I am taking someone on a short getaway trip to Bellagio and Venice. She only has the ability to be away for 8 nights. She loves Venice and really wants to return, and Bellagio is on her list of places to visit. So, with 8 nights, should we try to stop anywhere else? <BR><BR>For one option, I was thinking:<BR>Bellagio = 3 nights<BR>??? = 2 nights<BR>Venice = 3 nights<BR><BR>Or:<BR>Bellagio = 2 nights<BR>Florence = 3 nights<BR>Venice = 3 nights<BR><BR>It's such a short amount of time, that it's difficult to work in a third location without shortchanging 1-2 stops.<BR><BR>Any itinerary ideas are welcome.

When trying to account for a short trip the exact number of days is very important.<BR><BR>I don't know where you are arriving.<BR><BR>I assume you arrive in the morning of day 1 and leave after eight nights. Tha gives you 8 days including the first.<BR><BR>Also, are you driving or training?<BR><BR>Also, you have to consider your travelling style. Some people always like to be on the move and fill their days (me). Others like to spend some down time, wander nowhere for a day here and there and watch everything go by (my wife). Then move on.<BR><BR>Therefore, if I was arriving in Milan, I would have no trouble adding Florence to the Venice Bellagio/Como triangle. Or you could add a day or so in Lugano. Only 20-30 north of Como.<BR><BR>You have the time. What's more important is how you like to tour and the energy level.<BR>

I would devote more time to Venice. If you want a third destination, I recommend Verona, on the rail line between Milan and Venice.

A second for Verona!

I, too, agree that Verona is the logical choice. Alternatives would be Bergamo or even Monza.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Definitely Verona!

to the top<BR>

I concur with Verona...lots to see and do, and I loved the pedestrian zones. For a more scenic, laid-back alternative look into Asolo. Enjoy!

I really appreciate all of the replies. Myer, you are so right about the other info that I needed to give. It's to be a mostly relaxing trip, but, for me, relaxing is still 'going' for most of the day.<BR><BR>We will fly into Milan and out Venice. I guess that the concern with adding Florence was that it can be overwhelming for a first-time visitor in such a short amount of time. I love Florence, but my friend has never been, and only 1 full day seems way too little time to me. Verona wasn't someplace that I had really looked at, but it does look logical on the route planning (we'll be taking trains). And, with the many responses, I'm definitely going to look at Verona as the third stop. Will research Asolo and Monza (have already visited Bergamo).<BR><BR>Thanks for all of the thoughtful replies!

I also recommend Verona. We stayed 2 nights there before driving to Venice (first north and through the Dolomites...a spectacular drive). Of course if you're train-ing you will simply have more time to enjoy either city. Verona is delightful.

Okay, now that I've checked out Asolo and find it very intriguing, I'm kind of confused with the possibilities. Since visiting Bellagio six year ago, I have always wanted to return and think that my traveling companion would love it. However, maybe with the limited time, I should stick with the Veneto, including Asolo, Venice, and one other overnight location? I just don't know if we want to skip Lake Como ... it is so beautiful. We both really like less emphasis on being in cities and a lakeside stay would be great.<BR><BR>Sorry to keep pestering with questions. The trip is a birthday present and I want to have it just right.<BR><BR>Thanks!