On October 10 2027 we will be leaving a cruise in Venice. I’d really like to travel to Switzerland and take one of the scenic train rides. What are recommendations re: transportation, and which train to take? Would it be a too ambitious itinerary?
Posted by
Green Bay
23798 posts
Not a big problem to take one of the Bernina Pass trains. Just to be sure, you will be spending a few days in Switzerland right?
Posted by
OP
16 posts
No, we were thinking of flying home from Zurich. If necessary we would spend a night or two there.
Posted by
Green Bay
23798 posts
Do you know where your ship docks in Venice? Some are docking in Ravenna, some in Chioggia, and some in Fusina.
Posted by
San Diego, California
7332 posts
How much time do you really have?
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
3136 posts
hey hey janetlcassie
as Sam asks what port does this cruise depart from and is it a round trip or arrives back another port? what ship on you on?
look at train schedules to zurich which will probably be a long ride in hours. "spend a night or two in zurich" is not much time, if you only want a scenic ride. how ambitious is your decision with time spent on train, spend night and board flight back to USA/Canada/another european city?
do your homework and research, you have time to investigate if worth it, enjoy
aloha
Posted by
Green Bay
23798 posts
OK, here is a plan. Since it will be getting dark in the mountains in October by 6:30 pm, and you probably will not be able to get to a train station before 11:00 am, take a train to Milan and change to Varenna. Stay there on lake Como for the night, then you can take the full day to travel to Zurich through the mountains, via Tirano, St Moritz (on the Bernina Express), and Chur. Spend the night in Zurich, then fly home the following morning.
Posted by
OP
16 posts
I believe the ship docks in Chioggia. Depending on train schedules we would either leave from Chioggia or stay in Venice and leave from there (we’ve been there twice). This would be the culmination of an 18-day trip so we don’t want to add another week. The Bernina Express is the train we’d want to take; this post is to get input from those who might have insights.
Posted by
OP
16 posts
Thank you! We’ve been to Varenna, wouldn’t mind seeing it again.
Posted by
Arctophilia (x-27), Northamptonshire, England
37250 posts
thanks for sharing which train particularly appeals
In that case, my choice too, Sam, two posts up, has a very good plan. Would have been my suggestion, too.
It will be Venice area by fast train, either Freccia or Italo, to Milano Centrale, then the local TreNord to Varenna, and the same train again in the morning to Tirano.
A good plan indeed.