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We're taking our vacation there this year and I'm completely overwhelmed right now, looking at options for stuff to do. Help me! You guys have always been so wonderful with recs in the past.
Here's the sitch (eww I said sitch): We're flying into Milan but probably only staying there the first day. From there I'm thinking Venice for a couple of days, and then probably up to one of the lakes near/in the mountains (Garda?), since we loved the Swiss side of the Alps so so so much. But not sure exactly where yet. Any recs? We're not looking to party - we're looking for views. Nature and shit. The Alps fulfilled the need for scene-spectacle perfectly last time.
Or even if y'all know of good resources you'd recommend to help me figure it out myself. Guide books y'all like, or websites, or any good travel shows - I fell in love with lushy, giddy Samantha Brown when I was figuring out our Swiss trip so I'm downloading her special on Italy right now. She makes me happy.
We've still got several weeks before we leave, so no doubt I'll ask again before then. And thanks for anything ya got, as always!
We're taking our vacation there this year and I'm completely overwhelmed right now, looking at options for stuff to do. Help me! You guys have always been so wonderful with recs in the past.
Here's the sitch (eww I said sitch): We're flying into Milan but probably only staying there the first day. From there I'm thinking Venice for a couple of days, and then probably up to one of the lakes near/in the mountains (Garda?), since we loved the Swiss side of the Alps so so so much. But not sure exactly where yet. Any recs? We're not looking to party - we're looking for views. Nature and shit. The Alps fulfilled the need for scene-spectacle perfectly last time.
Or even if y'all know of good resources you'd recommend to help me figure it out myself. Guide books y'all like, or websites, or any good travel shows - I fell in love with lushy, giddy Samantha Brown when I was figuring out our Swiss trip so I'm downloading her special on Italy right now. She makes me happy.
We've still got several weeks before we leave, so no doubt I'll ask again before then. And thanks for anything ya got, as always!
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Cinque Terra. Supposed to be beautiful (5 small medieval towns together). It's starting to get very popular... And is a world heritage site!
I meant Cinque Terre. It's on the lower left of your map. :)
I actually just got back from Cinque Terre a couple weeks ago (my second time there). Most beautiful place I've ever been. Approaching the cusp of tourist season. They have awesome hostels there.
Wow yeah it looks unbelievable in pictures. It's on the list! Thanks Bryan and Mike!
Since Venice has been experiencing a lot of flooding (as always) and a rise in tides, I would suggest going there.
http://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20110225-travelwise-keeping-venice-from-sinking
Wallpaper Travel guides have always served as a good resource for us if one such exists for Milan. ...or even just researching the wallpaper mag archives for Italian stuff.
northen italy is great venice of course but check out san marino is charming and the alps of course rent a car and drive around trent ,avio verona and all of the lombardy region .and some party in venice is never wrong put its all tourist trap but charming
Cinque Terre for sure. My partner and I hiked the five towns and some of the views from the hike were unbelievable. And the towns are small, rural fishing ports. It's the real deal, not touristy at all.
I'd definitely get out of Milan as soon as possible - almost anywhere else is a lot more interesting. If you're looking at other cities, I thought Siena was ridiculously beautiful, but that was more than a decade ago now. Florence/Firenze has a reputation as a tourist trap, which it definitely is, but in fairness that's because its also a real storehouse of fascinating architecture/art/performance. Not sure the height of the tourist season is the best time to go, though.
I was going to say Cinque Terre aswell, but everyone else covered that!
I can also recommend San Gimingano, where you'll find great wine and fantastic and famous ice cream, and a church with incredible fresco walls.
I also really enjoyed Siena, but bring good walking shoes!
Another vote here for Cinque Terre. You won't regret going. Hike if it's a thing you can do.
You guys are awesome! As always. Thank you.
Any advice on the trains there? We're gonna be doing most of our travel via trains, which were spectacular in Switzerland but I'm not sure what to expect from Italy's system, it seems larger, with more choices.
- if you love the mountains you will love the balzano bozen area, merano is gorgeous and i prefer garda, peschiera del garda is very nice- i'm so jealous
I was in Venice about this time last year and I thought it was so so sooo much fun. It certainly is a bit touristy but, if you think about it, it has ALWAYS been a city built for outsiders to visit and trade and such. If you avoid the obviously touristy junk to look for something a bit more interesting, there is plenty to be found. I think it is definitely worth the trip. We made a day out of visiting the near by islands (like Murano, for example) too, where theres amazing glass blowers and the like. I miss it so much :(
Also, if you get the chance I would HIGHLY recommend heading further west to Slovenia (they have Alps too!) or Croatia as they are equally beautifully (or perhaps more so) and in general less touristy than equivalent places in Italy.
Also, for traveling info and planning you CAN NOT beat Lonely Planet. I would suggest getting whatever book they have that covers the area and going their online forums. You can get all sorts of tips and special places to visit from people who travel professionally or who even locals. I will never travel without it!
Have fun, Im sooo jealous :)
Regarding trains:
A) I had no problems with the Italian system when I was there, and I got there all the way from Budapest! That said I was in Venice the whole time so I dont know that much aout getting around Italy by train I suppose...
B)...But Lonely Planet does! And so does wikiTravel :D
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