I am taking RS' Best of Switzerland Sept 10-21, 2023. I have almost 2 months before I can do flights and would like to add a few more days in Murren or Wengen but also take my husband to Venice for several days. Any suggestions about Venice before or after the RS trip? I want to backtrack as little as possible and not sure what would be the best solution. I'd be flying into Venice or Zurich. Rick's trip starts in Luzern and ends in Bern.
Posted by
Atlanta
5196 posts
Venice is a wonderful place to get over jet lag, decompress from the stress of traveling, and become acclimated to Europe. I'd definitely go there first.
Posted by
Narberth, PA
1255 posts
Keep in mind re Venice that the historical regatta takes place in early September - it is September 4 in 2022. This could appeal to you, but it might be helpful to keep in mind re the number of folks around, renting hotel rooms, for instance. I love Venice.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
5429 posts
Since Venice is usually easier to fly into than to fly out of if you are from North America, I'd do it first. Plus you'll probably have more energy than you will likely have by the end of the tour.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5604 posts
Just some initial thoughts-
You can fly open jar- into Zurich and out of Venice or Milan, or reverse. Many folks here report that flying out of Venice can involve really early flights, which can present challenges getting to the Venice airport so early.
You are in for a treat- we loved that RS tour.
Bern is only an hour train to Interlaken Ost, so returning to the BO is easy.
If you have enough time, you could take a scenic train, perhaps the Bernini Express regional trains to Tirana, Italy, spend time at Lake Como, then train to Venice.
You have the outline of a fantastic adventure!
Safe travels.,
Posted by
11569 posts
It is also better to arrive in Venice on an International flight than depart on one as they are usually have very early departures in the morning and leaving Venice can be more difficult than other places.
Posted by
OP
Michigan
85 posts
Thanks everyone - I'm amazed at the quick responses from everyone.
Originally I was trying to go Venice (3 Nights) to Wengen (2 or 3 nights), then start the tour in Luzern ending in Bern - flying back to DTW out of Zurich. But it looks like it would be better to extend the trip at the end to get more time in Murren or Wengen if it's that close to Bern. The tour has 2 nights in Murren.
I had already booked 3 nights in Venice for the start of the trip thinking it would be better to go to a city before the beauty of Switzerland. I've also booked an extra night pre-RS tour in Luzern. I may have to adjust the dates for Venice depending on if I take the direct/less scenic route to Luzern via Zurich or the longer route via Bernina Express.