England, Austria, Scotland, Germany, Bavaria, Switzerland, Switzerland, Switzerland, Switzerland, Switzerland, Switzerland, Switzerland, Switzerland, Switzerland, Switzerland Swiss franc conversion is pretty good right now

wrenwood, I'm very tempted by Switzerland, would give me an excuse to throw Venice back in to the loop! Tell me more! Where did you stay?

If you like cool and money is not an object Switzerland is obvious - as is Scandinavia. Both have tons of thngs to see and do - both natural beauty and of historic interest.

How much time do you have and what month(s)?

I didn't say "money is not an object" I said we'd make it work.
Time: About 8 days, not including travel days.

Month: Totally open.

Spain during the off season. Either Barcelona for the whole time with some daytrips or Andalucia - Seville, Cordoba and Granada. Or perhaps split between Barcelona and Madrid (just haven't been to Madrid yet, but we LOVED Barcelona and Andalucia!!)

If you do Venice, you can fly from Zurich to Venice. If it's fall, Venice last, if it's Spring, Venice first.

However, 8 days really limits your range of travel. 2+ days Venice, Zurich and Basel and / or Berne.

Set everything up as an open jaw.

tarheeltravler ~ our first trip to Switzerland was to the BO in 2007, we stayed in Grindelwald in an apartment for 5 nights. Not enough time, as evidenced by the fact that I am already planning a trip back next year to that same area.

We have also been to Zermatt and Sils Maria and other parts of the Engadine Valley (the eastern part of Switzerland) Soglio as a sidetrip from the Engadine is amazing. You can do a Fodors search for any of these.

However, our first trip, and one I have recommended to those who haven't been to Switzerland before, is to spend time in the BO and maybe Lake Lucerne. As I said, we stayed in Grindelwald in an apartment for 5 nights, and did not find it overly touristy, we were there at the end of September. Next year we will go the end of June for the wildflowers.

The hiking/walking is as adventuresome or as easy as you make it. Cablecars, Gondolas, cog Railways will take you up the mountains. Once up there you can walk (basically horizontally, moderate ups and downs) or take more adventuresome hikes. There is always a place to stop and re-fuel along the way!

There are tons of incredible little villages in Switzerland. The white wine is wonderful (you never hear about it because they keep 95% for themselves, they don't share!) Lucerne is a charming town, we stayed at Weggis, took the boat to Lucerne. Also look up Mt Rigi, wow!

Look at some of the photos of Switzerland on Flickr or Google Images, or from some of the Trip Reports here. If they don't get you excited we need to check your pulse!

I LOVE Italy but I wouldn't spend the time going to Venice from Switzerland. Fly into Geneva or Zurich, there is SO much to see in Switzerland, it is an absolutely stunning country, and very friendly. Next year will be our 5th trip there.

I would vote for Switzerland, too. I've been 3 times in recent years. The Bernese Oberland is a must. The Engadine (and Solglio) in the east, and Stein am Rhein in the north are worth the time it takes to get there. It's truly a beautiful country.

Thank you everyone for your input. This site is so helpful! I've decided to skip Venice and just visit Murren, Switzerland for a week early next September. I reserved for 5 nights @ an apartment that is a part of Chalet Fontana. http://www.ferntree.ch/chalet/geisstili2.htm
Got my confirmation today:
I now confirm that you have provisionally booked the Geisstiliboden self-catering studio apartment with kitchen and bathroom from 5th September to leave the 10th September 2013 at a cost of 120sfr this price includes tax, free entry to the sports centre swimming pool and wi-fi.
I've read great reviews about the place and the town.
Though more than a year away, it now seems real, and we are very excited! We'll fly in and out of Zurich from Raleigh-Durham, and spend the last night in a hotel near the Zurich airport.
Again, thanks for all your help.