Buono Sera All! I have attempted a trip report several times..It won't take for some reason, so I will try again. After nearly a year of planning and exciting anticipation, the adventure is history. Many of you were of invaluable assistance, and I thank you. The trip would not have been such a success without all of you.<BR>We flew into Zurich on 6/19 and met the Peugeot rep for our leased auto. We were concerned about trunk space in the hatchback, but we were able to squeeze in everything for 4. The car was a good deal (under $1,000), was comfortable, and got great mileage.<BR>We drove to Grindelwald for our stay at the Gletschergarten (Karen Brown). Our standard room was delightful tho on the smallish side, and the view was beautiful. We did not eat meals other than breakfast, so I can not comment on the food tho we heard other guests say it was excellent. Our travel companions thought the hosts to be slightly rude and stuffy.<BR>The first full day was cloudy (one of very few), so we opted for a visit to Brien and a hike through the Lauterbrunnen Valley. We visited Trummelbach Falls and found it all breath-taking. The locals advised us to wait for the mountains til the weekend, and they were right on. We cabled to the Schilthorn on Saturday, and the day could not have been more perfect. We stopped by Gimmelwald and visited Rick Steve's haunts (sold out, I might add) and then proceeded on to Murren. The Schilthorn was amazing, and it was the highlight for my spouse. We felt on top of the world!<BR>On Sunday, 6/23, we drove to San Mamete for our 2 night stay at Stella d'italia. Thank you for an excellent recommendation, Bob the Nav! This place was romantic and our favorite of the trip. We had a large room overlooking Lake Lugano, and we stepped out our door to the ferry around the lake. We did half board, which was a good choice. The dinners, staff and family were very attentive. The weather was HOT (throughout most of the trip), and the swimming area was refreshing.<BR>On the full day, we drove 20 kilometers to Cadenabbia and caught the ferry around Lake Como. We visited Bellagio and Varenna. This hotel is an excellent choice at 173 Euros per night/half board. Its location allows visits on Lake Lugano as it is directly on the lake--and Como-very nearby. We had no trouble finding it--tho we missed the Gotthard Pass and ended up in the tunnel. We were disappointed tho the scenery was still wonderful. The Tour de Suisse was in progress and was a hair-raising experience.<BR><BR>On Tuesday, 6/25, we drove from San Mamete to Portovenere via Vendaso. I have relatives in Vendaso, and we spent the afternoon and evening with them. How can I begin to explain the wonder of this experience??!! We ate home cooked Italian food, drank plenty of vino, experienced rather loud Italian conversation and the warmth which can not be put into words. The Portovenere location was not the most convenient location--not far in distance, but a little over and hour's drive on winding roads way into the hills. They still do their wash on mountain rocks! Such a contrast to our life.<BR><BR>Portovenere did allow our friends to tour the Cinque Terre as we visited Vendaso for a second day. We ate and drank again and were taken to the Carrera area to view Michaelangelo's marble source. Fantastic. There were many tears as we departed.<BR><BR>I will post a second part. TheTraveler.

To the Top!

I'm sorry but I am getting a bit weary seeing postings entitled "The Traveler" almost each day now for about two days. Is it possible to give it a break for a while?

No, you're not sorry.

xy:Maybe a Geritol is in order if you are weary after only 2 days.

boohoo & not - **** off

Oh xy, turn off your CRT and go and take a nap. We don't need folks like you on an otherwise delightful board.

Question for the traveler. Where is Hohenfurch? We couldn't find it on any of our maps.

Hi Barbara, I think you need a pretty detailed map to find Hohenfurch. It is about 45 minutes south and west of Munich. You will see Landsberg directly to the west of Munich. If you look south of Landsberg on 17, you will see Schongau. Hohenfurch is about 4 kilometers north of Schongau. It is a quiet, tiny little village. We walked around after dark, and it was quite deserted. During the day, the cows walked through the street back to their barns. There is not much going on in the town, but it is a great location, and as I said, a bargain. We enjoyed our 2 nights there, and they was no vacancy. Let me know if you need any further details. TheTraveler.