We have a trip coming up (Mrs. milwaukeeclassic and I, who have been to Europe several times and my parents (early 50s-year old Americans who have never left the country) where we fly into GVA and I plan on getting a rail pass to ultimately fly back from TXL.

I'm struggling over where to stop in between. I probably want to spend half of the time in Switzerland and half in Germany. I have interest in the following: Lugano, Lausanne, Zermatt (parents want to see the Matterhorn for some reason), Zurich, mountain villages in Bernese Oberland, Munich, Berlin.

I'm looking for opinions on where to stop in Switzerland, since I seem to have too many places of interest and probably another stop between Munich and Berlin. I'd appreciate any insight that the FT community can give. I feel particularly ignorant of what will be going on in the Alps during mid-April.

A stop between Munich and Berlin, on the main train route and thus easily to be reached without any detours, interesting for Germany newbies and different from the other places you are planning to visit - there is only one answer that jumps into my mind immerdiately: Bamberg.

Bamberg, old bishop's residence with a wonderful cathedral, is one of the few German cities that have survived WW II practically without any damage. A romantic old town centre along the river, the palace and cathedral on the hill above, classified as UNESCO world heritage. You'll love it. Stay overnight, spend the evening in one of those many little pubs and try the Rauchbier (smoked beer) which is a Bamberg speciality.

Here is the city's official website, which will give you all the information you need: http://www.bamberg.info/www_tks/homeen_268_89_7_f.htm

A great train trip is from Zurich to Vienna. Some stunning mountain scenery en-route. If you don't want to go that far, you can stop at Salzburg (quite beautiful in its own right), and then go to Munich from there. Lots of ski resorts along the way, if you want exercise. I prefer the Austrian alps over Switzerland (less developed, less crowded and more natural), however the organization of the swiss mountain resorts is rather astonishing.

Lake Geneva is stunning and a jewel of Europe. Don't rush away too quickly. Walk around Geneva. I also adore Montreux which is on the other side of the lake.