Ending our trip

I agree, I'd stay in the Alps. Have you considered going to the Berner Oberland rather than Chamonix? I like the BO much better.

I wouldn't go half-way around the world just to visit Geneva, but since you have to fly out of there anyway, why not see it briefly? It's a pleasant city and the lakefront is beautiful. I wouldn't give up a day of skiing in Chamonix to explore Geneva, and forget about it if your budget is tight, but would consider it in the summer.

Geneva does not fit my budget so I only go for the day. Walk around see the lake and visit the clock museum. But truthfully and xtra day in Chamonix is what I prefer. I stayed 5 nights last yr in Chamonix and loved it.

I have thought of the Berner Oberland, but I've heard a lot about how expensive Switzerland is. I'm also worried about time; we will be spending some of our time in Provence and then heading up to the Alps before flying out of Geneva, so Chamonix seemed the best option. As I said, I don't have the Swiss book, so although I've heard good things about the BO region, I don't know many details.

Have you checked your local library to see if they have Rick's Switzerland guide? Ours does. If not, you could go to a bookstore and sit and read about the Berner Oberland in Rick's book but not actually buy the book. I do that a lot when I'm researching for a trip.

Susan, thanks for the tip. I don't know if it is available there -- I will have to check!

Anton