If we're looking at favourites Montreux is at the bottom of my list. I think Bern and Luzern are higher up than Interlaken as a destination. The problem of course is that Interlaken is the gateway to Lauterbrunen and Murren, etc. <BR>One of the reasons I selected Bern is how easy it is to get to many of the very interesting places: Friburg, Thun, Lauterbrunen, Luzern, etc. <BR>Actually, just about every place mentioned is worth a visit. We all just go about it from different angles. <BR>

Suzanne, <BR>Please, don't try to see the world in one day. Please. <BR>If you intend to see Paris in a day (arriving, and leaving will leave you 1 day net)- don't go! <BR>I've been in all the places you mentioned. Paris is a MUST, and you need at least 3 whole days. London? if time is so limitted, SKIP London altogether... Paris is 10 times more intetresting, romantic, full of special atmosphere... <BR>Switzerland is an AMAZING country! Base yourself in Luzern, it's closer to the mountain area, trains are fast and very efficient. <BR>Interlaken is the base for going up the Jungfrau - fantastic, but only on a bright clear day! and go down not the same route but on the other side of the mountain. <BR>Nothing to do in Milan, unless you are a fashion professional. Lago Maggiore is magnificent, I personally think it's nicer than Como. If you get to Stresa, at the southern tip of the lake, take the boat to Isola Bella, a magnificent little island, with a charming castle. <BR>Don't go all the way to Venice for one day, please! You need 2-3 days, easy. Same with Florence! <BR>There is no sense of jumping from one city to another.

Suzane. Take the advice of experienced travelers and do a little less, taking time to enjoy the local color. Skip Naples, go on to Sorento , catch the boat to Capri Pompei is also in your path but you will miss it. Forget the Blue Grotto but do take the ski type to the top of Ana Capri. The Amalfi coast is spectacular, but you can get enough just by a ride as far as Positano. You are packing a lot of travel into a little time. Best , Jim

Suzanne. <BR>After reading the above two posts from Amik and Jim, I went back and reread your post of 8/12 at 8:16. <BR>I misread your number of days. I thought I saw 3-4 days in Paris. Rather you wrote day 3-4 in Paris. <BR>I definitely agree with the above two. All you're going to get is good at packing or using a fully packed suitcase. This is not a stay awake marathon. It's a whet your appetite trip. <BR>I would rethink. <BR>Paris over London. 3 Days. <BR>Switzerland. Bern for Swiss town (or Luzern). Day trip to Lauterbrunen/Murren/Jungf../Schilthorn for mountains. (I think better connection from Bern) to see spectacular mountains. For a little less spectacular but nonetheless stunning and to save time you can visit Mt Pilatus or Riggi both very close to Luzern if that's the path chosen. <BR>That hopefully leaves 6-7 days for Italy allowing for a travel from Switzerland. <BR>Italy. Skip Milan. <BR>Venice 2 days. About 4 hours to Florence for 1 1/2 days if you skip museums other than Academia to see David. <BR>Go directly to Sorrento where you can visit Capri (I agree try to see both Capri and AnaCapri. Possible in 1 day). Take Amalfi coast ride as far as Positano. Shorter but equally spectacular. <BR>Even this is probably one place too many. <BR>

Hello Suzanne, I agree with Myer about the beauty of Berne and the numerous day-trips possible from that city. Just have to add one --the little town of Murten. If Switzerland is still the "country to pass through", then both of Tony's routes sound great. p.s. Your itinerary makes my head spin. The more I think about it, perhaps you should follow one of Tony's rail routes and allow yourself several days in Paris and several in your 'favorite' Italian destination. I'm rattling; sorry. You've heard all this before. I guess what it boils down to is that three places to stay should be your max. I don't know if this is a factor, but the number of nights you plan to stay in one place does affect the room rates. jw

jw, <BR>I thought of adding Murten as a result of my reading, but chose not to as I have never been there.

Suzanne, <BR>Having recently visited Murten, I can recommend a few hours there (at most) if you happen to be within a 20-minute drive. Otherwise, don't waste your time. The entire old city is enclosed within ramparts that are no more than a five-minute walk from one end to the other. It's pretty, as are many older villages, but there's really nothing special to see in the village itself or at lakeside. We were there for three days last month and would have been happier going there as a daytrip (from Bern). We stayed at Le Vieux Manoir, which is quite lavish, but is basically a businessman's hotel posing as a resort. Fine setting, fine service, but lacking in the kind of warmth many travelers are looking for. <BR>Keep it simple. Tony's suggestions seem especially on target.