If we were to go directly to Lugano after arrival*, is there a good place to stop besides Lucerne that would still be a relatively manageable trip to Wengen (like the trip from Lucerne).

I’m looking to keep the train trips no more than 3 1/2 hours.

*Edited to add: I just checked the prices here and suspect that this isn’t a place for a relaxing 2-night stop after arriving from our flight. I’m willing to spend what I need to, say, in Wengen, but this doesn’t seem to warrant the cost for me.

Well, I now also have a reservation in Locarno for the first 2 nights! If my husband is okay with traveling another 2 hours, I’ll keep it. If we do this, I’m intrigued by the possibility of rhe scenic train ride from Locarno to Lucerne. Anyone tell me more about it?

For now, I think keeping Lucerne in the itinerary works the best but I can also change that if something else looks good.

Locarno is usually not less expensive than Lugano.
Hotels close to the railway stations where the train coming from MXP stops:
at Melide:
Al Boccalino
Lac Hotel
at Lugano Paradiso:
Ibis Budget
Admiral
Novotel
at Lugano:
Montarina (very quiet, but rather basic)
Federale
Continental
Gabbani (linked to railway station by rope railway running every few minutes)
Bellinzona;
Hotel Gamper
Hotel Internazionale

There are tons of other jhotels where you will need a taxi (with luggage) in order to reach them from the train station

Thanks, neckervd, I actually found more options in Locarno with a wider range of rates that were more appealing. No, they aren’t inexpensive at all, but the places I saw (all on booking dot com) were generally much nicer looking and I had more mid-range options in Locarno. I have a reservation at Hotel Du Lac in Locarno and it seems very nice and, at least good value for what it costs. That’s my impression, at least.

Another thing you might consider is snow. A few years back we stayed in Wengen for a week, the first week of September and it snowed, the snow stayed for a few days, making hiking trails muddy and slippery. It did get warmer as the weekend went on. Just come prepared for any weather conditions. We had fleece jackets and rain jackets over top and were warm enough but we’re from Canada.

Thank you that reminder. I’m already thinking about what I’ll need to bring, especially since we do carry on and have to be prepared for all seasons and all weather possibilities!

Du Lac Locarno is OK and Locarno is a nice place. I didn''t menmtion it because the train ride from MXP is 45 min longer (with a train change at Lugano).
For the Locarno - Lucerne leg, you will have to change trains at Bellinzona (same platform, however) or to take the Treno Gottardo which follows a much more scenic itinerary which takes 1 hr longer.
Snow in September is extremely seldom at Wengen. But weather is never predictable in the whole alpine area, Locarno and Lucerne included.

Thanks again, neckervd. I do have to check wirh my husband to make sure he’s comfortable wirh the transition but I can also be persuasive!😉 And it’s the Treno Gottardo that interests me. The extra hour (and no change!) is or a problem with the experience of a scenic voyage.

Progol, love your reports. Oaxaca! I, too, live in NYC.

for Mila, May I recommend you contact Milan Greeters? They offer a free, private walk through Milan geared to your interests.

i had one scheduled with the nicest man but an injury forced me to cancel. Enjoy!

IMO the whole railway line between Bellinzona and Lake Lucerne isn't particularly scenic, but on the Treno Gottardo itinerary you will see more than in the 37 miles long tunnel.
And you may appreciate the knowledge of the engineers who built this line some 150 years ago.

Enjoy your trip progol! Just thought I'd share my earlier TR - perhaps the Bergamo and Turin sections might be useful for your trip. We had a car but I think you could cover some of Piedmont (Asti, Alba) using public transport if they are of interest. Northern Italy May 2024 : Lombardy, Piedmont and Liguria

Thank you! Looking forward to those youtube videos. It’ll be interesting and I’m betting more scenic than I normally see in NYC!

Thanks, ANUJ, for the TR. I’m sure I’ll find some wonderful nuggets to add to our trip!