Agree that you are attempting way too much and need to hone in on what's important. And that means limiting number of changes of hotel - which can take most of a day. You can see Pompeii via a (very long) day trip from Rome. Seeing the Amalfi coast is very difficult -since the train doesn;t go past Sorrento - after that you are on the interminable local bus - or possibly the ferry. But the need to change to multiple forms of transit will make this a very painful experience and what you would see in a day is minimal - esp since the greatest sight in the area is Pompeii IMHO.

Suggest you make a list of what you want to see where - and how long it takes to see. the MIchelin guides used to (may still) tell you how long it takes to see sights (ie 3 hours versus 1) so you will know you re being realistic.

Well, we have been reading and learning so much from all of you! We have decided to eliminate Pisa, Heidelberg & Wurzburg. Those were the 3 lowest priority areas. I believe we have freed up much time just taking those out, especially since Heidelberg & Wurzburg were so far north from everything else. However, our only "out of the way" is Madrid, which is to see family. We do have to allot 2 nights there. We won't be doing much traveling there, which is ok with us. We just want to see the fam! Now we are reconsidering starting in Italy as it will be our most ambitious area. Possibly end there and fly Naples to Madrid vs Frankfurt to Madrid. I think (and hope) this will allow the slower Fussen visit to aide us in recovering from jet lag. However, I haven't had the chance research flight times of departing Munich vs Naples to Madrid. I believe that will be a deciding factor!

Next decision-drive through Austria to/from Fussen to or from Switzherland (depending on where we decide to start). I'm not sure through Austria is a fast route or adding unneeded miles/time.

I will use the Micelin maps as it does seem to be very detailed!! Thank you!

Try to fly into one city and out of another. Known as 'open jaw'. Flying into Italy and out of Madrid strikes me as the way to go as Madrid is far removed from the rest of your itinerary.

Going through Austria so someone can 'see Austria'
makes no sense. An Austrian Alp looks like a Swiss Alp looks like an Italian Alp looks like a Lichtenstein Alp! I've driven through all 3 and they all looked similar to me. LOL

ParisA is right. Consider that you will "see the Alps"' , not the Alps in every country. Not necessary on this trip.

ParisA & Charnees- So, I should route us through Germany to Switzerland? (Still have decided which end to start on) but either way, we will be in Fussen & Speitz, one after the other. It appears taking the Austrian route will be more time consuming, that is not what I would like! LOL And if it all pretty much looks the same, then not really a big point in driving it for no reason! Besides, I do plan on getting mom to Austria for at least dinner/evening views while we are at the Ludwig castles. I guess all that matters is-she can say she went and saw it! LOL

I guess now, flight decisions & then maybe I will do a new post with revised itinerary and let you experts validate that I'm on the right track for her to have a wonderful time! :)

Where is Spietz or Speitz? I'm familiar with Spiez, a pretty little town on Lake Thun. It's one stop west of Interlaken, access to the Bernese Alps area.

Hello Mimar, yes, Spiez, I believe. We are actually going to Aeschi? I believe it's spelled like that. But Mom said I'd be able to find Spiez on the map easier. Our family is from Aeschi, which is where my Great-Grandfather had a cabin that still exists-that's what we are going to go see.