Hi
My husband, me and my two daughters, ages 5.5 and 4 will be landing into Milan in May. We wanted to go to Switzerland and spend 5-6 days there before heading back to Milan to explore the city for 2 days before flying out for home from Milan.
Can anyone suggest a good itenerary and travel to and from Milan to places in Switzerland? I would love to see Zurich and also the beautiful scenery and the alps
Thanks
I think Zurich comes under the column, "Good places to live, but you wouldn't want to visit there." If you want a nice city to visit, it would be Luzern.
I will propose taking a bus from Malpensa to Stresa on Lago Maggiore. Recover from jetlag and spend another day enjoying the lake side and the Boromean Islands. Then train to Lauterbrunnen in the Berner Oberland of Switzerland. spend at least 2, better 3 nights there. Then the scenic train ride to Luzern. one or two nights there, then a direct (or single change) train to Milan. Take an extra change and a bit more time and use the old route using the old Gothard Tunnel instead of the new fast way with the Gothard Base tunnel. That way by-passes the scenery by going completely under it.
Thanks so much!
Stresa, that Sam mentioned, is one of my favorite lake towns. There’s an Alibus that you can reserve to take directly from Malpensa to Stresa. Stresa has beautiful islands with small passenger ferries that are quick (5-10 minutes). Isola Bella’s fantastic garden should have some beautiful flowers.
For the Lauterbrunnen area, consider staying up in Wengen. The views are absolutely amazing, and I think I remember a school playground for small kids, too.
tamina,
The Itinerary suggested by Sam is along the same lines as what I'd suggest. Start in Stresa (Italy) to get over jet lag and then visit the Lauterbrunnen Valley and Lucerne. I'd suggest staying in Lauterbrunnen during your time there as it's the transportation hub and central to both sides of the valley. You could also stay in Mürren which also has fantastic views, and that's closer to the famous Schilthorn (should you want to visit there). While in Lucerne, you could take a cruise on the lake, visit Mt. Pilatus, etc.
One important point to mention.... Switzerland is expensive so be sure to budget accordingly.
I also agree with the previous comments about Zürich. It's a beautiful city but enjoying the scenery in the Berner Oberland is a better choice.
You can find hotel and sightseeing information for all the places mentioned above in the Rick Steves Italy or Switzerland guidebooks. Check your local Library or larger bookstores.
