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Planning a family road trip between Northern Italy & Switzerland

Posted by on

Hello fellow travelers,
We are planning to do a road trip in Northern Italy & Switzerland

  • Timing: 5-6 days in April 2019, just before Easter break
  • Travelers: we are 2 couples with one 2-years old toddler each
  • Interest: Beautiful Scenery, Nature, nice evening dinners
  • Trip style: Arriving through Milan Airport, choosing an affordable base location with beautiful views (Lake Como would be amazing) and doing a daily road trips to surrounding destinations (preferably 2 hours driving distance max)
  • Places of Interest: Lake Como - Lake Maggiore - Lugano - Verona - and whatever you advise & propose

It's my first time to organize such a trip genre, I hope I won't disappoint my family and friends so I would really be thankful if you advice me

  • The Applicability of this itinerary
  • Destinations in shouldn't miss
  • Best place to choose as a base
  • If you have recommended hotels or apartment in this region

Thank you :)

Posted by
396 posts

I like to fly in Zurich and take the train down into Italy. One year, I stopped at Lake Maggiorie and spent 3 days in that area. Stayed in Cannobio. One year, I took the train from Zurich to Verona and started my trip there with 2 days in Verona. I especially like getting on a train after a international flight. Don't have to drive and can enjoy beautiful scenery...and believe me the train ride from Zurich into Italy is fantastic.....tunnels, waterfalls, chalets. I purchase a Swiss Transfer ticket from the RS website to use because I fly back out of Zurich. If you want detailed info on the Maggiore/Verona area just pm me and I will provide hotel/restaurant/sightseeing information.

Posted by
21274 posts
  1. You'll need a minivan for 4 adults and 2 toddlers.
  2. Driver's need International Drivers Permits.
  3. Buy a Swiss vignette and attach it to the windshield as you enter Switzerland, or stay off of any motorways.
  4. Get an apartment. Menaggio comes to mind on Lake Como. Easy access to Lugano. Boat rides on the lake to visit Belaggio.
  5. Verona is more like 3 hours from there.
Posted by
34221 posts

6.And appropriate child seats for each child, by law. I wouldn't bet on every minivan having the appropriate Isofix fittings.

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