Stresa to cinque terra

After a quick look at the schedules on www.trenitalia.com/ , it appears that going through Milan is the fastest option from Stresa to the Cinque Terre.

You'll have the advantage of knowing the lay of the train station when you go back to Milano.

The trains from Stresa all go to Milan, I don't think there is any way around that.

Becky,

The quickest way from Stresa to the Cinque Terre will likely be via Milano Centrale. You won't really be "visiting" Milan if you just change trains in the station. Which of the five towns are you planning to stay in?

Using an arbitrary destination in the Cinque Terre, the train I'd use is a departure from Stresa at 09:39, arriving Monterosso at 15:02 (time 5H:23M, one change in Milan). The only disadvantage with that route is a layover of about 1.5H at Milano Centrale. In situations like that, I usually enjoy a long meal and the time seems to pass quickly. Note that WC's there are "pay per use" so have some change at hand (the WC's are one floor down from track level). Also, watch your luggage while there, or it may "disappear".

We r staying at the Hotel Saini in Stresa. Is it only the Regional trains that we need to get tickets validated on? Is the validation machine as you get on? We were going to buy our tickets as we travel
If we need a reservation. Is it okay if we only buy r tickets a day or two ahead or should we buy them in the states. We fly into Zurich and then take a train to Zermatt. We were not going to buy that ticket until we land just in case our plane is late. Any travel advice is appreciated

Becky,

It's nice to hear that you're staying at Hotel Saini. The owner (Gianni?) is a wonderful host, and he'll be able to help you with any local touring advice you might need. How many days will you be there and what are you planning to see in Stresa? As I recall, I took a Taxi from the station to the hotel, although it's walkable if you're energetic (it's downhill).

Regarding the questions, tickets for Regionale trains MUST be validated prior to boarding the train on the day of travel. They have a "shelf life" after being validated so you can NOT validate one day for a trip the next day. Regionale trains will have an "R" before the train number. Tickets are validated in machines that will be located next to the tracks, and you can see examples of the older yellow machines on THIS website (scroll about half way down until you see the two yellow machines). Some of the newer machines are oval shaped and a green & gray colour as I recall. After you insert the ticket in the machine, you should hear the sound of the printer. Be sure to check that the time and date has been imprinted on the ticket.

If you're travelling on the "premium" trains such as the Freccia or InterCity which have compulsory reservations, tickets don't have to be validated since the ticket is only valid on a specific train, date and departure time (although it likely wouldn't be a problem to validate them anyway). On those trains, you'll be assigned a car (Carozza) number and a seat (Posti) number, and you must sit where specified (although I've found on lightly loaded trains, using an empty seat seems to be acceptable).

Buying tickets a day or two ahead of time, or even on the day of travel usually isn't a problem. There are lots of trains. Savings are possible on pre-purchase of tickets on premium trains in Italy, but that requires committing to travel on a specific train, date and departure time. If you're only making a few rail journeys, paying base fare when buying tickets a day or two before travel usually isn't too much of financial hardship (that's the method I normally use). On the Regionale trains, it makes no difference in price as there are no reservations and tickets are the same price whether pre-purchased or not.

Regarding your arrival in Zürich, buying your tickets at the station there is the method I'd recommend as that will be the best method if your flight is late. I'm not sure if there are any price breaks for pre-purchase? The Swiss rail system is amazingly quick and efficient, and there will be frequent trains going just about anywhere. Your train to Zermatt will likely have one or two changes, depending on which one you're able to connect with. Are you comfortable with the aspect of changing trains?

Hope this helps.

The validation machines may be located in the underpassageway at some stations, just before the stairs or elevator to the tracks.

We have three days in Stresa. Is that a mistake? I was in Italy this fall but on a tour. We did almafi coast to Venice. We did not do Cinque Terre. Thus my reason to return. We land in Zurich and depart Milan. We r spending two days in Zermatt, three days in Stresa, four days in Cinque Terre and two days in Milan. Any suggestions of side trips or something we are missing.

Becky,

No, three days in Stresa is not a mistake (but of course that depends on what you might want to do there). What are you planning to see while is Stresa? I may be able to offer some tips.

My notes say mini cruise to botanical gardens, take boat up north to town of canobio, in Stresa walk North on the promenade for Daniels Bar -a cafe on lake front at dusk lanterns go on, take cable car and lifts to Mt Mottarore -- views are incredible. Take a train to Locarno --scenic centro valley rr -- return at night by boat, nice restaurant w patio net to cable cars

Maybe u can prioritize some of these for me. These r just notes I have waived

It's no problem to buy both Swiss and Italian tickets as you go. Italian tickets for regional train will not be dated, so for these, you do date-punch the ticket that you're using in a box on the wall (or on a post) before entering the track area. Other portions of the trip from Stresa to Cinque Terre will be ticketed for a specified date, time, and seat assignment. www.trenitalia.com can give you the schedules. Or How to Look Up Train Schedules Online gives you easy-to-read schedules, but does not sell Italian tickets. Regional Italian train schedules are currently published through June 14 only.

Becky,

Thanks for the additional information. You might arrange things something along these lines.....

• Day 1: Mini cruise to botanical gardens? I'm assuming you're referring to the ornate gardens on Isola Bella? It's not really a "mini cruise" but rather just a boat that takes visitors to all the Borromeo Islands. The boat dock is about a five minute walk from Hotel Saini, just across the main street. Very easy to get find. You could stop for lunch and a quick walkabout on Isola dei Pescatori (some nice restaurants right on the water), then to Isola Bella to tour the mansion and gardens. There's also Isola Madre but you may not have time for all of them. When you return from the islands, take the walk to Daniel's Bar and have dinner (I've never been there, but it shouldn't be hard to find).
• Day 2: Day trip to Locarno, CH (be sure to take your Passports). When you check into the hotel, ask Gianni if he can arrange tickets for that trip and they'll probably be delivered to the hotel within about half an hour. You'll first take the "regular" train to Domodossola, and then go downstairs to the underground station, where you'll find the Cento Valli railway. The train will climb a bit at the start and the trip to Locarno will be about two hours. Be sure to have your Camera ready with fully charged batteries! You'll arrive at the underground FART station in Locarno. When you exit the station, you'll be close to the Manor Cafeteria where you can stop for lunch (or walk down to the main Piazza and have lunch at one of the restaurants with sidewalk tables OR wait and have "lunch with a view"). For touring you'll first take the Funicular up the hill, where you can have a look at the impressive Madonna del Sasso Franciscan Monastery. After that walk across the street to the Cable Car station for the trip to Cardada (a bit pricey but worth the cost, IMO). When you exit the Cable Car station, go to the left to the Albergo-Ristorante Cardada and if the weather is nice, sit out on the patio and enjoy the view (along with possibly a few Paragliders sailing by at times). After you've explored the top a bit, travel back down the hill and go to dock for the boat trip back to Stresa.
• Day 3: Take the Cable Car to Mount Mottarone. You could stop at the mid-point station and have a look at the alpine gardens if interested. The last lift at the top is a chair lift as I recall, and the views will be spectacular if it's not too hazy at the time. It's still a nice trip regardless of the views.

This is only one suggestion. Hope it helps.

There is also another botanical garden on the other side of the lake, Villa Taranto. Plus Isola Madre has nice villa and garden to explore, although not nearly as lovely as the one on aptly named Isola Bella.

I don't recall any lifts going up to Mt. Mottarone beyond the cable car, although there are some rides at the top that I hadn't known about. My friend and I were on one of the last cable cars going up there for the afternoon, so they were closing down the rides for the evening. My BFF would have liked to ride them if we had only known. You can hike back down to town if hiking is your thing.

Thanks! Any suggestions for Zermatt?

Becky,

I don't know much about Zermatt, but I'm sure one of the others will have a few tips.

Thanks so much for the info on Stresa and the trains!

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