Frence Riviera (Nice) vs. Swiss Apls (Berner Oberland)

Sorry...I meant the "French Riviera" NOT the "Frene Riviera."
-Grant

If you don't have time for stops in France, then I would fly; see www.skyscanner.com. A train from Barcelona to Interlaken takes 10.5 hours with 3 connections, via France. There is no longer an overnight train between Spain and Switzerland. See links for train schedules, ticket cost overview, and more rail advice at http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains.

April and early May is the off season in the Berner Oberland and you may find that your hiking is muddy and smelly due to the generous spraying of animal waste on the hillsides as fertilizer. Most hotels will be shut, and the annual maintenance of the transport links may mean you have to take alternate routes.

I love that area, and will be there a few weeks later than you would have been, but I would tend to skip the area in late April/early May.

The Cote d'Azur - the Riviera - would be lovely at that time. I go frequently, but earlier - usually February - but strolling Monaco, Villefranche, Nice, Eze, and all that area would be lovely. Lots of good food, too, cheaper than Switzerland. If you do go to Nice, check out the morning market and have some lovely hot tasty Soca for me.

No question, stick with the Mediterranean all the way to Rome if you can.

The weather in Switzerland might not be that great in April-May...you might get a couple of good days but it could also be rainy and cloudy. I would go for a more sure thing and stick to the Riviera where the weather is more likely to be good!

Thank you so much for all the feedback and advice. Your responses are extremely helpful!
Cheers,
Grant