We will be staying 3 nights in Ortisei for easy hikes in Dolomites. Then plan to stay in Varenna 2 nights or (2 nights in Milan with daytrip to Varenna, Bellagio and Menaggio). Thereafter, we plan to spend 6 or 7 days in Switzerland visiting st. Moritz, Murren, Interlakken, Bern, and Zermatt (stay in Zermat or Brig) before going back to Milan to fly back...there is no specific order for Switzerland. Any help to make the travel more efficient in terms of order of cities will be appreciated.
Posted by
Munich
128 posts
When (month) will you be there?
How will you go to Ortisei first?
Will you have a car? Because from Ortisei to Varenna (or to Milan) would be a very long transfer by train.
Posted by
OP
45 posts
First week of Sept. We havent planned tbe transport. We only booked hotel in Ortisei so far because it is hard to get (reasonably priced hotel with excellent reviews) there in early Sept.
Posted by
Munich
128 posts
Of course, early September is still high season.
But how will you come to Ortisei and from where?
As for Switzerland: there is also high season in September. And the prices there for everything are almost twice as high as in Italy.
You know, if you are not European you have to have an IDP if you want to drive.
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
2179 posts
We had a car for the Dolomites. After the Dolomites, we traveled to Varenna for 4 nights. So, for transportation, we returned our rental car in Verona and then took a train to Varenna. We had to change trains in Milan. Very easy transfer.
I would spend the 2 nights in Varenna instead of Milan because if you visit Lake Como as a daytrip from Milan, you will see these towns at their most crowded. You will be there with all the other Milan daytrippers. And you will have very little time in each of these towns. Bellagio will be especially crowded, and you will have to wait in line a long time to get on the next ferry. Personally, I don't think that would be a pleasant visit. Can you add an extra night to Varenna?
Posted by
Munich
128 posts
I totally agree with kmkwoo: Varenna is much nicer than Milan and if you stay there you have a lot of possibilities to avoid the crowds. And ofcourse, 1 or 2 more nights would be even better.
Posted by
OP
45 posts
2 nights in Varenna not good? I can add 1 more night by cutting down Switzerland by 1 day. The thing is we dont want to overstay (we had that experience with sraying too long in Rome in the past). Why do u think 2 nights in Varenna are not enough? Would appreciate ur thought. As far as transport, we do not plan to rent a car, unless if if is absolutely necessary, ww can get IDL easily.
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
831 posts
I also recommend staying in Varenna for Lake Como, if you can. From Varenna, you could take the Bernina Express or regional train (I'd choose the regional) to St. Moritz for the Switerland segment of your trip.
I traveled by train (and bus for Ortisei) from Milan to Ortisei, then stopping in Padua, Bologna (for a week) and then Varenna. The public transportation connections are easy. However, Ortisei to Lake Como in one day would be doable but long. If you have time, maybe consider a stopover in Verona or Milan.
Posted by
Munich
128 posts
""2 nights in Varenna not good?""
Better than nothing. But it gives you only one full day.
What "overstay" are you speaking about? How could you stay too long in Rome?
It would really help if you answers our/my questions above.
""ww can get IDL easily.""
You don't need an "IDL" (Int. driving LICENCE) you may need an "IDP" (Int. driving PERMIT) (depending on your Nationality)
Posted by
OP
45 posts
We have visited Verona and Milan. Milan will be the in and out to and from Italy back to the US. So to answer where we will come from before Ortisei, the plan is from Milan. So here is the detail, ortisei 2 to 5 sept. We can do Varenna before these dates or after, then Switzerland. This can still be planned since we havent booked the plane tix yet.