Switzerland and maybe Italy

Posted by ktyhss (Florida) on 06/24/24 04:13 PM

Hi travel pros,

We are traveling to to Switzerland for 3 weeks. My daughter (26) will be with us for ten of those days. My question concerns how to best use our time with her. She is flying in and out of Zurich, tickets are purchased. We plan to head base out of Lucerne for a few nights.. From there, she would really like to have some time in Italy , specifically Florence. Is this worth exploring given we have basically 8 full days and must be back in Zurich to fly home?
If not, what would you suggest in addition to Switzerland?
Many thanks!

Posted by Pat

San Diego, California

06/24/24 04:37 PM

5596 posts

When is this trip? If it's summer, Florence is sweltering , and you could have cooler mountain weather in the Alps.
Switzerland is so spectacular that I'd recommend staying up in the Alps in the Berner Oberland, in addition to Lucerne. Your daughter would lose so much of her short time traveling to/from Florence.
Enjoy this beautiful country.

Posted by Lola

Seattle, WA

06/24/24 05:59 PM

17417 posts

Yes, when is your trip? It sounds like you have not planned an itinerary or booked hotels yet, other than maybe Luzern.

Why does she want to see Florence? Has she considered that from Luzern, it is a minimum of 6.5 hours each way by train? And even longer from other locations?

Would she be content with other towns in Italy that are closer, like a small charming village on Lago Maggiore or Lago di Como? Those are much closer, and a lot more pleasant in summer. As Pat says, it is very hot there in summer. And Florence is on many lists of “over-touristed” places in Europe.

Posted by ktyhss OP

Florida

06/24/24 06:32 PM

2 posts

Thank you Pat and Lola. Our trip is in August and we have a very loose itinerary. Based on your feedback, we will take Florence out.
I like your ideas of the closer towns in Italy. I know Switzerland is beautiful and many people would stay there the entire time. We are not hikers or avid outdoorsmen. We'd like to have a mix of scenery, villages and cities.
I appreciate your help!