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Munich to Milan...

Posted by (Melbourne Australia) on

It's really the in-between section in Switzerland that I'm asking for suggestions, comments, and any other information that may assist in finalising our itinerary.

There have been many drafts, and this below is what I hope to be close to the final route...please feel free to input and revise for we have not been to Switzerland before, and there are many experts on this forum to suggest alternatives perhaps.

We will return to travel the central/western side as we have a trip to France planned for the following year. It seems to make more sense. We'd rather spend a bit more time in a few places than a new place every night. I'll just give the travel plan so far, of course we'll then fill in the days.

We are coming off a river cruise ending in Munich so train from Munich via St Gallen to Appenzell - 3/4 nights.

St Gallen to Lucerne - 3/4 nights

Lucerne via Chur to Pontressina - 3/4 nights

Pontressina to Lugano/Ascona - 3/4 nights

Ascona/ Lugano to Milan - 2 nights

Milan...fly home

Posted by
612 posts

What time of year is this trip? What are your interests? Do you like hiking? Cities? Villages? Museums? Lakes?

Posted by
17417 posts

Assuming this is sometime like May to October?

It looks like a nice relaxed pace for people who want to veer off the well-beaten path to the Berner Oberland. You have a good amount of time in each of 4 very different areas of Switzerland—-Appenzell, Luzern, Pontresina in the Engadine, and Ticino. Plus the pleasure of a ride on the Bernina Express route. It’s all good, and I am rather envious.

Note that Ascona is adjacent to Locarno, not Lugano. Of you are taking the bus portion of the Bernina Express and ending in Lugano, you can move to Locarno by direct train in 33 minutes (2 RE 80 trains per hour). With 4 nights here you have ample time to spend a day in the beautiful Valle Verzasca:

https://www.ascona-locarno.com/en/explore/valle-verzasca

Posted by
40 posts

Of course I forgot the main details... Our trip will commence first week of September.

One of the main reasons we will annex this part of the country is my husband's desire to tick off a few of the "scenic" rail journeys. We will however, be taking the regional trains rather than the "tourist" ones. From all reading they offer same journey, better options for photography, and of course better value.

Thanks for the details of locations re Lugano/Locarno...get slightly mixed up with similar names.

We are not big on hiking, gentle walks without too much elevation is more our pace. Lakes entice, and while we are happy to visit museums, more interested in actual outdoors and scenery. Valle Verzasca looks amazing, and on the proposed itinerary...just have to work out how to access on public transport.

Thanks again!

Posted by
40 posts

Is this too far off the "beaten track" for us? We have never been to Switzerland before?

Lugano or Locarno/Ascona??? Unsure which option.

Appreciate your helpful suggestions.

Many thanks Lynn

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