I need some quick recommendations for a trip to Switzerland. I am basing out of Zurich, and will have rail passes. Can you suggest some wonderful places for day-trips within Switzerland and even into Italy and Germany?? Really like to get a taste of the both cosmopolitan areas as well as native rural areas. Thanks for your help!!

Recommendations a bit difficult without knowing what time of year you plan your visit, or how long you'll be there. <BR> <BR>If you're not tied to Zuerich by business, relatives, lodging with friends we'd suggest, strongly, basing yourself elsewhere. <BR> <BR>In any event, if your visit to Switzerland is relatively short, take a look at www.twenj.com/swisszrhoneday.htm <BR> <BR>Some day trips in-country: <BR>Luzern, Jungfrau region, Bern, Stein-am-Rhine and Schaffhausen, Lugano, Basel, Liechtenstein (not especially recommended). <BR> <BR>Off hand I can't think of any commendable &gt;day&lt; trips out of country. Most would require most of your day on the train. <BR> <BR>Ed

If you are tied to Zürich, the best day trip I can think of is to visit Luzern. <BR>If you have a car, then the situation becomes a little different. <BR>BUT, it all depends on when you are there! Swinging over some of those mountain roads in winter is not a good idea, even it is possible. <BR>To see the high mountains, the most accessible place by rail is Grindelwald. <BR>But that is a 3 hour train trip from Zürich, one way. <BR>(And winter comes early to the higher elevations.) <BR>

Thanks for your input. I am actually going next week, so it should be very nice. I am basing out of Zurich for business reasons, so we're stuck there.

For a short one, go north to the Rheinfaelle at Schaffhausen. <BR>They are spectacular. <BR>Of course it also depends on how much time you have for wandering. <BR>You are leaving a lot of open ends here for those of us who have been there to give concrete suggestions. I am full of them, but time and transportation parameters need to be defined.

Dear Liz .Zurich is a great place to base yourself.Superb train station ,easy going town.If you can try getting to Freiburg.I think you can skip Bern just a big hype.Try Luzern and Chur(a bit longer ride but worth it) Goog luck

Liz.I mean GOOD LUCK&gt;

Liz: <BR>I just came back from a trip to Switzerland, beautiful place. Day trips would be to Bern (great historical district), Lucern (would take more than a day) and the best spot is Internlaken. <BR>If you are not familar with the language, I found a good site which provies travel web site, check www.dailylinguist.com <BR>Have a great trip