Yes transports on Italian side not nearly as numerous as on Swiss side - probably because more folks go to Swiss areas.

I'm not sure it matters -- but I'm not sure it's clear when people are speaking of the Italian Alps versus the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland.

I traveled much (not all) of the "Grand Tour" in my month-long visit to Switzerland. I must admit that I would not have liked trying to fit the whole tour into a trip of less than 2 weeks. JMO.

They don't seem to open up in Northern Italy until like late June if you want to visit the Dolomiti or the Alps.

That's not our aim, either! It will be a trip of 3 weeks at least.
I submitted the links because they're good for a planning a trip in Switzerland. I also have the guidebook and the map .. so much useful information!

Hi, You don't mention how old the son is, but You might like a stop in Zermatt in So Switzerland. In July there was much snow up at higher elevations as there always is. While it is a bit touristy, and no cars, the Matterhorn is amazing. There is a small museum partly underground that is well worth a stop, and esp the second floor that explains the horrible mtn climb accident that is part of the history of Zermatt. Then there is the train up to the Gorgernaut (sp), which is an awesome ride, and a must so, and expensive, so get the Swiss Rail pass. Good restaurants in Zermatt. Also behind the church is the mtn climber cemetary with the names you many young men whose lives were cut short, their pik axes etc. Also take Swiss Rail on up to Lauderbrunnen Valley....WEngen, Murren, Grindelwald for a real treat with amazing mountains.. this is my favorite part of Switzerland. Sue

OK one more thing, do consider an open jaw trip, fly into maybe Zurich and out of some airport close to where you plan to depart. By booking these two flights separately it was much less expensive, and the airline agent told me to check this out and it was, so check this. Not sure if this is always true or just certain times of the year, but it was for me coming from US South. There are ways to cut the cost in Switzerland, like using the grocery stores, get meals included in hotel which I found less expensive esp breakfast, which maybe be included in some places. Sue

And bring anything sundries, etc you will need from home or other countries. somethings can be shockingly expensive.

As a rule, it makes more sense to book open jaw flights at one time (rather than separately) using the "multi-city" option on flight search engines.

Hi Kja, I thought the same thing about booking open jaw at the same time, but I found that Delta was significantly less expensive if I booked my flight from Atlanta to Amsterdam and then return from Zurich/Atlanta but did it separately. i did check the cost before booking, it is worth checking this, and the airline agent one night told me to try this. Perhaps is was a certain time of year or the fact I was booking pretty far ahead, just check it out. Saved a lot. Sue

@ Sue81: thanks!