A traveler named Saggarsidha is visiting Zurich on September 10, arriving at 7 AM, and then heading to Lucerne by 5:30 PM, where they will stay for two nights. They are looking for sightseeing suggestions in both cities and advice on train tickets and passes for their trip to Milan on September 12.
Key takeaways:
Consider skipping Zurich and going directly to Lucerne for a better experience with more scenic views and attractions.
When in Lucerne, stop by the tourist information office for helpful local tips and itineraries.
Choose between a Tell Pass or a Swiss Half Fare Card for better value on your travel expenses.
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I am reaching Zurich Airport on 10th Sept by 7am & plan to spend the day in Zurich doing sight seeing. By 5:30 pm same day, I need to start for Lucerne as my hotel is booked in Lucerne for 10th & 11th night. On 11th Sept, I have a full day available at Lucerne. On 12th Sept morning, I am starting for Milan by train.
1. Can you pl. guide me on places to see in Zurich on 10th Sept & in Lucerne on 11th Sept?
2. I have only booked for my train travel from Lucerne to Milan on 12th Sept. Which other tickets should I purchase in Advance? Which pass will be helpful? Will Tell Pass be advisable? Can you help with an itinerary to cocer important places at these destinations in two days?
Swiss trains do not require advance reservations, unless you are travelling out of the country ( then only because you need them for the portions outside Switzerland,but you might as well have your seats for the whole trip).
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Forgot to welcome you to My Swiss Alps. Nice to have you here, and you certainly have picked the partof theyear with the best weather (on average’) No promises. 😉
Here are a couple of other comments.
It would take approximately one week of hard work to cover all the “important places” in and near Luzern. Maybe two weeks. 😉
When you arrive there, stop at the tourist information office near track #1 main station. They are very helpful and quite experienced, and can suggest a basic tour of the city and possible nearby areas for a day tripp….such as the Rigi, Titlis, Piatus, or a lake boat ride.
The reason is you don’t have much time, and Zurich is not in the Alps. Lucerne is, so you’ll have a better experience. Please see the Zurich and Lucerne pages so you can decide for yourself.
I was traveling and di not have time for an answer.
Arno gave the accurate and and succinct version.
To amplify slightly…..Zürich is a city that rewards spending significant and leisurely time, exploring museums, music, and cultural things. I probably like Zürich better than any other Swiss city, but it is not because of things that you can easily see in a one day quick trip.
Luzern has a very scenic location, with high mountains surrounding it, a beautiful lake with much more rewarding scenery then the lake of Zürich, and a much more scenic old town.
More tourists, too, but that is because it is attractive for tourists.
That is why I say ” skip Zürich” to most first time tourists to Switzerland, unless they want to explore some really good art museums, go to the Tonhalle for a concert or take a walk from Uetliberg to Felsenegg with a stop at UtoStaffel for lunch. ( 3- 5 hours required for walk plus lunch.)
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