We are landing in Milan in May and want to take a train into the Alps before descending into the rest of Italy. Where should we go. We are not interested in skiing, just the view.

I took a train ride from Bern, Switzerland to Milan and it was the most specatcular scenery I've ever seen. The trip took about 4 hours I believe. If you go just one hour you can get to Stressa which is on the Italian/Swiss border. Also, on my to do list is Ticino, looks like it's about 40 minutes from Milan where you can see Lugarno. Check out www.burttravels.com and go to episode #311 for more info on this area.

Do you want to do just a day trip or stay for a couple of nights?<BR><BR>For a day trip I recommend to go by train from Milano to Capolago (Switzerland, on Lake Lugano, change in Lugano or Chiasso, 1:30 h) and take the cog-wheel train to Monte Generoso, a very famous viewing point.<BR><BR>Ingo

Maybe Tirano - - here's some cool pictures:<BR><BR>http://community.webshots.com/album/17368354tsmLrUATiW<BR><BR>And if you're going to stretch this into a few days' getaway - - you're easily onward to St. Moritz from there.<BR><BR>For what it's worth, I sometimes get accused of posting info for which I have absolutely no personal experience - - as if that's a crime. In this case, it's true. I just looked at the map in my Thomas Cook rail guide (a cherished gift from Ben Haines), and it popped out at me.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

topping, for Jack...

Highly recommend the Bernina Express that Rex was alluding to. A few years ago National Geographic listed this as one of the great train trips in the world.<BR><BR>http://www.rhb.ch/Bahnen/Bahnen_english/bex_e.html<BR><BR>You could take the train direct from Milan to Tirano with change to St. Moritz. You could take a different route back (through Bellinzona) The entire trip one way is about 5 hours.<BR>For train schedules go to:<BR>http://www.rail.ch/pv/index_e.htm

Thanks, Chris<BR>