Suggestions for 3rd city in Italy?
 

We are traveling to Italy next summer, it is our 4th trip and we are trying to see some new things and some old things we love. Our itinerary looks like this:

Fly in (and out) of Milan. We got a great deal on tickets so I could not do an open-jaw for the same price.

Arrive 6/13/09 Friday -Stay the first night in Milan - see the Duomo (have not done that before)

Villa in Umbria 6/13-20 - Day trips all over Umbria. (Been to Tuscany, but not much time in Umbria)

Now, the dilemma - We want to end our trip in Venice for 3 nights before returning to Milan for the flight out, but need a 3 night stop in between. We (myself and husband) have been to Venice before, but not with the kids, who are joining us this trip.

We are tempted to do 3 nights in Florence, although we have been there before (all of us) - but there is so much to see. Or, do we try someplace new like Bologna, or possibly the Lake district?

We have done Rome, Amalfi Coast, Tuscany...

Not sure when (if) we'll get back to Italy after this trip, so don't want to miss a great destination. Any suggestions?

Thank you!

I'm not good at telling people which places they would like over other ones, so I won't suggest where you should spend those 3 days. (I will say you will probably love your week in Umbria!)

If you decide on one of the lakes (probably Como or Maggiore), it would make more sense to go to Venice after Umbria and go to the lake last. It's an easy shot to Malpensa from either/both Lakes Como and Maggiore.

Verona or the Dolomiti?

Jean - your suggestions makes sense if we do the lakes - Which lake do you prefer?

aramis -

I have not been to Verona except for a quick lunch on the way to Venice years ago. Is there enough to see for 3 nights?

Jean -

Our flight out of Malpensa is at 12:00 - would we have enough time to get from Como or Maggiore that morning, or would you recommend the last night in Milan?

Florence is a good bet, and however busy, CT would be a great three days. Hiking, beaches, and great views.

I would definetly add Bologna. Talk about great food. Plus the many daytrip you could do from there. There is Modena, Parma, Ravenna to name a few.

What ever you decide, have a great trip.

Tom

What are the ages of the children? If old enough, I think they, and you, would love the Cinque Terre, but that could be very HOT in June.

I should have mentioned that we have done CT - loved it! But now we are on to something new. We are traveling with adult son and new bride, and our 17 and 13 year old sons. I am tempted to do Bologna - but need more info to talk my husband into it... He likes the lake areas, but I think the kids might be bored. They loved Florence and we could go back and see more (or see again)!

We spend 3 or 4 days in Florence each time we go to Italy. After 6 trips, we have seen nearly every part of the country except for Apulia, which I guess will be next. With 3 days, if you enjoyed Florence before, it will be a great option. From our experience, Bologna would not hold interest for 3 days. The lakes are wonderful and you probably could find enough to do for 3 days. But, that said, I recommend Florence.

Lucca or Varenna on Lake Como,
maybe????

You can easily get to Malpensa by car from Lake Como in time for a 12pm flight. We did this a couple of weeks ago with no problem. (We spent our last 4 nights of the trip in Menaggio; the drive to Malpensa from there is very easy).

We stayed for 2 nights in Bologna this year, loved it & wished we'd stayed there longer.

Verona is great. Three nights worth depends on what you like. They have outdoor Operas in the Roman Ampitheater. We didn't spend three days but the Opera season was over and we didn't care to do any of the Romeo and Juliet sites.

I don't think you can spend too much time in Florence but I know some disagree. We have done the lake district prior to flying out of Malpensa and it worked beautifully.

I'd look at Lago Maggiore for a few days just before you fly out of Malpensa. It's close to Malpensa and big (maggiore!) with lots to do. We spent several days in Locarno (actually Switzerland). From the middle of Locarno, you can take a 3-part funicular/gondola/ski lift trip up into the Alps behind. (Be sure and stop off at the Madonna del Sasso for a great view over the lake.) There are also bus trip into the Alps, boat trips to the Borromean Isles and the tiny Centovalli railway.

Stresa in Italy is much closer to both the Borromean Isles and Malpensa. So it might be a better choice for your stay. But I'm not familiar with its attractions.

And have you considered just spending more time Venice? Kids (how old are they?) love Venice.

Thanks everyone for great suggestions - it might be fun to go to Switzerland for a daytrip at least.

The kids are 17 & 13. I am seriously looking into Lake Como, and I'll check Maggiore as well -

Verona is also a possibility, and Florence is not off the table either. It's hard to decide...

The two couples (especially the newlyweds) would probably love the atmosphere at either Lake Como or Lake Maggiore. If you combine your stay with some exploring in Switzerland (as Mimar suggested), you could keep the teenagers interested. Both lakes are great, but I've spent more time at Lake Como. If you stay in the mid-Lake Como area (Menaggio/Bellagio/Varenna), there is bus service from Menaggio to Lugano.

If you'd like the idea of 3 apartments in a small complex in the center of Bellagio, look at www.residencelalimonera.com.

I'm not going to suggest the lakes region, just because the area just didn't "click" with me (or DH). It's beautiful, and beautiful to walk along the lakes, but seemed a bit quiet. I'm not sure how much a 17 and 13 yo would like the area.

Also, your time in Umbria, while wonderful, will be quieter and more peaceful, similar to visiting the Lakes area. Time in Venice and Florence will be more people- and culture-oriented. So if you want some variety from Umbria (the most days of your trip), consider Florence or Bologna.

Bologna has already been suggested. It's a medium-sized city, full of students (oldest university in Europe), not touristy, lots of interesting neighborhoods, and GREAT food (and market). I could see it as a place where the younger 2 could spend some time by themselves, especially around the campus area or the main square, Piazza Maggiore (lots of younger people there in the evenings, similar to Piazza Duomo in Florence). While I agree that 3 days IN Bologna wouldn't necessarily provide enough to do, there are many day-trip destinations in the area.

It sounds like some in your group are interested in returning to Florence, and some want something new. Of the Florence folks, find out specifically what about it they liked, and find new places that have that same thing (or similar).

Wherever you go, enjoy!

Jean - I was interested in visiting Bellagio, but not sure about staying there. Is it just expensive shops and restaurants, or is the town charming, as well?

The link to the apartment you sent look nice and not too expensive -

Is Bellagio a better base than Varenna?

Is there a train from Varenna to Malpensa? We don't plan on having a car in Como, if we go.

Do the Lakes. WE stopped at Maggiore (STresa) for a rest after flying into Milan and before heading up to Switzerland. It was very relaxing, but still had a lot to do/see with the various islands to tour, local villas and gardens, etc.

Bolzano
Kids would enjoy Otzi the Iceman at the museum. Great shopping and even a cable car.

nytraveler - where did you stay in Stresa - how was the drive from Malpensa to Stresa - is it possible to get to Malpensa for a 12:00 pm flight out?

travmimi - never even heard of Bolzano - I'll have to check into that.

Thank you both -

Driving time Stresa to Malpensa is about an hour. There's a direct bus: www.safduemila.com. So yes, it's easy to make a noon flight.

As to your Lake Como question, Bellagio is a small deluxe resort town. Varenna is smaller, a little more rustic. With your children in mind, you might want to pick something more lively, like the town of Como or maybe Menaggio. From Menaggio there's a bus to Lugano -- for your dip into Switzerland.

ferrara - urbino- padova

Mimar - my sister who has been to Stresa said the drive was very scary - windy roads, I think. Is that true? Is Como or Mennagio just as easy to get to Malpensa for the 12:00 flight, and is the drive easier? Thank you.

Sorry, I've never driven the road from Stresa to Malpensa. Maybe some more experienced Fodorite can chip in.

The drive from Menaggio is a little longer, 1.75 hours according to www.viamichelin.com. Como would be closer.

But are you sure you want a car for this part of your trip? You certainly don't want a car in Venice; you'll just pay to park it. If you go to mid-lake Como (Menaggio/Bellagio/Varenna), you'll use the little ferries to get around.

Also, with 6 people and their bags, you'll need something bigger than a car, a small van. Big cars are a bit difficult in hilltowns and on small roads. Maybe you're renting 2 cars for your time in Umbria? Makes for more flexibility.

Sorry, I did not read the replies, b/c for me you answered your own question in your query! When you say that you may not get back to Italy again, it seems that you must choose the place that meant the most to you, b/c otherwise you may have regrets, IMO.

My vote is with Bologna. You'll hit four regions in one trip - not bad.

Verona is a wonderful town, but it is kind of out of the way with so much good stuff to see before it.

It will be difficult to go through Florence from Umbria without stopping - but Bologna will offer something entirely different.

Emilia Romagna is a wonderful region to stay in. People, food and sights are really nice.

As others point out, from Bologna you may visit Parma (my favorite in Emilia Romagna), Padua, and Ferrara. All worth the trip.

Sounds like a wonderful family vacation. Enjoy.

Thanks to everyone for the advice - it is all being considered -

Right now we are thinking after the week in Umbria (yes we'll have a car)

Drop off the car and train to Bologna for 2 nights -

Train to Venice for 3 nights -

Train to Varenna or somewhere in the Lake District for 2 nights, leaving on the 27th to catch a 12:00 flight out of Malpensa.

This sounds like a lot of moving around, but I don't think the distances between destinations are so far that we'll miss more than a few hours a day.

Mimar - how did you get from Mennagio to Malpensa - did you take a bus?

Thanks again...

I think this plan is very doable. We did the same kind of travel in Sicily--rented a car for the west coast and did the train on the east caost and left from Palermo. We also flew into Sicily. Train travel in Italy is very cheap--do the city to city option.

I believe SPT suspended it's Como-Malpensa Shuttle bus earlier this year :(

Depending on where you choose to stay on Lake Como, you may need to book a taxi transfer.

The alternative public transport option will be train from Como via Saronno (- connecting with the Malpensa Express at Saronno).

For train timetables see:

http://www.lenord.it/orari_e_news/post.php

http://www.malpensaexpress.it/orari_e_news/post.php


[Alternatively train from Varenna to Milan - then Malpensa Shuttle bus from Milano centrale].

Hope this helps ...

Steve

My wife and I just returned from a 16 day driving tour of Italy. We flew in and out of Malpensa and visited a lot of the same area you are talking about. One of the highlights for me was spending a couple of days in the Dolomites...spectacular! But you do need clear weather and would need a back up plan if the weather was not good. We also spent a night at Lake Garda and found the towns along the
southeastern shore more appealing than those at Lake Como. (Only MY opinion, Como lovers). Parma, Mantova and Ferrara were nice stops and are fairly close together. Or, how about the Cinque Terre...nice but I imagine very crowded in June. We also went into Milan to see the Duomo, castle and shopping area ... that was well worth it....except for the air pollution. We spent one night at Stresa on Lake Maggiore. Not much of a town but very convenient to the airport....it took us a little less that an hour from there to the airport. We were winging it the whole trip with a lot of flexibility....I'm not sure that would work so well in June.

I should have read some of the other replies to see that you have already been to CT before recommending it....
Anyway...the drive from Stresa to the airport couldn't be easier...not scary at all. As for Bolzano, I was just there, nice town but I wouldn't go out of my way to go there. If you go to the Dolomites, it is an easy stop.