Side trip from Basel Switzerland

Stew, "I really have to figure what airport to head home from." I've used Milan / MXP in the past with Air Canada flights. This usually means a change in Frankfurt though (not really a big deal, as I've never had any problems with that - also only have to check luggage once on code share flights). On my trip this year, the travel time was 9-hours exactly from Frankfurt to Calgary (and another hour to Kelowna), so not too bad at all. You might check your local Library or book stores to see if you can find a copy of the Italy Guidebook, as that will provide lots of suggestions for places to see in northern Italy. As you're primarily interested in biking, the Cinque Terre (which I mentioned previously) may or may not be to your liking. The main activity there for most people is hiking the trails between the five villages and of course relaxing and enjoying the food (Pesto was invented there). Except in Monterosso, there's not enough "flatland" for biking. Cheers!

Stew, One area you might consider is the Alsace region of France. I was in Colmar in June and really enjoyed my time there. Strasbourg is a nice day trip. You could also consider Lugano (still Switzerland, but in the Italian-speaking part), as the train trip is only about 3.5 hours (depending on which train is chosen). You might also have a look at Stresa on Lago Maggiore. While there you could explore the Borromeo Islands or take a day trip on the scenic Cento Valli Railway to Locarno, Switzerland. Travel time from Basel to Stresa is about 3H, again depending on which train is used. You could also spend a few days in Varenna, on Lago di Como which is a big favourite with many here. While there you could day-trip to other locations on the lake such as Bellagio or Menaggio. It's a great place to just "unwind" and enjoy "Il Dolce Far Niente". Travel time would be longer though, as the most direct rail trip is likely via Milano. The trip from Milano to Varenna is only about 1-hour. This is one image of Varenna. With a week, perhaps you could split the time between two of the locations. One question though - which airport in Italy will your departure flight be from? That will likely have a bearing on which locations are chosen. Good luck with your planning!

Thanks Ken My bike trip will be in the Alsace area of france ending in Basel http://www.tripsite.com/road-bike/tours/alsace/ I will consider your suggestions. I really never heard of the ares you mentioned, i have been to Europe 7 times but that really does not mean much as there is so much to see. I might even have 2 weeks after the bike trip. I was thinking of doing another bike tour of Milan area http://www.tripsite.com/bike/tours/lake-garda-milan/ I really have to figure what airport to head home from.
Going into frankfurt and not sure yet what city in Italy I have to leave from.

That bike trip from Lago di Garda to Milan looks great. the starting point is a short hop by train fro Verona, so you head there first and explore Verona and even visit Venice. The route from Basel goes via Bern and then either the Lotschberg basis tunnel or Brig to Milan. there are some nice stops in Switzerland right on that route. For example, you could stop in Kandersteg and rent a bike to ride in the nearby Gasterntal, a beautiful and undeveloped valley with restrictions on cars so biking is ideal. Or a short hop from Brig you could visit Bettmeralp and hike above the Aletschgletscher, Europe,s largest glacier. Www.oeschinensee.ch Www.bettmeralp.ch. For photos. Whatever you choose, it probably makes sense to fly home from Milan.