BY GENE SUTCH
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR NON-STOP, ROUNDTRIP FLIGHTS
FROM DULLES INTERNATIONAL TO ZÜRICH
You’ve booked your roundtrip, non-stop flights on Swiss or United
from Dulles International to Zürich Airport, and you’re ready for your
trip to Switzerland. There are so many exciting things to do in Zürich
and taking a train to other parts of Europe can make your journey even
more enjoyable and unforgettable.
First, here are a few travel tips to prepare for your trip:
• Download the DC Airports App for travel information at your
fingertips and to enhance your travel experience
• Bring a charger adapter that will work in the countries you plan to visit
• Research events going on while you’re there and buy tickets in
advance for places you know you want to see
• Map out your trip with things that you plan to do each day and check
local transportation options (bus, train, ride share. etc…)
While there is much to do in Zürich, the beautiful countryside and
mountains of Switzerland await, and they are in easy reach thanks
to the country’s superb rail network. Other picturesque Swiss cities,
like Geneva, Lucerne, Lausanne, and Bern, are along the way and
worth a stop.
Zürich is also well connected to Europe’s other major cities. Rail Europe
is a great way to enjoy exquisite views while traveling to new and
exciting destinations on your journey.
Start with a train ride to Milan, Italy. While in Milan be sure to visit the
Duomo di Milano, one of the largest cathedrals in the world, taking
more than 600 years to complete. At Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, you
can shop for Italian designers from Prada to Gucci to Armani while
admiring the stunning architecture. Sforza Castle is another must-see.
Built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, the castle
also houses works of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Sports fans
can check out a football (soccer) game at San Siro Stadium, one of the
largest stadiums in Europe and the home of the AC Milan.
From Milan, travel by train to Venice, where you can explore the famed
canals via water taxis and gondolas. Also visit Piazza San Marco, home
to St. Mark’s Basilica and Campanile di San Marco. Be sure to climb the
latter for an amazing skyline view of the city and canals. Before leaving
Venice check out the Rialto Bridge that spans the Grand Canal and
offers more iconic views of the city.
The next stop on your rail journey should be Florence in the Tuscany
region. It’s home to many Renaissance masterpieces including
Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, and da Vinci’s
Annunciation. No visit to Florence is complete without a ride on a
Vespa scooter and a visit to the surrounding Tuscan countryside, with
its 16th-century farmhouses and cooking classes, where you can learn
the art of pasta making.
Get back on the train for more beautiful views of Italy as you travel to
see Rome and its ancient ruins, including the Colosseum and Forum.
At night, the Colosseum is particularly memorable, thanks to the
evocative lighting. The Piazza Navona is another gem. Its impressive
fountains help make it one of the most beautiful piazzas in Rome. Visit
Vatican City to see St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican museums, which
house masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes.
From there take the train or fly back to Zürich and create more
wonderful memories and pictures to share and treasure after your
return to Dulles.
FLYWASHINGTON.COM 22 WINTER 2019/20