We have 1+ days free after visiting the Sorrento area before heading up to Interlaken/Gimmelwald via trains. Looking for some itinerary advice for stopovers between them. Thinking about doing the Cinque Terre hike of 5 towns or a winery tour in Tuscany. Does that sound doable in a day and a half with the long travel distance?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
First, the local Circumvesuviana from Sorrento to Naples takes about 70 minutes. Trains from Napoli Centrale station to Interlaken Ost take 7 - 7.5 hours by the fastest route, e.g., inland through Rome, Florence, and Milan. Orvieto is an easy smaller-town stop on that route, served by some fast trains. If you choose Cinque Terre, then Napoli to Monterosso takes 6 - 7.5 hours one day and Monterosso to Interlaken takes 7 - 7.5 hours on another day. How to Look Up Train Schedules Online gives you the DB train schedule link and tips for using it; regional Italian schedules are still only loaded through June 14.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32405 posts
justin,
One point to mention is that you won't be able to hike between all five towns in the Cinque Terre, as several of the Sentierro Azzurro trails are still closed. See THIS website for current information. Of course you could hike some of the other trails but they take longer and if you only have one day, that's probably not a realistic scenario.
As Laura mentioned, your travel times from Sorrento to Interlaken will also have to be considered. That trip is going to take the better part of a day, but you could stop (for example) in Florence, Verona or Milan for a night before continuing on to Interlaken.
Posted by
OP
Vancouver, WA
16 posts
Thank you guys for the 411!