My husband has decided we are leaving for our trip to Italy this Thursday instead of Sunday! I have to quickly pull together some plans for the extra four days.Here is our schedule and I would love to hear some thoughts on what to add and where to stay on these unplanned days of May 30-June 3
Schedule:
May 30 Arrive in Milan then where?
June 3-7 Piedmont
June 7-14 Levanto
June 14-15 Lucca
June 15 fly home out of Pisa

I wondered about Sirmione on Lake Garda or possibly Verona? We have been to the other Lakes.

Linda

La Maremma, or any of the southern Tuscan islands.

The problem could be the short notice. Have you been to Bergamo? The upper town is wonderful, but accommodations are limited. There is a large business type hotel in the lower town (don't remember the name) a very short walk from the funicolare that would likely have rooms available. I like Garda very much, but highly prefer the north end of the lake (particularly Riva - try Hotel Europa there). Do you have a car? Gardone just above Salo' on the western shore is a good compromise. Verona is certainly a good choice too and very accessible by train from Milan. You say you have been to the other lakes - Does that include Orta? If not I would definitely consider Orta S. Giulio for a short stay. Try Hotel la Bussola there.

Matt,
Yes, we have been to lake Orta. It is indeed a lovely place. We were hoping to see something new and not too far from Milan because we have to pick my brother and sister in law there before we head to Piedmont. Are you not a fan of Sirmione?
Should we divide our time between two towns on Lake Garda or possibly two days on Lake Garda and two days in Verona?
I am completely stressed over this. I have not even begun to pack and get myself ready for the trip when he added this!

Hey - four extra days in Italy!!!! You'll love him for it after all is said and done. I do not think that it is necessary to split time between lake towns - particularly if you pick a lively one. The towns on the lake are all easily accessed by pleasant ferries of different speeds. Be warned that to travel the entire N/S distance takes a long time - even by hydrofoil. My choice would be to book in Riva. If you have a car there are also great drives very close to Riva: Tenno, Canale, Arco, lago di Tenno, Cascata Varone (sp?). Many people like Sirmione so it is not a bad choice, but you really do not get into the breathtaking scenery until you pass Gardone and head north into the pre-alps.

quote:

Hey - four extra days in Italy!!!! You'll love him for it after all is said and done

Don't bet on it!

I would definitely second Matt's recommendation for Bergamo; we loved that town. You can read my trip report on our time there starting here. The report includes info on the Villa Luna B&B, where we stayed, and which I would highly recommend.

- Roz

Since you're heading north to the Piedmont I think your ideas of Verona or Lake Garda are great. Sirmione is pretty, but don't know that I'd want to spend 3-4 days there. It sure is a gorgeous time of year to visit the lakes - we were on Lake Como a couple of weeks ago, and will be on Lake Maggiore in July - would certainly go back to either one! We also love the idea of the lakes first or last on a trip - a wonderful place to relax before starting, or after traveling around.
Anne

Have a super time-
Anne

hello,
why not stay in milano?... and take day trips from there before you depart for the piedmont area.

time spent in milano would offer recovery from jet lag, too!