest of my time in Florence.

www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html
has schedules and prices to Bologna, Orvieto, Lucca and Pisa.

Take the Sita bus to Siena.

I recommend against a daytrip to Venice - too rushed and too crowded.

Enjoy your visit.

From Milan area, head East stop in Verona then on to Venice. At least one night in Venice (stay in Venice) to walk the streets and piazzas and experience the canals without the crowds.

South to Florence, maybe a stop in Balogna. At least two full days in Florence to see the sites. Be sure to get reservations for the Uffizi and Acedemia. From there work your way back to your departure airport.

I only put a couple of minimums in here so you can add or subtract time to your taste.

Hi All,
Thank you for the responses! We decided on two nights in Milan (I'm closest there, and she can easily fly in and recover from jet lag), then the rest of the time in Florence, with day trips around Tuscany. If you have any additional suggestions on hotels (looking around the 60E range for a double), that'd be much appreciated!