We're desperately trying to make last minute arrangements for our trip in two weeks that will include Switzerland, Italy, and France. We were in Germany last year and really enjoyed the small towns, and we liked staying in one place for 2 - 3 days and taking day trips to the surrounding areas. There will be four adults traveling by car for 20 days. Below is our tentative plan and we would love suggestions about places to go off the beaten path. Also, if you have any recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and things that can't be missed please let us know. <BR> <BR>Bolzano and the Dolomites, Italy <BR>Bellagio and Lake Como, Italy <BR>Interlaken and the Berner Oberland, Switzerland <BR>Charmonix and Mt. Blanc, France <BR>Beaume and Dijon, France <BR>Colmar and Riquewihr, France <BR>Triberg and the Black Forest, Germany <BR> <BR>Thank you in advance for your help! We promise to write after we get back to let you know how your suggestions worked out! <BR> <BR>Cathy

If you're going to be in Como, definitely stop at Lago Lugano. The town of Lugano is beautiful, and even more so is a town called Carona, which can be reached by boat and fenicular. It's at the top of a hill, and it's a beautiful old cobblestoned town. There's a tiny church there with beautiful frescoes. Have fun on your trip!

If you're going to be in Como, definitely stop at Lago Lugano. The town of Lugano is beautiful, and even more so is a town called Carona, which can be reached by boat and fenicular. It's at the top of a hill, and it's a beautiful old cobblestoned town. There's a tiny church there with beautiful frescoes. Have fun on your trip! <BR> <BR>And don't forget to visit the flea market at Como, if they still have it. I picked up a gorgeous hand-worked tablecloth there.

I would seriously consider replacing Triberg with, either, Strasbourg or Luzern. <BR>

Cathy, as we all know the Dolomites are strung all over with gondolas and ski lifts. We skied Cortina and surrounding areas and the scenery is awesome! I know many of these gondolas run in the summer. One ski run we really enjoyed was starting at the top of Paso Falzareggo (about a 20 minute drive out of Cortina), taking the one-shot gondola up and skiing down 17 miles from village to village. We took a taxi back to catch the bus at the top of the pass again. You can do the same with your hiking, go as far as you want, and return via public transportation. You'll love it!

The area around Bressanone is amazing, as are the Dolomites. I was just in Alsace, and while I thought Colmar (and Strasbourg)were stunning, Riquewhir was too overwhelmed by tourism. Try Kaysersberg. Have fun.

When in Interlaken, park in Lauterbrunen and take the gondolos up either side. Murren is a no car village with a breathtaking view. You can go then further up to the top of Schlithorn, have breakfast in the revolving restaurant and hike back down. Then go up the other side to wengen and go shopping. We stayed at the Alpenruh in Murren and would go back.

I take it that by Bolzano you mean the province, Cathy. I wouldn't elect to stay in the city. The best Bolzano has to offer is shopping in the Lauben (arcade street). I would recommend you to stay somewhere in the Val Pusteria (the Rienza river valley) or vicinities (Val Aurina, or Val di Sesto for example). From there, you may go about doing the dolomiti tour. You may visit Bressanone and the Abbazia di Novacella, Ortisei, Selva, over the Pordoi pass (maybe a detour to Corvara), Falzarego pass, Cortina, Sesto, San Candido, Lago di Braies, Brunico, etc. If you have a bright sunny day, you may consider going up the lifts of the Marmolada, the ceiling of the Dolomiti. <BR> <BR> If you intend to take a splurge, the best restaurants in the area area (cost for a complete meal - antipasto, primo, secondo, dolce e caffe and 1/2 litre house wine): <BR>- La Siriola, in Hotel Ciasa Salares, Armentarola 127, San Cassiano, tel. 0471/849445 (Lit 90,000) <BR>- La Perla, strada Col Alto 105, Corvara in Badia, tel. 0471/8361327 (Lit 90,000) <BR>- Zur Rose, J. Innerhoferstrasse 2, San Michele, Appiano, tel. 0471/662249 (Lit 75,000) <BR>- Schöneck, via Castello, loc. Molini di Falzes, Falzes, tel. 0474/565550 (Lit 85,000) <BR>- Zum Tanzer, fraz. Issengo, Falzes, tel. 0474/565366 (Lit 65,000) <BR>- Pichler, via Katharina Lanz 5, Rio di Pusteria, tel. 0472/849458 (Lit 65,000) <BR> <BR>Some of these may open only after June 15th ... check before going. <BR> <BR> Regarding hotels, it really depends on how much you'll be wanting to spend, the specific village you'll elect to stay, and if you intend to get half board or not. When in the area, we stay with relatives. We have dined in many hotels and stayed once in the Armentarola, in San Cassiano ... superb! No idea on current rates. Another nice (basic) place to stay would be the Zum Tanzer (see restaurants above). Half board should run about Lit 90,000/person, which is a gift considering the quality of the restaurant. <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR>

I agree on Murren outside of Switzerland. We did that In December with the snow and all stores were closed, but views were beautiful. Re Triberg in the Black Forest. If you need a cukoo clock, go there. Otherwise the town is not that great and we have been there twice. We stayed in the small town of Ober-Walfach Walke at the Hirschen. Great inn. Beautiful inside and nice rooms. Good spot to venture out to the other cities in the areas and the Glass factory nearby. If you need the exact information before you leave, email me. I will also need tips from you on your return from Italy. We head there in October.

Amita: I was very happy to run across your reference to the flea market in Como and would love to check it out. Could you let me know the specifics (days, location, types of stalls etc.)? Thanks.