Really want to make the most of our trip. I have Rick's book which is a wealth of information but I'd just like to hear any ideas people on the forum might have. My husband has two must see's. (1) the Einstein Museum in Bern and (2) the Cerne Lab in Geneva. We are departing out of Geneva on the 12th. We love to hike, bike and do any outdoor activities. I contacted Rail Europe (which I can change if I need to) and I have a suggested train route from Milan direct to Bern on June 6 and on June 10 we depart from Bern to Geneva.
From the guidebook, it seems you don't need to spend a lot of time in City of Geneva and that you could probably see Bern in a day or so. If anyone has done this sort of trip and has any suggestions, I would really appreciate it. Thank you!
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
We visited CERN a couple of years ago and it was fabulous! I learned more in 3 hours from the scientist who led the tour than from a semester of college physics - amazing! Make sure to make reservations well in advance. They have a very limited tour schedule and were turning people away when we were there.
Geneva is actually well worth seeing. Although Rick doesn't rave about Geneva that doesn't mean it's not a great city, which it is! I love the old center of the city. The cathedral is gorgeous and they have extensively excavated underneath it down to the 1st century. It's very interesting to tour. The old city of Geneva has lots of unique antiquarian shops and good restaurants.
Make a day of CERN and Geneva - well worth it!
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you so much, Anita!
Posted by
Green Bay
21139 posts
Instead of Lake Como, Lake Maggiore will work better logistically. The beautiful town of Stresa is right on the main rail line between Milan and Bern. You can even get there from MXP shortcutting Milan if you like.
Consult www.sbb.ch for Swiss rail schedules, and www.trenitalia.com for Italian schedules. Rail Europe gives very incomplete schedules.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you Sam. I'm pretty much locked into Lake Como as we are travelling with friends. The first week of our trip will be spent in Venice and then Lake Como. Just wondering if maybe Interlachen or one of the other towns in that region might be a better hoping off choice than Bern for three days.?
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
I recommend Berner oberland area for your xtra days it is the train stop after Interlaken. You can stay in the valley floor in lauterbriunnen and travel up both sides by tram or trains to the picturesque villages. It is one of themost beautiful alpine regions ck it out in ricks Switzerland guidebk.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you so much! I've got the guidebook and the Berner Oberland area looks amazing.
Posted by
miami
4 posts
Agreed, that is exactly what we are doing, staying in Lauterbrunnen for 3 nights instead of Bern or Lucern. Have fun!
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you so much! You too,