Traveling to Europe (slightly OT)

[fignon's barber]

Originally Posted by CNY rider

We are planning our first trip to Europe next summer.
We primarily want to spend time hiking, experiencing the Alps, a few days of cycling for me, perhaps a few days in cities.
We plan to visit Switzerland, and likely either Austria or Italy or France for the second week.

The question: We have two windows for travel.
Either late June, into the first half of July.
or
the second half of August.

Any recommendations on one time window versus the other appreciated.

This would be fun:
https://trailtopeak.com/tour-du-mont-blanc/

[CNY rider]

Originally Posted by echelon_john

Another vote for June. Great weather, tourist sites slightly less crowded.

Oh, and stay here: www.luccavacationhome.com

Cheers,
JC

That's pretty spectacular.
Have you stayed there?
It seems like a lot for just my wife and I.

[echelon_john]

Sent you a PM

Originally Posted by CNY rider

That's pretty spectacular.
Have you stayed there?
It seems like a lot for just my wife and I.

[mattsurf]

Swiss School holidays are end June to 3rd week in August. However, there are so many mountains in Switzerland that it really doesn't get too crowded. In Switzerland pretty much all shops are closed on Sundays, as are many Restaurants, however, cities like Zurich are full of people promenading

While much of Europe was overheating this Summer, temperatures in Switzerland were great from April (and they are still great). In June, July and August it was high 80's maybe just up to 90 degrees on some days.

In Late August days are becoming noticeably shorter, in Late June you can be out in daylight at 10pm

Zurich is 3 hours from Milan on the Train, perfectly feasible for a day trip or an overnight trip... alternatively, do Zurich to Lugano, then Lugano to Como, then Como to Milan and experience some incredible mountain and lake hiking

When you know more details send me a PM, we have an excellent international cycling club, where you could tag along for a 50 mile ride around some spectacular roads and scenery