We would like to start in Zurich and include the following: Bernina Express,Lake Como, Cinque Terre, and ending in Florence. We have about a week. Any suggestions? Our trip is planned for early August.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16379 posts
That would be a nice trip. We have wanted to do something similar, so I have considered a plan. Day 1: land in Zurich and head to Luzern ( one hour by train) for the first night. Day 2: to Pontresina, 4.4 hours by train. Day 3: take the Bernina Express as far as Tirano( 2 hours). Change there to a train to Varenna and spend 2 nights. Day 5: train from Varenna to Cinque Terre via Milan. There is a train departing Milan at mid-day that goes to Monterosso al Mare with no changes. Mothers will have a change at Genoa. This leaves you 2 nights for Cinque Terre, and you head to Florence on day 7. If you have another day you could stop overnight in Lucca, whichnwe enjoyed a lot.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16379 posts
Another option if you have an extra day to spend would be 2 nights in Pontresina, with a full day between to take a hike or ride a cablecar up to a viewpoint. This would give you more time "iin" the Alps. And it is not too early to make reservations for the popular places in Varenna and Cinque Terre.