After hours of research, and trying a lot of options. I have come up with this for our 60th birthday 25th anniversary trip: Tell me what you think:
Fly into Milan- take private transfer to Bellagio
Bellagio, Italy - 3 nights
Train to Luzern Switzerland- 3 nights with possible day trip to Lauterbrunnen Valley- would like to see the mountains, but don't care about taking lift to the top.
Train to Geneva Switzerland-taxi to Annecy, France- 2 nights
Train to Paris- 2 nights (been several times) Fly home from Paris
We are obviously looking for a trip that is less about sightseeing and more about ambiance and beauty. What do you think?
We are fit and active and pretty familiar with trains in Europe. Although my husband refuses to rent a car or drive there.
Thanks!!!!
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15582 posts
Duplicate post - see the Italy Forum.
Posted by
southwest, Missouri, U.S.A.
1717 posts
Hello judgekw. I think your itinerary is excellent.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
"Lauterbrunnen Valley- would like to see the mountains, but don't care about taking lift to the top."
Just be aware that from the valley you can't really see the tops of the mountains - you have to go at least to Gimmelwald or Mürren to do that. If you don't want to go all the way up, the Allmendhubel from Mürren is MUCH cheaper than either the Schilthornbahn or the Jungfraujoch (and takes a lot less time), and you still get to see the tops of the peaks that way.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8139 posts
When EasyJet goes from Geneva Airport to Paris-Orly Airport, heck with the train. It's still a long ride to Paris--350ish miles.
Take the plane, and you'll find EasyJet to be cheaper than the train. If you don't want to spend an extra day in Paris, stay out in the suburbs and visit travel sites outside of town.
Posted by
OP
51 posts
It looks to me like there is a direct train from Annecy to Paris that takes 3:45 hours. I would much rather take a train than fly, especially since it puts you in the heart of Paris. I think riding the trains in Europe is one of the fun things about traveling there. So much less trouble than the airport.
Posted by
9 posts
I took the train from Geneve to Paris and I highly recommend it! You get to the train station (almost in the center of Geneve) 10 min before leaving and have a smooth ride home. Not to mention there are always interesting people on the trains! While the airport is a good 30 min out of the way + security + extra time + inconvenience. Sounds like a wonderful trip :)