SLifestyle

We will be ending a Rhine cruise that starts in Amsterdam and ends in Basil Switzerland July '18. Traveling with another couple all in our 50's. We like busy days but don't want the big three and would like to stay out of heavy tourist areas if possible, more or less. We are not concerned with budget and really open to anything but another cruise. We also do not want to rent a car, so we would fly and train. What have people done that would let us feel the beauty of Italy (we have been many times but only Como 1x) including food and culture but not too rushed. Given that we will start in Basil we could also go to France then Italy. Thank you

neckervd

A train ride from Basel to the Italian border lasts 2 1/2 hrs. But what will you do in Italy, what are your interests?

Jean

If you limit yourselves to plane and train, I think it will be difficult to stay out of heavy tourist areas in July.

SLifestyle

Is there an area or two where we can stay in a Villa where and use a taxi or car service to get around ? We have done and love Tuscany and Umbria. I get very car sick so days of driving is hard, for me. We have driven in Italy before and would love to avoid daily drives that last hours. I just started reading about Dordogne in France? Just looking for a splurge week in Italy(or maybe France) that is more focused on food, hikes and culture than tons of driving.

PalenQ

Trains are fantastic! For good sources of info - www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com (check out online European Planning & Rail Guide for where to go by train) and www.ricksteves.com.

Dordogne is always great but long train ride so fly to say Bordeaux for that.

How about something closer to Basel in France - like Alsace or Burgundy - easy to base in a smallish town like Colmar and Beaune and take local transports along the wine roads from each town to cute wine villages (which could also make nice bases) - each area short enough train ride from Basel (especially Colmar).