I found an amazing fare on Delta for $769 to Zurich at the end of May and jumped on it (non-refundable). We have some upgrade passes, so I was able to upgrade to business class, which is a really great deal. We will have seven nights in Switzerland. Short trip, not the trip of a lifetime, but we have always wanted to hike in the Berner Oberland and see the Matterhorn, so I planned on some time in Murren and a few days in Zermatt. Then I started reading the Rick Steves guide to figure out the details. Oops! Apparently both places are high altitude (over 5,000 feet) and are virtually dead in May, with mediocre weather. Not the hiking trip I was planning, I really messed up by grabbing that fare so quickly.
I now realize that itinerary should be done in July or August another year, but I’m trying to make the most of the trip. There is so much to see in Switzerland and I know we can still have a fantastic time. I was wondering what those of you who have spent time there think of my plan. We don’t want to stay in many different hotels, not interested in Zurich, we like scenic smaller towns, plenty of walking, amazing train rides. We like to minimize hassle. We have seven nights, but the last one has to be in Zurich by the airport, since we have an early flight.
First option: Luzern for 3-4 nights, then the Golden Pass route to spend 2-3 nights in Lausanne or Montreux (or somewhere scenic in that area).
Second option (leaning towards this one because of the Bernina Express); Luzern for 3-4 nights, then the William Tell route (boat ride then train) to Lugano for 2-3 nights. Bernina Express bus/train, ending up in Zurich on the last day.
I’m pretty sure that Luzern is worth spending some time in, it is also easy for us to get there after a flight that ends up pretty late in Zurich, so staying there for awhile would be nice. I’m just not sure of the other place to spend 2-3 nights in. Any ideas about my itineraries, or what town other than Luzern to stay in?
You haven’t mentioned the area as an option but I REALLY enjoyed the Appenzell District. Very charming. Easy access from Zurich. Not as high altitude and would fit your desire for small towns.
Loved Lugano as well although it’s been awhile for both.
I kind of wrote off Appenzell, because it has been described as pastoral, lots of cows and farms, and we are more attracted to the cobblestone streets, lakes and mountains. Somewhere I would definitely like to visit on a longer trip to Switzerland, but I don’t know about spending 2-3 nights there. I don’t think I would do it instead of Luzern. Maybe it’s a place to visit on a day trip from Luzern?
I recently spent a week staying in a condo in Morges, between Geneva and Lausanne. I enjoyed taking day trips from there to Geneva, Lausanne and Montreux. There were a couple of large, older hotels in both Lausanne and Montreux that looked both historic and expansive at the same time. If you decide to take the train ride from Zurich to this Lake Geneva area (locals call in Lake Lemond), then I would find the best deal in one of these hotels (possibly ask for a view of the lake). Also, because the local trains are so easy and cheap to use, I would take day trips to Lausanne, Montreux and Geneva. In Lausanne catch a bus (or cab) up to the Tour de Sauvabelin which has great views and then walk down hitting the cathedral (can’t remember the name off hand) then walk the very old street down from the cathedral through the shopping area back to the main train station or your hotel. There is a very local tram just uphill from the large train station that can easily take you to the lake front and the Olympic Museum. In Montreux consider taking a mountain train to the top for great views and stops along the way. In Geneva there is plenty to do, including great views from church towers and great fondue. If you like to hike, there are soft trails that can be found along the lake leading from all of these towns. Your French language skills will come in handy in this area of Switzerland. Have a good trip!
That sounds lovely and some great information, Sam-I-Am. I wonder whether Lausanne or Montreux would be better to stage from. Or maybe it depends what historic lakeside hotel prices are at that time. We have a tendency to want 4 star hotels at 2 star prices, though I know that’s tough in Europe.
I think my French is limited to the words butter, chocolate, and no, but what more do I need to know?
Lausanne’s a biggish city, and quite busy. Montreux’s prettier - or have a look at Vevey, which is smaller still, and close to Montreux
Switzerland is expensive even by European standards.
One good thing about Switzerland though, despite the expense - even less expensive hotels tend to be very clean and well managed. The Swiss are the master hoteliers.
Will look at Vevey, too. It does look like the dollar isn’t doing half bad against the franc, if I read it right, they are just about even. And the hotels do include breakfast generally, I think, so we can skip lunch if we eat up. I’m hoping it won’t be too bad, it’s only 7 days.
Lugano is also a wonderful place to visit – it looks like the Mediterranean with palm trees and red tiled roofs overlooking the lake with snow-capped mountains in the distance. Italian is the first language in this region, so you get Italian food and friendliness with Swiss precision and cleanliness.
My brother-in-law climbed the Matterhorn in winter and does not recommend it, but right when the ski areas close is one of my favorite times in the mountains. Problem is it takes a lot of gear.
If you get a clear day in Lucerne it may be worth a trip to Mount Titlis.
Oh man, that hotel looks amazing. More expensive than I’m used to (we generally don’t pay more than $200/night for a room, and try to go cheaper), but it seems like that may be worth the extra splurge…and it’s only for three nights. Those pictures are enticing me to go to Lugano…
doschicos, I love Italy. I would pick small town Italy almost every time, which begs the question of why not Italy…but it’s too late now, and we’ve spent a lot of time in different places in Italy. Rick Steves Heart of Italy trip, best trip ever!
