saladlover

My husband and 2 kids (16 &14 yrs old)are planning to visit relatives in Switzerland (Zurich, Bern, Weinfelden, Sursee, Solothurn)for a couple of weeks in August. I have been many times, but the kids have only been once and they were quite young. I was thinking of taking a "side trip" to another country for a couple of days without the swiss relatives. Any suggestions? Some place close enough that is worthwhile. Would it be best to take the train? I will probably have access to a car, but don't want any hassles. How far is Paris by train?thanks in advance for all your advice

bobthenavigator

Since it is August, I would train to Lugano and then bus over to Mennagio on the west shore of lake Como. The kids will love the lakes.

saladlover

thanks for the idea

swandav2000

Hi saladlover,

I thought you may want to go to Lyon and/or Lake Annecy. But Paris is a great choice too! Bern to Paris will be about 4.49 hours by train: leave at 8.32 and arrive at 13.21, no changes.

You can check out various schedules at www.rail.ch.

Best of luck!!

s

saladlover

thanks for the recommendations..

jmw

In case you have not decided, and since you say a few days, how about the Cinque Terre? Walks, spectacular scenery. No? J. (I'm trying to think like a teenager.)

KathrynT

From Como you can also go a short distance to Milan. It is fairly quiet in August but the main tourist areas will be open.

saladlover

what and where is Cinque Terre? Never heard of it.

suze

Cinque Terre is a series of five towns on the coast of Italy (nearest large town La Spezia) which you can hike between: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore.

*BUT* my suggestion was going to be taking an overnight train to Venice or Paris. I've done both but from the Geneva area of Switzerland.