I am planning to visit Switzerland and Italy within 7 days.... I know it is kind of crazy but I was thinking to follow following itinerary...... Travel dates: 3/25 - 4/2 Leaving from New York.... arriving into Zurich around 11am local time.... returning back from Rome to NYC ....

Day 1 - (11am) Zurich, Lucerne
Day 2 - Lucerne, Montreux
Day 3 - Lugano (half Day), leave for Italy
Day 4 - Venice
Day 5 - Florence
Day 6 - Florence
Day 7 - Rome

I was wondering which of the above location should I avoid or add if not included...

I have already purchased 3 country pass for 6 days....

Please comment on any recommendations, such as travel time, amount of time to spend at each locations and/or budget places to stay.... First time backpacker....

Thanks

This is the wrong section for this post but I will help anyway...

In this sitaution, I would cut Venice out and add a Day to Rome. There is a lot to see in Rome and you won't be able to cover it one day. Lucerne is awesome though! Make sure you get off the main streets in Lucerne to find the really cool shops/bars/cafe's. The swiss people are VERY nice and most speak English. Also be prepared to have your passport and such checked when you cross into Italy (Switzerland is not EU member). There's my two cents..

foofiter

:cheers:

Oh and as for places to stay. Check out hostels.com. Florence and Rome have plenty of places. I would also suggest checking the "good hostels" board. Switzerland has fewer places but you should still be ok. Also, Switzerland is on the swiss franc so make sure you spend them before you leave. That's my other two cents..

foofiter

:cheers:

I would try and cut down the places you are visiting so you won't be so rushed. Try doing like 3 places...I think in the end you have a better time and feel more relaxed.
:cheers:

dude, venice(1day), Florence(3 days), Rome(3 days)

trust us....there will be other trips in life, you can't smash them all into one

I agree, and I would not cut out venice.. that place is amazing to just walk around and see, if even for 1 day. :cheers: