My husband and I are planning to meet our son and his wife in Northern Italy for Christmas 2018. We will fly in and out of Milan. We prefer to stay in smaller villages and want to have a side trip - possibly overnight in Switzerland. Suggestions? We will have about 8 days in the area. Possibly ski one day.
Posted by
Green Bay
21274 posts
If you just want to go to Switzerland, Lugano is practically a suburb if Milan. For a scenic train ride however, take the Bernina Express to St Moritz and back.
I can highly recommend the Christmas Market in Verona.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11839 posts
How many nights and will you actually be there Christmas Eve and Day?
Posted by
OP
2 posts
we will have around 8 days in the area. Possibly to include skiing one day. Best place for Christmas Eve and Day?
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11839 posts
Skiing in the Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi of Italy is quite nice, as is the Christmas spirit, lighting, entertainment, etc. We stayed one Christmas (5 nights total) at the Hotel Albion near Ortisei. They shuttle you to the lifts or into the town, plus it is right on a bus line so you can come-and-go via public trans if you like. Very nice holiday meals with the half-board plan (mandatory). Also good winter walking potential in the Alpe di Siusi. Nearby Bolzano is famous for its Christmas Market.
If you choose Switzerland, the Lauterbrunnen Valley is delightful with plenty of skiing and winterwandern on groomed hiking trails.
It is not a short journey between the Val Gardena and Lugano or Lauterbrunnen. It will take a full day. Personally, I would stay in one place or the other.
Posted by
Green Bay
21274 posts
If you want to do that overnight to Switzerland. St Moritz has plenty of skiing. If you like a little more on the wild side, Diavolezza at the top of the Bernina Pass is an option. Step off the train right at the lift station.
https://www.diavolezza.ch/en/