in reply to, Apr 26, 2016 - 2:40 AM Once youre in Zurich, take a couple of hours to see this exciting city on a guided city tour. I never get tired of Italy (who could?! The oldest and largest castle there is called Castelgrande and it offers the best views of Bellinzona. By the end of your hour, youll have completed a fantastic history and cultural lesson that will propel the rest of your day. What is nice about traveling in Europe during that time of the year is that you have the Christmas markets, which are magical! Look near the end at my post on April 23 at 8:13 AM. Your tour will end with a ferry back to Como. P.S. It's a low cost way to ensure your travel plans go smooth no matter what's thrown at it. You can also take one of these organized day trips to Switzerland by train. If you would like your own bespoke itinerary made for your trip, contact Crawford Concierge. . I love the outfit youre wearing in Cinque Terre! We're not hikers, really like small cities and taking ferry or train to other towns. I created this space to show the world through my eyes in a dreamy way while providing travel guides, stories, tips and recommendations, checklists, inspiring photography and other resources for the luxury, boutique traveler. For additional questions, email me at [emailprotected], Italy Currency: Euro, Capital: Rome, Time Zone: Central European Standard Time, Switzerland Currency: Swiss Franc, Capital: Bern, Time Zone: Central European Time. Thank you Molly! Thanks, Lola! Torcello is the most northerly island of the Venetian lagoon and most of it is uninhabited. We booked our luxury Northern Italy and Switzerland trip through Crawford Concierge who crafted the best bespoke itinerary for us. Italy is a big, beautiful country, full of art, history, and mind-blowing food. Thank you so much! That sounds wonderful and I definitely need to get back to Greece and see more. According to folklore, this bridge was built in one night by the devil to win a bet. There is also a bar on the island called La Botte where you could grab an aperitivo and enjoy the views of the lake. Ah awesome! It is open to the public, but please note that they have a capacity for the amount of people who sit up there. She knows of a lot of great people you can book your tour through and get an authentic experience. (I was there many many years ago and remember that it was really beautiful.) It is located near Bolognas beautiful canals that are definitely worth seeing! During your time in Porto Venere, visit the gorgeous Gothic-style Church of St. Peter and also the centuries-old Castello Doria. Theres a flurry of announcements in a multitude of languages welcoming you to Switzerland. Plus, youll visit the famous college where Albert Einstein studiedthe Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. . Heres our first tip. A short, guided walk through Old Town will take you to the medieval-era Munsterhof Square. (There are also taxis available.). . After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. . After grabbing food, enjoy a relaxing walk around Lake Zrich. Take ferry to hotel. After watching the sunset, grab a lovely dinner at Trattoria Z Z. For dessert, you cannot miss out on getting macaroons at Confiserie Sprngli! The food and great wine were amazing ~ the views at the top of the Swiss Alps were breathtaking ~ Venice such a beautiful region and way of life ~ surrounded by gorgeous bodies of water. We have also stayed near the airport and taken the tram to the Haut Bahnhof (main train station in the citylocated at the end of the Bahnhofstrasse). It is absolutely amazing! It is the most famous lookout in Florence and it truly is an amazing spot to see an epic sunset! Approx 5 hours with the best connections, and stopping in Lugano does not help. In Zurich we like the Seidenhof or the Glockenhof. Most Famous Historical Landmarks in Switzerland, grab a free trial or join Scott's Cheap Flights Premium, How to Find Cheap Business Class Flights [Step-by-Step], 31 Best Things to do in Brussels, Belgium, 15 Places Similar to the Maldives to Visit. We did this easily, walking with our wheeled luggage. Other pieces completed by Luini at the church are his painting of the Last Supper and his fresco of the Madonna and Child. Hi Taylor, this is sooo cool, we booked this trip and are extremely excited to go! Luxury: Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zrich, Mid-Budget/Boutique: 25hours Hotel Langstrasse. They dont mess with transit times around here. Is there any area in Zurich for a short visit? Fox Town is a shopping outlet center in Mendrisio, near Lugano/Chiasso. We'd like to see Lucerne and Lake Como. Renting from the airport involves paying the airport tax and you don't need a car to easily get to Lucerne or to do things around Lucerne. With only one day in Florence, you will need to pack a lot in. Located in the Catalonia Click the image to snag a similar dress to add to your packing list for a Europe summer trip. We added one more day in Switzerland to spend more time in Lucerne and do the gelmerbahn in Handegg; train from Lucerne to Meiringen was filled with the best views ever and added two days at the end to be in Rome; flew back home from Rome yesterday! I and my husband will be travelling to Switzerland for 4 days 3 nights (18/5/2016 to 21/5/2016). Taking a rowing lesson in Venice was one of the most memorable activities we did there. There youll find an Olympic-sized swimming pool, green spaces to work on your tan, and a relaxing beach on the shores of Lake Lugano. In Chianti, we visited the Poggio Amorelli estate where we tasted the amazing wines of Marco Mazzarrini at his winery called Famiglia Mazzarrini. It truly is a beautiful place. We enjoyed strolling through the gorgeous cobblestone alleyways and catching glimpses of the lake. Also I appreciate the compliments on my outfits. As for the Mrren vs. Wengen debate, to me it depends on whether you want to go up Schilthorn or not. I imagine any train would be scenic? The Liguria region, which Cinque Terre is situated in, is known for pesto sauce that consists of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil and sometimes Parmesan cheese. Interprtes pour des audiences la justice, des runions daffaire et des confrences. There are a few other Swiss cities you can also easily reach by fast trains. His tour was absolutely magical! As you stroll through Venice, it is a MUST that you see the iconic Rialto Bridge, Bridge of Sighs and Saint Marks Basilica. Traveling from Como to Venice is around 3.5 hours by train. Hi, first, I wouldn't (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I suggest climbing the Torre Asinelli or Torre Prendiparte where you could catch stunning views of Bologna. How to get the most out of 3 nights in Switzerland, Como to Zurich?? This itinerary is so helpful! I think from Lucerne you will have to change trains. Girl I am SO glad you wrote this. Please refer to our Swiss Travel Pass page to find all details on validity, purchase options, etcetera. Click hereto join my private blog sharing Facebook group. The trains are fastless than 40 minutesand inexpensive. This way you don't risk driving when you are tired from travel and on strange roads with a bit of jet lag as well. The churchs original foundation walls, laid in the 9th century, are still visible. . During your time in Bellagio, I recommend getting lunch at Terrazza du Lac Ristorante and also exploring the gardens of i Giardini di Villa Melzi. Balso gave you the order of travel- head straight to Mrren or Wengen after landing in Zurich on Saturday, then Zermatt after that. The Church of Santa Fosca is also a wonderful landmark to see in Torcello! I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. It is in Monterioggioni where you could admire views of the surrounding Chianti region. In total this would cost CHF 74.20. I've decided to change the plan. Then youll make a brief stop while Swiss border patrol take a walk-through and the crew makes a switch from Italian to Swiss. So if youre learning how to communicate in Italian, youre in luck. . Also, would love good hotel recommendations (3 or 4 star) for Lucerne and Zurich. Its so beautiful. Otherwise, Wengen is a little bit quicker to reach, but only by a few minutes (and there is one fewer transfer), and it is about twice the size of Mrren, but still a village. , Oh such a wonderful itinerary idea! Paolas recipes are healthy and have proven that consuming a Mediterranean diet helps keep people fit. You could use truffle oil with a variety of Italian and non-Italian dishes such as French fries, pizza, potatoes, eggs and more. Just like with a Tuscany day trip, a day to Cinque Terre could be done with an organized group or on your own. One of the most memorable trips Ive been on was a family trip to Northern Italy and Switzerland in late May through early June 2018. Hand picked Swiss hotels and other accommodations are right here. Another great thing to do during your time in Florence is to go shopping in Ponte Vecchio. Im impressed! Hi, Not only do I recommend enjoying a beach day in Monterosso, it is best to also grab lunch here and enjoy a pesto dish from a waterfront restaurant. Later into the evening, I recommend watching the sunset and grabbing drinks at a rooftop bar in the city. Then youre off again to Lugano where youll arrive on timealways. . Our guide Giacomo sailed us around on his gorgeous handcrafted wooden boat. The dynamic fresco contains more than 150 figures with some on horseback. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the yachts bar. Our first stop on our boat journey was to the colorful village of Varenna. This travel adaptor kit with dual USB ports is a good one that should be compatible with all your travels in Italy. Ive been missing Europe lately and I have so many bucket list places to check off in Switzerland and Italy both. Here it goes; 18/5/16 : Munich to Zurich by bus. . Your guide will be an expert on the neighborhoods of Zurich. Plus the rental cost and gas is about $8 per US gallon. We started our Northern Italy Switzerland journey in Zrich. It is a unique island that includes walking trails, fishermen houses and a church. Its surprising how close Lake Como is to Lugano in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Within the city limits, youll find a charming mix of old fortifications, courtyards, and towers, mixed with modern homes and buildings. Overall, we felt welcomed and part of Paolas family from the moment we stepped foot into her home. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. Youre doing to love it there. If you make your way to Como, this is definitely something you HAVE TO DO! I love the idea of doing a Switzerland / Northern Italy trip. You would love it there . Later in the day, I recommend taking a cooking class with Paola Lovisetti Scamihorn. Then from Zurich, we take a train to Luzern. Mid-Budget/Boutique: Palazzo Trevi Charming House. Youll see the best places to eat and shop as well as learn the history and other interesting facts about Zurich. At the start of the Como, Italy, & Lugano, Switzerland, Private Full-Day Trip, youll experience Comos San Fedele Church, the Cathedral, and the Roman city walls. We are thinking of doing Switzerland and/or Northern Italy next year around that same time but I dont want it to be too cold. Walk or take taxi from Como S. Giovanni station to ferry. in reply to, May 2, 2016 - 7:30 AM Parking in tourist areas and cities is very, very expensive and public transportation is so efficient and convenient that a car is rarely a benefit. After some free time in Lugano, meet back at the train station for the return to Como and the end of a full, fun day. Getting from Florence to Bologna could be done by taking the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Bologna Centrale. Thanks Slowpoke for the prompt reply. Learn where the best streets are for cafes and shopping and discover parks and monuments. If you play with the train schedules, you will see that a later departure from Zermatt offers a good connection to Milan, with a shorter overall travel time. Known as Florences oldest bridge, Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge across the Arno River that did not get destroyed by the Germans during World War II. En 10 ans, nous avons su nous imposer en tant que leader dans notre industrie et rpondre aux attentes de nos clients. Were talking less than 30 kilometers. Hire a local guide and customize your own Zurich city tour. 20/5/16 : Luterbrunnen to Lucerne. I brought one big luggage with me that carried all of my clothing. Then Zurich to Lucerne. We admired the stunning Gothic architecture, charming bridges and Arabic touches. Amazing trip Taylor! Many of these single-day trips will also show you the best of Lake Como in Italy and its stunning surroundings. The third and most European method of getting to Switzerland from Lake Como is by train. It was one of the best restaurants I went to in Northern Italy. We only spent one full day and night in Bologna because we flew home from Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. One of those events was the assassination of the progressive newspaper Gazzetta di Lugano editor, Abbot Vanelli. I can tell you from experience that a car in Lugano is a pain in the neck! Your tour will end with a ticket to ride on the Dolder Railway. Good, inexpensive hotel in Zrich: Pension St. Josef. As you have a pass, that option is free. , Ah fun! Another great way to get to know Zurich is on an extended 4-Hour City Tour by Ferry, Cable Car, and Coach. Hi! During your second day in Venice, take a tour of the three islands off of the main city Murano, Burano and Torcello. In the Altstadt (Old Town), there is a lovely Swiss caf called Conditorei Schober that offers delicious chocolates, cakes, pastries, tarts and breads. 2. If you have the time, definitely visit Zug and Lugano in Switzerland. It was definitely an amazing trip. . Click on my name for my TR. Pilatus by Cable Car and Cogwheel Train & Lake Cruise, Best Spring Break Destinations for Families, How to Earn Rewards Without a Credit Card, Best Things to do in Zermatt, Switzerland, Lake Como and the adjacent Swiss vineyards by E-bike, Lugano and Bellinzona on this private tour, castles that look like the stuff of fairytales. See bahn.de or sbb.ch for schedules. Youll love Asconas Mediterranean architecture, promenades, and shopping. In the northern regions, Italian lakes, including Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore, are famous for their crystal blue waters and exciting resorts. Enjoy spectacular views of mountains and glacier lakes, plus free time to explore fabulous St. Moritz. Im planning a trip to Europe next year and thats exactly where I wanted to do it! Should we think about just basing in Wengen or Murren (still reading those discussions!) It'd also be nice to see a bit of the Alps/countryside. Im sorry I do not have the name for it, but I recommend reaching out to Paola from Passion and Cooking, https://www.passionandcooking.com/intro/. Still, I think going straight to Murren for 3 days is perfect then on to Zermatt. Is 4 nights in Lake Como too short/long? If you do this trip and have extra time, I recommend Zug and Lugano. Afterwards, head over to the Galleria dellAccademia to see Michelangelos David. The second village we visited was Bellagio, which is known as The Pearl of Lake Como. I cannot wait to go back as well. Visit Mt. Love this post! We highly recommend World Nomads to protect you in case of emergencies, theft, and accidents. So far, Ive been to Italy four times. Sorry, they change a few things. Weve got a terrific list of Lake Como day trips that will give you a satisfying taste (Swiss chocolate, anyone?) The train ride to Como San Giovanni is very short, and you can take a bus, taxi, or ferry from there to Cernobbio to arrive by early evening. Incredible photos, looking at them, I kind of was there. I really love Italy. You made my day! What is the best order to see Zermatt and the Bernese Oberland before heading to Italy? Cannot wait to be able to go back to Italy , It really was Polly! Would you mind dropping a link to the website you booked through for that? Thu: Train Zermatt - Como S. Giovanni (via Visp or Brig and Milano Centrale), then a short bus or cab to Cernobbio. Any opinions on Hotel Schweizerhof in Lucerne? We were even served a charcuterie platter. I'd like to see more of Switzerland this time and I have just a handful of days, arriving to Zurich before noon on Saturday and needing to be in Cernobbio Thursday evening. There are also wonderful restaurants with incredible panoramic views. Anyone who have suggestion on the activities are most welcome. But its the castles that are the best-preserved medieval castles in existence that will make you go wow. We visited Venice and some Greek Islands this past 2019 and I just cant wait to go back and see more of both Greece and Italy. Once you leave the station, youll see you can ride the funicular to the city center or walk down and enjoy the view and your day. When you arrive in Siena, I recommend getting pizza for lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Spadaforte in the Piazza del Campo. Known as Florences most iconic landmark, the Piazza del Duomo is one of the most amazing sites in the city. After exploring San Gimignano, make you way over to Siena, which is one of the most popular cities in Tuscany and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Before you actually take your rowing lesson, I recommend grabbing lunch at a nearby restaurant called Ristorante Diana. A tunnel connects Italy to Switzerland. I hope you all enjoyed reading about the best 10-day Northern Italy Switzerland itinerary. Youll also see the harbor so you can take photos of beautiful Lake Zurich. ". The third stop on our Northern Tuscany tour was to the charming village of Monteriggioni. I wish I saw more in Switzerland though, next time! If you want to go into the Duomo, it is recommended that you book your tickets in advance to get in. Then buy your tickets from the San Giovanni station for the 35-minute ride to Lugano and the two-hour walking tour of the Swiss city. Here is a map of the Swiss rail system ( showing the lines into Italy), in case you havent seen one: https://cdn-doc.myswissalps.com/docs/default-source/rail-network-maps/swisstravelpass.pdf?sfvrsn=7788603a_52. You are truly free to move about the country here. You also have to visit the stores and purchase truffle oil, since it is a staple in the Tuscan region. Im glad you liked it. Pilatus, dont miss the Dragon Trail where, in the Middle Ages, healing dragons were thought to live. www.myswissalps.com/fo rum/topic/things-to-do-in-locarno-after-wilhelm-tell-exp. Still, if you want to visit the area outside of the city, especially Bellinzona which is a UNESCO world heritage site, then youll likely need a car.