I have 5 days in Europe, leaving Wed, June 19. First time; so excited! Would like suggestions on itinerary. Arrive early Thurs AM in Geneva. Leaving following Thurs AM from Stuttgart. Avoiding cities. Taking train. Would like suggestions for highlight towns in Switzerland, France, Italy, maybe Austria, and of course Germany. Looking forward to Black Forest. Traveling with husband and 22 year old daughter. Thoughts on places to stay welcomed, too.

Thanks in advance for your help!

You have 5 days - that is enough for two places - not two <i>countries</i>, two locations. Definitely not five countries . . .

For 5 days I would find a hotel i na central area - see that and do a couple of day trips. You seem to wan to spend your whole time in transit - rather than actually seeing or doing anything.

It would help to know what your interested are and what you plan on doing - other than moving from place to place.

Sounds like you have 6 days other than your arrival and departure Thursdays. As recommended above, I would suggest visiting only 2 places. Choose a country (Switzerland? Gernamy?) and focus on that.

I agree with 2 destinations.

Consider taking a train on arrival from the Geneva Airport to either the Berner Oberland area or the city of Luzern. There are lots of sightseeing options in/from both places. After a couple of days, take a train to either Freiburg or Baden-Baden. You could day-trip to Strasbourg from either. Head to Stuttgart the night before your departing flight.

Personally, I wouldn't go anywhere without hotel reservations. So, considering you're leaving in 72 hours (or less?), I think you need to see where you can find the type of lodging you want (triple room?) in your budget range ASAP.

Swiss countryside and Black Forest area would be top choices. Suggestions on where to stay? Train vs drive?

Thank you for your guidance, all.

I'm sorry, but it is very <B>VERY <red>VERY</B></red> late to be asking these questions. 90+% of the accommodations are probably booked up - is there some reason you've left everything to the last possible second?

But never mind - anyplace we are likely to recommend is probably full (and even some trans may be totally booked up)

I'd check all the booking sites, find any places that might have openings and arrange your itinerary around what is available.

So are you looking for the best town to go to in Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria or Germany? Italy and Austria are too far out of the way. I've heard that the Black Forest is, well, a forest, so probably not worth your time on such a short itinerary.

You should probably either pick France/Germany or Switzerland/Germany. In France you would be looking at the Alsace region.

What are you picturing in your mind as an awesome European experience, what are your interests? Are you looking for something relaxing, or more adventurous?

Do understand that most people on this board wouldn't even consider going to Europe for 5 days. 5 days would be a minimum for one stop on a several week tour for many people. I'm not saying that you can't have a wonderful time in 5 days, just that it's not a 'normal' trip.

Did you get FF seats? That's what normally prompts me to do rather unconventional trips.

H

Poster is also looking for apartment in Seattle to start graduate studies at UW in September. Are husband and 22-year-old going along?

Stay for two nights in Geneva (if you can get rooms) move to Strasbourg for the rest of the stay, visit Mulhouse, Black Forest and Colmar/wine route. Book rooms now.

thank you!