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Advice on itinerary

Posted by on

I am planning a trip for my husband and myself during the month of October. I am hoping we can stretch it to 2.5 weeks.

My husband has never been to Italy or Europe for that matter. I have been to Italy twice, one as young college backpacker and once on day trips from a cruise. I want to choose cities for him that are the must sees of Italy but also add places that I have not seen before. We like to experience some areas that are small and unique to the country in addition to the larger cities

Please advise.

We plan to fly into Switzerland because we really want to do the Bernina Express

My hope is that we arrive early morning and take the train to Chur - spend one night in Chur and then get on the Bernina Express which leave early morning.

Once we arrive in Tirano, I have some thoughts but this is where I could use advice.

Our first major city stop will be Venice.

Along the way, I thought maybe making a stop in Varenna Lake Como and spending a couple nights.. This would be in lieu of Cinque Terra. I have been to CT for a day stop from a cruise ship.

Would like advice on this though...whether to do Lake Como or go right to Venice and then eventually do Cinque Terra

Spend around 3 nights in Venice

After Venice, head to Florence or perhaps CT.
Spend around 3 or 4 nights in Florence including some day trips into the Country side-

After Florence...I was then thinking of spending some time in a bed and breakfast in Tuscan country side - possibly 2 or 3 nights but we won't have a car

What do you think of this?

Last stop Rome - 3 nights and then fly home.

At one time, I thought of spending time on the Amalfi Coast...I have been there just for a day trip and just loved the beauty but wasn't that excited about all the tourists in Positano.

So any thoughts.

My husband and I are in our early 60s...Like to travel. Hoping to take trains throughout....do not want to rent a car

Posted by
11455 posts

I think you can manage without a car. Here's an outline I suggest based on your notes.

Land in Zurich, immediate train to Chur (cute town). This presumes you land early enough. the train to Chur leaves from Zurich airport and takes less than 2 hours - 1 night

Bernina Express to Tirano and immediate transfer to Varenna on Lake Como. There are hourly trains - 3 nights

Train to Florence - 4 nights

Train to Venice - 4 nights

Train to Rome - 4 nights

That is 16 nights. I think trying to add in the Cinque Terre for a couple of nights is a lot of travel and detracts important nights from your other stops.

While in Florence, if you want to see some countryside, consider a tour with Tours By Roberto. It's hard to stay in the countryside without a car, so let someone escort you there.

Posted by
27 posts

Thanks for the info. Looking at a map I thought Venice should be after Lke Como but you suggest Florence. Is Florence closer to lake Como?

So you think Lake Como would be a better option than CT. Also how is the weather in October

Posted by
11404 posts

I too think Lake Como to Venice to Florence to Rome makes better sense. Otherwise I see it as a good plan. CT is out of the way, and Lake Como will do very well as a waterfront Italian town experience

Suggest look at weather.com for historical info on Lake Como. I was there in late June, so cannot address your question. Also not knowing when in Oct your trip is there could be a difference of 5-10F degrees.

Posted by
906 posts

I like Laurel's plan. Lake Como or Venice first. I would choose Venice as you want to start out with something unique and spectacular, instead of just spectacular (Lake Como).

In Florence take a day trip to Siena, and then perhaps Monteriggioni and San Gimignano.

5 Terre and Amalfi Coast would be too much for you I think.

Posted by
11455 posts

The reason I suggest Lake Como right after the Bernina Express is that it is a shorter trip from Tirano and you will be tired. (Tirano to Venice is over 5 hours.)

Venice next, or Florence, doesn't matter much but perhaps it is more efficient to go Lake Como to Venice and then onward.

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