judyjayp

I’m planning a trip for next June to the Italian lakes region and the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. I found Fodor’s Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary on line and I was hoping for additional input. I have 11 days to spend so I need to cut out a few days and I’m not sure which ones to limit. Here’s Fodors link: http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/i...-mountains-44/

They have a 2 week trip starting in Milan and going to:
1. Lake Maggiore (staying in Stresa)
2. Ticino (staying in Lugano)
3. Bellagio
4. Luzern
5. Bernese Oberland (they suggested Interlaken, but I would prefer Lauterbrunnen)
6. Fly home from Zurich

My priorities are Bellagio and Lauterbrunnen. Should I just visit Luzern on a day trip from Lauterbrunnen? Should I skip Lake Maggiore altogether? Are some of these places similar? Our interests range from hiking to dining to walking through small villages and enjoying the local culture. We’re not interested in resort like atmospheres or large scale tourist things. Your input would be appreciated.

bobthenavigator

Nice trip---you are on the right track.
You can do this either direction. I agree that Como and the BO should be your highlights---perhaps 4 nites each. But, you can easily include Luzern coming or going--it would be my third option. And, you may want to access Bellagio from Lugano. Hard to go wrong in this part of the world.

mr_go

We sort of did it in the opposite direction, 10 years ago. Great trip, with a lot of wonderful memories. As Bob says, it's hard to go wrong in that part of the world.

Here's our trip report w/ pictures:
http://www.onelittleworld.com/switzerland_ltaly_1.html

Be advised, the information is all 10 years old. Time sure flies!

judyjayp

Gorgeous pics Mr_go! I'm going to print out your trip report and enjoy it on my ride downtown this afternoon. Your trip definitely coincides with my trip ideas.

enzian

Four nights each Italian Lakes and Berner Oberland would be good, or 3/5 if your main interest is hiking and alpine scenery. You can easily visit Luzern on the way between Bellagio ( or consider Varenna which is less resort-y) and Lauterbrunnen. You pass through Milan regardless, and can take the train from Milan to Luzern as an alternate to the Brig-Spiez route which goes through two long tunnels and is less scenic. Spend a night in Luzern to explore the town, then the next day take the scenic Golden Pass route to Interlaken and onward to Lauterbrunnen or one of the higher mountain villages.

Between Milan and Luzern you have one train change, at Arth-Goldau. As hikers, you might enjoy the following alternate route to Luzern, which we have done. At Arth-Goldau, instead of taking the train to Luzern, you board the cogwheel train that ascends Rigi. There is a hotel at the top ( Rigi Kulm), with gorgoues view over the lake below and across to the Alps and Mt. Pilatus. Or you can descend on the train down the front side of Rigi,facing the lake, to the small community of Rigi Kaltbad, where you will have a choice of 5 or 6 hotels and numerous hiking paths.

The next day, you can ride the large cable car down to the lake at Weggis, walk through town to the boat dock, and catch a lake boat for the hour-long cruise to Luzern. It took me four trips to Switzerland before I made it to Rigi, but I am really glad we did this and would happily include it in our next trip when traveling between Luzern and Italy.

mr_go

Thanks, Judy, I hope it is helpful. If I had to change one thing about our trip, I would probably add another day to the Berner Oberland. We really loved it there, and I'd like to return someday.