Berner Oberland and Positano, Italy

Kris - Positano in Amalfi Coast would be ideal for the family trip and it wouldn't be a challenge for your mom to navigate unlike Berner Oberland. The alpine views in Berner Oberland are amazing to see but in March it will still be cold and snow on top of the mountains. You're used to the warm climate in Dallas, I am not not sure going there in March would be a good idea. It's better to head to Berner Oberland in the Summer. The weather in the Amalfi Coast is very mild in late March.

Only six nights?
Well leaving from Positano you can fly direct to Geneva from Naples and then take one the scenic trains from Montreux to Interlaken get off and then take another to the heart of the Berner Oberland: Lauterbrunnen. Either stay in Lauterbrunnen or one of the mountain towns like Murren or Wengen. It is indeed very beautiful naturally there.

Yes I agree with the previous poster if you have an aversion or low tolerance for cold weather don't go to the Berner Oberland in March. I have been in July and May and it snowed the latter time

With only 6 nights, the logistics of traveling between two such disparate locations are challenging and expensive. Not to mention March is not the ideal time for Switzerland except perhaps Luzern. Did I mention it is expensive? Stay in Italy. Perhaps Positano and Florence, for example. Fly into Naples and out of Florence if at all possible, then three nights each place. Or Positano and Venice. Either would be surely memorable for you both. Nice train trip between them, too, and something she’s not done.

SEE!! THIS is the perfect info I needed!! Thank yall SO much!! I will for sure nix Switzerland then. I agree- we will stay in Italy. Should we do the relaxing Amalfi Coast and add in a hustle and bustle of Rome? Or Venice instead of Rome. I'm concerned we wouldn't appreciate the fine art Florence has to offer.

You'll maximize your sightseeing time on this short trip by not covering too many miles. I think the Amalfi Coast and Rome would be a great combination, and staying that far south will increase your chances of avoiding miserable weather. You can take a look at actual, day-by-day, historical weather statistics for places you're considering on timeanddate.com . The data goes back at least ten years, so you can look at March 2019, March 2018, etc. Check a minimum of three years. I'd prefer April rather than March, myself, but I will do nearly anything to avoid cold, wet, weather.

I took my own mother on several trips to Europe when she was in her mid-60s up to about 71. It was one of the best things I ever did.

Add some extra days if you can. I'm almost 68, and jetlag affects me more now than it did when I was younger. I am a lot less likely even to nap during the overnight flight traveling to Europe, so the arrival day is utterly useless.

I totally agree with the Positano/Rome idea. Rome has so much to offer. Positano will be off season, and probably not a lot going on. In March the beaches will be near empty, can be chilly, and I am not sure that 3 days there won't be too much. Don't forget getting up all those stairs can be exhausting as well. We were there recently and while I thought I was in great shape, it got to me (also from Texas).

Rome on the other hand, she has so much to do and see that doesn't require so many steps!

Switzerland, especially the Bernese Oberland is gorgeous. While positively lovely in the summer, it is a sight in winter as well. So beautiful with all the snow and charm. Thun is a lovely little town She would enjoy Lucerne too! Such a beautiful city. I wouldn't hesitate to visit here, and if your mom is a young 70, why not? The biggest concern is only having 6 nights. The trek alone to Positano is to me more tiresome than flying in to Zurich and training through the Alps. With only six nights, jet lag, and distance, it's going to be tough.

Positano is AMAZING and we loved it there! Someone may have already mentioned this (I didn't read all the other comments), but another idea you might consider is to stay in Varenna on Lake Como instead of Positano OR go from Positano to Varenna (though it might be a long train ride, it would be a great way to be able to see a large portion of Italy and some amazing scenery!)

Varenna has a different landscape than Positano, but Lake Como is so beautiful and has such a calm, relaxed vibe... we really loved our time there almost better than most of the places we went in Italy! There are ferry boats you can take to the other towns and sites on Lake Como and some great food and shopping if you want... Also, there is a scenic train to Switzerland (the Bernina Express) that leaves from Varenna! We took it to St. Moritz, but there are other routes if I remember correctly.

Just an idea ;-)

Also, how exciting for you to be able to take your mom on such a fun trip!!

elandrum, what month were you at Lake Como? I wouldn't think March is a good time to go to the lake district.