I'm planning a trip to Switzerland and Italy early next summer and would appreciate feedback on my itinerary!
Travelers: Me (Canadian) and my husband (American), 27 and 28. Probably departing out of JFK, but willing to consider other airports in the NY/CT area. As for relevant languages, my husband only speaks English, I speak a little French and very poor Spanish but my comprehension is better than my speaking. I have been to Zurich for a conference before but other than that neither of us have been to either country. No dietary restrictions.
Packing: We would prefer to travel light with only carry-on luggage such as backpacks.
Interests: Culture, nature, sightseeing interesting landscapes, cycling, machines such as funiculars and trains. Not interested at all in shopping or nightlife. Museums only in the rain :) Probably not going to do much hiking but wouldn't rule it out.
Budget: Not including airfare, would like to spend under $800 per person including food, housing, transportation, etc. Less is better! Most willing to skimp on housing (hostels/couchsurfing are okay)
Itinerary:
Day 1 - Fly to Geneva
Day 2 - Explore Geneva, take train to Montreux
Day 3 - Take Golden Pass train from Montreux to Lucerne
Day 4 - Whole day in Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus
Day 5 - Take train from Lucerne to Chur and take the Bernina Express to Tirano, then take another train to Milan
Day 6 - Explore Milan briefly, take train to Verona
Day 7 - Explore Verona most of the day, take train from Verona to Venice
Day 8 - Whole day in Venice
Day 9 - Fly back to US from Venice
Questions:
- In general, does this seem too packed? We like to be kept busy when we travel, but don't want to be completely exhausted or break any rules of physics or whatever.
- I've read that there's not much to see in Geneva and Milan for those who aren't that interested in more modern cities. Is this true? In Geneva we're probably going to wander around for half a day; in Milan I'm planning on only seeing the cathedral. Is there anything in particular we'd really regret missing in those cities?
- Should we get a Swiss Pass or a Flexipass for the Switzerland leg? Or just pay as we go?
- Other comments, suggestions for things to do, cheap places to stay or substitutions welcome!