GoldenGrl1028

Hello again! I have started to put a rough draft together for our honeymoon itinerary which should be taking place hopefully june/july 2016.

Feedback...opinions.....help....would be greatly appreciated!

Fly from NJ to Zurich
Head to Lucerne for 2 nights.
Lucerne to Wengen
Wengen for 4-5 nights (we will do some hiking, take in the views while strolling the town, relaxing, would like to do the zip line in Grindelwald)
Wengen to Lake Como
Lake Come for 3-4 nights
Lake Como to Santa Margherita
Santa Margherita for 3 nights (would like to see Portofino)
then to Venice for 3 nights
Venice to NJ

Is this too rushed? Should we skip Santa Margherita and just go to Venice after Lake Como so there is not so much traveling or vice versa? In Italy we are there for the scenery, strolling the streets, getting lost, enjoying the food and wine, and relaxing.

Kathie

Remember that 3 nights is just 2 days - 2 nights somewhere give you just one day. It takes at least half a day each time you change locations, so fewer locations means more time to do what you came for.

If you are asking whether it is too rushed, I expect it is. This is your first trip to this part of the world, not your only trip. Save some things for next trip.

GoldenGrl1028

Thanks Kathie.....Do I remove Venice or Santa Margherita/Portofino?

GoldenGrl1028

I do understand about being too rushed.....and we would prefer not to be rushed and enjoy more time in fewer places. I guess the hard part is choosing what to leave off this trip.....help! haha

nytraveler

I don't think you need both Como and the CT. If it were me I would drop the CT - which is primarily for hiking the cliff trails and divide the time between Venice and Lucerne - both of which are getting short shrift.

At that time the CT will be packed to the gills - yes also Como and Venice but they are larger and its not so oppressive.

But it really depends on your major interests. To me, CT is the most limited.

nytraveler

I don't think you need both Como and the CT. If it were me I would drop the CT - which is primarily for hiking the cliff trails and divide the time between Venice and Lucerne - both of which are getting short shrift.

At that time the CT will be packed to the gills - yes also Como and Venice but they are larger and its not so oppressive.

But it really depends on your major interests. To me, CT is the most limited.

GoldenGrl1028

nytraveler: Thanks so much for your input. Venice and Lucerne seem like they do deserve more time. Venice sounds like it is a must see because of how different it is than any other city.

How many nights/days should I give to Venice, Lucerne, and Como? Is it possible to visit Verona from Venice? Or should we strictly stick to Venice this time?

PalenQ

If you've never been to Venice KEEP it in - to me the world's most must see city - even if for a short time and especially if on a honeymoon!

The CT is a major detour - go right from Wengen to Lake Como and then onto Venice - will save two travel days and as nytraveller says CT will be mobbed in July at least - not so much in June but still a major crowd scene.

anyway for trains - my major interest! You are not traveling enough in Swiss to make a Swiss Pass pay off I think but the Berner Oberland Pass may well be a great deal for you - covers I think from Lucerne to Wengen and back or at least a good discount and many things in the Jungfrau Region.

From Wengen to Lucerne take the Golden Pass scenic train route (if not the official GP itself - regular trains pass the same exact scenery - to get to Lake Como take a train from Lucerne to Arth-Goldau, on the Gotthard main line to Lugano and onto Como's mainline station, about a mile from the boat dock for boats to Bellagio, which can also be reached by bus from Como.

Como to Venice means taking a train to Milan Centrale and changing - from Bellagio you'd take the ferry to Varenna-Esino and take trains from there to Milano Centrale or take a boat back to Como but then you have to transfer to the main station by bus or taxi or foot.

For lots on trains check these IMO superb sites: www.swisstravelsystem.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com; www.seat61.com - the latter good info on discounted tickets that are available in Italy for long-distance trains from www.trenitalia.com.

Travelforbeer

Hi Goldengirl- I believe that spending 3 nights in Santa Margherita to see Portofino will pale in comparison to the sights in the other cities you have listed. So I would increase the nights in Lucerne to 3 (you will most likely be jet lagged the first day anyway). You can stop in Verona on your way to Venice- maybe spend a night or two there Then add the remaining nights to Venice. And you can expect crowds and fairly warm temperatures in most of these places in the June / July time frame, so you should nail down your hotel reservations early. I would recommend starting in the August/September 2015 time frame. Be sure the reservations have free cancellation in case something causes a change in plans.

Have a great trip!!!

bilboburgler

Drop CT, focus on Lucerne and Venice which are worth it on their own merit.

Lake Como is just a lake with large houses, very pretty and popular, so you get that. Lots of people like it.

If you like hiking I'd head up further into the Dolomites, some lovely little valleys up in the alps with an inn or two and friendly people (I know I'd rather be here than around Como but its up to you)

Alternatively there are at least 5 walled cities around and south of the Euganian hills that are so pretty. Just google "walled cities" and or use google map to the area and then search on walled cities.

GoldenGrl1028

Thank you all so much!

If We switched around our Itinerary to something like this:

Lucerne 3 nights

Wengen 4-5 nights?...........What would you recommend? We really are excited about staying in the mountains and getting a "Heidi" feel.

Lake Como 3 nights.........(thanks Bilbo for your Dolomites suggestion....we are looking to use Lake Como as a place to relax on the water.

Verona 1-2 nights......How many would you suggest? Is one night worth it? or should we add another night somewhere else?

Venice 3 nights

bilboburgler

Ok, I'd go for Como over Verona but I'd go for Padua over Verona and even Bologna over Verona. What does Verona have (2 gents?) which is not surpased by a fair bunch of nearby sights. Have fun and I hope you get to relax. Try and find a quiet spot. There will be some and fodorites may be able to suggest some??

GoldenGrl1028

Bilbo....Should we skip Verona and add a night or 2 onto Como or Venice?

Also, Has anyone heard anything about the new JW Marriott hotel in Venice?

PalenQ

I vehemently disagree with bilbo's take on Verona - to me one of the most fascinating Italian cities I've stayed in - stayed a few days and found so so many neat old churches, monasteries and wonderful outdoor market in the town center - lovely river coarsing thru it and of course Juliet's Ersatz balcony but what the heck. and it has some of the best most intact Roman remains in Italy in its Roman amphitheater.

Lake Como is a whole different experience and who is to say what is best for anyone - folks that love old historic cities will love Vernona - those more into natural areas Lake Como.

I loved Verona:

https://www.google.com/search?q=vero...=1600&bih=1075

GoldenGrl1028

Thanks for the input Palen. I enjoy history, however my fiance would much rather spend more time out of museums, not looking at history and buildings, but rather be out exploring natural areas. I have been to Rome and Florence and loved both because of how rich in history they are, however I think for what we are looking for on our honeymoon, we may skip Verona this time. It will be on my list though to come back to Italy and spend time.

Kathie

I would drop any place you have one one or two nights. So I agree to drop Verona this trip. Add the time to another destination.

There are a number of nice Marriotts in Venice. But if you want to see Venice, skip the newest Marriott which is not IN Venice, but on an island. It might be very romantic, but you'll waste a lot of time going to and from.

Have a wonderful trip!

bilboburgler

As Kathie says, chose your hotel by position. Venice is unique, I'd give it Venice, however the crowds can make it unpleasant. If so take some trips out of town, visit the islands or take a boat up the Brenta Canal

GoldenGrl1028

Bilbo & Kathie: Thanks for the input! I guess I was thinking of the JW Marriott because it will be the last portion of our trip and knowing us.....we will go to Venice to stroll and get lost, take a gondola ride, and enjoy the restaurants and wines. I know we will obviously go see St Marks during the day and night time, however I know we wont go to museums and art galleries. That just does not interest us. Being a honeymoon and at the end of a trip I could just see us enjoying a drink at the Marriott looking at the view of Venice, visiting the spa at the hotel, laying by the pool, and spending some time at night out in Venice when the crowds leave. I know this may sound crazy since most people travel to Venice to sightsee all day, but I just dont see us doing that all day every day. Are we crazy? haha.

Kathie

You know what you like. Follow your instincts on this. I expect you'll be back.

HappyTrvlr

I understand what you like and that it's your honeymoon, however, I highly recommend you stay IN Venice, not on an island. There are many luxury hotels that will give you a wonderful, relaxing experience.