Hi all!
My wife and I are planning for a 4-week trip to Switzerland, with hopefully a side trip to northern Italy), from late May through mid-June.
We'd like to spend 2.5 to 3 weeks in Lauterbrunnen / Berner Oberland area, hopefully staying in Murren.
- Fly into some Swiss airport probably, whichever is cheapest.
- Toying with the idea of purchasing the Berner Oberland Swiss travel pass. But is there a "flex" version of this? I want an option like that, since many of the days we likely won't be using transport. On the other hand if get the full Swiss flex pass, I don't think it covers boats, cable cars, mountain rail, etc.
- We want to stay in one place probably (if that makes it cheapest); a quiet home base, but with easy transportation options. We want to see as much of the Alpine region as possible. We'd also like to do a bit of hiking, but nothing too strenuous. Does Murren sound like a good hub?
- Also, Airbnb vs. hotel vs. other options? Lodging in Switzerland is expensive, and want to save as much money as possible. But do want something with a small kitchen so we can prepare our own food (and save money on dining!).
Then there's the Italy bit:
- This would be 1 or 1.5 weeks. We'd take the train(?), and then fly home from Milan.
- We'd like to see the Cinque Terre. Also perhaps a Tuscan village, Venice, and Mantova area (to visit a friend).
- I'd love some input on what we should focus on in this area given our limited time and budget. And what would be easiest to get to via train or other public transport.
Thank you all for your advice!