sandra44

Hi Fellow Fodors,

We are flying into Zurich on August 2nd and need to be in Northern Italy (Piedmont area) on August 5th. We are trying to figure out where to stay that is in between Zurich and Milan/N.Italy. We originally thinking of Luzern and Como but I really want to avoid running around too much after our long flight. If it were just us, we would take a train to Como but I'm not sure if this will be overkill after getting off our 12 hour flight. After we touch down, we will have 3 nights to stay in the first leg of trip before arriving in N. Italy.

We will be in N. Italy for 3 nights (we have that segment of the trip planned) and will head back to Switzerland and have another 3 nights to spend somewhere. Montreux, Bern, Interlaken, or Luzern or any other suggestions?

We are generally interested in enjoying the scenary, regional cuisine, take a boat ride and/or small hike, and visit castles for my daughter's enjoyment.

I appreciate your help with locations, suggested lodging or any logistical tips you may have.

Many thanks!
Sandra

qwovadis

In Zurich have stayed at the Marriott for $80/nt

bidding priceline.com betterbidding.com

Hotel Otter is a nice budget there not much cheaper

though spend a few days around Zurich train down to Chur

then train Lugano then Meaggio bellagio.info like

hotelflorencebellagio.it out through Como Milan

if you like and back up.

Makes a very nice journey castle vistas

A little bit of everything that way.

Have fun,

michele_d

I vote for the Berner Oberland for your time in Switzerland. The three preferred locations are Lauterbrunnen (my favorite), Wengen and Murren (car free villages)and also lovely villages. It is very easy to get to anywhere from anywhere in the BO.

There are also very easy hikes. Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg is a great one. You can take a boat ride on Lake Thun or Brienz. No car needed for this area. It's all trains, lifts and trams. And beautiful scenery everywhere.

toni_g_b

Faced with a similar schedule also in August (but not a three year old) we opted to spend the first night in Zurich. It gave us a chance to explore the highlights of the city; it's lovely. The next morning we took the train to Lugano. About 2 hrs if I remember correctly. The scenery on the way there was breathtaking.

I thought Lugano couldn't have been a better choice for us. The lake is set among mountains that come right down to the shore. There's an excursion boat that runs around the lake where you can get off at other villages that line the lake (Gandria was charming and steep) and then get back on to continue the tour. There's a funiculare that takes you to the top of one of the mountains where there are more wow views. There's a lake shore park, small beach, and paddle boats. There was a merry-go-round in one of the piazze. The Co-Op department store has an incredible grocery/deli on its lower floor. Great place to get supplies for a picnic at the park. And for a place to stay, Hotel Lugano Dante was wonderful. http://www.hotel-luganodante.com/en/home The breakfast buffet has to be seen to be believed. No other has ever come close. Hot chocolate you can stand a spoon in.

From Lugano, it's about another hour by train to Milano.

charnees

i agree that Lugano is a good choice for you. The promenade along the waterfront is lovely, and a safe place to be with a little one. it's very easy to get to Milano from there.

sandra44

Thanks for tips for the first segment of the trip, it has helped me plan it out. I decided to stay in Zurich for one night and take a train to Como.

My next question, after leaving Northern Italy (near Torino), we have 3 nights to get back to Zurich. Since we are hitting Como and traveling south (and a bit east) going to Italy, I thought when heading back North, we would take the northwestern route and stay in town for 3 nights before going to Zurich for a flight back.

I saw there were some castles on the route going back to Zurich from Italy that my daughter would surely enjoy. Any recommendations on a town and/or lodging to stay in for 3 nights before flying out?

Thanks for the Oberland recommendation, michele_d, I will look into that--sounds fantastic.

sandra44

Thanks for tips for the first segment of the trip, it has helped me plan it out. I decided to stay in Zurich for one night and take a train to Lugano/Como.

My next question, after leaving Northern Italy (near Torino), we have 3 nights to get back to Zurich. Since we are hitting Como and traveling south (and a bit east) going to Italy, I thought when heading back North, we would take the northwestern route and stay in town for 3 nights before going to Zurich for a flight back.

I saw there were some castles on the route going back to Zurich from Italy that my daughter would surely enjoy. Any recommendations on a town and/or lodging to stay in for 3 nights before flying out?

Thanks for the Oberland recommendation, michele_d, I will look into that--sounds fantastic.