I've already received some advice on my trip for May, but now we have settled into an itinerary and would like your thoughts on the practicalities. I was able to get a FF ticket Los Angeles-Zurich business class. That's as close to Italy as I could get. Into one city and out of another was not an option.

I arrive into Zurich at 8 am on Tuesday. My friend arrives at 5 pm. We will spend our first night in Zurich or Lucerne. I'm interested in seeing Lucerne.

On Wednesday we fly to Rome and stay five nights in Tuscany. Still thinking about where to stay. We like small accommodations with charm. Finding accommodations with twin beds will be a challenge, I think. We will either rent a car or hire a driver for a few days. I haven't looked into the cost of either yet.

My main interest is photography. My friend and I both enjoy shopping. We like visiting towns like St. Paul-de-Vence and Eze.

My friend likes to relax more than I do, so I would like to base ourselves in places where I can take off and wander on my own for a few hours at a time and meet up with her later. Hmmm, maybe someplace where she can get a massage while I search for the perfect photo opportunity -- yes, that sounds good.

On Monday we'll train to Lake Como staying in Bellagio or Varenna for five nights -- jury is still out on exactly where. I want to spend some time at the Italian Lakes and also Lugano. Is it possible to base ourselves in one location and spend time at both? I'm also intrigued about the island of Orta. Is it worth the extra effort to get there? Is five nights too long? Not long enough for all I want to cover? We will be using public transport at this point.

If we stay on the Italian side, what is the best way to get back to Zurich? From Lugano, I know we can train. I'm thinking if we stay on the Italian side, we could fly out of Milan, but that seems like a lot of work even though we travel light.

That leaves us Saturday and Sunday open. We have a reservation (with points) at Zurich Airport Sunday night as we have a morning flight on Monday.

Feedback would be appreciated.

Diane

As you get into ZRH, follow the signs as you walk out the green "nothing-to-declare" doors into the adjacent building, up and down again, buy a ticket and take a train from the platforms underneath to Luzern. You may have to change trains after 15 minutes in the main central station of Zuerich - no big deal. That will give you a chance to see Luzern and check into your hotel.

Have your friend do the same, pick her up at the station and you'll be together in Luzern in time for dinner and an early night. At every major Swiss train station there is a well-marked "Treffpunkt", a spot for rendez-vous, usually marked up above with a big cube marked "Treffpunkt - Rendez-vous" etc..

Make sure about the timing of your Rome flight, though, it takes a good hour from Luzern to the Zuerich airport, and you need to know which terminal, A or B, and be there on time, of course.

Coming back from the lakes region is best done by train, there are no budget flights to Zuerich from any of the Greater Milan Area airports (Linate, Malpensa, Bergamo), nor from others nearby.

Just a suggestion: On the Friday before you fly out, take the Palm Express coach from Lugano to St. Moritz, stay two nights in that region by the lake, doesn't have to be St. Moritz (kinda ritzy) but beautiful area all around.

Then on Sunday take the train to Zuerich.

WK

Topping.

Thanks for the advice, Wally. Any other comments?

Diane

My friend and I spent a few magical days at Albergo Olivedo in Varenna. We were in room 21 (top floor on the corner). The ferry stops right in front of the hotel so it has VERY convenient access to other towns on the lake. The floors were squeaky and the bed could have been more comfortable but none of that mattered when we saw the view out of the windows. The only downside is that it was mandatory to pay for dinner there whether you ate it or not. The food was fine, but not especially memorable. The owner, Laura, is a real character.

While at Lake Como be sure to visit Villa Balbianello--another bit of heaven.

Oops--I forgot to continue in my first message and recommend Il Giglio Hotel in Montalcino. Try to get room 1 which has a private terrace with an amazing view over the town. The accomodations were excellent and the staff couldn't have been more pleasant. While in Tuscany be sure to visit Sant Antimo monastery which is south of Montalcino.