We are flying into Milan (cheapest air) from the States end of September to start a 15 day vacation in Italy. I have always wanted to see Switzerland and since we are so close we plan to do the Bernina express to St. Moritz. Need some advice.
Since we arrive in Milan early in the morning and really don't want to spend time in Milan (just because there is soooo much else we want to do/see) we are thinking of catching the train to Tirano the day we arrive. This would save us some travel time to catch the Bernina express the next day. We could spend a few hours exploring, have a nice dinner and get to bed early for a good rest. We are thinking of doing this just one way and sending the night in St. Moritz rather than backtracking to Milan. The question is about how to get from St. Moritz to Venice which is our next destination? I saw Rhartian railway does a trip that is 8 hrs. and looks like beautiful scenery. How difficult is it to do this? Do you need advance reservations on the train? Our other option is a day trip tour from Milan on the Bernina Express roundtrip and then catching the train from Milan to Venice the next day. If we do this, then we might add on a day going to the lakes from Milan before heading out to Venice.
We plan to only spend 1 night in Venice and then head to Florence. We will be there doing day trips for about 4 -5 days and then heading to Rome for 3 days. If we have time we are trying to decide between spending a couple days on Almafi Coast and visiting Capri, or add on a day or two in Cinque Terre area. So many choices and decisions!! I know - whirlwind trip! Wish we had more time, but I don't. I doubt we will ever be able to return for a number of reasons :( We want to see all we can but we also want to enjoy what we do. We don't mind long busy days.