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Train Advice Italy (rome or venice) to Zurich or Munich/ Frankfurt ??

We (2 adults, 1 child 8yrs) have enough airline miles to for a Spring Break trip to Italy. We will be spending most of our time in Naples/ Pompeii (Pompeii, Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius are the Special interest of our child whom is Autistic). And 2-3 in Venice cause we want to see it before it is gone and maybe a day or two in Rome.

Unfortunately it is around Easter and we are looking at options for short weekend on Easter weekend outside or Italy! Best value of flights are returning of Zürich, Munich or Frankfurt. (London as well but that would be flight not train.)

Which of these cities has the best or most pretty ride??

Which would you say might be the most fun for a quick weekend stop for a family?? (parks, beer gardens, history, food tours, hands on play, are our things)
We arrange our schedule to depart from Rome, Bologna, Venice whatever works best really.

I was reading that the train to Zurich is really beautiful? But I can’t figure out which is the correct to book, I am only seeing packages. As I don’t think we would use the rail pass enough to make it worth the 2 county package? What are the best options to enjoy the view?? As well as assigned comfortable seats?
Munich or Frankfurt Train options? I can see Munich seems to be the place to change over for Frankfurt. Either way would this would a pretty day Train Ride?? What is the best train option??

Also, when do spring ticket sales open?? What is the best type of seat to book? (might cross post this)

Posted by
23582 posts

What is your total time available.? I am thinking you are trying to cover too much territory for what I perceive as you available time. If it is a week I would consider flying into Venice and come home from Rome. More efficient use of time and probably cheaper.

Posted by
21022 posts

returning of Zürich, Munich or Frankfurt. (London as well but that would be flight not train.)
Which of these cities has the best or most pretty ride??

Zurich is closest and has a couple of options for scenic train rides. Milan is the gateway city to get to these. One is Milan to Zurich via Goeschinen. You must specify the "via" or you will be routed by the faster, but not scenic 35 mile Gotthard Base Tunnel, completely under those tall Alps. The other is the Bernina Pass route that goes Milan to Tirano to Chur to Zurich. You can pay extra for the Bernina Express train, or opt for regular trains on the same tracks with an extra connection or two.

There are 3 direct trains from Bologna to Munich every day which are fairly scenic, over the Brenner Pass, through Innsbruck to Munich. You will have to wait until at least December 15 when the European train schedule get updated for winter and spring.

Posted by
7080 posts

Welcome to the forum!

I don't understand why you must leave Italy just because it is Easter?

How many nights do you actually have for this entire trip? What are your dates?

I don't think you need to worry just yet about Venice disappearing soon.

Anyway-I think Munich would be your best choice for an add-on.

Posted by
11762 posts

What I can see is that you want to see Pompeii, Rome and Venice.

How many nights will the trip be?

Does your miles program limit your choice(s) of airports? It would probably be best to fly in to one city and back home from another.

Once your time frame and air travel is sorted out, then discussing train rides would be possible, and where outside Italy might make sense.

Posted by
341 posts

When considering train options, it never hurts to ask The Man in Seat 61. Great resource. Seat61.com