Varenna to Lucerne train with Trenitalia

Highlights

• Admire the intricate Gothic architecture of the Duomo di Milano, Milan's iconic cathedral.
• Stroll through the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a historic shopping arcade.
• Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza del Duomo, the city's central square.

Highlights

• Marvel at Leonardo da Vinci’s 'The Last Supper' at Cenacolo Vinciano (advance booking required).
• Wander through the courtyards and museums of the 15th-century Castello Sforzesco.
• Discover the charming lanes and artistic ambiance of the Brera district, home to boutiques and galleries.

Highlights

• Take a scenic 1 hour 5 minute train ride from Milano Centrale to Varenna-esino, with tickets starting from €7.
• Stroll along the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, Varenna's famous lakeside promenade.
• Explore Riva Grande, the old harbour area known for its pastel facades and charming atmosphere.

Highlights

• Explore the historic Villa Monastero, featuring terraced botanical gardens and stunning lake vistas.
• Ascend to Castello di Vezio, a medieval tower offering sweeping views over Lake Como and occasional falconry events.
• Wander through the elegant Giardini di Villa Cipressi, celebrated for its cypresses and exotic plants.

Highlights

• Enjoy a scenic train ride from Varenna-esino to Luzern Bhf, taking approximately 3 hours 37 minutes, with tickets from €45.
• Walk across the historic Chapel Bridge, Lucerne’s iconic 14th-century covered wooden bridge.
• Explore the preserved Old Town, with its frescoed buildings and fountains around Weinmarkt square.

Highlights

• Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport, featuring an extensive collection of trains, planes, and cars.
• Reflect at the Lion Monument, a moving rock-cut sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards.
• Admire the collection of Pablo Picasso works at the Sammlung Rosengart, housed in a historic building.

Highlights

• Travel by train from Luzern Bhf to Zürich HB, a journey of about 44 minutes, with tickets starting from €12. Earliest departure is 00:01, latest return is 23:58.
• Discover the twin-towered Grossmünster church, a landmark of Zurich's Old Town.
• Stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich's famous shopping street, and enjoy the scenic Lake Zurich Promenade.

Highlights

• Enjoy a picturesque train ride from Luzern Bhf to Interlaken Ost, taking around 1 hour 55 minutes, with tickets from €20.
• Relax in Höhematte, a large open meadow offering classic views of the Jungfrau mountains.
• Ascend to Harder Kulm, a popular panoramic lookout accessible by funicular, for unforgettable views of the lakes and peaks.

Highlights

• Discover the charming Unterseen Old Town, with its arcades and painted facades.
• Visit the Touristik-Museum der Jungfrau-Region to learn about local history and mountain culture.
• Explore the Freilichtmuseum Ballenberg, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Bernese Highland life and architecture.

Highlights

• Depart from Interlaken Ost, the primary train station in Interlaken.
• For international flights, Zurich Airport (ZRH) is a major gateway, approximately 120 km away, with direct trains taking 1 hour 48 minutes to 2 hours 17 minutes.
• Alternatively, Geneva Airport (GVA) is about 144 km from Interlaken, with train journeys typically taking 2 hours 48 minutes to 3 hours 49 minutes, usually with one change.

Highlights

• Arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), then take a train to Milano Centrale and connect to Varenna-Esino.
• The journey from Malpensa to Varenna-Esino typically takes 2 hours 13 minutes to 3 hours.
• Walk from Varenna-Esino train station to the town center (10-20 minutes) or take a short taxi ride.

Highlights

• Visit Villa Monastero, a historic lakeside villa with terraced botanical gardens and panoramic lake views.
• Explore the Casa Museo di Villa Monastero, presenting period interiors and collections within the villa.
• Wander through the Giardini di Villa Cipressi, known for its cypresses, exotic plants, and elegant viewpoints.

Highlights

• Hike up to Castello di Vezio, a medieval tower offering sweeping views over Lake Como and falconry events.
• Stroll along the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, a famous suspended lakeside promenade with photogenic views of Varenna's colorful houses.
• Enjoy the picturesque old harbor area of Riva Grande, perfect for atmosphere and sunset views.

Highlights

• Depart from Varenna-Esino train station for Lucerne. The train journey takes approximately 3 hours 37 minutes, with tickets starting from €45.
• Upon arrival at Luzern Bhf, explore the iconic 14th-century Chapel Bridge with its interior paintings.
• Wander through Lucerne's preserved Old Town, including the Weinmarkt square with its frescoed buildings.

Highlights

• Spend time at the Swiss Museum of Transport, featuring trains, planes, cars, and interactive exhibits.
• Stroll along the Nationalquai, an elegant lakefront promenade offering stunning mountain views.
• Enjoy the Rathausquai, a car-free riverside promenade ideal for walking between Old Town sights.

Highlights

• Visit the moving Lion Monument, commemorating Swiss Guards, described by Mark Twain as the world's saddest stone.
• Explore the Sammlung Rosengart, a collection featuring works by Pablo Picasso.
• Wander through the Weinmarkt, a historic square lined with frescoed buildings and fountains.

Highlights

• Discover the Kunstmuseum Luzern, a Jean Nouvel-designed art museum showcasing modern and contemporary works.
• Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Rathausquai, a car-free riverside promenade with shops and historic facades.
• Take in the views of the Water Tower, a defining medieval landmark beside Chapel Bridge.

Highlights

• Depart from Luzern Bhf for Salzburg Hbf. The train journey takes approximately 6 hours 11 minutes, with tickets starting from €42.
• Arrive in Salzburg and settle into the city known for its baroque architecture.
• Enjoy an evening walk through Salzburg's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Highlights

• Ascend to Hohensalzburg Fortress, a baroque hilltop fortress offering panoramic city views and museums.
• Visit Salzburg Cathedral, a major baroque monument with a grand dome and rich interior.
• Stroll along Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s famous old shopping lane with wrought-iron guild signs and historic houses.

Highlights

• Depart from Salzburg Hbf by train to Hallstatt Bahnhof (earliest 00:13).
• Experience the Hallstatt Skywalk Welterbeblick for sweeping lake and village panoramas.
• Explore Marktplatz Hallstatt, the traditional village square with historic houses and return to Salzburg from Hallstatt Bahnhof (latest 23:33).

Highlights

• Depart from Salzburg Hbf for Wien Hauptbahnhof. The train journey takes approximately 3 hours 22 minutes, with tickets starting from €20.
• Upon arrival, explore the Innere Stadt, Vienna's UNESCO-listed historic center.
• Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, the city's spiritual symbol with its distinctive patterned roof.

Highlights

• Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the imperial summer residence with grand Baroque rooms and extensive gardens.
• Discover the Hofburg, the former Habsburg winter residence, housing ceremonial apartments and courtyards.
• Walk along the Ringstrasse, a circular boulevard lined with palaces, museums, and grand public buildings.

Highlights

• Visit the Belvedere Museum, home to Klimt's "The Kiss" and outstanding Austrian art.
• Explore the Kunsthistorisches Museum, a world-class art museum strong in Old Masters and Egyptian antiquities.
• Wander through the MuseumsQuartier, a large cultural district with museums, courtyards, and a lively urban atmosphere.

Highlights

• Spend your morning revisiting a favorite spot or enjoying a Viennese coffeehouse experience.
• Travel to Vienna International Airport (VIE) for your onward journey.
• Alternatively, consider Bratislava Airport (BTS) or Graz Airport (GRZ) with bus or train connections to Vienna.