Around the Alps

The Bahn website probably has the best overall schedules for all of Europe, although the Swiss apparently uses the same data base. The German site only sells tickets online for trips entirely in Germany or trips starting or ending in Germany. In most cases, they do not sell tickets online for legs entirely outside Germany. In a few cases (only a few), they have arrangements to sell tickets for routes that include express trains entirely outside of Germany. For routes in Switzerland, use the Swiss Rail website, www.sbb.ch.

Justin, There are lots of possibilities, but the three day time frame will limit your choices somewhat. One route you might consider would be to travel from Zermatt to Domodossola via train (~2 hours) and then travel on the scenic Cento Valli Railway from there to Locarno (that trip is also about 2 hours). Stay in Locarno for one or two nights and then head to Venice (~5 hours, with changes in Bellinzona and Milan). The Cento Valli Railway is likely not covered by Railpasses, so you'd have to pay extra for that. I believe the second class fare is about CHF 42 PP. The station for that train in Domodossola is downstairs (underground) from the main station. The train arrives at the Locarno FART station, which is also underground. For sightseeing in Locarno, you could visit the impressive Santuario della Madonna del Sasso Franciscan Church, spend some time in the Casino, shopping or take the Cable Car to Cardada and enjoy a fine hot meal in the restaurant next to the Cable Car station. The Cable Car is a bit "pricey" but the views from the top are incredible. Another option would be to travel from Zermatt back to Venice via Stresa, as that's also a beautiful city. You'd likely to be able to use your Railpass more on that route, although reservation fees (if required) would of course be extra. If you spend a couple of nights in Stresa, you could tour at least a few of the Borromeo Islands or take the Cable Car to Mt. Mottarone. Happy travels!

Justin , Have you purchased rail passes ? Hopefully not , you will be better off using point to point tickets going east in Italy back to Venice . I would highly recommend studying the " Ron in Rome " and " Man in Seat 61 " websites in order to get a solid grounding on using trains in Europe . One of the points made on the Man in Seat 61 site is that it may be more convenient to purchase separate tickets for each country i.e. : Zermatt to Domodossola on SBB. CH , and Domodossola to Venice via Milan from Trenitalia . You can buy tickets online but be sure to register on Trenitalia's site to avoid snafus . Ken's guidance about where to go is great . We were in Stresa in October traveling this very route and loved it , but given the time of year , Locarno might be a better choice . I say say this reluctantly because we were really smitten with Stresa . If you do choose it , check to see what is open at this time of year first . The Borromeo islands were wonderful and the town ( in off season ) is very intimate and laid back . Have a great time!!

Great! Thank you everybody for your help. I will be going in Feb..... Venice to Milan (2 nights) Milan to Zermat (2 nights) Zermat to Stresa (2 nights) Stresa to Verona (1nights) Next day fly out of Venice. I will be booking trains out of Italy on Trenitalia and out of Swiss on the SBB site. 2 people individual country sites (1st class) for all of that is $692, vs $1000 on rail europe, or 1100 with rail europe W/euro pass. Thanks for all your help!! If you have any more tips please inform me. Thank you!

Have you already bought your train tickets? If not, may I make a suggestion? Your title says "Around the Alps" so I assume that is what you want to see and do. Zermatt is in the Alps but Stresa is not. It is a lakeside resort town that will be dead as a doornail in Feruary. Not worth 2 nights in my view. With just a wee bit more travel time (3:21 instead of 3 hours) you could be in Lucerne, which is also on a lake but surrounded by mountains, and there is lots to see there even in February. Or better yet, spend another hour on the train and travel via Interlaken, riding the very scenic Golden Pass route through the Alps between Interlaken and Lucerne. You could spend a night IN the Alps near Interlaken (like Lauterbrunnen or Muerren) and then a night in Lucerne. Or you could stip in INterlaken on the way, stow your bags in lockers, and visit Muerren for a daytime look around, and continue on to Lucerne. From Lucerne you head to Milan on the Gotthard Pass toute, which tkes you through the alps (and through a few tunnels) but not UNDER the alsps like the long tunnel you would be in going to Stresa. You can often find discount tickets for the ride from Lucerne to Milaqn on the Swiss rail site sbb.ch.