mawelber

Going to Europe Dec. 15-24. Flying into/from Zurich...

I am completely open as to where to go. I would like to visit 2 or 3 cities, and or countrysides and get the most culture/experience out of them. I like cities as well as quaint little serendipitous "finds." Would like a minor winery experience too if possible.

I have only been to Italy years ago. Where in Europe would you recommend that I MUST see and experience? I would like to stay somewhat close to Zurich. Spain might be too much travel time.

Thank you so much!

suze

You've only got 9 days on the ground. I'd stay in Switzerland. It's an incredible country.

swandav2000

Hi mawelber,

Unfortunately, at the time around the Christmas holidays, most hotels in the wintery resorts require a 5- or 7-night stay. Also, the best hotels (the best bargains, the best views, the best atmosphere) are already booked up; many guests make their reservations for next year as they are departing from this year's stay.

You may have some luck if you opt to stay in the cities, such as Bern or Brig, and then take day-trips into the snowy mountain resort villages.

You can begin to learn about Switzerland and its mountain resorts at the Swiss national tourist site,

www.myswitzerland.com

Just look under "Winter" or "Winter Destinations."

Good luck!

s

Viajero2

You have a week, not a year, so grab a map of Switzerland, a guidebook, and the National train line schedule. Don't even bother to post anymore until YOU do some baseline work first.

suze

Oh dear, Please do ignore the poster above, how rude! There is no requirement to research before asking a general question here.

I personally love the Vevey/Montreux area, one hour outside Geneva. It's gorgeous. I've always wanted to be there over the holidays to be able to go to the Christmas market in Montreux.

Viajero2

YEP, rude...that's me!! LOVE IT!!!..then again, if you post such a DA remark as >>Where in Europe would you recommend that I MUST see and experience?<< then you are BEGGING to be called a DA... I just could not resist!!!

LJ

Zurich has a wonderful array of things open to the tourist-do not miss the Marc Chagall windows at Fraumunster. Switzerland is a country that really 'does' Christmas, too, so you will find it has charms to keep you interested even if you never leave that country.

If you do decide to make it two countries as opposed to just one, plan carefully as this is a busy period for travel for those who live there...think abou the countries immediately adjacent or very near (France, Italy, Germany). Then pick a city that appeals and think about a train trip that turns the journey into an adventure.

mawelber

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I really appreciate it.

This forum is to ask/share/bounce ideas. I guess you are very narrowminded Viajero.

StCirq

I don't think Viajero2 is narrow-minded. I think you asked a question that was ridiculously broad: "Where in Europe would you recommend that I MUST see and experience?"

What if I told you the Chateau de l'Herm...huh?

I mean, let's turn the question around and ask the same thing of the USA. ????

Without some parameters, it is an impossible question. What I might consider a MUST SEE might be so far down on your list as to be negligible.

It was an impossible question, and I agree that you should have done some basic research to begin with to at least narrow down the possibilities, given your own preferences and budget. I've made hundreds of trips to Europe and I wouldn't even begin to try to answer a question like this.

worldclass

if you're flying into and out of zurich as i understood your post, i am assuming you are planning to stay in the switzerland area. one thing i can recommend doing this early as part of your research is to look into the diff rail passes once you have decided on the cities you are going to visit.

i am right now in the middle of planning our forthcoming trip to switzerland. i am taking longer than i want on the rail pass choices. this forum had been a great resource for me. there is a regular poster here, larryincolorado and palenQ who are very knowledgeable about the rail system in europe. one link i have been steered into by posters here is(which btw is a great resource as well) is budgeteuropetravel.com. i bought my rail passes through them and the people who answer the phones and take your order seem very knowledgeable on the topic as well.

have fun planning your trip!

Viajero2

Thank you StCiq; my point exactly.

I think we would be in much less of the mess we are in if we were a bit more demanding on true efforts and real work...