When we end our trip in October, we will travel by train from the Cinque Terre back to the Zurich airport. Since at the beginning of the trip we will have taken the train from Zurich to Luzern and Milan, we are thinking of taking the longer Milan-Brig-Bern-Zurich route on the way back. Is the scenery on this route worth the extra time and miles? From the map, it looks as if it would be, but it would be nice to hear from someone who has been there, seen that. If this plan sounds feasible, could anyone recommend a town to spend the night between Bern and Zurich? Olten or Aarau perhaps? <BR>Thanks for any help. <BR>Byrd Rish <BR> <BR>

Byrd, I see 2 good options for you. Why <BR>not stop in Lugano---one of my favorite <BR>towns in Europe---very cosmopolitan. <BR>Or,Get off in Brig and take the local <BR>red train up to Zermatt for the night. <BR>It is a special place and the trip from <BR>Brig is very pretty. The diversion is <BR>about 2 hours each way.

I agree with Bob - if you get a chance, spend a night or two in Zermatt. My wife and spent one of the most relaxing weeks of our lives there five years ago. No cars and you're essentially at the base of the Matterhorn. The Hotel Malva was very nice and reasonably priced. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

No matter where you go in Switzerland, the scenery is spectacular. Be careful of "miles" on a map of Switzerland. The distances are much farther than you think through the Alps - lots and lots and lots of hairpin curves going up and down the mountains. Also, you could encounter long delays if you drive into a foggy/misty area, and may want to avoid driving at dusk and after if this is your first time driving in Switzerland.

I second the motion about visiting Zermatt. Take the train up to the end station on the Gornergrat, but you will have time to drink it in if you get off and Rotenboden and walk the remaining distance. The Matterhorn is on your right, and Monte Rosa is in front of you. I have made two excursions along the Valley of the Rhone, one by train and one by car. I think a car is better because you can see more. But to do it justice you need to leave the valley. <BR>We took the train last summer from Zurich to Interlaken and from Interlaken to Luzern before we got a car. I felt that the view from the train was often restricted because you are in deep cuts or tunnels at various times. <BR>I guess the draw back to having a car is that the driver has to watch the road carefully!! <BR>If you want an eye popper of a trip, drive to Saas Grund and take the cable lift up to Hohsaas. The Michabel Range is in full view, with mountains that go well over 14,000 feet. Saas Grund is about an hour from Zermatt. <BR>A very spectacular drive is to take the road over the Grimsel Pass, or the Sustern Pass or both.

Thanks everybody! Your suggestions sound wonderful--we may have to rearrange our schedule a little, but that's the fun of planning a trip. In two months we will be there! <BR>Byrd

If you drive over mountain passes, or intend to, make sure they are open before setting out. They should still be snow free in October, but the weather above 8,000 feet can be different. <BR> <BR>My guess is that anything you do will be spectacular. It is well to plan so you can optimize your viewing. The first time I went to Switzerland I was so dumb I didn't know the Matterhorn from a ram's horn. But I enjoyed it anyhow. Let's just say that when I went back years later, I was much better prepared!! <BR>And I am going back again. <BR>