My family of 4 is flying into Milan (best deal for frequent flyer miles) in June and want to land then travel to a location in Switzerland for 3 nights. We are not staying in Milan. I am not sure what Swiss destination to choose. We prefer a Swiss village experience that is different from Italy but do not want to be on a terribly long train ride or one with 4 or 5 changes after flying for 9 hours. We also need it to be convenient to travel from Switzerland to Venice for the next leg of our trip. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Posted by
11205 posts
With four passengers, rent a car in Milan and drop it off in Venice. You will need a vignette for the car in Switzerland.
We enjoyed Grindelwald and Pontresina in Switzerland.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16379 posts
For a Swiss village experience I would suggest the car-free village of Bettmeralp in the Valais region. it is perched on a bench high above the valley, with views south into Italy and west to the Matterhorn (this from the ridge behind town). The town is very family-friendly and offers great hiking (lift-assisted if you like), cycling, and other activities. The huge Aletschgletscher can be seen from the ridge behind town, or from the top of the Bettmerhorn, accessed by gondola.
http://www.aletscharena.ch/nature-en/the-great-aletsch-glacier/
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/bettmeralp.html?iPadCover#summer
It is only 2 1/2 hours from Milano Centrale---take the train to brig and change there for a short hop to Betten, 15 minutes away. This is the valley station for the large cablecar that takes you up to the village. It is a level walk through town to most hotels. Hotel Panorama has a nice two-room family suite and excellent food.
You would return to Milan to travel onward to Venice.
I think I just talked myself into a 4th visit there next year. . . .
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3177 posts
Think about Bellinzona which is less than 2 hours from Milano Centrale. Nice old section and three castles for the kids to explore. Great Saturday market day as well.