4 of us are traveling this March into Milan and spending 7 days at lake Como. From there we have 8 days to spend traveling and 2 extra days in Paris (have been there a few times). We are really confused as to where to go. We were planning on driving but would be very interested in train travel. The issue is we love small towns and villages, wineries, hillside areas etc. My husband is interested in spending a few days in Bordeaux as well. We are not sure of a route that would be conducive to train travel. Maybe train till we hit France and then rent a car? Would love some advise and towns that you love!
Thank you!
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11179 posts
Maybe train till we hit France and then rent a car?
Would definitely avoid renting car in Italy and dropping it in France. Quite likely there would be a one way drop fee of $800+
Posted by
Tacoma, WA, USA
518 posts
How about about Turin and the Piedmont wine region.
Posted by
san diego, ca, usa
9 posts
We stayed in Varenna on Lake Como then took the Bernita Express from Tirano over the Alps to Chur Switzerland. Beautiful views of Alpine towns as well as the glaciers and alpine lake. One of the stops is St. Moritz! From Chur you can continue on to Zurich or go to Austria, Germany, France etc.
Posted by
Orvieto, Italy
104 posts
Since you are traveling in March I would be sure to check on availability of the ferries on Lago d Como. Winter schedules create a lot of closings on Como and in coastal towns on the Amalfi coast.
Posted by
11156 posts
Be aware that picking up a rental car in one country and dropping it off in another incurs a large drop off fee.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32206 posts
deb,
If you're still planning on driving, it would be a good idea to travel by train from wherever you're staying on Lago di Como into France (perhaps Nice) and rent the car there. As previous replies have mentioned, there could be a hefty charge for picking the car up in one country and dropping in another.
Also as you may be aware, for driving in France and especially Italy, each driver listed on the rental form will need the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are easily available at any AAA/CAA office for a small fee and are valid for one year. If you'll be driving in Italy, be sure to do some research on ZTL (limited traffic) zones which exist in many towns. EACH pass through one will result in hefty fines, which you likely won't know about until months after you return home.
In order to find towns that you might like, have a look at the RS France or Italy guidebooks. Keep in mind that towns that one person loves, may not be that appealing to others. Checking a good guidebook is the best way to find towns and sights that appeal to you.