Suggestions for Switzerland/Italy

We are a New Zealand couple in our mid forties, travelling to Switzerland
(arrive Zurich) and Italy (depart Rome) in August. We have three weeks and
at this stage have not made any bookings yet other than flights. we would
love suggestions as to what to do and see as well as where to stay. We
intend having a rental car and staying in B&B's or equivalent
accommodation. Would love to have any suggestions. Please email
ikey@xtra.co.nz

Cheers
Ikey

> We are a New Zealand couple in our mid forties, travelling to Switzerland
> (arrive Zurich) and Italy (depart Rome) in August. We have three weeks and
> at this stage have not made any bookings yet other than flights. we would
> love suggestions as to what to do and see as well as where to stay. We
> intend having a rental car and staying in B&B's or equivalent
> accommodation. Would love to have any suggestions. Please email

If renaissance art is your thing, A few days (although a couple of weeks
would be better) in Florence is recommended.

Blib

A word of caution - Italy is beautiful but has a major theft problem, take care of all of your valuables.

Rome is particularly bad and groups of children surround you whilst one steals your belongings - more than one friend
have been robbed in this way.

My husband and I had children try to steal our hand luggage in the same way in the departure lounge at the airport.

Don't let this stop you going to Italy but don't let thieves ruin your break

Get out of Zurich to Lucerne for a brief visit, then down to Interlaken.
My favorite place in Switzerland is Interlaken. Roads lead off into valleys
where the road ends at charming villages like Grindelwald. The Jungfrau is
accessed from there , altho expensive to ride up. The Trammelbach Falls,
where Holmes wrestled with Moriarty is there. Try the Alpina, a grand old
run-down family owned, inexpensive hotel. You can make reservations on the
Internet.
Forget Florence, unless you are a serious art lover. Been there 3 times, it
is on every tour. Crowded and congested.
Venice is a must altho it is over run with tourists in the summer. Stay in a
little pensione on a back street somewhere. It still may cost you $100 a
nite.
Rome is wonderful. Allow several days to a week.