archangela

My husband and I are heading to Northern Italy for 10 days in mid-September. Looking to go to Milan, Lake Como, the Dolomites, Venice and Cinque Terre. Are we trying to do too much (we have already seen Venice, but want to go back for a 2nd time)? Please recommend mid-range accommodations in the Milan, Lake Como, Dolomites and Cinque Terre areas if possible. Thank you...this is my first message posted.

brenda_s

I recommend Hotel Belvidere in Bellagio on Lake Como.

Have fun,
Brenda

rex

It's conceivably a lot of driving (I personally would not try to do this by train - - you really do save time with a car on an itinerary like this becuse you can tailor early or late travel to your exact needs), and presumably you mean to start with Milan and finish with Venice (rent the car on day 2 as you depart Milan, return it on day 8 or 9 in Venice).

Be aware that mid-September is Grand Prix (Monza) time in the Milan/Lke Como and a lot of accommodations are sold out months in advnce. Reserve now.

There are countless threads here on some of the better hotel choices in Menaggio, Bellagio and/or Varenna. Each has its enthusiasts. Search "Menaggio" or "Belvedere" or "lac and bellagio".

And since this is your first post here... perhaps worth your while to see http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34598057

Best wishes,

Rex

archangela

Rex-

We are flying in/out of Milan and thinking of renting a car for the trip. If we had to cut one of the destinations, which would you recommend? I tend to overextend on vacations, so we are hoping to try to relax and not constantly be on the go. It appears we will be OK with the Grand Prix dates this year. I have read a few threads on hotels, so I will look into those suggestions. Thank you.

bobthenavigator

With 10 days I suggest 3 destinations--you pick it. I would do Como, the Dolomites, and the CT myself. That is really 3 nites per with your last nite near Malpensa. That works.

rex

Okay, if you are flying in and out of Milan, then... on the morning of day 2, train to Venice, and rent your car on departing there. Omit Cinque Terre.

Steve_James

AA - For Dolomites hotels check out these:

www.hotelwolf.it (Castelrotto)

www.snaltnerhof.it (Ortisei)
www.hotelvillapark.com (Ortisei)

www.uhrerhof.com (Bulla)

How much do you want to pay?

Steve

archangela

Steve- I am hoping to pay a moderate amount at each stop. I di not mind splurgin in one location, but would likje to keep it under $120 per night. Is this doable?

crckwc

We stayed at Hotel Wolf in Castelrotto 2 years ago and paid around $80. Loved the town and the hotel -- great breakfast -- and enjoyed many good walking trails. In the Lake Como area, I recommend Hotel Villa Maria in Tremezzo overlooking Lake Como. Lovely old villa run by an energetic young couple. It was less than $100 2 years ago. In Monterosso, Cinque Terre, we stayed at Villa Steno (a Rick Steves recommendation) which should be in your price range. We loved northern Italy and made a brief return last year. Will definitely go again. Enjoy!

archangela

So, we have done a little more research and this is what I have come up with...any suggestions/feedback is welcome and much appreciated (whether on hotels, restaurants or if we are doing too much still):

- DAY 1 - Arrive in Milan - drive to Lake Como - Stay at Hotel du Lac
- DAY 2 - Lake Como
- DAY 3 - Lake Como-Drive to The Dolomites - Stay at Cavallina D'Oro
- DAY 4 - The Dolomites
- DAY 5 - The Dolomites - Drive to Venice - Lodging TBD
- DAY 6 - Venice
- DAY 7 - Venice
- DAY 8 - Drive to Cinque Terra - Lodging TBD
- DAY 9 - CT
- DAY 10 - Drive to Milan - Lodging TBD
- DAY 11 - Depart from Linate Airport

bobthenavigator

You know it is too much--that drive to the CT is the killer. But, I love all 4 of those destinations. Add a day and go for it.

Desert_Sue

I would drop the CT and save it for another trip.

archangela

Can anyone recommend a moderately priced hotel (under $200) in Venice. I have stayed in the Accademia area before and was hoping to get a little closer to Saint Mark's Square or Rialto Bridge. Thank you.

Mylesaway

1. I would cut either Cinque Terre, or Venice. One of the two sides of your trip. Or of course, just add more time to your trip. That's really the best.

2. In Venice, check out Anastasia. I don't know how much it is, becasue my brother paid for everything, but it is right around the corner from St. Marks.

3. Check out my trip report I posted yesterday about a similar trip we just got back from.

Trip Report - Rome, Venice and Northern Italy May 2005 by Mylesawayy

Mylesaway