Would appreciate ANY help with Northern Italy trip

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Jan 21st, 2003, 05:23 AM

L.J.

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Would appreciate ANY help with Northern Italy trip

My husband and I are planning a second trip to Italy - leaving June 24th. On our first we visited and thoroughly enjoyed ALL of the major cities. This time we are flying into Milan with the intention of staying in the Northern part of Italy and moving up into Switzerland eventually leaving out of Zurich 18 days later. Frankly, I booked the flights but do not have any idea where we should go. I have heard that the lakes region (Lake Como ?) is very nice. I am obviously in need of a plan. Any information or help is truly appreciated. Names of hotels and or B&B's would also help. Thanks in advance!!! Now I am really excited!

Jan 21st, 2003, 05:35 AM

Patrick

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First question, and it's an important one, are you thinking of renting a car or are you planning on public transportation? Makes a difference in where we might suggest you go and you stay.

Jan 21st, 2003, 05:50 AM

L.J.

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We will definitely rent a car however I venture to guess that if rented in Italy it will be dropped off in Italy. Would that be easier? I guess I am thinking that we could take a train into Switzerland and rent a car there. As you can see, I am not sure of anything and need to do some research. I really do appreciate any responses. Thanks so much.

Jan 21st, 2003, 06:29 AM

Nancy

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Dear L.J., We loved the charming town of Varenna on Lake Como and stayed at Albergo Milano which has spectacular views. Wengen in the Berner Oberland of Switzerland (Hotel Regina) and Luzern (cool small city). Enjoy!

Jan 21st, 2003, 06:45 AM

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Hi, I'm planning a similar trip so I'm going to keep tabs on the responses you get. As for my own research, I'm really excited about going to the Lugano region, at the very southern tip of Switzerland. I've fallen in love with the website for Hotel Del Lago - www.hotel-dellago.ch (I dreamily look at the view of the lake while sitting at my desk here in my -22C winter) That area is only an hour and a half drive north from Milan and it looks beautiful. Have fun!

Jan 21st, 2003, 07:03 AM

L.J.

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Thanks for the responses! Can anyone tell me how long a drive from northern Italy to Zurich? Is it an easy drive? Thanks again.

Jan 21st, 2003, 07:10 AM

lisa

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We have found it cheaper to rent a car in Switzerland as opposed to Italy. The train from Milan to Switz is approx 1 hour, so you could rent a car in Lugano, if that works for you. By train, Como to Zurich is about 3 hours. Probably faster than driving in the summer.

Jan 21st, 2003, 08:52 AM

Rex

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<<Can anyone tell me how long a drive from northern Italy to Zurich? >> For anyone planning a rad trip like this, you owe it to yourself to become familiar with one or more of these three excellent websites, for route planning, distance and time estimates, tolls, etc. www.viamichelin.com www.mappy.com or www.shellgeostar.com Best wishes, Rex

Jan 21st, 2003, 10:13 AM

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

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LJ, With 18 days I would plan on 5 destinations, and then a last nite in Zurich. Here is my sequence, assuming flying into Milan[Malpensa] and getting a car for the Italy portion. I would drop the car in Como and then use train travel in CH. Here are my choices: Land Milan--to Lago Orta--3 Drive to Ligurian coast--3 Drive to Como--drop car--to Bellagio--3 Bus or driver to Lugano--train to Luzern Train to Berner Oberland--4 Train to Zurich--depart That is a good start. It also saves you on car rental--expensive in Italy. This is one of my favorite itineraires, and June is a good time to go. Good luck !