How long a stay? Interlaken, Cinque Terre, Venice

[jparrock]

So I've decided that Interlaken, Cinque Terre and Venice are on my travel list at the end of July/beginning of August. Looking for a consensus on how long you would stay at each location and what some of your favorite sights or experiences were. Any help would be appreciated!

I'm wide open to all experiences so don't hold back! Thanks again.

[Eagle]

jparrock,

I can only provide a suggested length of stay in each of the locations you listed based on my preferences. A few thoughts on each of the locations you listed:

Interlaken - IMO, there's more to see outside of Interlaken than in the city itself. If you're interested in adventure sports (Paragliding, etc.) you might want to spend more of your time in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The small farming town of Gimmelwald is a big favourite here, and you could also have a look at Murren and Lauterbrunnen. If your budget will allow, a trip to the Schilthorn (where the James Bond movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service was partially filmed) and a fine hot meal in the revolving restaurant is a nice trip. You could also visit Trummelbach Falls. Depending on what you want to do, 2-4 days would be good.

Cinque Terre - I'd allow at least two days (or three if you need a bit of a rest) for this area. One of the favourite rituals for all visitors to the C.T. is hiking the trails between the five villages. Note that you'll require a Park Pass (purchase at train stations in the area) to hike the trails. There WILL be people checking for Passes! The first two trails from the north from Monterosso to Vernazza and Vernazza to Corniglia are the most challenging. The others are relatively easy. There's a small Bar on the famed Via del'Amore from Riomaggiore to Manarola, and stopping for a "cool beverage" and perhaps a light lunch looking over the ocean is a great way to spend an hour or so. One point to note though is that the end of July / beginning of August is PRIME holiday season in Europe so the C.T. and everywhere else will probably be packed! Book accommodations ASAP!!!

Venice- My suggestion would be at least two days in Venice. Plan your sightseeing carefully (you might want to check some Guidebooks for tips on how to minimize queue's at Museums such as the Doge's Palace). I find Venice a bit more expensive than other locations in northern Italy, so budget accordingly. However, it's a very unique place, so I would certainly recommend a stop there. If you're planning to visit Murano, Burano or other sites you might want to add a day or so.

Hope this helps.

Happy travels!