Updated post! We will be traveling to Switzerland via Milan using the railway. I was thinking we could start by going on the rail from Milac to Lucerne (3.5 hours) and then work our way back to Milan??
Any thoughts? Well be traveling in August with 3 kids ages 11, 9 and 4 and my parents who are 75.
Are you looking at a day trip from Milan to Lucerne, returning the same day? More details on your trip would be helpful. If you can update your post that would be helpful.
Sorry!!! We’d be willing to spend the whole time in Switzerland. Stay over in various locations for ten days
I've landed in Milan and then traveled to Switzertand several times, as the airfair was much cheaper than flying into a city in Switzerland. A trip with 3 kids in August, I would go to Rick's pick of Appenzell. The reason I say that is the fun your kids will have. There are several easy hikes in that area and it's so so beautiful wonerful green alps below the tree line. If your super lucky you can see the cows returning from the alps dressed flowers. Places that normally have ski runs in winter have play areas and luges in summer reached by small local train. Guesthouse Eggli above the town of Appenzell has the weirdest cute animals to pet, good food, lots of hikes depart from there and the Guesthouse can be reached by local taxi (I would guess Uber and the like too). Your parents will like it too I think as the area is so pretty. Unless you really enjoy citys I would go to the country. Enjoy your trip, J
We’d be willing to spend the whole time in Switzerland. Stay over in various locations for ten days
Can I assume that the various generations have different hopes and expectations of what they want to do and see?
If so, can you find a blending of that and describe what (not necessarily where) you all want to see and do together?
Are you looking for Heidi? Or to watch Swiss Chocolate being made? Or mountain hikes, or mountain transportation for folks who don't like hiking? Or animals? Or maybe watch making or miniature trains?
Are you do-ers or look-ers? Move around or selfies?
Will you have a couple of bases and go around each or do you want to move on most days?
Some of these answers would help tailor the answers to your group....
A word about the train from Malpensa to Luzern. The standard route uses the relatively new Gotthard Base Tunnel and takes 3 1/2 hours. This tunnel bores almost completely under the Alps and is nearly 40 miles long. The full fare ticket price is 69 CHF per adult.
For the same price, and an extra 1 3/4 hours, you can take the older route that goes over the Alps with a much shorter tunnel (9 miles). You will see a lot more of the Alps from your train window.
Just something to think about.
