chris,
A few important points to consider as you plan on driving.....
- If you're renting the car in Switzerland, it will come equipped with the highway tax vignette for that country. However, you'll need to purchase one as soon as you enter Austria, as if you're caught without it, you'll face hefty fines which will be collected on the spot!
- Given the very short time frame of your trip and the area you plan to cover, I'm not sure driving will be the most efficient method, but your choice.
- For driving in Italy, each driver will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are easily obtained at any AAA office for a small charge, and are valid for one year.
- While driving in Italy, you'll have to be vigilant to avoid the dreaded ZTL (limited traffic) areas which exist in many Italian towns. Each pass through one of these will result in hefty fines. There are also highway speed cameras and the Traffic Tutor system which measures not only instantaneous speed but also average between two points. Exceed either one and again, more fines.
- If you're dealing with automated fuel pumps at unattended stations, you'll probably require a Chip & PIN credit card.
- You'll also have to deal with tolls on the motorways.
As you're not "into visiting big cities", perhaps something like this would work.....
- D1 - Arrive Zürich, Travel to Berner Oberland (stay in Lauterbrunnen or Mürren). You'll have to leave the car parked if you stay in Mürren.
- D2 - Berner Oberland - I'd suggest getting accommodations booked SOON.
- D3 - Berner Oberland - Hiking, explore both sides of the valley. You'll have LOTS of opportunities to hike and enjoy the outdoors in this area.
- D4 - Travel to Lucerne
- D5 - Lucerne - given the ages of your children, you might enjoy the Museum of Transport
- D6 - Travel to Levanto - this town in Liguria has a great beach, and I suggested this rather than the Cinque Terre as it may be easier to book accommodations given the late date, and it's also probably easier for those with a car. If you did want to try the beaches in Monterosso, it's only about a five minute trip via the local trains.
- D7 - Levanto
- D8 - Travel to Salzburg - that trip will probably take the better part of a day
- D9 - Salzburg
- D10 - Salzburg
- D11 - Travel back to Zürich - again, the trip will take most of a full day
- D12 - Flight home
This is only one suggestion, but it would seem to tick all the boxes on your list.
There's little point in suggesting random hotels until you've got your destinations nailed down. I would highly recommend having a look at some RS guidebooks for each of the places you'll be visiting, so that you can plan the most efficient touring for the limited time you have available. If you don't want to buy them, you should be able to find copies at your local Library.
