We are going to Vienna for a conference the first week of October. Would like to travel a little bit on the way. Interests are: duomo and last supper in Milan. Lake maggiore, lake Lugano, Switzerland, Lucerne to go up into alps by cable car? and need best recommendations of what to see and way to travel on way to Vienna. Are there night trains? Must arrive in Vienna by sat September 29th leaving Oct 2nd . Can leave US fri sept 20th or 21st. What's my best route, nights needed and should we train or drive from Milan.
Really wanted to spend 2 days in Venice before Switzerland but it looks out of the way so we thought Milan and lakes would be a better route? Thank you! Craving a little Italy before heading to Austria...
Posted by
Green Bay
21274 posts
OK, Saturday is the 28th of September, so do you need to be in Vienna by Saturday or Sunday?
I would definitely leave on Fri Sept 20 so you arrive on Sat the 21st. Give yourself 2 nights in Milan.
For your route, Lake Como would work better than Maggiore. There is a direct rail line connecting Milan, Como, Lugano, and Luzern with frequent service. There is a night train from Zurich to Vienna that leaves Zurich at 9:40 pm and gets to Vienna at 6:35 am the next morning. Otherewise, there are day trains every 2 hours from Zurich to Vienna taking about 8 hours. Zurich is 1 hour by train from Luzern.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
I actually need to arrive in Vienna sometime on Friday the 27th the conference starts on Saturday. Do you agree with Milan over Venice? And what are must sees in Milan. Do you recommend a night in Lake Como and laguno how many in Lucerne? Hotel des Alps looks inviting. Suggestions?
Would it be too much to include Salzburg or Innsbruck on way? So no driving? Thank you!
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Would it be easier to do Salzburg or Innsbrook once I’m in Vienna? Might have some downtime will be there 4days.... not sure on distance. Will have luggage in tow otherwise...
Posted by
Green Bay
21274 posts
Right now I'd say you have 2 options.
Milan, Lake Como, Luzern, then to Vienna.
Venice, Innsbruck, Salzburg, then to Vienna.
Salzburg is 2 1/2 hours by train from Vienna.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Ok so would you recommend two nights in each spot? we probably will do the route that includes lake and Switzerland.