mbrevitas

You're welcome! I hope I can be of some help.

Getting to Lake Como by train from Liguria, say from Monterosso al Mare in the Cinque Terre, isn't particularly complicated. It's one direct train to Milan, then one direct train to Como (for ferries to the southeast and north arms) or to the east shore of the lake (between Lecco and Colico). It does take 4 or 5 hours in total, but it's a pretty comfortable journey. Getting from the Lake Como to Malpensa is also easy and faster; an hour and 15 minutes from Como, two hours from the middle of the eastern shore, with one change in both cases. Lake Como can be a bit stuffy and upscale, but it depends on where you go; the eastern shore (like Varenna or Bellano) generally doesn't feel stuffy to me, while Bellagio (which is the most upscale village) is different. Do also consider Lake Maggiore, which is generally less upscale and fancy. The transport connections for that (say, the town of Stresa) are pretty similar. Both lakes offer great scenery, nearby hiking (different in character) and train links to Switzerland (over different railways, with different scenery and travel times).

Ah, indeed, in early June and especially late May the water temperature is definitely a bit chilly. It should be just about warm enough to take a dip (21 degrees or above) in early June in Sardinia, but it wouldn't be particularly pleasant for me. That's a problem pretty much anywhere in Italy as well as in France and Spain, and I think anywhere in geographical Europe, so I assumed you were fine with that, since you were set on going to the beach. On the other hand, that's about the perfect time of the year for hiking in Sardinia (not yet too hot, long days, near-guaranteed sunny weather), such as for the famous Selvaggio Blu trail. There are also a couple of interesting sizeable towns to visit (Sassari and Cagliari) and lots of archeological sites. But if swimming is a priority, I would suggest other shores farther afield; how about Cyprus or Turkey? Somewhere like Antalya should guarantee nice beaches with warm water, as well as plenty of things to visit in the city, and easy flight connections to and from most major airports.

gooster

A few things to add if you select Nice .... From Nice, you can take take trains into the mountains and do day hiking (or even overnight in Tende/Casterino, gateway to the Mercantour National Park). There are also a number of coastal hikes, as well as some around the surrounding hills, all reachable by public transport. If you prefer sandy beaches, there are plenty from Antbes (and onward to the west). I generally hop the train from my place in Nice and go to Juan les Pins if I want sand (as the sandy beach is closer to the train station). Since you mention art, there is a wide variety of museums you can hit on a bad weather day (Chagalll, Matisse, Foundation Maeght in St. Paul de Vence), and the teens can occupy themselves with the city. If you do go, the best vegetarian restaurant is Racines, a passion project from a 2* Michelin chef at regular prices in a mostly local's area.

The Sardinian/Ligurian/Italian influence in the Nice area ends at the river Var, the historical border. From that point, the architecture and colors shift. Even in Nice, it is more French and cosmopolitan outside of the old town. The big growth occurred after the French took over, so that is reflected in the Belle Epoque era buildings.

travelingteacherfam

Great info-thank you!

MichelleY

Spend two or three days in Venice. Nothing like it.