I've been following the train strike scheduled for October 20, hoping it would be resolved, but I leave for France next week and I'm trying to finalize my plans so I can print out all my necessary paperwork and get all my plans in order. As some may remember, I had planned to leave Varenna that morning and travel via regional train to Milan, where I'd store my backpack for a few hours so I could see the duomo, before heading on to Venice that afternoon with a ticket I've already purchased for a fast train.
If the strike is not canceled, I believe it was Dario who suggested I could catch the EC #311 train from Zurich to Venice when it stops in Como at 11:08 since it would not be affected by the strike. Is that correct? Can I wait until the last minute to get a ticket or should I go ahead and reserve one now just in case.
If there is a strike that day, will Trenitalia refund the price of the ticket I already purchased, but was unable to use?
I think I can catch a direct ferry from Varenna to Como at 6:30am that morning. That's earlier than I'd like, but I guess it's the best option. Should I go ahead and reserve a ticket in case the ferry fills up?
If all else fails, I think I'll have to just stay one night in Varenna and head to Venice a day early, although I'll have to find a place to stay.
Thank you for any help and clarification you can offer!