It doesn't matter which direction the Cisalpino goes. However, they've improved a bit with their punctuality lately so you most probably won't notice a thing!

schuler---do you have a recooemdation for first versus second class on the Cisalpinos? Or do you usually drive when you head to Ticino?

Your comparison to Seattle to LA in 3 hours is great. How I wish!! Alas, our trains can't even get to Portland in 3 hours.

Thank you all. This info is very helpful. We have experienced that incredible change of weather in the past.

Keep the info. coming. It's terrific.

Have a great weekend!

Enzian, except for rare occasions, I always travel second class. I don't see the advantage of travelling first class from Milan to Zürich since seats usually have to be reserved for either class anyway.+

I guess we won't have to worry about the Cisalpino lateness next summer. The joint venture is ending December 13:

http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/news_dig...86821000&ty=nd

Cross-border service will now be provided by each country's train companies separately. I guess I know which one I will book!

Enzian: from your experiences, I am guessing you will take the Swiss trains, and will book second class. Am I missing anything? and will there be a change of train in Lugano, if we choose zurich to Milan?

That's right---we'll take the Swiss train and go second class.

We'll have to wait and see what this change does to the schedules after December 13. Right now there is one train a day that does NOT require a change of trains in Lugano; that is the 9:01am departure. Even if the schedule remains the same, we'll never get the girls up in time to catch that one. But maybe it would work for you.

You asked about our favorite hotel in Varenna. Actually, I've never been there, but relying on advice from friends and family members who have, I'm booking Albergo Milano.

It is interesting about booking now for next June. Some of the popular, more "touristy" places are accepting bookings---I have so far booked our hotel in Varenna, and Monterosso al Mare. Also in Zürich, although that is not a major tourist destination. On the other hand, the hotels I've tried in Luzern and Milan won't show dates past January, and places I've e-mailed in Lucca don't respond.
I assume that means they don't want to be bothered with June reservations just yet.

Enjoy La Foce. We were there last year and it is lovely.

thanks enzian and

to Greynomad: I've been to La Foce a few times, staying in different houses, always on a "girls" trip - now going with DH next June.

Did you stay in one of the houses?

Oh, Enzian, I forgot to say, we haven't booked in Zurich yet, though pretty sure we'll want to stay at least a night before going down to Italy.

I LOVE the Hotel Sonne which is on the lake at Kusnacht, where I stayed for 2 weeks when I took a seminar at the Jung Institute in 1994. Unfortunately, it has gotten more expensive, but we might stay there anyway. It is right on the lake,and right at the boat dock, and has a beer garden in the front. a real delight.

Sorry I have not been in the forum for a while and have just seen your question to me. No we didn't stay there although I think it would be nice. I got the impression it was not in a township so you would probably have to drive out for meals etc. Hope you have a great time wherever you end up.