Hello fellow travelers! I am flying into Milan in early May, 2013. I'm looking for a "base" in northern Italy from which I can take day trips. I have 9-10 days to explore the area. My only "must see" is Ravenna, otherwise I'm open to any suggestions. If possible I'd really like to dip a big toe into Slovinia/northern Croatia as well so I'd be interested in any suggestions to include Istria. I'd really appreciate any suggestions (i.e. towns, itinerary, etc.). Oh...and did I say I'd prefer to train as opposed to renting a car. My interests are ancient Roman ruins, scenery, food/wine. Many thanks!
10 Days in Northern Italy
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While I wouldn't make it a "base", consider Sirmione, at the south end of Lake Garda for a visit. The town is on a peninsula, the southern part of it is mostly modern hotels, but the part of the town that is in the walled city has also some hotels. At the very tip of the old town is an extensive and quite well preserved Roman Villa with a park. The train stop is Desecsano, on the Milan - Venezia main line. There are busses from D. to Sirmione. Also, Sirmione is the perfect starting point for a boat trip to some of the famous village and resorts as well scenery along the lake.
A few favorite cities to consider: Padova, Verona, Vicenza, Gorizia (borders Slovenia).
Thanks!
Gorizia looks great! I'm researching a book on the Theodosian dynasty and was looking for a place from which to get a sense of the Battle of the Frididus which took place in the Viapa Valley. Thanks so much for the tip.
Marking for the future!
From Milan you can train to Lake Como in only one hour. Tons of great scenery. Bergamo is also very close by, beautiful medeival walled city on a hill.