Germany(Frankfurt)/Switzerland/ Northern Italy

Are you staying so many days in the Lake Como area to relax? Personally, I like Varenna. Not as touristy as Bellagio and very charming. And you’re not interested in Milan’s sites? Going up on top of the Duomo is really pretty neat as is the people watching in the Galleria and the northern Italian food at the various restaurants is wonderful…..but that’s just my opinion.

When?
Forget time in Zurich- there are more charming Swiss areas.
Spend time actually IN the Alps, in the Berner Overland, ( Murren, Wengen or Interlaken.)
We traveled between Murren and Pontressina in one day, about six hours, it was fine. Chur and Pontressina are very close, we stayed in Pontressina instead.
The regional train from to Tirano to Milan Central goes right past the Varenna stop in Lake Como. Why backtrack?
We stayed at Hotel du Lac in Varenna, ask for a Lake Room with a balcony.
Have a great trip!

Reply to Margie:

1st of all thank you for being the 1st to comment. A thousand kisses to the 1st person who thought I was interesting enough to comment on.

It’s our 1st time to Lake Como so yes, that’s our destination we decided to linger longer. Maybe on the next trip Varenna. We aren’t driving so it’s nice to be where there is a little more action. Also my co-traveler loves to people watch. He’s in his 80’s but still very able to travel. But he can’t do the rigorous hikes that I will do on my own. That’s why our itinerary is more scenic than tailored to hiking. I’ll do solo day trips.

No we are not interested in Milan. Been there done that. Didn’t find it all that interesting the 1st time around. From what I’ve seen it suggests taking the train from there after Tirano.

Also we have go there to fly back to Frankfurt. There’s no way we can back track up to Frankfurt.

Thank you Pat for your comments.

Your replies help me add what I’ve missed. I now have updated my dates: 8/25-9/20? Or so…flexible. Depends on your guys replies.

I only inserted Zurich as a quick way to get to Switzerland from Frankfurt. There was a direct train that was 3 1/2hrs. So then I could skip Freiburg.

But yes, Zurich wasn’t really on my to do list. Do you guys have another suggestion to enter Switzerland from Frankfurt?

Yes, I heard Pontressina is beautiful. So I don’t mind spending time there instead of lodging in Chur. I’ll update my itinerary to show that. Thanks. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

you show going from Luzern to Montreux. On the way that train stops in Interlaken where you need to change trains because of the width (gauge) of the track. That station is the jumping off point for the Berner Oberland mountains, reachable by train and cable car. You have no interest in those incredible views?

by the way, your post is apparently full of emojis - I can't read them so don't know what they are trying to say. On my screen they are blobs that all look the same. Sorry I can't help more.

I agree about Varenna - the train from Tirano at the southern end of the Bernina route to Milan passes right through and stops) at Varenna which is about half way from Tirano to Milan, is a beautiful village and linked by easy and frequent ferries to Bellagio - it is the easiest way. Since you have said neither of you has any interest in Milan I wonder why you plan to go all the way there and then backtrack to Lake Como.

It’s our 1st time to Lake Como so yes, that’s our destination we
decided to linger longer. Maybe on the next trip Varenna.

Varenna is on Lake Como, and it is a good base, as you can take ferries across to Bellagio and Menaggio, and it is on the train line from Tirano.

Milan to Frankfurt you can also do by train btw. So you can properly say goodbye to the Alps...

Since you arrive in Frankfurt on 25 Aug. you can go to the last day of the Museums River Bank Fest, one of the largest cultural events in Europe, ending with fireworks on the river.
Do you need hotel suggestions?

My deepest apologies Nigel,

I thought it was easier as a visual when showing transportation choices. I have since removed them. Thank you for educating me on forum standards.

Regarding Varenna, I’ll definitely consider that as the stop on my way to Lake Como. From what I’ve read, most people seem to favor the west side. That’s why I was opting to start there. But logistically it sounds like it makes more sense to base myself in Varenna then ferry over to explore.

Nova

Thank you for your suggestion. I don’t have much experience riding the rails of Italy so it gets confusing which routes make more sense.

Wengen,

Also thank you for your input!!! Your suggestion to ride the train back to Frankfurt from Milan sounds romantic…but I think flying back from Milan will save several hours? I’ll look into the schedule if it’s a doable option. A million thanks!

Nova

Ms. Jo,

Unfortunately I will arrive 1 day later, so the 26th of August. So sad. But I I’ll look up the event online. If it’s a must do maybe I’ll try to rearrange my flight. But I think Sunday was the best day to fly out. Also perhaps the hotels will be booked or double in price? Hehe. I’m always willing to hear hotel suggestions…thank you kindly.