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Switzerland, Lake Como and the Dolomites Itinerary

Posted by (Miami, FL) on

Hi all and thanks in advance for the recommendations...

My wife and I will be traveling to Europe in September, we are looking to fly into Zurich from London and work our way to the Lauterbrunnen area to stay for a couple of days, explore the region, do some hikes/ walks/ etc. Thinking of staying in Wengen or Murren as base for couple days. We are very active and fit. Thinking of day trip or overnight in Zermatt? Looking for "must see areas" not very interested in the larger cities, prefer off the beaten path

From there we would like to travel down to Lake Como area (Varenna Maybe) to stay and explore this region for a couple of days. A

Then would like to rent a car from Como and drive to the Dolomites (Ortisei?) to spend a few days exploring, drop the car off somewhere in Italy hopefully not back in Como and then were flying out to spend our last few days in Amsterdam (little relaxing break at the end of the trip before flying home)

Any insight or recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Thanks again

Posted by
1669 posts

You can arrive in Zurich and head to Murren or Wengen. The time spent there is up to you. I would stay no less than 4 nights.

Travel to Zermatt and spend 2 nights.

Take the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur. Spend 2 nights in Chur.

Take the Bernina Express from Chur to Pontresina.

Both the Glacier Express and Bernina Express are very scenic train trips. Look up on the web.

Train from Pontresina to Varenna and spend a few nights and explore Lake Como.

You can train to Como and rent a car and explore the areas of the Dolomites you wish and return the car in Milan.

Spend a couple of nights in Milan and from there you can fly to Amsterdam.

Posted by
1430 posts

I don't know how often you travel in Europe and how many days you will be there in Sept. If you are going to see mountains in Switzerland extensively, then you can save the Dolomites for another trip (or no trip at all).

Posted by
1370 posts

Haven't been to the Dolomites or Zermatt. Back in July 2017 we stayed in Wengen over Murren and made the right choice because it's a bit larger with more commercial businesses. I would probably add a night there rather than make the effort to go to Zermatt for a night - or skip the Berner Oberland altogether and spend all your mountain time in Zermatt. Varenna is beautiful (especially when viewed from the water) and is a good base for also visiting Bellagio and Menaggio. After you plan your flight to Amsterdam you'll have a better idea of where to rent/drop your car.

Posted by
20 posts

Great, thanks KBK. I was leaning toward Wengen based on other recommendations, and although I like the idea of checking out Zermatt, I think the time may be better spent with the extra day around Berner Oberland area, less running around is always a good thing...

Posted by
32745 posts

I think the time may be better spent with the extra day around Berner Oberland area, less running around is always a good thing...

that's the advice I would have given

Posted by
8141 posts

I agree with Nigel. The Dolomites are north of Venice and southeast of Innsbruck. It's another trip.

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