Nothern Italy/Tuscany in October - where to go.
My wife and I have booked airfare to MXP on 16 October returning 29/10. We are thinking of heading to Tuscany for the first part of the trip and then spending time on Lake Como the 2nd half.
We have had friends who stayed in a small apartment in Livorno near the coast. Is this a good base to see the hill towns? Cinque Terre? Not sure I want to rent a car from MXP. The train seems to be about a 5.5 hour trip.
Any other suggestions for a base in Tuscany? Is train bus the way to go vs car rental?
As for Como, again I am thinking train instead of car. Train to Verrana seems doable. Ferry is what I am thinking for transport around the lake.
We are also open to a side trip to Venice. Not sure we would want to do more then a day trip there.
Thanks in advance for any answers/suggestions.