PollyP

I'm really not sure which forum to post this question to....but I will try here first!

We can get Frequent Flyer tickets to either Milan or Venice right now, for next June. Our goal is to see the Dolomites in Italy, then train or drive (cost of taking a car into Switzerland from Italy might be prohibitive...we fly out of Zurich) into the Engadine region. We hope to spend several days there sightseeing, walking, etc. and realize a car would be best there too. Maybe a different rental than the first one?

Anyway, I am trying to determine whether VCE or Milan would be the best to fly into. If we do Milan, maybe we could go via Lake Maggiore, or Lugano up into Switzerland and just skip the Dolomites. I really want to focus on beautiful mountain scenery and the Engadine region is a must. Celerina and Pontresina seem to be highly recommended!
We will end up in the Berner Oberland, staying in Wengen which we loved from this year.

Thanks for any help.

Paula



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

cmeyer54

Here's what we did - flew into Venice, spent a few days there, picked up a car and drove to Cortina. Hiked and saw some neat sights near Cortina. Drove the Great Dolomite Road between Cortina and Bolzano. that took a full day. From Bolzano, you can drive down the wine road to the Lake Region and from there to Zurich. We, however, went from the Lakes to Milan and then back to Venice for the return home. You might want to look at dropping a car in Italy and taking a train to Zurich instead.

TuckH

Can you fly into Malpensa and home from Venice? That'd be ideal. One car, pick up and return in Italy. No problem...

Milan -> Lakes -> Engadine -> Dolomites -> Venice.

PollyP

Thank you both so much for your responses. That is something to think about.

The main reason for this trip, however, for my husband at least, is to return to Wengen for hiking...a spot he absolutely loved. So we have to add the Berner Oberland in for sure, most likely at the end of the trip since we have friends who want to meet us there on the latter part of our trip.

We could get back by train to Milan, Geneva, Zurich...any of those would work for the Sky Miles return FF flights. Zurich has the non stop back home though.

I think one of the hardest parts of trip planning is deciding where to start and end, while encompassing all that you want to see!!

We may have to give up the Dolomites to make the rest of it work. Or maybe go into Milan and then somehow get to Lugano to take the Bernina Express to Pontresina. Do you think it would be hard to rent a car in that area. I imaging St. Moritz would have tham, but might be big bucks!!

I would appreciate any additional insight. Love this board!!!

Paula

TuckH

You're running a simultaneous thread you know...

Since you're focused on Switzerland, yes, you should drop the Dolomites. (You'll get plenty of beautiful mountain scenery with the Engadin and the Berner Oberland.)

I'd suggest arrive at Malpensa, train to Lugano and start your car rental there (in Switzerland) and return it in Zurich.

TuckH

Be sure to include a visit to Soglio on your way from The Lakes to the Engadin...

kleeblatt

Please check your other thread.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...=6&start=0

PollyP

Hi,

I realize I had inadvertently posted on both boards. I really wanted Switzerland, but mistakenly did Europe and had to repost. Sorry. I'd like to delete the other; is it possible?

I'm getting some great recommendations and I do really appreciate the wisdom of all on the board.......gotta make up my mind by 11pm tonight which destination to book to, so I'm doing LOTS of reading.

Which towns/villages in the Upper or Lower Engadine are favorites, either for easy hiking, charm, great photographic opportunities (I take loads of photos), etc. By the way, does anyone know of a travel book on the area that comments on what time of day presents the best photo op for a sight...like the light is really best in the morning, etc.
Thanks again.

Paula

kleeblatt

Charm? Hands down the lower Engadine valley due to the wonderful architecture in the hamlets that dot the green hillsides.

Here's proof:
Click on the camera: http://www.guarda.ch/dadorffuehrung.htm

TuckH

> Which towns/villages in the Upper or Lower Engadine are favorites, either for easy hiking, charm, great photographic opportunities <

A very easy (horizontal) scenic hike that we took is from the beautiful town of Guarda to Ardez to Ftan. It was all day, lunch in Ardez, post bus to Scuol, train back to the Guarda station and post bus back up the mountain to the car park outside the village.

Another one is from Soglio (mentioned above), technically not Engadin (Val Bregaglia). Soglio is extra special!