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Florence to Basel
Sun, 03/28/2010 - 18:30
augustin25
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I’m trying to decide between two ways to do this.

Option 1: train from Florence to Milan, stopover for 2.5 hours to see the duomo and grab some food, then 4 hours 12 minutes by train (non-stop) to Basel. We’d get in at 15:32

Option 2: train from Florence to Rome, get to FCO, fly Easyjet to Basel. We’d land at the airport at 14:45, so train from Milan will likely be a little faster once we figure in getting from the airport to city center.

The Milan-Basel train can be had for 38 euros per person, the flight will run about 65 euros once we add luggage and fees. I’m strongly leaning towards train from Milan. My wife will be about six months pregnant, and the all-train option seems less complicated/easier on her. Anyone see any big pitfalls?

Sun, 03/28/2010 - 19:31
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Quote:
Option 1: train from Florence to Milan, stopover for 2.5 hours to see the duomo and grab some food, then 4 hours 12 minutes by train (non-stop) to Basel. We’d get in at 15:32
This would be my choice, though I might go for a shorter connection and not try to see the duomo as an even less complicated option. I agree with this
Quote:
My wife will be about six months pregnant, and the all-train option seems less complicated/easier on her.
This might help with how to get around Milan: http://goitaly.about…

Note that Milano Centale is a huge train station (guide books use “enormous”) which includes a hotel and a large shopping mall. If you’re using an adult railpass (and thus have a 1st class ticket) there’s a very nice and comfortable 1st class lounge and you have.use of the elevators which are otherwise reserved for handicapped — although an obviously pregnant woman will “qualify.”

Sun, 03/28/2010 - 22:12
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augustin25
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The duomo excursion may or may not happen, we just thought of it because last time we were in Milan it was ensconced in scaffolding. The main thing is to break things up long enough to try and have a decent unrushed meal. Unfortunately the lounge won’t work for us since we won’t have railpasses and a first class ticket is 119 euros while second class is only 38 if we buy early.