Zurich & Dolomites itinerary questions
 

Husband & I are in early stages (please go easy on me!) of planning a 2 (perhaps 2-1/2) week trip through Dolomites, probably late June, early July. My idea was to fly in and out of Zurich b/c we can get a non-stop flight. We would like to take the train either to Lugano or Milano as I hear the scenery is beautiful. (I know that the hiking is fantastic in Switzerland too, but have heard that it is more economical in Dolomites). From there, we would rent a car - would like to see Lake Como, Lake Garda and probably have a base in Ortisei to do some day hikes (or possibly a short hut to hut hike). I realize we'd have to get back to Zurich, perhaps an alternate, equally beautiful route? I understand that dropping rental car across border is expensive, so we'd drop car in Italy (Milano or Lugano?). Other questions - does this itinerary seem feasible and sane given our time? Any highlights in these areas that we shouldn't miss - we like hiking, eating (doesn't need to be fancy), walking around towns/people watching, short tours of cultural or gastronomic interest.
Thank you in advance for any suggestions and recommendations.

"My idea was to fly in and out of Zurich b/c we can get a non-stop flight."

Before deciding, consider whether you will pay more getting back to Zurich than by flying open jaw and whether you have other options for one of your flights (perhaps Milan).

You might want to consult the Michelin Green Guides for the areas in which you are interested -- great info, even in areas for which one is not using a car.

Just to correct one point, if you do rent a car in Italy and drop it in Lugano you will be dropping it in Switzerland

Public transport is scenic and frequent between Ortisei and Zurich, for example Ortisei dp 14.01 - Zurich ar 21.20; change at Brixen and Innsbruck.
There are tons of well signmarked hiking trails all along this itinerary as well as around Lake Lugano.

Thank you to all who supplied some good tips. Where can I research time tables and fares for Swiss and Italian trains? Also, if we rent a car in Milan, is it possible to drop it off in Ortisei or Bolzano? (the train back to Zurich sounds like a pretty trip and less stressful than driving).

Swiss rail schedules/prices at
www.sbb.ch/en

Bus to Ortisei/St. Ulrich
https://www.sii.bz.it/de/siipdfOldtimetables
lines 170, 350, 351

railway stations for St. Ulrich/Ortisei:
Waidbruck/Ponte Gardena, Brixen/Bressanone

http://www.suedtirol.info/en/Destina...--Groeden.html