Hello! I have a group of 5 friends and we're planning a trip starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Paris, France from 5/24 - 6/1. We would like to stop through and spend a couple nights in Switzerland between those end destinations from 5/28 - 5/30. We're initially thinking of travelling from Florence, Italy to Zurich, Switzerland to stay for one night, then head from Zurich to Interlaken for a night, then from Interlaken to Paris. Ideally we'd like to take as direct of trains as possible to limit transit time and maximize time at each location, but while we are on the trains it would be great if they're scenic through the Alps. Our priority is sightseeing and enjoying the beauty of Switzerland, but we're not set on the specific locations I've listed above. I've heard that Lucerne might be better than Zurich in terms of direct trains / affordability? I've also heard of more "scenic" rail lines like Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Golden Pass Express are nice, but might take longer since they don't have direct lines in the direction we're headed? Overall, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with planning because we're only budgeting 3 days / 2 nights in Switzerland to get from Florence to Paris and I want to make the most of that time to see the country and enjoy as much time off a train as possible -- and there are SO MANY train options!
Posted by
San Diego, California
6066 posts
This is a lot of ground to cover in seven nights. You'll spend too much time on trains with this proposed schedule.
What are your interests and priorities?
Download the local train apps so you can realistically estimate how long the actual travel takes.
I cannot recommend one -night stays.
Are you spending any time in Paris?
I would not recommend Rome this year due to the increased crowds expected for the Jubilee.
Would you consider northern Italy to Zurich? Fly into Milan? Can you add days?
Perhaps-
Milan > Varenna , Lake Como, a few nights
Varenna > Tirano, Italy .
Tirano, pick up the Bernina Express regional trains > Pontressina, Switzerland.
Pontressina >Berner Oberland, as many nights as possible.
I'm concerned regarding lodging, as you're late to be booking for May. Availability of places to stay may dictate your itinerary.
Perhaps rethink the itinerary once you have realistically estimated travel times and come back with more specific questions.
Enjoy planning. Safe travels!
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1806 posts
Florence to Zurich is 5 hours and half by train under the best possible circumstance, no scenic detours, and still will take the better part of a day. I do not believe you have much time to go around Switzerland; I suspect your time would be better allocated by flying from Florence to Paris.
Posted by
Green Bay
21749 posts
Rather than Zurich, go to Luzern. You will have to change trains at Arth-Goldau. The fast route goes completely under those magnificent Alps in the Gotthard Base Tunnel. You can take a more scenic route, but it will add another hour or so to the travel time and more train changes. Two nights in Luzern with lots to do, lake cruises, mountain top excursions. Then a one hour train to Basel and pick up the TGV to Paris.