Hello! My girlfriend and I are planning a 10 day trip in Late August/ Early September of this year. Our plan is to fly into Milan and fly out of Zurich. I'm all about hiking and exploring and she's more into the culture and history of the larger cities, so we're trying to strike a Balance. Our current plan is something like this:
Day 1: Fly out of US
Day 2: Arrive in Milan, mid morning
Day 3: Full Day in Milan
Day 4: Train to Varenna
Day 5: Full day in Varenna
Day 6: Train to Lauterbrunnen
Day 7: Full Day in Lauterbrunnen
Day 8: Full Day in Lauterbrunnen
Day 9: Train to Zurich
Day 10: Fly home
My main question for this forum is if this is a good plan and if I should swap a Day in Varenna or Lauterbrunnen for another day in either Milan or Zurich. I'm open to suggestions and would like to hear thoughts on some of the best things to do in each spot. Thanks!
Posted by
Green Bay
22027 posts
Another itinerary going from Varenna to the Berner Oberland (or reverse).
Better, go to Varenna from Milan (assuming Malpensa Airport), then to Milan, then to Lauterbrunnen.
Posted by
5713 posts
Tell us what you have on your list of things to do so far so we can offer like-minded suggestions.
I am with you on nature vs culture, but I am not sure how balanced this is.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Haha well I originally had 3 full days in Oberland, so I'm working towards that balance.
In Milan, we're thinking see the Duomo and Last Supper. Check out the Galleria Vittorio, maybe closer to time see if a show is playing at the Alla Scala.
In Varenna, we'll likely walk through the town and gardens, maybe ferry over to Bellagio. While in Milan and Varenna, I've also toyed with the idea of taking the train to Verona or Bergamo, they look like some interesting cultural spots.
In Oberland, I obviously want to do a nice hike (havent picked a specific one as theres so many, would love to hear some suggestions - we're both young and fit and good for longer 10mi or so hikes). I also want to do either schilthorn or jungfraujoch, weather dependent of course.
For Zurich, the Lindt chocolate factory would be cool to check out. I've read that Lucerne might be a better alternative for an afternoon than Zurich so undecided on that point.
Posted by
5713 posts
I don't think you have time for any day trips from Milan or Varenna--what you have planned is plenty.
You can check the details of the chocolate tour if you are going to arrive early to Zurich.
From Lauterbrunnen, it is easy to go up to Murren and access hikes.