Hello again, <BR>I enjoy the response I rec'd the last time that I would be grateful for more input on my honeymoon next April 2001. First, any hotel recommendations in Verona and the Cinque Terre area? Although we're flying into Malpensa after 11+ hour flight from the US, I thought it would be nice and romantic to spend the first night in Verona instead of Milan (no offense to Milan). Later in the honeymoon, we're planning to stay a few nights in the Cinque Terre area. I heard Monterosso is nice. <BR> <BR>Lastly, at Malpensa, I read there is a bus that can take you from the terminal to the Milan Central Station to catch the trains to Verona, Venice, etc... Has this been difficult to "transfer like this". I'm just trying to time my flight arrival to the scheduled train departure time. My flight arrives at 3:30 pm and the train I'd like to catch to Verona (ES Star) departs at 5:05pm. Enough time?? <BR> <BR>thanks again. <BR>

That's cutting it a bit close if your flight is late, immigration is crowded etc. Malpensa is quite a way out of central Milan and that time of day might be a problem. I would stay in Milan that first night--if you want to be near the train station to walk over the next day, stay at the Excelsior Gallia. Not a great area (not hard core crime, just streetwalkers etc). You can relax, have a good dinner in Milan take a taxi to the restaurant, a drink afterward in the famous old Baboon Bar and get a good night's sleep. Next day take the earliest train to Verona. You are literally across the street from the station and hotel porter will help if need be. Verona is absolutely charming and a great honeymoon destination. Plan a dinner at the 12 Apostoli and check out the Due Torre, a lovely hotel full of antiques, albeit a bit expensive. It's been so long since we've been to Cinque Terre that my advice would be worthless, but yes, Monterosso is a wonderful town. Remember, it's your honeymoon--a time to relax and smell the flowers! Congratulations.

I have to disagree with the above poster. I would head for Verona as soon as possible. After an overseas flight I'm always dead tired and feel like pooky and that day is better spent getting to where I really want to be than trying to stay awake and entertained where I don't want to be. Then the next day you'll already be in Verona and don't have to mess with trains, etc. I agree with the above poster that you shouldn't plan on the 5:05 train. I don't think you could make that one. I haven't done that connection for several years, but it seemed pretty easy. There was a booth selling bus tickets right where we came through customs and the bus was nearby outside. Just go to the train station and buy tickets on the next train.

Agree with above poster. Don't plan on the 5:05pm train but get the first one out. <BR>In Verona, I would pick the Due Torri Baglioni. <BR>If this is over your budget, you may settle with the Giulietta & Romeo <BR>http://www.venere.it/it/verona/giuliettaeromeo/ <BR>Other hotels in Verona may be found at <BR>http://www.venere.it/verona/ <BR>Have a nice honeymoon. <BR>

Though I haven't stayed there, I've done a good amount of research and would bet that the Hotel Porto Roca in Monteross is the nicest in the Cinque Terre (www.portoroca.it). Unfortunately for me, it doesn't open until late March and we're going in early March. Oh well.

I second the recommendation of the Porto Roca. Ask for one of the top floor rooms with big terrace. Unforgettable!

- * - <BR>Hark: <BR> <BR>To give you a more specific timetable, the shuttle bus from Malpensa into Milano's Stazione Centrale (where you'd catch your train to Verona) takes 45 to 60 minutes. SO, even if your luggage popped out first and you managed to catch the next bus (think they leave about every 30 minutes), it'd be impossible for you to catch the 5:05 pm. <BR> <BR>With the best of timing, you MIGHT be able to catch a train leaving around 6:00 pm (more likely you'll need something after 6:15 pm). Not sure of the duration, but guessing it's about 1 hr 30 min to Verona? Again if you're lucky that'd put you into your hotel in Verona at about 8:00 pm (more likely, closer to 9:00 pm or later). And at this point your really exhausted and ready to fall into bed. <BR> <BR>Might consider a nice hotel in Milano, set a few sites & then the next day catch the 5:05 pm EuroStar to Verona.

We were in Italy in October. It will <BR>take awhile to get through customs. That 5:05 train is impossible...Malpensa is 45 min drive.So spend the night in Milan...or head to Lake Como..You can get a bus infront of Malpensa...30 minutes and you are in Como....stay there or take a ferry to any number of romantic delightful places.... That's what we did and it was easy even after a long flight. Then it is a 25 min. train ride to Milan's train station and go to Verona.Maggie

I know "Monterosso" as "Monterossa Del Mar" and stayed at the "Porto Rocca" in 1993.It is a most wonderful little village and a revisit remains my dream.