wfd

My wife and I are going to Europe for our anniversary the end of July. We fly into Zurich, and I would like to see a couple countries we haven't been to. Is it crazy to think we can drive from Zurich into Northern Italy, to Venice, then to Slovenia and return through Austria in a week? I prefer the flexibility of renting a car..is this crazy too? We love mountains, and I know with our compressed schedule we won't be able to experience all we should, but is our ambitious endeavor logistically possible? Any help would be appreciated.

susan001

That sounds like way to much for one week. I'm doing an entire week just in Switzerland and I feel it's not enough time to really explore the country. There are areas of Switzerland I'm having to save for another trip. I suggest focusing on one country.

pja1

Hi wfd,
Way too much in my opinion. I'd suggest getting a rail pass (public transportation will take you practically everywhere) and seeing Switzerland. If you truly love mountains, be sure to stay "in" the Berner Oberland. With 6 or 7 nights, I'd pick 2, maybe 3 locations to base from.
You can of course rent a car, and drive through Switzerland to Austria, Italy, etc. but you'll do just that...drive through.

Paul

wfd

Thanks for the advice. I guess I knew it was rediculous, but I wanted to defer to the experts. By the way, my wife agrees with you. Let's try another shot at this. I've wanted to see Venice, and I heard Slovenia is a hidden gem, but I can forego these. I have been to France and Germany. Is it still too ambitious to try to hit two countries - ones I have dreamed of since my youth - Switzerland and Austria. Go ahead and have at me...I can take it.
Walt

altamiro

> Is it still too ambitious to try to hit two countries - ones I have dreamed of since my youth - Switzerland and Austria.

If you base yourself in the border area (e.g. Lake Constance, or further south around Liechtenstein) - then it is easy (but there is not much difference between both sides of the border). Otherwise, it is still madness. Why do you want to spend your entire holidays in the car?

pja1

Hi Walt,
Sorry, I'm not going to "have at you". I agree that the differences between Switzerland and Austria (scenery wise) isn't worth the travel. I'd stick with Switzerland (and a rail pass) since you're flying to Zurich with seven days. I think after spending one day in the Berner Oberland, you may never want to leave.
You could spend most of your time driving if you prefer.
Just a sample itinerary (only because we're familiar with these places)...First day, get your car and stay in Appenzell or Leichtenstein area. Drive out to Oetz Valley in Austria, head south and stay in Solden. Head south to the Timmelsjoch pass, and stay in the Meran/Tirolo area, Italy. Drive through Val Venosta (Italy) and cross into south eastern Switzerland. Then work your way up to Zurich. If you decide to go this route (stay in Switzerland), I'd be glad to give you more info on it.


Paul

wfd

Thanks to all - especially Paul. I appreciate the details in your suggestions. Just got back from a banquet, so haven't had a chance to check out much yet. I did speak with a couple at the banquet who suggested a rail pass also. Looks like I may have to forego the freedom of a car, but what do you do if you pick a base of operations, visit someplace for a day, then decide to stay w/o your luggage. I am starting to get more of a vision for the trip, and more focus, but realize I have a ways to go. All suggestions are welcome.
Walt

pja1

Hey again Walt,
While we've never stayed overnight w/o our luggage, we have visited places we would have liked to stay but had a place to go back to. I understand your thoughts here, but we always assume (and sometimes are fortunate to) that we'll be back someday. This would obviously mean your paying for a room for you to stay in and paying for a room for your luggage to stay in. My personal opinion would be, with a rail pass, base in Luzern (lakeside setting w/ mountains) and Wengen (my personal favorite).

Paul

susan001

Hi Walt,
Here's my solo itinerary:
Fly into Zurich --
2 nights in the medieval village of Stein am Rhein
1 night Luzern
3 nights Murren (in Berner Oberland)
1 night Spiez (on Lake Thun, to explore lakeside towns and castles)

then on to meet a tour group for an additional 2 weeks.

I purchased an 8-day consecutive Swiss rail pass from BETS (budgeteuropetravel.com)

They tell me this will also include all boat trips and gondola trips (except for Schilthorn) in the Berner Oberland.

Check out Gemut.com for more ideas or buy Karen Brown's Switzerland (guide book).

Also buy this month's issue of National Geographic Traveler for an article on Slovenia.
Susan

wfd

Thanks Paul and Susan,
Your info is very helpful. You have helped me narrow things quite a bit, and look at dispensing with the car. Spending time in Berner Oberland - Wengen, Murren/Birg, and Luzerne looks definite.
Thanks again.
Walt