Suggestions for Italy trip
 

My husband has business in Basel, Switzerland on June 5-8, 2006 and we would like to go to Italy before we come home to the U.S. We are first timers to Europe. We can leave on the morning of the 8th to go to Italy. We have 4-6 days (not sure since we haven't booked a flight yet as to how long we will stay) to see Italy. We will fly out of Italy. I need some advice first of all as to how to get there from Switzerland. I'm assuming the train is the best way to go. I'm confused with the system. Can you just get a train from Basel only to Italy? We are not concerned as to where we stay, I'd prefer accomodations that are cheap, since we only need a place to sleep and shower. I'd rather spend our money on good food and seeing sights. We love the history and beauty of Italy. Can anyone please help us?? Any response would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thank you!

Basel to Venice is an all day (almost 8 hour) train ride. [For train schedules, if you google 'Die bahn', then you will get several hits, there is a Die Bahn website in the U.K. that is easy to use (easy for me to use).]

With 4 to 6 days, two cities/ towns is really all that you should undertake.
There are plenty of wonderful sights in northern Italy.

Have a good trip.

If you have a choice between 4 or 6 days, definitely take 6! Even in 6 days, of course, you can only see a tiny fraction of Italy. I would do 3 days in Venice and 3 in Florence.

Nina, with your time limit, check out flying with whichbudget.com and see if you can fly to either Venice or Florence. I agree that I'd limit it to 3 days each city, with maybe a daytrip from Florence to Siena.

I don't know what you consider cheap when it comes to accommodations, but as a general rule staying in cities in Italy is expensive, while staying in the countryside is cheap. However, getting into the countryside usually requires a car. Would you be willing to rent one?

But if you don't mind my saying, I would suggest that you figure out what you are looking to get out of Italy. To steep yourself in a small historic city like Mantova or Perugia, or to glimpse Rome? Or would like to be in the hills on a farm or winery? Or see a legendary city like Florence? Hang out at the beach?

You find plane or train connections to all these different experiences. What do you think you'll be most in the mood for following business in Basel?

Thanks for your responses, the information you gave is great!

Nina