Need a one day excursion from Milan
 

Going to Milan for a convention in June. Have been before and seen most of the stuff in Milan. I have one day to burn so where could I adventure to for a day on the train. I've been to Florence, Verona and Lugano before (all very nice places).<BR>Also anyone ever used the Hotel Palazzo delle Stelline.

Haven't used the hotel before. I'd say you might think about Lucca, Pisa, or Bergamo as city trips. Consider Lake Orta or Lake Como as lakeside venues.

While I think Pisa or Lucca are a bit far, I agree with Bergamo or Como. Also consider Verona.

Thanks Wayne. Looks like you have to change trains in Florence to get to Lucca or Pisa. Lucca looks great but it's over 4 hours, maybe next trip. Bergamo is an hour looks very good. Never been to Venice, almost 3 hours each way would make a very full day. 7-8 hours in Venice?

Bergamo is a perfect day trip. it's only an hour away by train, and the trains are fairly frequent. I happily spent about 10 hours there one sunday this past march (my last day in Italy beofre flying out of Malpensa). The old and high part of town, la citt&agrave; alta, is beautiful, small, and perect for easy wandering. There's an art museum in la citt&agrave; bassa, just a short walk outside the wall s of the old city. in additions there are lots of wonderful small roads and walking paths past farms and mansions in the hills just above the confines of the walled city.

Hi Doug, you might think about the Carthusian monastery and cloiser at Pavia about 1/2 hour out of Milan - absolutely breathtaking. This sight was included on a tour I took of the Italian lakes last year. If you love Italian history and culture, you will not be disappointed. Enjoy Italy again.<BR><BR>Helen

I second Helen 's advise ...absolutely fascinating, nearby Pavia is a also a charming place to visit. If you drive everything is near. In front of the Monastery there is a good rest. Check the time table. Do not miss it ! It is one of the most important Rennaissance architectural landmarks in all Italy. good luck

Thanks for the suggestions. All these places sound great. I may have to carve out a little extra time.

My recommendation would be to take the train to Lugano, Switzerland. It's about an hour away, but miles away from Milan in terms of culture, scenery, etc. There are two large mountains on either side of the city, palm trees, red-tiled roofs, snow-capped mountains in the distance, a beautiful lake, and Swiss cleanliness and punctuality.