Before a Rick Steves tour in Italy beginning in Varenna, my husband and I can go two days (only) ahead of tour date. A suggestion was made that we fly to Zurich (or Bern or somewhere else in Switzerland), stay one night there, take a train to Milan (for the scenery), spend one night there, and take the train to Varenna, arriving 2 or so hours before the tour start time of around 5:00 PM. Does this sound like a good plan or is it too much moving around? A second option would be to fly to Milan and stay two nights. On the first full day (or second day), take a train to Zurich (or some other place in Switzerland) and back to Milan that afternoon/evening (again to see the scenery). If either of these is feasible, what type of train should we take? Can it be booked in advance? The third option would be to forget going into Switzerland at all and just stay in Milan for 2 days and nights. I would appreciate any suggestions/advice. Thanks.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16353 posts
If you would like to see the Alps and take a very scenic train ride, you could fly into Zürich and take the Bernina Express to Tirano and then to Varenna, with an overnight at Pontresina high in the mountains. this is the most scenic of all the so-called "scenic" train rides in Switzerland. You can ride on regular trains or the one with panoramic cars (make reservations for that one). They use the same tracks. From Zürich to Pontresina (Day 1) is 3 hours 19 minutes. Depending on your arrival time in Zürich, you could have a good half-day there. On Day 2, take the train over the Bernina Pass to Tirano, where you can change for the short ride to Varenna. The entire journey from Pontresina to Varenna is about 4 hours. Just make sure you go via Tirano and not the other way (via Colico) as this wll not go over the Bernina Pass. You can see the route and schedules on the Swiss rail site at www.rail.ch
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
Too much of a hassle to put Switzerland on this tour IMO. And the train ride is just a normal one, not particularly scenic - opinion of someone who lived in Milano.
Posted by
OP
Columbia
5 posts
Thank you, Andre. I appreciate your message - from someone who lived in the area.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
I agree with Andre. While it looks tempting, it is too much for too short a time span.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32216 posts
Jo, It sounds like you're booked on The Best of Italy tour? I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time! I liked the suggestions that Lola provided. However I'd suggest arriving in Varenna more than a few hours prior to the first meeting of the group at 17:00. I've found that I like to "get settled" and do a bit of a walkabout before meeting the group, and perhaps have a short rest. I'm assuming this tour will be taking place next year? I'd be interested to know which Guide you'll have for the tour, but you likely won't be notified on that until about a month prior to the tour. Cheers!
Posted by
OP
Columbia
5 posts
Thanks to all of you who replied. I spent some time in Barnes & Noble today looking at Rick Steves books on Switzerland and Italy to check out Lola's suggestion. Tomorrow (it's 10:30 PM now) I'll check out those suggestions on the web and probably make some reservations. I like the sound of that plan. Thank you very much. If you have other suggestions, I'd be grateful for them.