Help with Travel Plans when I am starting in Lausanne, Switzerland

Italy was a thought but was not sure if Austria or Germany would make more sense. I hear Milan is kind of a dump, which would be the closest point in Italy to get to.

Italy?

Milan a dump??? Who have you been talking to? This is one of the fashion capitals of the world. Perhaps the city center has more modern buildings than many tourists want to see, but it certainly is not a dump. The Duomo, the Galleria, the Opera House, wonderful farmers markets, the Da Vinci Museum, pretty neighborhoods with lovely old churches, all beg to be explored.

and what's the exact question? Its like dropping a pebble in a lake. Where do you want to go?

david, It would help to have some idea on what type of sights you're interested in, or whether you have a preference on which country you might like to see? I have to agree with Jo, your information on Italy is not really accurate. Milan is not one of my favorites, but it does have it's "charms". Keep in mind there are a LOT of places in Italy besides Milan. Have a look at a Guidebook for other locations in northern Italy that might interest you (if you could provide some info on your interests, I'm sure the group will have lots of suggestions). One point to mention is that the culture in Italy is somewhat different than what you've experienced in either France or Switzerland. You didn't say if you would be using open jaw flights, so that will have a bearing on which locations are practical to visit in a 10-12 day time frame. If you did want to venture into Germany or Austria, Munich and Salzburg would be excellent choices. Munich especially provides a LOT of options, both in the city and nearby day trips. Cheers!

When are you going? That will shape the recommendations

Not a dump.

Surely not trying to offend anyone about milan. The information I had was incorrect obviously. I am very into art, culture, sights, food and local people. As far as travel plans probably doing open jaw as it should be the most efficient way to travel. As far as dates, most likely end of may.
Thanks to all that have responded.

We spent one night in MIlan at the end of our trip, and it wasn't enough. We had tickets for La Scala (ballet) and loved that, as well as walking up the pedestrian street to the Duomo. The MIlanese people were the friendliest we encountered in italy (and we thought everyone was great, but the Milanese seemed particularly welcoming.) In May, you could combine a short visit to Milan with Varenna on Lake Como, a short train ride away, or Verona, or. . . lots of options. A coking class as Il Caminetto, above Varenna, was another highlight of our trip.

Be sure to include a trip to Chamonix, Francenot that far from Lausanne. Ride the Aiguille du Midi up for a breath-taking view of Mt. Blancunless you're afraid of heights. It's fabulous. I also recommend Gruyeres, Switzerland. It's quaint and picturesque and the cheese isn't bad either!

As Les said, the cheese is great.....but so is the chocolate! We took the touristy Chocolate Train one year and visited Broc and Gruyer, which was a nice one day train excursion. Switzerland makes it easy to get to France, Germany, Austria, Italy....even the Czech Republic is fairly close. I assume you are staying with your friend for a few days and then going to a different city/area and setting up a new base? How about Prague for 3-5 days ... it may make a good departure point for a flight home.

Wow! Thanks for all the good information. This is definitely enough information to get me started. I plan on staying in Switzerland for 4 days. With only 8 remaining I am likely to go to one more country and visit two to three cities max. Prague is on the list of places to see, so that sounds great. Chamonix in France is supposed to be wonderful as well. I would have to skip the tram to the top of the mountain as I would be a wreck going up. I am going to get some guidebooks, check my best flight options returning home and go from there. Thank you all again for your comments and suggestions. Always helpful!

David:
Like others earlier, I agree that Milan is a worthy destination. My wife and I scheduled our last stop in Milan on an 18 day visit to Italy a few years ago (we stayed in Milan only because we had an early flight out the next day for the US). We regretted not scheduling a couple of days--at least-- in Milan. While there take the elevator at the Duomo for the roof-top tour. As part of a visit to Milan I'd suggest a train to Verona (not as many tourists as other places) and then Vicenza staying the night in either place and another full day to leisurely enjoy both.