Hi; My husband and I are traveling to Europe for the first time in late August. We are flying into Zurich and need to be in Florence 5 days later. Then we will stay in Florence for 3 days. I was thinking of keeping it simple and spending 1 day in Zurich, then take the Bernina Express to Tirano, from Tirano to Lake Como, spend 3 or so days in Varenna then stay one night in between Varenna and Florence. We are not big touristy people, and would prefer a relaxed laid back trip with a balance of scenic beauty, history, and authentic italian culture. Any recommendations on where to stay and what do to would be greatly appreciated. In particular, where would be a good spot in between Varenna and Florence? Thanks!
Aurora
Posted by
Green Bay
19963 posts
Since it only takes about 3 1/2 hours to get from Varenna to Florence, you might just spend an extra day at either of these. More relaxing. Or take on hectic Milan for a day.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15119 posts
I would stay that extra night in Switzerland and see something there (Lucerne?) instead. Or stay an extra night in Varenna, as suggested above.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16145 posts
In August, I would spend more time in the mountains, and no nights on the way between Varenna and Florence. It is a short trip, as mentioned above. So my suggestin would be 2 nights Luzern (instead of Zurich), one in Pontresina on the Bernina Express route, and two in Varenna. None in Milan.
Posted by
OP
Moscow, Idaho, US
2 posts
Thanks for your comments! I agree that the mountain country is best that late in summer, so I guess the question is whether or not to spend more time in switzerland or northern italy? This is the first vacation my husband and i have had in about 10 years and we are complete workaholics, so the idea of "relaxing" is a bit foreign to us. I think after a day of being on a beach we might get bored. That being said - are there cool castles to visit, or islands in lake como, or other things to explore - and would switzerland or northern italy be best for that? Cheers;
A