I am planning a 15 day trip to N. Italy for myself and a friend in September. We fly in and out of Milan. Our loose itinerary is Stressa-Lake Como area, Dolamites, Venice, perhaps Verona, back to Milan. My friend likes to drive and wants to rent a car, at least for part of the trip. We enjoy staying in inexpensive "finds" in great locations where two ladies can easily walk to good restaurants and explore.

Many questions: would you fly into Milan and immediately drive or train to Stressa or Lake Como? Where are the best places to pick up and drop off a rental car? Should we reverse the itinerary and take the train to Venice and then rent a car and go north? Are there "must sees" in this loop that you can recommend (besides the obvious attractions in Venice and the Last Supper in Milan)? How would you break down the length of stay in each area? Are there any hotels or B&B's in that you love that are around 125 Euro?

We followed your suggestions when we went last year to Rome, Tuscany, and Florence, and it was a perfect trip. We stayed at the Albergo Cesari in Rome, Casa Selita in Orvieto, and Hotel Casci in Florence. We loved all three, so if you are familiar with any of these hotels, you will have an idea of type of places we are seeking.

Renting the car at Malpensa is a relatively easy process. Malpensa is well removed from the actual city and only a bit more than an hour from Stresa as I recall.

I would get the car and go to Stresa then put Milan on the back end of your trip. Drop the car on arrival in Venice and train to Milan.

Visit the Museum of Archeology in Bolzano, and pay your respects to Oetzi, the bronze-age Ice Man found frozen in the glacier. A really fascinating museum. Also near Bolzano you can visit the castle in Castelrotto, which is decorated with murals of the store of Tristan and Isolde. Trento is nice, too.

I like the idea of immediately training to Venice and then working your way back to Milan via rental car. Then you can hit the Dolomites and move west to the lakes from there.

For cheaper lodging options I would recommend staying in apartments vs hotel/BB. They are just as nice, you just don't get someone cleaning your room each day.

Thanks, notbob, you confirmed what I thought would be the best plan.
capxxx-Do you have a favorite place to stay in Bolzano or it it just a stop-over?

It's been a few years, but I think it was the Hotel Regina,just across from the train station. Not too expensive, nice and quiet, as I remember, and the room had a a wonderful view of the mountains. We were able to get a quad room (two parents, two kids).

I also stayed in Trento, on business trip -- my hosts put me up in the Hotel America. Very beautiful and grand, and the room had an amazing marble and gold bathroom.

Bolzano has a pleasant arcaded shopping district with several restaurants with outdoor seating. Trento is much smaller but also pleasant to be in.

I'd also head out after arrival and then work back to Milan. Depending on how late in September your dates are, I might head to the Dolomites first to reduce the chance of a weather surprise and maximize your daylight hours. (Sunsets occurs at about 7:49 pm on Sept. 1st and at about 6:53 pm on Sept. 30th.) After the Dolomites, drop the car in Venice and use trains thereafter.

Hi anneeby ,
I second the idea of staying in Bolzano. We stayed at hotel Feichter http://www.hotelfeichter.it/eng/main.html just up the road from the train station. It had a nice balcony with table and chairs just outside each room where you can sit and watch the sun set.

If you are in Bolzano on a Sunday head over to the river side of town. There you will find small town Italy at its best. Families strolling arm in arm or pushing baby carriages. Kids playing soccer. Entire families gathered for picnics in the park. Music coming from various places.

Here is what you do. Grab a gelato at the beginning of the tree lined pathway. Stroll leisurely while eating your gelato. Stop occasionally to sit and people watch. Stroll some more, eat more gelato..you get the picture. Lovely and memorable way to spend the afternoon.

Have fun,
Michele

The problem, of course as always, is not what to see but what not to see.

There is a significant amount of wonderfully charming places to see between Stresa and Venice on the loop through the Dolomites.

Lake Garda has some great spots, Sirmione being one of our favorites, but there are other great towns on both sides of the lake.

Cortina is also a lovely stop in the Dolomites. Shops, restaurants all within a good walking center.

Thanks, everyone! I didn't realize that the last two weeks of Sept. is high season. I am a bit worried about finding great hotels in our price range. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Hi anneeby,
I don't think you should have any problems finding hotels in your price range. Hotel Feichter in Bolzano was 85 euros a night. We stayed there Oct 3 and 4 so that is pretty close to your time frame. It was a very nice clean room. The pictures on their website are accurate. We rented an apt in Venice so I don't have any hotels recs for you for there.
Take care,
Michele

I've visited several of the places on your itinerary, but in a roundabout order due to our particular circumstances. But I will chime in on:

Verona - This was one of those places we didn't intend to spend much time in, but liked it so much we stayed twice in one trip! We overnighted in Verona both to and from the Dolomites. We took the train (many options/day) from Venice, spent the day & night not far from the arena & main piazza, and then picked up our car to drive into the Dolomites. We really liked Verona - the wine bars, elegant pedestrian shopping streets, cafes, great piazza and sites. We stayed there again on our way back from the Dolomites to drop off our car and head by train elsewhere.

Bolzano - we just spent the afternoon there, but if I did it again, would definitely stay the night. The museum is well worth the stop.

Dolomites - we stayed in Castelrotto and in Cortina. Castelrotto was small but big enough to have good restaurants and many lodging options, beautifully situated, very alpine-feeling, German speaking. We were there before summer got in full swing (June) and so just showed up in town and easily found a spotless room (zimmer). From there we day-hiked in the lush Alpe di Siusi. Also stayed in Cortina, which was very much in off season mode. Quiet!

Venice - stayed in these places on two different trips:
www.casamartini.it
Casa Martini is a charming inn/hotel located not far from the train station, but off the main touristy street and worlds' away inside. Check out the website for details and photos.

Ca' Turelli, a small B&B that is simple and clean w/ nice large bathrooms. Breakfast was minimal. It is in a quiet & convenient-to-sites Dorsoduro location. We booked it through www.veniceby.com
Search by name or look under B&Bs.