Switzerland for a week on down to the Italian Lakes Region for another week

From Rick’s recommended locations in the Berner Oberland (let’s use Lauterbrunnen) you take two trains to Spiez (one to Interlaken Ost then another to Spiez) then a direct train to Milan if you can get the EC that runs at 1205, 1405, and 1605.

Do you have Rick’s book? He explains transportation In Switzerland very well.

Better order of travel, IMO, would be Bern, Lausanne, Berner Oberland, Luzern, Como.

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend trying to see three cities in 3 days.

I’m not sure what you’re looking at, but this is Rick’s suggested itinerary: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/switzerland/itinerary

No mention of Lausanne in the first 3-4 days. Rick’s plan actually starts with the BO area. But if you are flying, it might make more sense to start to start where your flight arrives. But not always.

Travel by train is easy, if you can manage your own luggage. You can take the train to Lake Maggiore or Como, but there will be several connections required. No direct train from the BO.

kenbkb,

Switzerland has an incredible rail system, and all of it is electrified. Access to some locations is via Post Bus, and these are linked to the rail system for very efficient travel.

With only 3-4 days, I'd suggest a more relaxed schedule, with 3-4 days in Lucerne and another 3-4 days in the Berner Oberland (Lauterbrunnen, Mürren or wherever you choose to stay). Use each location as a "home base" to explore each area. Spending three days in three cities is not going to be a pleasant holiday.

It's easy to get from Switzerland to Milan and the Italian lakes, but several train changes may be required. If you have specific routes in mind, the group here will be able to help you work out the details.

Much obliged to everyone.

From the Bernese Oberland the easiest route to Como is via Luzern, so you could as well do the Oberland first and then move to Luzern.