OK, so after my very successful trip to six different European countries last year, my father decided he wanted to go as well and we're going to England, France, Switzerland and Italy this year. London and Paris we got covered, but it's Switzerland and Italy we've got questions about.

We were planning to take the train to Geneva from Paris (on 4/10 at night it'll run us $262 on a direct route via raileurope.com). Next day we're thinking of renting a car and just traveling around Switzerland (visiting Bern, Luzern and Lugano). Finally, we'd drop off the rental car in Lugano and take a train (about $150) to Florence.

Questions about Switzerland: if we were to pick a place to stay for two days (4/11 and 4/12) that's more or less in the middle of everywhere we'd want to visit, where should we do it? Interlaken has been suggested. Also, what's a must to see and what can we skip? Also, I've been looking for Hertz, Sixt and Europcar coupon codes to no avail...

Once in Florence, Dad wants to spend a couple days exploring the city, see the Uffizi, then pick up another rental car and then MY part of the journey takes over. I was planning on going via Forli to Imola, then Maranello, Reggio Emilia and Parma on the way to Milan where Dad flies to Russia and I fly home to the States on the 18th and 19th, respectively.

With regard to Italy, the rental car coupon questions still apply, as well as best places to stay on the cheap (say under 100 Euros) in Florence and along the way to Milan. I was thinking of spending one night in Parma, but maybe there's a better place?

As usual, any and all related advice welcomed with open arms!