I am in the process of planning a Fall 2025 trip to Italy and Switzerland; fly into Milan, train up to Lake Como, train to Tirano, Bernina Express, Glacier Express, time in Zermatt, continue to Lake Magiore…. And then either time in Milan or go to Cinque Terra or Florence (friends haven’t been and so we might want to take them there) and then return to U.S (either Milan or Florence).
My questions:
1. Originally I thought of getting off the train in Como, stay the night, then ferry to Varenna for a couple of nights. Would that be a good option, or should we just go straight to Varenna and stay 3 nights in one place (taking ferries to explore the rest of the lake)?
2. Is Lake Maggiore a good option to enjoy a different perspective of the Lake District? I was planning on going to the town of Stresa.
3. Our friends haven’t spent much time in Italy and so will want time at the end of the trip. We’ve been to Cinque Terra and Florence and love them… but don’t love the crowds. Haven’t spent any time in Milan. What would you recommend for a memorable city to end the trip? (We are not shoppers… we enjoy sight seeing, great food and generally the smaller, more “untouristic” towns.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3285 posts
- I’ve spent time in the city of Como and liked it very much so a night there could be very enjoyable. If you do stop in Como before going to Varenna, take the funicular up to Brunate for fabulous views of the city, the lake and the alps.
- Stresa is worth a visit. Great place to take a vacation from your vacation!
- Turin is a less touristed city and from which it’s easy to take a day trip to Alba in wine country. Depending on when you go, Alba hosts its White Truffle Festival beginning in late September through late October.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11893 posts
How many nights will the trip be?
or should we just go straight to Varenna and stay 3 nights in one place (taking ferries to explore the rest of the lake)?
If this is on your flight arrival day, for logistical purposes, I think this is a better plan. I have not been to the town of Como so cannot address the 'charm' factor.
Posted by
OP
Amelia Island, FL
30 posts
Thank you for both of your replies!
The total trip will be 2 weeks or a little longer…rough plan:
3 nights (including stay on day of arrival) Lake Como
1 night St Moritz before getting on Glacier Express
3 nights Zermatt
2 nights Lake Maggiore/ Stresa
4-5 nights final city TBD (Milan, CT or Florence)
1 night near airport of departure
Posted by
106 posts
Hi Patty,
You didn't ask, but we just spent 4 nights in Zermatt, and stayed at Hotel Phoenix, which I can highly recommend. Our room had 2 balconies, one facing the Matterhorn, was extremely clean, and family run. Breakfast had everything you could possibly want, and the owner let all 5 of us into our rooms early, as she was aware of our long journey. It was about a 7-10 min walk to town.
Posted by
OP
Amelia Island, FL
30 posts
Thanks for the Zermatt feedback. We will be going in Sept. Did you feel like the amount of time was right? I also like to pick places that are an easy walk into town since we rarely travel with a car.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17480 posts
Zermatt has lots of hotels and many are an easy walk from the train station. The others will have you take the electric taxi or will provide a free pickup and transport. I cannot recommend a specific one, as we stayed in a lovely apartment with a direct view to the Matterhorn when it was willing to come out from behind the clouds.
As for Como, I would not advise planning on the ferry up the lake from Como. Our niece was in Bellagio about 2 weeks ago and moving to Bologna after their stay. They planned to take the ferry down the lake to Como and train from there. But the ferries were cancelled that day, due to rough weather. I think they finally made it to Bologna around 10 pm that might.
Posted by
OP
Amelia Island, FL
30 posts
Thank you for that feedback… great info, especially given that your niece is traveling about the same time of year.
Yes, I began to question myself on the initial plan when I started wondering about ferry service “after the season”. Also, since we will have just flown into Milan, it may be better to just stay in one place on Lake Como so that, if anyone is feeling “draggy” on the first day, they aren’t forced out of bed to catch a ferry.
Our group will be 2 couples, so I may look at apartment options in Zermatt since we’ll be staying a few nights.