Milan + Verona and where else?
Nov 26th, 2016, 12:08 AM
#21
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Don't get me wrong I love Italy.
We have spent time in Lake Como, Venice, Bologna, Tuscany to name a few.
We love all things Italian including food and wine. Not to mention the history and the people.
This trip is more about Slovenia, Croatia and France but I couldnt help flying in to somewhere in Italy and having a very small taste of Italy. And a little look at a different part of Italy and sample some Italian wine and gelati!
We have spent time in Lake Como, Venice, Bologna, Tuscany to name a few.
We love all things Italian including food and wine. Not to mention the history and the people.
This trip is more about Slovenia, Croatia and France but I couldnt help flying in to somewhere in Italy and having a very small taste of Italy. And a little look at a different part of Italy and sample some Italian wine and gelati!
Nov 26th, 2016, 10:13 AM
#23
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aussie_10 I did a Walks of Italy tour one day called Best of Milan tour with Last Supper tickets and skip the line. www.walksofitaly.com
The docent was really good and entertained us with stories about Leonardo da Vinci while we waited outside for our time slot. Leonardo was quite the guy and had a mind of his own no matter what his boss wanted! It was good he filled us in outside so that during our allotted 20 minutes inside we could just enjoy the painting.
It was a 3.5 hour tour, we were 7 people and they don't take more than 12. We strolled through the central area of Milan, also stopping into San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore also known as Milan's Sistine Chapel to see the wonderful frescoes there.
We had a stop at the Sforza Castle but did not tour inside, he took us just to the courtyard and explained a bit about what there was to see inside if we chose to come back.
We strolled through the very charming Brera district and had coffee here. Delicious coffee and cornetti, and cheap, take it from me, go with the caffe bar he goes into. This is a charming district to come back to if you have time, lots of restaurant options and charming small shops.
The finale was the rooftop of the Duomo which we had tickets to but still had to line up, but it didn't take long. You take an elevator to the top and it really was fantastic, I highly recommend doing this.
Depending on your interests, this might be a nice thing to do on your one full day. It would leave you time at the end to get tickets to actually go inside the Duomo, and to explore the city centre, maybe go back to Brera. The centre of Milan is very walkable. When you are on the roof of the Duomo you will look down onto the cafe terrace of the big department store La Rinascente. That is a nice place to have lunch or a snack. Actually the whole store is worth a look, they have a really nice food and wine floor upstairs and if you show your passport you can get a card for 10% off anything in the store.
The docent was really good and entertained us with stories about Leonardo da Vinci while we waited outside for our time slot. Leonardo was quite the guy and had a mind of his own no matter what his boss wanted! It was good he filled us in outside so that during our allotted 20 minutes inside we could just enjoy the painting.
It was a 3.5 hour tour, we were 7 people and they don't take more than 12. We strolled through the central area of Milan, also stopping into San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore also known as Milan's Sistine Chapel to see the wonderful frescoes there.
We had a stop at the Sforza Castle but did not tour inside, he took us just to the courtyard and explained a bit about what there was to see inside if we chose to come back.
We strolled through the very charming Brera district and had coffee here. Delicious coffee and cornetti, and cheap, take it from me, go with the caffe bar he goes into. This is a charming district to come back to if you have time, lots of restaurant options and charming small shops.
The finale was the rooftop of the Duomo which we had tickets to but still had to line up, but it didn't take long. You take an elevator to the top and it really was fantastic, I highly recommend doing this.
Depending on your interests, this might be a nice thing to do on your one full day. It would leave you time at the end to get tickets to actually go inside the Duomo, and to explore the city centre, maybe go back to Brera. The centre of Milan is very walkable. When you are on the roof of the Duomo you will look down onto the cafe terrace of the big department store La Rinascente. That is a nice place to have lunch or a snack. Actually the whole store is worth a look, they have a really nice food and wine floor upstairs and if you show your passport you can get a card for 10% off anything in the store.
Nov 26th, 2016, 10:33 AM
#24
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I've been researching a trip to the Veneto for next year. Originally I had thought to base in Vicenza, between Padua and Verona, and do lots of day trips, mostly by train. But I found Verona is a rail hub, and practically any daytrip would require a change there. So I switched to Verona (for planning purposes only, no reservations yet).
Our possible day trips are Bassano del Grappa/Asolo, most likely by train to the former from Venice. Also Padua, Vicenza, Verona, Mantua (thanks, isabel), Lago di Garda, all by train.
After this leg, we will continue to Bologna and Rome.
So for your consideration aussie_10, but also for any suggestions from other posters.
Our possible day trips are Bassano del Grappa/Asolo, most likely by train to the former from Venice. Also Padua, Vicenza, Verona, Mantua (thanks, isabel), Lago di Garda, all by train.
After this leg, we will continue to Bologna and Rome.
So for your consideration aussie_10, but also for any suggestions from other posters.
Nov 26th, 2016, 10:56 AM
#25
I am rather familiar with Verona which is why I made the posting above. I assume you are aware that the city hosts an annual opera festival during the summer and that brings many folks, fills hotel rooms, etc.
Nov 26th, 2016, 03:51 PM
#26
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Yes Dukey still havent booked out 2 night stay in Verona. We will be travelling by train. our dates are 9/10 June. I did check the Opera season has not started. I was looking at around $200 per night. We don't need flash but like a good walkable location to the main centre.
raincitygirl, that tour sounds very good and you fill in our day in Milan well with your other suggestions, thank you. Our 2 night stay is just a taster for Milan and a chance to get our ground feet after long flights.
Mimar, we did feel that Verona was a good hub along the way as we are heading through Venice into Slovenia.
raincitygirl, that tour sounds very good and you fill in our day in Milan well with your other suggestions, thank you. Our 2 night stay is just a taster for Milan and a chance to get our ground feet after long flights.
Mimar, we did feel that Verona was a good hub along the way as we are heading through Venice into Slovenia.
Nov 26th, 2016, 04:14 PM
#27
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I am also planning a trip to Bologna ( 4 nights) and Verona (2 nights)
Dukey could you tell me if Due Torri is a good choice and in a good location. Also we will be there Sept. 28-30. Thoughts on weather that time of year. Thank you!
Dukey could you tell me if Due Torri is a good choice and in a good location. Also we will be there Sept. 28-30. Thoughts on weather that time of year. Thank you!
Nov 26th, 2016, 04:23 PM
#28
There are any number of hotels which are an easy walk to the center. ONE of them is the Best Western Firenze which is located on the Corso Porto Nuova. This is within walking distance of both the rail station and the center.
I generally stay nearby, but not IN, that hotel (mine would be out of your price range).
You might want to go to Googlemaps if you haven't already and get a feel for the streets/geography.
I am always VERY hesitant to recommend hotels to others since there are SO many factors and subjective issues when it comes to what makes a "good" hotel. Been burned too many times by others who got pissed off.
You might want to use Booking.com as a resource.
I generally stay nearby, but not IN, that hotel (mine would be out of your price range).
You might want to go to Googlemaps if you haven't already and get a feel for the streets/geography.
I am always VERY hesitant to recommend hotels to others since there are SO many factors and subjective issues when it comes to what makes a "good" hotel. Been burned too many times by others who got pissed off.
You might want to use Booking.com as a resource.
Nov 26th, 2016, 04:28 PM
#29
Dac, the Due Torri is probably in as good a location as any. Not as easy to walk to somewhere like the rail station BUT cabs are easy to get.
Weather at that time of year? I would consult wunderground.com and look at the almanac feature.
I can tell you in July and August it will be plenty warm into the late evening (opera performances start at 9 or later and we rarely need much out layering); can have a late rain periodically).
Weather at that time of year? I would consult wunderground.com and look at the almanac feature.
I can tell you in July and August it will be plenty warm into the late evening (opera performances start at 9 or later and we rarely need much out layering); can have a late rain periodically).
