For Milan, you should take a look at websites like Hello Milan, Ciao Milano and Spotted by Locals to get an idea of the different neighborhoods of Milan and where you would like to be. The subway and tram system is very good, so you don't need to be right near either the Duomo or the train station to do whatever it is you want to do.

Another good resource of learning about Milan is the Guardian newspaper travel section, where you can do a search for articles about Milan.

If you get rained out your Lago di Como daytrip, consider Bologna, which is only an hour from Milan by fast train. Other interesting day trips from Milan include Mantova, Verona and Torino. While in Milan, the Pinocoteca Ambrosiana is an extremely enjoyable small museum with a variety of outstanding gems.

great, wonderful sources for info. Thanks.

I think there are a lot more interesting places than Milan!! Even Provence--or most certainly Florence.

I've been to Florence and I like the idea that I can take the train easily to Milan. I stayed on Lake Como over 45 years ago and wanted to do a quick visit, but stay in a city. Milan seems to fit that criteria for me.

For 4 days? That would be my point.

Well it would end up being less. We would arrive late afternoon on night one so that would leave 3 full days. One of those days, at least would be a Lake Como day trip. Depending on what we wanted to do or how we were feeling at the time, we could either do another day trip such as Bologna suggested by goldenautumn or spend it in Milan. I'm not concerned about being bored.

Bergamo is an easy day trip (with cheap fares!) from Milan.