Should we set the date for Dec 30 or make it earlier in the week?

Does anyone have any objections to Lugano?

Dec 30 is ok for me. you want me to modify thread title? ;)

Okay, let's go with it. Change the thread title and I will rewrite the original post.

If the meet's on Dec 30, I will be in Germany before and after. I'm undecided as to the mode of transport, but I would probably drive - if I do, I can pick you up along the way if you like, Chris. Let me know.

Oh, and Ralf, the same offer extends to you as well.

I see another FlyerTalk-roadtrip on the horizon :D ^

You don't have to make too many turns on this trip. I've gotten on E35 near Dusseldorf and driven it all the way to Lugano. In fact, I even made a side trip to Strasbourg and then gotten back on E35.

Incidentally, if any of our attendees are gambling fans they have a big treat in store for them.

About a ten minute drive from Lugano will bring you to Campione d'Italia.

By a quirk of history, this is Italian territory but is completely surrounded by Switzerland. For many years it had a traditional, fairly small, European-style casino but it was completely rebuilt in the last two years and is now the the continent's biggest casino.

Strangely, it mixes European and American traditions. In the European room, a jacket and tie is required. In the American room, dress is informal.

And, although it is in Italy, you have to bet in Swiss Francs.

Well, I live in Switzerland ... And Lugano is always nice. But I have no ideas yet on how my year-end will look. At this stage I guess I could qualify as a possible and tentative attendee. Will BEYflyer attend?

Dovster I was checking direct flights from BGO to MXP. I will not be using points as I do not have enough of them to get ther in any case. Will fly regular coach. Will continue checking what is available. Any good search engine suggestions to try? Or places in FT to check to find one?

f4free, I very much wish BEYFlyer were coming but he is completely tied up for December with family obligations.

okflyer, I just looked at Orbitz.com and while I did not find any non-stops from Bergen to MXP, I did find many with only one stop. Not knowing exactly when you want to fly, I chose a Dec 29 departure and a Dec 31 return.

I found that Alitalia had the best combinations available.

The least expensive ($292 including all taxes) has you leaving BGO at 12:15 pm, connecting in AMS, and arriving at MXP at 7:15 pm.

The shortest itinerary has you on that same flight out of BGO but with a much shorter connection in AMS, and arrives in MXP at 4:30 pm. It costs, however, $383 (taxes included).

Dovster, I checked some Norwegian sites as well and they are somewhat cheaper. Leaving BGO about 6.30 AM on KLM ariving at MXP about 11.25 AM

Leaving in the morning at 9.15 from MXP and arive at BGO 4.45 PM both via AMS. price about $265.00. Asuming everything works out family obligation wise that looks like what I will probably do. The good thing is I get miles on my Alaska Airlines milage plan flying KLM!! :D

How long time does it take from MXP to Lugano?

It should take about an hour. (BTW, do not rent from Avis in MXP.)

The bus costs 40 Euros r/t and will wind up being a lot less expensive -- even if you wind up taking taxis both ways from Lugano to Canobbio.

Wow - Sounds interesting. I am living in Zurich and my cousin lives in Canobbio. I think they took me to the "Grotto Ticinise" when I visited a few weeks ago...will check my receipts. Dovster, did you get a final confirmation on the restaurant's name??

Hoping to firm up my Christmas plans this week. Will be in the US until about the 28th, so hopefully can hop on the Cisalpino and join everyone. Put me as tentative (+AFBrat) BTW - the trains from Milan-Lugano OR ZRH-Lugano are both beautiful trips!

Could possibly help with the reservation as my cousin speaks a bit of Italian.

Best,

fduvall

Dovster, thanks for the tip about Avis! :D I will check on taking the bus and taxi from Lugano.

Fduvall, right now everybody is on the tentative list. We will divide it up into "Definite" and "Possible" a bit later on.

"Grotto Ticinese" is a generic term unique to Ticino for restaurants which specialize in grilled meat. There is at least one restaurant with that actual name but it is not in Canobbio.

I haven't checked back with my UIG because I am certain that she will not know the real name. This will have to wait until she gets to Lugano next time and can look in the phone book, call them, and ask about the actual name.

Looking at the map, however, I am fairly certain that the name is "Ristorante Canvetto Federale".

Either way, it is no problem. As long as we have less than 15 people, I am certain that we can get a reservation even as late as the day before the Meet. If we have more, I very much doubt that we will have a problem making a reservation on Dec 1.

At the very worst, there is a charming restaurant/pub in the center of Canobbio we can use as a backup. Nobody except locals goes there and Canobbio is so small that it is never even close to full.