Swiss Alps/Italian Alps Itinerary

Hi,
Nice trip opportunity! Combining both destinations in 12 days is ambitious and I do have a few comments/suggestions for optimization.

1/ As you have seen, the distance between Switzerland and the Dolomites is longer than it seems...and Cortina takes you to the far side of the Dolomites, making it less ideal.
I would consider Val Gardena (Ortisei, S. Christina, Selva) as an alternative, or Rick Steves' favorite Castelrotto. You would save quite a bit of driving time.

2/ 1 night in Appenzell is not enough because you would have to leave early to drive to the Dolomites. Do you think you can drive there on Day 1, and stay 2 nights? Driving after long flights is not recommended, but we are talking about a 1-hour drive from Zürich here so it is doable.

3/ in your timeframe, seeing both Lake Geneva and Lake Como does not feel balanced. You do not have much time for the heart of the Swiss Alps. I would skip Montreux, which is an outlier, and stay either in the Engadin valley (Pontresina, for example) or in the Berner Oberland (Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen for example). The Engadin is perhaps a hair less spectacular, but it is a much shorter drive. If you do choose the Engadin, you could shorten your stay there to 2 nights and add 1 night in the Dolomites.

I would check with Aescher house. I have hiked up in that area, and we had to use a pay lot across the street. There was a lot at the bottom of the lift that may provide parking for overnight guests, but Aescher house would know for sure.

Thank you both for your replies. Balso, i modified our itineray based on your suggestions. THANK YOU!