Italy and Switzerland Reflection

For this post, I wanted to provide some suggestions based on how our trip went. I also included a video of our trip below! If you don't want to read the next 15 posts...yes, 15 posts about our trip, I totally understand! Just watch the video to get an idea of how much fun Melanie and I had. Great trip with a great friend!

On A Budget? Money Savers:

• Pack light so you don't pay for checked luggage
  
• Book larger trains between cities in advance...binding time, but costs about 1/2
  
• Florence- Il Museo pass gets you into 6 attractions for only 10 euro
  
• Switzerland- Eat at grocery stores
  
• Be willing to walk...although public transportation isn't super expensive, this saved us the cost of taxis or shuttles to and from hotels/destinations
  
• Hotel- along with a willingness to walk, choose hotels that are off the beaten path ... Saves money, they are still nice, and will be a little quieter
  
• Drink tap water when able vs paying for the bottled water
  

Rome Suggestions:

• Pay for "skip the line" guys...although a little more money, you aren't wasting time in a line / if they put in a group, follow them in and then ditch the group
• Buy tickets at Palantine Hill for Colesseum instead of waiting in line for the three attractions
• Possible to do all main attractions in one-two days by utilizing metro ( St Peters Basilica, Colesseum, Mouth of Truth, Pantheon, Vatican, Spanish Steps, Sistine Chapel)
• St. Peter's Dome has the best views of the town...be ready to climb some stairs for it (5 euro)
  

Florence Suggestions:

• Il Museo pass helps you cut the lines
• Duomo and Giotto's Bell Tower have amazing views of the town
• Market for shopping for gifts
• Walk everywhere...pretty small city relative to others
• Go at night at about an hour before closing to see David statue
  

Cinque Terra:

• Stay in one town and travel between them via hiking, train, or ferry over a few days
• Corniglia would be my suggested place to stay (quieter than the others)
• Monterosso: there are free beaches close to the coastal trailhead
• If you are able, hike the upper trails (quieter and free)
• If you want to do one coastal walk, buy a Cinque Terra pass which gets your a train ride, wifi, and a hike on the coast for one day
  

Lake Como:

• Take the funicular and hike to lighthouse (great views of the town)
• Ride the bus one way to a town and take a boat back (saves money and really cool views from both)
• Eat at the market (fresh fruit market in town is amazing)
• Staying in Como will save money and you will have easier access to the main train station
  

Bern:

• Take a day trip, but stay in the mountains for a few days (Gimmelwald, Murren, etc) ... This gives you the ability to experience all weather types rather than depending on one day to have good weather to see the Alps
• Eat set the market
• Go to Gurten and take the funicular ... great views of the town
  

Zurich:

• Climb the stairs at Grossmunster church ... Amazing views
• Go to Lindenhof Park ... Great views
• Buying a 24 hour transportation pass will include trains, buses, trams, and the glass top boats
• The Succulent Garden had an impressive collection ( a little out of the way, but worth it)
• Can do Zurich in a day
• Eat at markets