Hello,
I am planning a ~week-10day long visit to the Swiss and Italian countryside with my parents. Tentatively I have locked into Tuscany for the Italian portion of the trip. I would like recommendations for a nice Swiss area to visit for a few days and possibly rent a cottage, apartment, etc. that allows a certain degree of freedom, yet comfort of accommodations.
I would appreciate if you have any recommendations for the above. Comfortable and clean living quarters are key (as I assume they are for everyone visiting this site).

Thanks in advance,
Arun

What time of year and what do you want to do in Switzerland? Hike, Ski? Where have you been in Switzerland before? Are you driving?

Most vacation rentals in Switzerland (apartments) rent from Saturday to Saturday. You might not easily find one for less than a week. The apartments we rented in Kandersteg and in Grindelwald (see my reviews - link is below) both rent by the night - but might require a 7 night minimum.

I have lots of info on the website plus reviews of vacation rentals:
Switzerland: Vacation Rentals
Switzerland: Vacation Rental Reviews
Hiking in Switzerland

Pauline from Slow Travelers

You might want to look at some rail schedules to help make your decision. Those beautiful Alps in Switzerland can make for long trips to the south!

How many days will you have for Switzerland? Have you been there before?

SALLY WATKINS, Certified Travel Counselor
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Thanks for your responses.
Timeframe: end Sept'03
Activities planned: nothing extreme...some very mild hiking and lots of walking through the countryside. First time visit to Switzerland. Did read your accounts on Swiss travel, but I fear my sojourn may be much too brief for the accommodations mentioned.

What do you recommend for accommodations given that the planned stay is for ~3-4 nights?

Also, my thoughts on getting around:
-- fly into Milan; take a train to Tuscany; rent a car in Tuscany to get around; train from Tuscany to Switzerland; car(?) in Switzerland; train back to Milan to fly out.

Any real issues with the above plans? Is it possible to rent a car in Tuscany or does one have to do that from a major metropolis (best rates, etc.)?

Thanks,
Arun

Book your car in Tuscany from here. Most of us use AutoEurope (use our clickthru in the header). You get better rates booking here and you can pickup in many different places.

You won't need a car in Switzerland. The trains give you complete access to the mountain towns. For 3-4 nights, I would probably pick either Grindelwald or Zermatt - both lovely mountain towns.

Switzerland has great hotels. Check the Karen Brown site for suggestions. www.karenbrown.com

Pauline from Slow Travelers