6 days in Europe starting from Germany — Switzerland only or Italy + Switzerland? Need advice! 🇨🇭🇮🇹

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Six Days in Europe: Germany to Switzerland or Italy plus Switzerland? Seeking Route Advice

I’m planning a six-day trip starting from the Frankfurt area in Germany and considering two main options:

  • Option 1: Switzerland only
    Germany → Switzerland → return home by flight

  • Option 2: Italy + Switzerland
    Germany → Milan → Switzerland → return home by flight

My instinct is that adding Italy would allow me to visit two countries, but I’m concerned that six days may leave too much time spent traveling and not enough time to truly enjoy each destination.

A little about me:
– This would be my first time visiting Switzerland and Italy
– Primary interests: scenery, beautiful places, cities, food, and memorable experiences
– Comfortable with trains and moving between cities
– I don’t want a rushed itinerary
– Starting point: Germany (Frankfurt area)

What would you recommend? If you had six days, how would you allocate them?
– Stay all six days in Switzerland?
– Do something like 2 days in Italy and 4 days in Switzerland?
– Or 3 days Italy + 3 days Switzerland?
– Or a completely different route?

Additionally, what places are must-sees within a six-day window? For Switzerland, I’m considering Lucerne, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Zermatt, and similar spots. For Italy, I’m eyeing Milan and possibly Lake Como.

I plan to book hostels and trains soon, so I’d greatly appreciate practical advice on the best route and whether adding Italy is worth it or if focusing on Switzerland would be more rewarding. If you’ve undertaken a similar trip, what would you do differently? Thanks!