Day trip to Switzerland from Milan

Why not include Venice? Truly a unique city.

I read it can be complicated in November due to the high tide.

Hello,

I am researching for a trip to Italy next year as well. We are flying into Milan and then going on the Rick Steve's "Best of Italy" tour. This is a tour out of Milan that I was considering, but chose not to do due to time constraints. You might look into it if it is really important on your "Bucket list"

https://www.viator.com/tours/Milan/Swiss-Alps-Bernina-Express-Rail-Tour-from-Milan/d512-2872ZV15

It looks like it is a long day. And I would read the reviews carefully, I didn't because i saw how long the day would be. BUT- if its something you are really excited about, it could be a possible option without too much complication trying to figure out how to get there yourself if you are not inclined to do that. Good luck to you! Perhaps other travelers on here may have done this tour, comments welcomed!

Also- I forgot to mention that I looked into planning it myself and purchasing tickets and it was SO MUCH cheaper to do it yourself! So much less expensive...

But if you are considering the convenience factor. I'm not sure how familiar you are with trains and logistics in Italy, just thought I would suggest this as an option, or perhaps even a starting point to use to plan your own version of this at a lesser cost.

Good luck!

The obvious questions are "where in Switzerland?" (it is a whole country), and "what are you interested in seeing?" (lakes, towns, mountains, going up mountains, hiking?).

For a day trip, I would suggest Lugano. It is the nearest town in Switzerland to Milan, and has regular trains from Milan. It has a beautiful location, on a lake. You can go for boat trips on the lake, or a cable car up the local mountain.
If you pick a boat trip, be sure it includes Morcote, my favourite. Click for photo.

Beware, Switzerland is more expensive than Italy. Many places take Euros or Swiss Franks, some you may need Franks.

I read it can be complicated in November due to the high tide.

I hope you are not Missing the only floating city from the 18th century in the world because of your... Shoes?

Anyway if you read other (better?) sources you would discover that:

• The tides are tidal and even in November, 9 times out of 10 only San Marco square is affected And only for a couple of hours in the morning and in the evening. Being in the deserted square in the evening when the water starts flowing in... That's just magic.

• An exceptional high tide is the reason Some actually go to Venice in November, it's funny.

• An exceptional high tide lasts a couple of days, not one month (see last year's very high one)

• You can check the Venice weather site and get the train ticket to Venice at the last minute

From Milan the easy Swiss day trips are Lugano and Locarno (Bellinzona is a little less interesting). On very clear days also a trip by railway to the top of Monte Generoso may be considered (check times twices before leaving).

A day trip to the Bernina railway is possible but very long, you should better leave very very early.

Some other trips may be possible by car (for example I am considering the circuit of passes Lukmanier - Oberalp - Gotthard) but these would be almost entirely driving with little sightseeing; and you should also consider winter closures.