skip Milan ?
 

I posted recented asking whether to see Venice first or last during our 2 week trip to Italy. The majority suggested saving it for last. Having decided this, now my question is where to spend our first night before trying to drive to C.T. I don't think we want to stay in Milan- too big, crowded. We like to pick-up a car at the airport and head out of town. Can you suggest where to spend our first night ?

If you've never been to Milan, I think it is worth spending some time there, at the very least to see the Last Supper (with reservations), the Sforza castle, the Brera museum galleries, the duomo. Milan IS too be and crowded and also polluted, and maybe you won't enjoy being there, but since you're flying into Milan and have never been there, wouldn't you like to see a little of it?

This thread might interest you: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34529938

cmt- thank you for the encouragement to give Milan a try. We are a family of 2 teenagers- they grow weary of art and museums very quickly. So we probably would NOT go to see the Last Supper the one day we are in Milan to rest from our flight from Honolulu. Really, we would like to avoid traffic since we are driving- the Duomo would put us right in the middle of it. I'd like to pick up the car at the airport, skirt the city, and drive to a quieter, but hopefully interesting and charming city/town south of Milan on our way to Cinque Terre.

I don't really like Milan myself. The very first time I was there I was a teenager, very jet lagged, and it was torture going out to dinner at 10:30 p.m. and staying out until 2:30 a.m. tagging along while my parents were with old friends of my father. I never quite warmed up to it in subsequent visits either. (But I was a teenager who DID enjoy art and museums.) I just think it's worth seeing once, even though it's not a favorite of mine.

The town of Bergamo is very near Milan. The città alta (the part of the town high on a hill) is very beautiful. Maybe you'd like to stay there if you're skipping Milan. (Bergamo would be my choice.) There's also the town of Vigevano, which is very near Milan. The main square is extraordinary and, I think, the main reason to visit the town, though it does have other attractions. Or, I've heard Pavia is worth visiting, and that's near Milan. I've never been there, so can't comment first hand.

I myself enjoy Milano. If you like shopping, gold, leather, bicycles etc. it's great. It has a great Mall. But different strokes for different folks.
TVP

I like Milan and would encourage you to try it. The Last Supper is amazing and not your typical museum thing. In fact, it is quick and your teenagers just might appreciate it. The Duomo is also wonderful and they can climb to the top. Personally, I think it is much nicer than the Florence's Duomo. The Brera neighborhood is neat and good for wandering around in but I would give the galleries a skip (because of the kdis).
Cheers,
Jan

I agree that you should stay in Milan long enough to see the fabulous Duomo and the Last Supper.Other than that I'd move on.

I personally love Milan and if you have enough time to book tickets for the last supper(can't remember when you are going)...then definitely do so. Some great restaurants in that area too...However, if you are intent on leaving the city behind..cmt suggested Pavia. We just gave this city a try a few weeks ago...loved it. Less touristy and plenty to do and see. Restaurant by the Duomo(think it is called Albergo Duomo) is excellent for lunch and also seemed to have reasonable rooms.

Given your situation, I'd skip it. I can feel your pain, a flight from Honolulu is a killer.