Originally Posted by
malmostoso
Much more realistic. I'm not sure what the fascination with Füssen is, and instead of Interlaken I would stick to eastern Switzerland (sankt moritz or davos for example). If you want to see a lake, Konstanz is very beautiful.
Keep in mind that driving in Switzerland can be very slow (speed limit is often 80-100km/h), and in Austria you'll have tolls on some tunnels on top of the sticker that you need to purchase.
Quite understandable about the attraction for Füssen - two young children get to see two castles, Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. I’m sure that a couple of American kids will be thrilled to see the castle that Disney’s is modeled after. Probably a lot of adults can’t grasp that idea.
Generally speaking, the speed limit on Swiss autobahns is 120 km/hr, unless tunnels, construction, etc.
Originally Posted by
KLouis
...Also, Swiss highways and many city roads are "loaded" with radars and the cost of fines is modelled according to the price of meat in Switzerland
(plus the horrendous "handling fee" of the rental agency).
As long as the driver obeys the speed limits, that shouldn’t be a problem. (Speaking as someone who has had a couple of tickets.)
Originally Posted by
Redheadpeter
Take the train! It's faster, It isn't Amtrak! Milan to Venice 2hours 35 minutes. No need to stop for fuel, rest rooms, food etc. More relaxing. And you get to see the scenery - nobody drives Autostrada etc (European Freeways) for the view!
Probably cheaper - no fuel, no tolls, no car rental, no vignettes (Hungary, Austria and Switzerland). Train Milan to Venice around 24 Euros.
In the places you are going take tours, rent a car for a day.
Autostrada = Italy
Autobahn = Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.
OP is probably thinking it’ll be less of a hassle to have a rental car with the two young children and assorted luggage.
To the OP:
You’ve received some very good advice in many of the posts. However, don’t stress too much about driving in Europe. I’ve been to Germany and Switzerland well over 100x since 2000. Like you, I’m from the U.S. and I have not had any problems driving in Europe. Follow the speed limits and pay attention to the No Parking signs. Seems like you already have taken up some of the tips offered and I heartily endorse what many others have said with regards to not trying to do/see too much. I’m not a big fan of drive-by tourism. Enjoy your travels with your family. A great experience for the children.