Help deciphering Swiss Rail

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Permalink Reply by Amy Schaffner on June 7, 2008 at 9:40pm

How exciting to be going on your first Untour. I am not sure of the route you are speaking of, but an easy way to figure it out is just to ask your host or Untour staff on arrival. I am pretty good at SBB site, but only w/ trains - I can't figure out the buses.

When you get there , you will be able to get information. You will also want to spend some time on the lake boats in that area - stunning. Lorarno is a beautiful city - we also stayed there a week several yrs. ago. Be sure to ask about festivals and night activities. You will enjoy pasta and gelato on a hot night out in a street cafe, watching the world go by.

You daughter will like it because there are lots of young people and a vibrant lifestyle. It is also fun to swim on the beach w/ the Italian tourists. Very few Americans there - beautiful spot.

Sorry I can't help much more w/ your planning. You will find what you need when you get there tho. Are you staying at the Fiorentino? Enjoy!

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Permalink Reply by Jane & Tom Farr on June 8, 2008 at 10:00am

Thank you for your reply Amy! It does help to know we will be able to get answers to such specific questions at orientation. We are very excited for our first Untour. It sounds awesome. We enjoy traveling on our own, and have been to nearly every state, and parts of Canada--but Europe will be an entirely new experience. I think we will enjoy the Ticino, and Venice, very much. I am trying to find a balance between planning things to do and see, yet also leaving room to fly by the seat of our pants. Yes, we are staying at Fiorentina in Locarno. Our daughter is 18, and our son is 16. You are correct in thinking they want to be where the action is!
Thanks again!
Jane

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Permalink Reply by Amy Schaffner on June 9, 2008 at 11:48pm

The Fiorentino is a fine place. The rooms back into a courtyard restaurant (w/ excellent food). I loved going to sleep listening to the lingering customers and sounds of the restaurant. You will have fine rooftop views out the windows.

There are many good places to eat tucked back in the neighborhoods - the food is delicious and up to Swiss standards. While we were there, there was a massive volleyball contest (think half naked people dripping in sweat), a rock concert, a huge fireworks display over the lake, and an outdoor movie by the lake. It is safe for your kids to go out on their own or ride the Swiss transportation themselves. Lots of young people out at night at the cafes having coffee, people watching, etc.

When my kids were your kids ages in CH, they rode all over the country on the trains - it was their favorite thing to do. So independent at such a young age! Have not been to Venice, but want to. I would like to even spend 2 wks there to really steep in the city's culture.

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Permalink Reply by Jane & Tom Farr on June 10, 2008 at 3:30pm

Thank you for the information Amy! It is good to know we won't have to have the kids on too short of a leash. (They will love the freedom!) Your descriptions are certainly building excitement here in Indy, and we cannot wait to go.

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Permalink Reply by Edward on March 31, 2009 at 6:01pm

Simply attend the UnTours orientation. They'll explain how to use both the train and bus schedules. After that it is easy.

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