susant100

Traveling to Florence early February (12 days) to visit our son who will be studying abroad there. Planning to spend 2-3 days in Florence with him primarily shopping as we have seen the majority of the must see sights. Then planning to go to Venice for a few days. From Venice we are hoping to travel to Zermatt to ski for a day or two. From there, take the Glacier Express to St. Moritz for more skiing (day or two) then off to Davos for another day or two of skiing. From Davos to Zurich for our flight back to the U.S. We hope to travel via train from city to city. Does this itinerary sound realistic? Mainly want to enjoy the mountains and ski some intermediate terrain (as we have been told that the European terrain is much more advanced than what we are accustomed to here in California/Utah/Colorado).

Another option I am considering is taking the Glacier Express to Davos and then just a day trip to St. Moritz. Any must see places in Zurich,as well as places to stay or restaurant ideas would be much appreciated as well.

Also, would it be most economical to purchase a Swiss train pass?

Thanks in advance!

amer_can

Can't answer your questions as I don't know the answers but I can and will give a word of caution..Last Xmas DD was skiing in Switzerland, catching the train back to Madrid and on to Salamanca where she was in school. Put large bag on the floor, backpack on top with strap thresded through handle and procceeded to hand her resv. in at the ticket wicket. Reached for her backpack and GONE!!! A terrible time to lose all ID, CC, Debit/ATM, some cash,dr. lisc., glasses and meds. US consulate was closed, Canadian consulate stepped up and helped out. Took many calls to us, bank, cc, consulates, police etc. Swiss were more than helpful and the hotel where she stayed the night before put her up, fed her allowed phone calls and didn't charge her. So this part was wonderful but the lose was great. Lonbg story shoet..KEEP your eyes on your stuff and especially your hands!! DD was not an inexperienced traveller nor a unattentive young person. Police said train stations and skiers are primo targets in Switzerland..very bold, very quick and exceprionally good at what they do!!!

amer_can

"long story shor"..sloppy fingers and reliving distress!!! Sorry

nytraveler

No - do not keep your eyes on your things. Keep your hands on your things at all times - especially in train stations and other public places.

And this is even more important for your valuables.

This is the reason I keep my valuables in a small bag that I either hold or is on a cross-body strap with my hand on it. It is much too easy to steal things from backpacks - and much harder to keep one in your hands while conducting any transaction.

Ideally all of your belongings should be between you and the counter - not off to the side.

amer_can

The bags were in front of her at the wicket..someone was able to reach around and ease it off withpout so much as a tickle!!! Be fore warned!!!

swandav2000

Hi susant100,

First, I would reverse the order of your trip and hit St. Moritz first, getting there via the Bernina Express (which is more scenic imo than the Glacier Express). Then take the GE, if you want, to Zermatt.

However, I think you'll have trouble finding hotels in some of the ski resorts for just a few days during the ski season -- particularly in Zermatt. Many hotels will require a minimum stay of one week. And in fact, I think it would be a better idea to stay in one place for one week and ski there, then take a day off now and then to sight-see, hike, or explore. And I think St. Moritz (or nearby) would be a better place to do that since you can sight-see all up and down the Engadin Valley.

Have fun as you plan!

s

Ingo

I agree with swandav - stay in one place for skiing. You lose too much time with packing/unpacking, ski rental, travelling between the places.

St. Moritz/Engadin makes very much sense. If you want a quaint mountain village pick Sils-Maria, Celerina or Pontresina. From Pontresina you have to take the bus to the ski area (frequent and included in the ski pass), Celerina and Sils have their own skiing areas (short shuttle ride in Sils).

You can easily do day trips by train out of these villages/towns. Davos is a nice day trip, Scuol (with nice skiing and a great spa) is highly recommended. Special offers for the train rides plus ski pass for these excursions are available.

mike_b12

I can only comment on Davos. It was incredible. The runs , scenery were all fantastic. I had only skied in the local mountains of Southern CA before. Davos was more than I could have imagined.

susant100

Thank you all for your input. I have been re-thinking things a bit as well. We have decided not to go to Venice from Florence. So with that said, I would like to do a scenic train trip that takes me to a great ski resort. Our son will be joining us from Florence for a 4 day weekend so I would like to make it as convenient for him as well. I was thinking about going right to either Davos or Zermatt with a scenic train trip involved. In Zermatt, thinking about the Coeur des Alpes hotel.

So with that said, Zermatt or Davos?

laverendrye

Both Davos and Zermatt have more than enough intermediate ski terrain to keep you interested. What Davos does not have is charm. Given the choice, I would pick Zermatt in an instant.

bobthenavigator

You can spend far less and save time by going to the Dolomites.

susant100

@bobthenevigator..suggestions for the dolomites?