My girlfriend and I are going on the Heart of Scotland tour in early October. After the tour concludes, we'll have 6 days to spend in Europe. Well, more like 5.5 days with the day the tour ends being a travel day flying out of Edinburgh. We've narrowed down our list of countries to visit to Italy and Switzerland. If we go to Switzerland I think we'd spend most if not all of our time in the Alps. My brother suggests using Interlaken as a "home base" for day trips to the various parts of the Alps. I feel this is sound advice looking at a map.
If we go to Italy, I'm not sure the best way to spend 5 days. I would like to go to Venice, Florence and Rome. But I know that isn't feasible given the number of days we have to spend. Since I haven't been to Italy, I would like some feedback on a possible itinerary. I'm guessing the food is good almost anywhere in Italy. I would like to see some museums, but not sure what are the best ones. Finally, I would like to see the Vatican and most of the "must see" locations in Rome. So, that being said, would it be best to stay in Rome for 5 days and explore the city a bit deeper, or spend 3 days in Rome and maybe 2 days in Venice?
I really can't decide which country to visit. I know Switzerland is expensive, but the Alps look amazing. I know Rome has been described as dirty, but the food and history in Italy are appealing. This truly is a toss up. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!