Hi, We have two travel days to get from Varenna, Italy to Munich and wish to take the Bernina Pass route; departing Varenna in the morning and traveling through Colico, Tirano and North. Time-wise it looks like Chur would be a good place to spend the night, but I've read that Pontresina is a good place, too. For those of you who have traveled this route, how would you break it up? Where would you spend the night, other towns,etc? Accommodation recommendations too, please.
Thanks!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
sundance, I'd suggest something like this..... > Varenna to Tirano via Regionale (DON'T forget to validate!) > Bernina Express to Chur (spend night in Chur) > Chur to Munich The trip from Varenna to Tirano will be very easy, and the Bernina Express is spectacular. Be sure to have your Camera ready! If you get the cars with the panorama windows, you may have a bit of trouble getting good photos with the glare from the glass (if you have a DSLR, a circular polarizer may help). I'd suggest staying in Chur rather than Pontresina, as that will make the trip to Munich the following day somewhat easier and quicker. The travel time from Chur to Munich is about 4 hours or so, while Pontresina to Munich is 6-7 hours. IMO, that makes the decision an easy one. In Chur you might consider Ambiente Hotel Freieck. It's in the old part of town, which is a nice area to stay. It's not exactly close to the station, so with luggage a Taxi would be advisable. I have walked from the hotel to the station and it's not strenuous, but not with luggage. Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
boone
63 posts
Ken, you are the greatest. Your advise these past three months has been invaluable I think we will take the Bernina Pass regional trains and maybe stop for lunch along the way or maybe lunch and a hike. Any suggestions? BTW, we booked Villa Cipressi in Varenna :)
Posted by
OP
boone
63 posts
Ken and all, Perhaps you have an answer for this which I posted the other day on transportation: We are traveling by train from Monterosso to Varenna on Sept 26. I had mapped out the routes and alternatives a couple of months ago. But now, the Trenitalia site says that all the trains for the day are booked on the IC trains from Monterosso to Milan. Can this be correct? Booked this far in advance? Any thoughts? Bob thinks it's a computer glitch.