zack

Hi - <BR>I need some help and you have all been so helpful in th epast. I am using Karen Brown's guides and woudl like to do 6 days in Switz./N. Italy and 6 days on Amalfi Coast next Oct./Nov. 2003. <BR><BR>Can you all suggest the best places to go to for us. We are 30, love to travel, love small towns and can skip the cities, want to see Lugano, Lucerne, Wengen, Lk. Maggiore, Como or Garda (all are suggestions). <BR>1. We would like to know how to have a relaxing place to stay as a base with gorgeous views under $150 p/nt. ($100, if possible, I know Switz. is expensive)<BR>2. What is a good base in the area for first timers? We do want to relax, too. Not too interested in skiing.<BR>3. Amalfi - do you prefer Ravello, positano or Sorrento as base for 6 days? <BR><BR>Thank you! We just returned from Venice, Tuscany, Umbria, Rome and Florence. You were all so helpful! <BR>

Lee

Zack, I can talk about Almafi better than the rest, and it depends on what you like as to where to base for six days. If you like a little more action as a city and to be closer to Naples,Pompeii, etc. then I would suggest Sorrento. If you want to rest and enjoy the views and small town atmosphere, although with many tourists esp. on weekends, I would suggest Positano. If you want higher views and a small town feel I would suggest Ravello.

suisse

Can speak for Wengen: if you want a place to stay with a gorgeous view, when you book a hotel, ask if they have rooms with a &quot;Jungfraublick&quot; (view to the Jungfrau mountain). The Hotel Caprice does, some others may as well. Wengen is excellent even as a base for 2 or 3 days; it's carless, but accessible by small train, which can also take you to Grindelwald or down to Lauterbrunnen and other sightseeing options. By all means take the train up to Kleine Scheidegg for imposing views of the Eiger mountain; or, take the gondola from Wengen up to Mannlichen, then walk to Kleine Scheidegg. If you like to hike, there are also plenty more strenuous options...<BR><BR>P.S. Try to go to Lucerne and/or Wengen in October, more of a chance of Indian summer-like weather. November can get rather cool and gray.

Kasey

Zack,<BR><BR>I was in Wengen in mid-October this year. It's an absolutely adorable town and is perfectly situated for a short stay in the area. But you may want to go earlier rather than later in the fall. Most hotels (including the Caprice) were shut down for the off-season and almost all of the hiking trails were closed when I was there. <BR><BR>Having said that, the cable cars up to Mannlichen and down to Grindelwald made up for the absence of hiking, and I enjoyed the quiet nature of the town without many tourists.<BR><BR>Hope this helps,<BR>Kasey

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

Zack, With only 12 days, you will be pressed to see the best of the Berner Oberland, the Italian Lakes and then get down to the Amalfi coast. The Lakes tend to close down after 15 Oct.--I would try to go earlier. Do you plan to drive? That will determine part of your itinerary. I assume flying into Zurich and out of Rome is your plan. Here is what I would do:<BR>Land Zurich--to Luzern--2 nites<BR>To Wengen--3 nites<BR>To a Lake destination--either Stresa or Lugano--3 nites<BR>To Amalfi coast--an all day trip unless you fly from Milan--3 nites<BR>Lst nite near Rome airport<BR><BR>Frankly, I would stay north and see Venice or the cinque terre for your last few days. And, I would go in early Oct. given a choice. Good luck !

Tim C

Hi Zack,<BR> I know that a Holiday Inn Express is not romantic or interesting ,but it is reasonably priced. We will pay $77 for three at the one located in Rothenberg, Switzerland, a suburb of Lucerne. We will be there for two nights in March.

Nancy

Dear Zack,<BR><BR>Save The Amalfi Coast for another trip -(Sorrento is a great location.<BR><BR>This past May we did Italy &amp; Switzerland and it was too much. Getting from Sestri Levante, north of the CT (great Karen Brown recommendation - Hotel Helvetia) up to Wengen was our most harrowing day - it took about 5 trains and 8+ hours later to arrive in Wengen.<BR><BR>Lucerne Switzerland is a great little city, Wengen was a great pick, and we loved the Lakes Region (loved Varenna on Lake Como)<BR><BR>Let me know if you have any further questions. Also, I agree go in early October.<BR><BR>Nancy<BR>