We are traveling from Cinque Terre up to Basel to visit our former exchange student. We have one night in between leaving CT and getting to Basel. Where is a good stopping point for this night that is easily accessible on/off trains? We do not want to go to Milan since that is where we are flying into and will have already been there. We were thinking Lago Maggiore, Lugano or Lucerne but don't know which if any are easy along this route. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. We have two teens with us who love castles, lakes, quaint villages, etc.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
Como on the lake.
Lugano on the lake.
I love Lucerne, you might too.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4853 posts
I really liked Lucerne on a day trip, but I can see how it would be quite unpleasant during high season. So it's partly timing. There are tons and tons of bell epoque hotels lining the lake.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
How to Look Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the DB train schedule link and tips for using it.
- Train schedules from Monterosso to Stresa are not very convenient, with the best departures (1 connection) either departing at 5:00 a.m. or arriving at 17:00.
- Timing of connections to Lugano are better, with an early departure just before 7:00 or a 10:45 departure that still arrives by 15:30. Lugano also has direct onward trains to Basel.
- Luzern or other Swiss stops take longer to reach, the same timing as if you went all the way to Basel in one day, and would merit more than an overnight stay.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you. Lugano sounds the easiest to get to/from.