I will fly to Milan after the new year. It is my first time to Italy. Need advice on what to do with only 4 days in Italy. Thanks.

I've been in Milan in mid-February. Please be forewarned, it will be very cold still in January (it was freezing last Feburary!). While in Milan, see what you can there (the Duomo, La Scala, Vittorio Emanuelle Galleria, etc) then take an early train down to Florence for a day-trip, and even squeeze in another to either Genoa or Bologna or Verona. All cities are within an hour or two from Milan.

I refer to the "Let's Go!" guides for single traveler ideas on sites to see, things to do, etc. as they have been an excellent source in planning my itineraries. Have a great trip!

Thanks. I will acctually travel with an Italian friend. She has a car. Is "let's Go" a book? I would love to get some ideas.

That time of year your options are limited. I would train to Venice and spend 3 nites, but check the dates for Carnevale.

Yes, "Let's Go" is a travel guidebook that I rely on for all my trips. Have a great time!

Hi P,

Good advice from Bob.

Florence would be really nice and Venice also makes a lot of sense, although it can be quite cold at that time of year. You could stick around Milan: the lakes and Bergamo would make a nice 4 days, as long as you promise to come back to Italy soon to see Florence, Rome, Venice, etc.

I guess I'd suggest Florence for maybe half of the time (or 3 days), with space for one other side trip if you can squeeze it in (the Certosa di Pavia, for example, or Bergamo--both very close to Milan).

The Carnival this year is from Feb 17 through Feb 28, so you'll miss it completely if you're going in January.