Best way to get to Interlaken from Bellagio, lake Como?

The most logical journey is back to Milan, then to Interlaken. You would need to book via SBB (Swiss rail). Probably all of a 4 hour journey. Look for the times that have the fewest connections. No absolute need to book 1st class on SBB, as their accommodations on board are always top notch. No need to book any type of European rail pass as I don't think you will find much savings there. Keep in mind that Swiss rail is much more expensive than those in Italy. As far as trains in Italy, other than to Florence, all others are regional, no 1st class.

You are going to want a Jungfrau travel pass once in Wengen (actually, before you leave Interlaken). There are several versions, some include Jungfraujoch, others do not. On a side note, I personally think that you are shorting yourself nights in Bellagio and Wengen. I'd skip CT altogether.

Yikes!! You opened up Pandora's box! I was really considering the same thing...I'm shorted everywhere really, but until we retire..only a few years away..we only have 2 weeks. So I really do appreciate all your inputs, and will consider giving ourselves 3 days in each Como and Wengen. I just see myself dragging my way away from all these beautiful places!! I've been planning this trip for Months..have changed reservations a number of times...but do wonder if CT is worth less time at the other two.

Anyone else?

Renee

I am very sorry to say I don't think you will enjoy this itinerary. First, you are going to spend a lot of time on trains because you are trying to fit 7 locations into 14 days. Most of your time will be checking in and out of hotels, getting to and from train stations and less time enjoying all the great places you have on your schedule.

I assume on day one you are going to arrive in Venice. That day will a tiring day and a short one. This leaves you only one full day in Venice.

You are then taking a "fast train" from Venice to Montepulciano. This is almost a 6 hour train trip. You mention a fast train, I am not seeing a fast train to Montepulciano. That is almost one day used up for travel. That leaves you one day in Montepulciano.

The next day you are headed to Florence. This can be a 2:45-3:00 train trip plus check-in. This leaves you 1.5 days in Florence. Really not enough time for Florence.

You are then headed to Cinque Terra which will be a train trip of 2.5-3.0 hours. Another 1.5 days in the Cinque Terre. Doable, but rushed because these 5 villages are crowded and can be hilly to maneuver.

Cinque Terra to Bellagio will be approximately 4:45 plus a boat ride to Bellagio. This is a trip of timing. You have to time your train trip from the station to the lake to catch a boat to Bellagio. This is doable, but very rushed and time consuming. This day is mostly travel.

You have to boat back to Varenna. Varenna to Interlaken can take 6-7 hours plus your boat to Varenna to catch the train and another 40+minutes to Interlaken to Wengen.

I know this is a special anniversary trip, but it is very heavy on traveling from one location to another. Remember a 14 day trip is really only 12 days. I would recommend more time in Venice, 3nights. More time in Florence, 3 nights. Instead of staying in Bellagio, stay in Varenna, 3 nights and boat over and back from Varenna to Bellagio for a day trip. Head from Varenna to Lucerne and spend the rest of your time in Lucerne, 3 nights. As much as I personally love Wengen, you really don't have the time to do it justice. You can enjoy Mt Rigi or Mt Pilatus from Lucerne. You are only about 90 minutes from Zurich airport from Lucerne.

Happy Anniversary and I wish you the best on your trip.

Yes, back through Milan. Try to get the direct EuroCity train from Milan to Spiez where you will change trains to Interlaken Ost and on to Lauterbrunnen and Wengen.

Your itinerary is very rushed. Although you did not ask for itinerary advice, I would drop two locations and add those 4 nights elsewhere. Offhand I’d drop Florence and the Cinque Terre. Spend 3 nights in Venice to get over jet lag and just enjoy. Venice is best enjoyed slowly. Those who spend too little time usually dislike it,

I recommend adding nights at Como (3 total) and Wengen (make it 4 nights and you won’t regret it!). When in the mountains extra time helps in case of bad weather one day…

Our fast train from Venice is to Florence...from there I have a driver. We don't mind the fast pace, we are packing light and are used to a quick pace. We will leave longer stays for when we retire. But welcome your opinions! I knew I was in for a lot of them :)

I hope you’ll come back after the trip and tell us how it went.

I agree with Laurel. I would drop CT and add days to Como. If you’re hikers, add a day to Wengen. Otherwise, I agree I’d add a day to Venice. A side trip to Burano is fun. Once you’re retired, start adding 3-4 days each stop. You’ll love the pace! (Just finished our first after retirement trip of 5 weeks!)

What month? so much depends on weather. I agree with all other posters two weeks, two nights at a time is hell. At least 3 nights per place and only two to four hour train rides at most. As for Wengen, too many people and too many postcard shops. Your so close to heaven stay in heaven. Either in Lauterbrunnen Valley or on the other side in Murren. J

So, after careful thought....I did cut out CT...I was already leaning that way but your suggestions did help me make the cut. I now added a day in both Lake Como and Wengen. I was unable to grab the same room type I had at ..Residence L'Ulivio..a privatel balcony over a shared one,..but we will be happy with that since we will still have access to the 5 star Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni. Still deciding on what hotel in in Wengen...I like a pool or spa....with of course amazing views. I have 3 we are looking at...
Arenas Resort, Beausite Park Hotel and Sunstar. But there are some others without the pools that look amazing as well. We leave mid September and we are both easy going travelers. We are looking forward to the views of the longer train rides...and truly enjoy this type of adventure...but of course it would be lovely to have more time...we just don't. I used to be a Travel Agent for a few short Months before 9/11 hit. They closed down that agency. I also have a home based business of Travel I use for ourselves and my large Family of Siblings to help with group travel on many Cruises...we have been on more than 15.. been on Mission Trips to Africa 4 times..Thailand for 2 weeks but most of other land travel has been 1 week at a time. Looking forward to retiring and enjoying longer stays!! Thanks for your thoughts and advice!

Renee

Consider spending one night in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Hotel Staubbach with a view of the falls. Sublime.