Driving from Lauterbunnen, Switzerland to the Italy's lake district. Planning on staying one or two nights. Then, we plan on driving to Tirano and going over the Bernina Pass and on up to Zurich. Anyone know the time we need to allow for these treks? Also, we love to walk and/or hike and enjoy the outdoors. Any suggestions of ways to best utilize our time while in the lakes area <BR>will be appreciated. Grazie

topping

three days. Don't miss Guarda Bardolino <BR>& Sermione if you have a spare day

For a good handle on driving distances and routes, go to www.viamichelin.com. You'll get maps, hotels, and restaurants along the way. Plenty of good hiking within minutes of Lauterbrunnen. The scenery there is also considerably more interesting than near the Italian lakes, in my opinion. We were at the lakes several years ago. Stayed at Menaggio and visited Bellagio. It was OK for purposes of recovering from jet lag, but nothing special. I find the lakes in the Bernese Oberland more appealing. Others may disagree. Also depends on which of the Italian lakes you visit.

We spent some of our time horseback riding - it was incredible.

<BR>Allow PLENTY of driving time. It is so scenic, and winding roads, and you'll want to make stops along the way too. <BR>Cathy, where did you go riding? And do you remember the cost? We are always looking for someplace to ride on our trips. Can't always squeeze that in though.