We visited the Bernese Oberland area last September (stayed in Wengen) and completely fell in love with the region and its scenery...who wouldn't right? This year we are planning another European trip for October. We plan on flying into Barcelona, renting a vehicle, and driving through Southern France, and into Italy (western side).

I understand the Bernese Oberland is the heart of the Swiss Alps and will be hard to beat, but can you suggest any other areas similar to this with the breathtaking views, mountainside villages, etc. anywhere on our route (or within 3-4 hrs detour) that would have similar views? Maybe somewhere in the Pyrenees? Or maybe the area about Turin? Chamonix looks gorgeous but I think that might be a bigger detour than we want to make.

There is beautiful mountain scenery in the Italian Alps, in Alto Adige, and in the Dolomites. And although the mountains aren't as high, there is great scenery in the Apennines, especially in the Sibillini (part of the chain). Where are you going once you get to Italy? It's a very mountainous country, and there should be mountains somewhere near where you're going.

Agree with the above poster. The Dolomites regions a couple hours north of Venice is gorgeous. We covered the Dolomites and Bernese Oberland on the same tirp and I think both areas were gorgeous. We stayed in Ortesie

There is nothing quite like the Bernese Oberland, but the Dolomites are unique and spectacular---and less expensive.

I'd go also for the Chamonix area - where glaciers tumble practiclly down to town - thrilling mountain trains and aerial gondolas going off - incuding to western Europe's highest mountain, Mont Blanc - and to me the most thrilling cbe car ride anywhere - from Aiguille de Midi - straight up by cable car from Chamonix - across a sea of ice to Pt Heilbronner in Italy and back - at times the small 4- person gondolas stop and dange you silently over the sea of ice far below whilst folks get on and off at either end. Totally awesome ride.

And chamonix is in a lovely valley and is a neat town.

https://www.google.com/search?q=aigu...g&ved=0CB0QsAQ

for details on the areas transports and the Aiguille du Midi to Pt Heilbronner cable way (not for nervous Nellies!) check these sources: www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.seat61.com.

Again I've taken cable car rides all over Europe and nothing approaches the thrill of this one. No area IME compares with the Berner Oberland in its variety of things in a compact area but Chamonix is a really neat area too.

>> Or maybe the area about Turin? Chamonix looks gorgeous but I think that might be a bigger detour than we want to make. <<

Chamonix is only a two hour drive from Turin. Is that too big a detour?

The Mont Blanc Tunnel is a short-cut thru the Alps to Italy - yes Turin is very close.

Another magnificent part of Switzerland is Graubunden -- I loved both the upper and lower Engadine. But it wouldn't really be on your route....