[NA] Tourism; the Alps

Let'sgoflying!

Let'sgoflying!

Touchdown! Greaser!
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Dave Taylor
A few of my lifetime must-sees include The Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and the Eiger.

I would like to airline to a convenient smaller city if possible; late May if the weather is acceptable & then rent a car and drive around for about two weeks.

If I never see a city, a building, a huge group of people, I will be happy. I’m all about scenery; mountains, lakes, sky, snow, moon.
(I realize I will see city/crowds/traffic during any trip but I’m not going to be dragged through cultural exhibits, not going to drive 14 days on 6-lane highways.)
We are active 60’s people and can hike for several hours but we aren’t going up 3000’, or overnight.

Using these barebones guidelines, send suggestions on timing, places to see, how to get around, anything.
Thanks!
 
Fly into Zurich or Geneva. Rent a car.
For Eiger, stay in Interlaken, drive to Lauterbrunnen, then use gondolas/trains wherever you'd like.
For Mont Blanc, drive over the gorgeous pass and stay in Chamonix. Hike/train/gondola anywhere you'd like. I recommend both the south and north side of the valley, depending on how much time you have.
For Matterhorn, you will have to leave the car in Visp and train to Zermatt. From there, there are many gondolas/trains to take you high up.

I recommend visiting between late June and late September.
Have fun!
 
MountainDude said:
I recommend visiting between late June and late September.
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‘When’ is always difficult- I want to avoid crowds of summer, but if the winter weather encroached because I went too early or late, that would also reduce enjoyment.
We went to Norway in early September and it worked out, just barely - there were some cold & rainy days.
 
Let'sgoflying! said:
‘When’ is always difficult- I want to avoid crowds of summer, but if the winter weather encroached because I went too early or late, that would also reduce enjoyment.
We went to Norway in early September and it worked out, just barely - there were some cold & rainy days.
Click to expand...
September will be least crowded of the good months. The hiking trails will not be crowded ever, but the gondolas/trains will.
 
Turin airport was renovated for the 2006 olympics, it's pretty nice. It's out of the city. You can take a car through some of the most incredible places in EU. Chamonix is about 3 hour drive north, but there's no rush. Turn right from there and head for Grindewald. Turn right again and go back through the Alps heading south. Lots of wild places, parks, lakes, etc. Early Nov is a good time to go. Kids in school, ski places not open yet. Prices will be good until late Nov.

edit; Just looked at flight. Geneva would be cheaper on flights. About the same on cars.
 
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