tuscanlifeedit

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yestravel

We just did a Switzerland/Italy trip in the fall. We started in Zurich and went home from Rome. To take the Bernina Express get a train to Tirano and go from there. I agree that it would be a lot to do the whole route and return in one day. What kja said about the BE is correct. The difference between the BE and the local trains windows I found to be minimal. Basically there are not the windows in the ceiling which didn't detract at all from our trip on the local trains on the BE route. I didnt think the difference in the price for the BE over the local was worth it.
We did stay a night in Zurich and I was surprised to find that I thought Zurich quite nice.
When we first began planning our trip I found the trains in Switzerland confusing too. Several threads on here helped me to understand them.
One town we liked in Italy was Lucca. We did several day trips from it and the town itself is lovely. We also found much to do in Milan on our 3rd trip there.
Have a great trip!

neckervd

The obvious scenic itineraries from Turin through the Swiss Alps to Zurich go via Aosta (a very interesting small town BTW).
For example:
Turin dp by train 8.28 - Aosta ar 10.29, dp by bus 11.00 - Martigny ar 12.50, dp by train 13.12 via Sion - Visp (Zermatt) - Spiez (Interlaken) - Berne - Zurich to Zurich airport ar 16.16.
From Aosta, it's also possible to travel via Chamonix Mont Blanc - Mont Blanc Express - Martigny.
Other variants are
Martigny - Montreux - Golden Pass - Lucerne - Zurich or
Visp - Andermatt - Zurich.

mainetrvlgrl

Thanks neckervd-those are very helpful routes to consider. I appreciate your help!