There are many different ways to experience Lake Lugano. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! Santa Margherita Ligure on the Riviera is two hours south of Milan on the train and will be a few degrees warmer. Take a scenic round-trip cruise from town, use the ferry to hop from point to point along lake Lugano, or ride the ferry to Gandria and walk back to town from here. We are a couple in 30s. Andermatt is an ideal base for hiking in summer, and skiing in its deep snow in winter. Youll travel with a guide to get the lowdown on all the sights, and youll be back in Milan in time for dinner. Explore Bellagio from a unique perspective One of the highlights is the mountain the park was named after, the Gran Paradiso Mountain, which rises up over 4000 meters. The charming town of Como is steeped in history and offers winding alleys and magnificent architecture to explore. Ride the rails along the spectacular Bernina Pass to the famous resort town of St Moritz. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Besides, I give you language learning tips & tricks to enjoy your European travel more. 7 cant-miss cities in Italy for your next European vacation. Spring and fall are wonderful seasons to visit Switzerland, as the temperatures are milder than in the summer or winter, and the tourism rates are generally lower. Table of ContentsHow Can You Make A Day Trip From Milan To Switzerland By TrainVisit LuganoAfternoon Excursions From LuganoVisit Monte San SalvatoreExplore Monte BrSee Bellinzona & Medieval CastlesOrganized Day Trips From Milan To SwitzerlandSwiss Alps Bernina Express & St. Moritz Tour From MilanMore Tips For Switzerland Travel. Nearest Train Station: Bologna Centrale Station. Shorter and more city-centric, the Quick Route will take you out of Milan via the A9 (also known as the Motorway of the Lakes), which you can follow until you've reached Lake Como, at which point you'll hop onto some smaller, lake-side roads towards Palazzo Pestalozzi. Our knowledgeable guides have vast experience leading hundreds of Bernina Express tours, offering profound insights into Swiss culture, the history of this unique country, the majesty of the Alps, and how Sankt Moritz was transformed into the world's first winter destination. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. The bus ride isnt very long and it is very spacious, so even with older knees, I recommend it. Other beautiful destinations in Italy and neighboring Switzerland can be easily accessed from Milan. However, it can be doable if that is what you prefer! You will get to visit Lake Como, Zurich, St. Moritz, Bern and Chur, and the picturesque towns of Saas-Fee, Gruyres and Montreux, nestled in the Swiss Alps. Montreux is known for being a haven for artists; Chaplin, Mercury, Stravinsky, and Prince all frequented this town. From Milano Centrale, the journey to Interlaken by train involves one train transfer at Spiez. Interlaken is the jump-off point to the Swiss Alps outdoor and adventure spots. I recommend taking the earliest possible train from Milano Centrale to Chiavenna, as the buses only leave once per hour and you will want to get to St. Moritz as early as possible to explore. Nearest Train Station: Turin Porta Nuova Station (Transfer 1) and Ivrea Train Station (Transfer 2). There are many scenic routes to choose from, and one of them is even UNESCO World Heritage-listed. With this sunny backdrop, Lugano is a laid-back place that's best explored on foot. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. This Swiss city bordering France and Germany is well worth the trip with its medieval town centre. Lake Como 2. Check out the lakeside views or shop for Swiss chocolate before heading back to Milan. Combined with the Alps and the lake in the background, there's plenty of excellent photo opportunities here. From the lake, you'll cross directly into Ticino, the southernmost and largely Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland. How to Get to SAN MARINO by Train & Bus: From Rimini, Bologna, Venice, Florence & More! Some of the noteworthy places are Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, and the University of Bologna, said to be the oldest university in Europe. Or for a one-day trip just to Lugano, see the direct trains on https://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en. Santa Margherita Ligure on the Riviera is two hours south of Milan on the train and will be a few degrees warmer. Taking Route 2, you'll drive past Lucerne and several pristine lakes until you've reached Lauterbrunnen, which is known for its gorgeous waterfalls, cliffs and winter sports offerings. Museums and historic sites, like the Piazza della Riforma, dot the citys map and the surrounding mountains appeal to the adventure-seekers. As for prices, in Switzerland everything tends to be a lot pricier than Italy. If you are taking the regional train, you will need to transfer to another train at Verona Porta Nuova Station. Interlaken, Switzerland 9. Go to the main station in Lugano and buy yourself a ticket to Bellinzona. Youll get incredible views of the entire Lake Lugano and surrounding mountains. Situated between the two regions in Northern Italy Piedmont and Aosta Valley, Gran Paradiso National Park beckons those who love the wild and the outdoors. I'm planning a short two day trip to Switzerland. So, whether you'd prefer a leisurely drive through the mountains or a city-forward trip through Zurich, we've got you covered. Take EC or RE train from Milano Centrale (main station) to Lugano. Best Day Trips from Milan Alps, Seaside, Lakes This Northern Italian destination is a global city with thriving industries in fashion, art, finance, and tourism, just to name a few. If you take the earliest possible train and bus combination, you will get to St. Moritz around 10:45am, which leaves you approximately 5.5 hours to explore. Tours also include a lakeside cruise and stops in Bellagio. How do I get from the airport to the city? 15 Best Day Trips from Milan Which are the events and the main happenings in Milan? This port city is integral not only to the Italian but also the Mediterranean trade routes. As the city used to be the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia, the Baroque-style architecture flourished during this rule. The Dolomites will let you pick and choose from an entire catalogue of excursions. See two different countries in just 1 day The travel time is 3-4 hours, depending on the type of train. The 490 km road trip from Milan to Switzerland will take 7 hours and 30 minutes to complete. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. Im Greg, a Pittsburgh-based dad who juggles a 9-5 with a passion for traveling the world. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2009, this region of Italys Eastern Alps extends through the provinces of Belluno, Pordenone, Trento, Udine and Bolzano, and it cannot fail to captivate all those who visit it. How do I travel by train from MXP airport to Venice? Read the full terms here: Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, CONTACT US You will immediately admire the beautiful casin of Lugano and take a break to see the sophisticated shopping streets of the city. If you want to combine St. Moritz with Lugano, there is a train and bus connection available via Bellinzona and Thusis, which will cost you about CHF 84 one-way. A splendid cruise on Lake Como. 2 day trip Parma 12. the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland) -- there is frequent train service from Milan to such towns as Lugano and Bellinzona, which are both lovely -- see the Trenitalia (or Swiss Rail) website for schedules. How To Get To Zermatt From Zurich Airport? Bergamo 11. Tickets for the train should be bought in advance at the station or online at Trenitalias website, and tickets for the bus can either be bough in cash on the bus, or online in advance on PostBus website. From Milano Centrale, There are direct trains to Florence. This route is really the ultimate way to discover the beauty of Switzerland's mountain region. Continue into Switzerland, where you enjoy some free time to soak up the sights in Lugano. Bologna 5. Relax and unwind by drinking a cappuccino or sampling Milans culinary delights at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, I recommend you do one of the following excursions:@media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-voicesoftravel_com-box-4-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important;}}if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'voicesoftravel_com-box-4','ezslot_7',601,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-voicesoftravel_com-box-4-0'); Use SBB App (the official Swiss train app) to navigate any of these three excursions. If you are a bit more flexible and able to get around various means of transportation, I HIGHLY recommend getting there yourself. A restaurant is on the top, so you can get some snacks. We then had 30 minutes until the bus departed at 9:06am, and it arrived in St. Moritz at 10:41am. The scenery is stunning, full of glaciers, lakes, and spectacular mountains. We'll take you to the best spots of both cities to explore their history, culture and culinary specialties. 1. Bellinzona, just 20 minutes by train from Lugano, offers incredible medieval castles with cobbled little streets and cute cafes. Another popular destination in the area is the town of Bellagio, a resort town with cobblestone streets and old structures. For a full overview of all the exciting travel possibilities, have a look at our extensive Trains in Switzerland page. I mean, we love Milan (as you can see in our Milan Travel Guide), and we chose to leave for a day to take this train. At that point, you'll enter into Switzerland, with the first stop being St. Moritz. What are the most popular nightlife spots? For two hours, appreciate the view from the boat from the still water. my list of the best day trips from Milan. End your day with a ride on the Bernina Express, also known as the highest train in Europe, to the town of Tirano. WebNews & gossip column: Osasuna removed from Europa Conference League over historical match-fixing WebThe journey continues: Car itinerary from the Italian Alps to Switzerland. Then buy your ticket, and drive up. Meet your tour guide and driver in Milan city center and start your trip. The Riviera is even expecting some sun on Monday and Tuesday as opposed to the recent incessant rain., and top temperatures in the mid-teens. A number of major sporting events have taken place here; Winter Olympics was held here twice already. The river Rhine flows through Basel, and you can cross it on small pedestrian ferries that make the journey tethered to overhead steel ropes, powered by the current alone. Discover the ultimate flexibility on a breathtaking Bernina Express tour from Milan - now available exclusively in English! Take the train from Milan to Brig, a sweet little town that's surrounded by mountains. If you want to see medieval castles, take a train to Bellinzona. St. Moritz is a popular ski resort town in the Engadine region in Southern Switzerland. PRIVACY POLICY You would get the same guidance even if you asked many school children. From Milan, it will take about 1.5 hours to reach Lake Como. Keep scrolling for our top picks! The Bernina Express is about a three hour train ride. Read our guide to the best day trips from Milan and enjoy a day off in a stunning location. Once youre in Pavia, youll be able to take things slow, soaking in the medieval and Renaissance architecture as well as the vibrant outdoor markets. Best of all, the hotel is located in the heart of Montreux, close to most of the town's attractions and close to the highway you'll take out of town when you continue towards Bern and, further, Basel. road trips in Switzerland Search experiences with increased health and safety practices. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-97885810', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Milan. The city also has numerous churches, museums, parks, villas, palaces, and gardens. Venice, the floating city! Milan to Switzerland I think it is well worth the time, and I even included the Bernina Express on my list of the best day trips from Milan. From Milan: Interlaken & Swiss Alps Day Trip You will pass the unique 270 degree train viaduct of Brusio, and then steadily climb to the top of Bernina pass. Road trip north Italy - Scenic drive from Milan to Bologna, 14 amazing places to see the autumn leaves in Europe, we recommend the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. Firstly, take a local train from Lugano main station to Paradiso station (only 2 minutes). and where to park? A stop for lunch is included during the day. Car itinerary through Italy: From Milan to Switzerland, through the Alps. Save. If you are going to take the train, the cheaper option is the regional train; the fastest but more expensive is, of course, the high-speed train. (Perilizia gave some suggestions above.). Also known as the red train, the Bernina Express runs only once a day in each direction, so book your ticket in advance to avoid disappointment. They are definitely worthwhile. Como is an elegant and vital town: its center is always animated all year round. Moritz." How long are you staying in Zermatt? A long and intense day tour perfect for real wine lovers in Valtellina, one of the hidden gems of Northern Italy. With its stunning alpine landscapes, its picturesque terraced vineyards built over centuries, the elegance of its wines and its genuine gastronomy, Valtellina, if not the most renowned, is one of the most beautiful and underrated regions in Italy. If you are taking the bus, make sure to book in advance as the route is popular among travelers. Your rental car itinerary from Milan to Switzerland is waiting for you! This is pretty short, all things considered, and it can definitely be done in one day. Obviously would need to return to Tirano as well. The travel time is about an hour. This day trip makes it easy, packaging coach transport from Milan with a round-trip Bernina Express ticket from Tirano to glitzy St. Moritz. "extremely cheap" - (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Subscribe on Youtube! There are many jump-off points, depending on which part you want to explore, but the most accessible is the one located in Cogne Valley. You can travel from Milan to Basel in a little less than 5 hours. Reserve a window seat to capture the spectacular views when the train passes through picturesque mountain villages and past majestic glaciers. I suggest you visit Lugano and its surroundings. The only part of Switzerland close enough to make it a day trip is the Ticino (i.e. All applicable laws apply and will be enforced. WebCheck out the best day trips from Milan to Switzerland. Your final stop, reached via the 12, is Bern, a wonderful town and perfect to grab lunch before continuing on your journey to the beautiful city of Basel. Cinque Terre is a famous attraction in the Province of La Spezia. Day trip to Switzerland from Milan Get the best deals using the links below: Get the best flight deals on SKYSCANNERBook your hotel on BOOKING.COMLook for Visa & necessary documents IVISAGet the best travel insurance deals with SAFETY WINGSDo the best activities with GET YOUR GUIDEBook a rental car with DISCOVER CARSMobile Data use this eSIM CARD to stay connected. I would avoid cold if I go for a one day trip to St. Moritz. Traveling is a great learning experience. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. For more information on using the train system in Italy, check out my post on using Trenitalia. I highly recommend swandav's #2 suggestion. The fare is 12.45 36, depending on the train type and ticket class. Follow us on Instagram! For those who plan to pull a D-I-Y trip, the most convenient public transportation is the train. Lugano - the largest city in the Ticino holiday region, as well as being an important congress, banking and business center in Switzerland, is the city of parks and flower gardens, villas and of religious buildings. Avoid standing in lines and make your trip more efficient: Making a Swiss day trip from Milan city is a great idea. From Milano Centrale, there are direct routes to Modena by train. Join a small semi-private GROUP of up to 10 PEOPLE and explore Lake Como and Lake Lugano in Switzerland with an experienced English speaking guide. Renting a car is ill advised as Zermatt is car-free and you have to park at a village outside of Zermatt and take the train in anyway. Amazing. In case you are not into mountain excursions, opt for another one. I'm staying in 3 degree temp for last three days and would not want to go to a very cold place. Get on Bernina Express and enjoy the scenic Bernina Pass on the way to St. Moritz. The city features natural and cultural tourist spots that make it one of the most visited in Switzerland. The most prominent landmark is the Duomo, while the masterpieces at the Accademia Gallery including Michelangelos David sculpture are equally noteworthy. Nearest Train Station: Como S. Giovanni Station (if coming from Milano Centrale) and Como Nord Lago Station (if coming from Milano Cadorna). Its well worth seeing. March 16, 2023 Need a break from Milan? Book a guided tour here! One of the notable landmarks is the Duomo di Bergamo. You can take a train from Milano Centrale station to Chiavenna, and then switch onto the route 4 bus to St. Moritz Bahnhof. Then walk through the famous Parco Ciani, and connect to the main road passing by the Lugano beach (Lido di Lugano) until you reach the Cassarate funicular station. We will email you if you're a winner. Journey from Milan to Switzerland and spend a day in the Swiss Alps! I don't know if it would be too much time on a train for you and so little time actually there. We are ok to see the Switzerland Switzerland Tourism Switzerland Accommodation Located in the Emilia-Romagna region, along the major road and railway between Milan and Bologna, Parma is easily accessed from either city and a possible day trip destination. Milan is one of many beautiful Italian cities that tourists often include in their itineraries. From there, walk about 5 minutes to the funicular station. Board a luxurious cruise to soak up the crystal-clear lake's stunning views and admire the magnificent villas on its steep banks. Could you enjoy a getaway any time of the year? Plus, thanks to our optimized schedule, you'll have plenty of time to explore and make the most of your trip. I agree to receive personalized offers and updates. If you want somewhere warmer than (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? South OF France Itinerary For 14 Days, Slovakia Road Trip Itinerary For 8 Days, Top 5 Swiss Panoramic Trains: Best Rides Through The Swiss Alps, How To Learn A Language For Travel: 7 Basic Steps. Bernina Express is one of the best panoramic trains in Switzerland. This leaves you about 30 minutes to switch onto your train. While the winters can be cold, ranging between -2 and 7 degrees Celsius (depending on the city and altitude), the beautiful snow makes it all worth it. Florence 7. While it's hard to narrow down what exactly to see in a day's visit, we recommend starting with the Kunsthaus, Zurich's leading fine art museum that boasts a jaw-dropping collection of artworks, ranging from modern creations to centuries-old masterworks. You even get a lunch stop in the cuisine-rich Valtellina region. 2. The 490 km road trip from Milan to Switzerland will take 7 hours and 30 minutes to complete. All along the length and breadth of this mountain range you will find beautiful landscapes such as those of the valleys of Badia or Di Fasa, and, if you so desire, you will have the opportunity to practice many outdoor activities such as hiking routes to enjoy the beauty of the natural landscapes. Youll have to change one more time at the Suvigliana station. WebDay 1: Milan Independent arrival at the hotel in Milan. The whole duration of the trip is 3-4 hours and the fare is between 20.70 64, depending on the train type and class. Hop off to enjoy the summit views and then explore the well known mountain resort of S.Moritz". Day Trip From Milan To Switzerland On Because of its high-altitude location, most of the activities here are snow-based. Then, buy another ticket at the Suvigliana station and drive with the funicular up to Monte Br. The best way to do a day trip from Milan to Switzerland is by taking a train. Other remarkable structures are the Parma Cathedral, Palazzo della Pilotta, and the National Museum of Antiquities among others. But dont miss out the Montebello Castle. We will be taking the train from Milan and no car. The Bernina Express train arrives at 6:39pm, and the last train (as of current timetables) departs Tirano at 7:08pm. Take a break from the tourist crowds and visit the charming village of Torno, where you can wander through its tiny streets and have a perfect photo opportunity. To take the Bernina Express from Milan, you will first need to get to St. Moritz, Switzerland. Genoa 4. When it comes to finding a good hotel, we recommend the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. It shows you exact train/funicular departures and timings. St Moritz is a snow resort; how could it be warmer? From Milano Centrale or Milano Lambrate, there are direct train routes to Bergamo.