gn

I'm finishing work in Berlin July 19 and plan to spend about 8 nights travelling. Would like to see the Lake Como region of north Italy, but not sure how long is too long over there (love to hike, can do with or without crowds)? Planning to split the trip with one other destination - Venice or Switzerland. It might sound nuts to consider, but I'm wondering if Venice is too hot and crowded end of July? I'd love to see Venice, but would just as much enjoy the Swiss mtns (same with my wife). Also, any ideas on going from Berlin to Milan (car, train, or air), and Como to Venice/Swiss? I wouldn't mind driving if someone had a good experience to report. Grazie.

armand

My wife and I did almost the exact same trip two years ago. We spent the first four nights in Murren, Switzerland and the last four in Varenna, Lake Como. It was a near perfect trip, and a great juxtaposition of experiences. I've heard Venice is very crowded in mid-summer, but I've never been. We trained it both ways (flew in and out of Zurich) and the trip over the alps was an experience in itself. Was only about four hours from Interlaken to Milan, and then 40 minutes north to Como. First class tickets-$80-unbelievable. If you want to email me, I'd be happy to give you more details on where we stayed etc. Have fun.

gerald

i love ticino, the italian canton of switzerland, right north of como. it is an easy and pleasurable drive to go around the swiss lakes like maggiore or lugano. crowds are minimal, mainly german tourists. the food is similar to tuscan, not the heavy german food you have been eating in berlin!<BR><BR>staying close to milan, the western part of switzerland, valais, is where the spas are, not to mention mountains (monte blanc, matterhorn). <BR><BR>also in italy, do not forget the tyrol, bolzano, and lake garda. you would still be staying in italy, but the crowds may be a bit less than venice.(with this suggestion, i am trying to give you that swiss feel without leaving northern italy!)<BR><BR>don't get me wrong, i think venice is amazing, but summer and its crowds are tiresome.

PamR

Tough one! I love Venice and would go there again in an instant. However, I also did a trip where we toured Switzerland and ended up in the Lakes area in Lugano in the southern part of Switzerland(formerly Italy, and people speak Italian). We took a bus from outside St. Moritz and the ride went through the mountains and through part of Italy and Lake Maggiorre. Wonderful experience. The whole trip was wonderful, too. Because of time constraints and location I'd probably pick Switzerland. I have been to Venice in August and was surprised that it wasn't very crowded. Mostly it was Italians from other parts of Italy touring, which was fun for us. It may come down to what you most want to experience. Have a great time!

GN

Thanks for the great advice, sounds like I can't go wrong. Armond, I would appreciate some extra info. A few questions if you don't mind: Did you find yourself speding a day too long in either place with 4 nights? Would you have benefited from having a car? How did you get your rail passes? Did you train it directly from Como (through Milan) straight to the Zurich airport? And sure, I would appreciate any lodging and side trip info on either Murren or Verenna!