5 night itinerary, feed back please

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    26 February 2016 at 20:58:11 #808496

    Day 1 – Lugano to Zermatt (overnight in Zermatt) – question is we were thinking of hiring a car…is it a tough drive,, i mean is it mountains or flat land…yes am aware of parking and the car ferry cost…

    Day 2 – Zermatt – Matten or someplace close to Interlaken – plan to drive…same question safe to drive? today we go to matterhorn and then leave zermatt after a beautiful lunch maybe at chez vrony ..reach interlaken and rest in

    Day 3- drive to Gruyere and callier chocolate factory…spend the day in the country side and drive back to Interlaken (overnight at Interlaken )

    Day 4 – Interlaken – Wengen – Jungfrau – Wengen – Interlaken (overnight at Wengen)..train

    Day 5 – after breakfast head to Lucerne (car) go to lake and if possible mt Titlis (by train) (overnight Lucerne)

    Day 6 – drive to Rhine Falls and then heading to Lutry with a friend in her car for 2 nights…

    I may reduce one night in Interlaken and increase it in Lucerne…do u think thats a good idea

    Also which are the easy and difficult driving routes in my itinerary…

    We are 4 ppl travelling – my husband, mom (70 yrs) and my son and me of course ..hence the car..

    So pls feel free to gimme any better suggestions u may have…!!

    Thanks

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    Slowpoke
    Participant
    7567 posts
    27 February 2016 at 1:08:51 #848767

    Hi Sachdeveuro –

    Welcome to the forum.

    It will help a lot to know your dates of travel.

    Until early June, some of the routes you describe may be impassible due to snow.

    They are far from flat. 😉

    In order to help you understand the topography, I refer you to a couple of maps:

    map.geo.admin.ch/?topic=swisstopo&lang=e n&bgLayer=ch.swisstopo .pixelkarte-farbe&layers=ch.swisst opo.swissimage-product&X=145500.00&Y= 664250.00&zoom=2&layer s_visibility=false

    map.search.ch/?z=2&x=280m&y=-58864m

    Hope this helps you get started.

    Slowpoke

    and ,

    map.search.ch/?z=2&x=280m&y=-58864m

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    27 February 2016 at 6:47:58 #848768

    hi…we are coming in from italy(como) on the 15th of may.

    after reading the forum i feel there is a better way…made another itinerary..

    • 15th Lugano- Lucerne William tell- chill in Lucerne by the lake etc night in Lucerne
    • 16th- mt titlis.. and rhine falls night in Lucerne
    • 17th- head to Interlaken on golden pass Stay in Wengen
    • 18th- continue journey from Interlaken to Montreaux stay in Montreaux do some sightseeing here golden line
    • 19th- day trip to Zermatt stay in Montreaux /Zermatt car
    • 20th- day trip to Gruyere and callier chocolate factory and head to Lutry carso was thinking of getting 4 day swiss pass..

    Feed back!!

    This is the best and by best i mean awesomest (for want of a better word)…site for Switzerland….

    Well done .. and thank you…lots and lots of gratitude

    pooja

    Arno
    Moderator
    15471 posts
    27 February 2016 at 8:02:42 #848769

    Hi pooja,

    Many thanks for your compliments regarding our website. Very nice of you to say so! I have one request for you: please check our forum rules and do not write in capitals only. I have edited your messages. Thanks for your cooperation!

    A car could work on the 20th, but I’d recommend the train on the other days. You can’t reach Zermatt by car. You’d have to park (paid) in Täsch and take the train to Zermatt. I’d prefer to do the whole trip by train, but if it makes sense for you to do it by car it can be done. Be careful on the road from Visp to Täsch. It’s a good road but there are some sharp turns, so don’t speed. Please see myswissalps.com/car for all car related information, including tips for how to drive in the mountains.

    All Swiss Travel Pass information is here: myswissalps.com/ swisstravelpass.

    Slowpoke
    Participant
    7567 posts
    27 February 2016 at 8:45:11 #848770

    Hi Arno-

    <<” Very nice of you to say so! I have one request for you: please check our forum rules and do not write in capitals only. I have edited your messages.”>>

    Thanks for that.

    i did not even study the first itinerary in any detail because i found it hard to read in all caps.

    Slowpoke

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    27 February 2016 at 9:02:00 #848771

    hi arno and slowpoke,

    sorry for not adhering to the rules will bear in mind !!

    also this itinerary looks far more interesting and doable than the first, what would u guys say? should i stick to it or any modifications suggested..

    i thought zermatt by car (yes tasch) only because i will have exhauted my 4 day pass, and thereis no 5 day pass, then i would have to take the 8 day pass which throws my budget off

    the other question was..if i take the 4 day pass…is it still valid for boat rides and museum entries on a non travel day?..

    also i am in zurich for last two days staying with a friend..so what is the best option to move around there…?

    thank you

    Slowpoke
    Participant
    7567 posts
    27 February 2016 at 9:29:16 #848772

    Hi Pooja-

    I’ve looked at your revised itinerary. Thanks for avoiding the “all capitals.”

    I’m still not quite sure which days you would use a car and which days you would use trains. Certainly, the Golden Pass route is trains. With that uncertainty, i have not checked your itinerary vs. travel times by either mode.

    My quick impression is that you will spend a lot of time traveling, as opposed to sightseeing. When you have a lot of people, it is certainly cheaper to rent a car, but you’ll be working hard at driving, and going by train lets you see the sights without distraction while you travel.

    In particular, coming north from Lugano over the Gotthard Pass route is one of the most scenic train rides in Switzerland. Going by car has you driving quit a long distance through a tunnel which I particularly dislike. Two way traffic. Since you mention Wilhelm Tell, you may be planing to do that by train and boat anyway.

    What you want to see and do is very much a personal judgement. Mine is influenced by the fact that I live in the USA and have seen Niagara Falls many times. So, If i were following your itinerary, especially if i was tired of spending time in a car or on trains, I’d not go to to the Rhine Falls on May 16th, but would rather spend more time in and around Luzern, or possibly substitute Bern for the Rhine Falls. It is somewhat closer to Luzern by train. Direct trains once per hour on the hour take 60 minutes….in between are trains which take up to 90 minutes. Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall ( station) is an hour and 40 to an hour and 50 minutes from Luzern.

    I’m uncertain about the amount of walking required at the falls. When we went there many years ago, we perhaps went by a different route or to a different viewing site, and I recall some walking.

    In Bern, my quick trip is to walk from the station 20-30 minutes downhill to the Nydegg Bridge through the scenic old town, cross the bridge, look at the bears below, and then take the short steep walkway a short distance up hill to the Rose Garden. Great views, nice flowers, restaurant. Walk back down to the bridge (restaurants) and catch the tram in front of the Brasserie Bärengraben ( I think it is the #12 tram) back up through the old town to the station. Or, walk back to the station, if you wish. Approximately 2 hours……can be less.

    There is a tram route with changes that can bring you from thestation to the “back side” of the Rose Garden, but the old town deservesa walk. Or, you can use it to return t the main station, although it will take a bit longer than the direct route through the old town.

    Since you are staying only a short time near the Jungfrau, and thus may find that clouds and weather convert the ride up high to see the sights into only a disappointing journey to see the inside of clouds, Bern is a nice contingency plan. Many travelers try to plan a couple of days in the Jungfrau region, specially in Spring, because the weather is so variable. It changes a lot from day to day, and that way you have a better chance to get clear weather.

    Slowpoke

    Slowpoke
    Participant
    7567 posts
    27 February 2016 at 9:39:35 #848773

    Hi Pooja –

    <<“also i am in zurich for last two days staying with a friend..so what is the best option to move around there…?”>>

    That might be a good time to visit the Rheinfalls.

    Trams and buses, and walking, are the best way to get around Zürich.

    Your friends will know all about that. You may want to buy “day tickets” (many variations) from the ZVV…Zürich Verkehrs Verein… the local public transport company. They have an office in Shopville under the main station, or the ticket machines can sell you such. A bit complex…too many options….your friends should know which to choose.

    Having a car in Zürich is an expensive ( parking) and difficult process. The city government is doing its best to discourage auto usage in the city.

    Slowpoke

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    27 February 2016 at 10:16:49 #848774
    • 15th Lugano- Lucerne – William tell- chill in Lucerne by the lake etc night in Lucerne – train
    • 16th- mt titlis.. and rhine falls night in Lucerne – by train / bern as u suggested
    • 17th- head to Interlaken on golden pass Stay in Wengen – train ..
    • 18th- continue journey from Interlaken to Montreaux stay in Montreaux do some sightseeing here golden line – train
    • 19th- day trip to Zermatt stay in Montreaux /Zermatt – car
    • 20th- day trip to Gruyere and callier chocolate factory-car

    and head to Lutry carso was thinking of getting 4 day swiss pass..

    thank you …only the last 2 days are by car – zermatt and gruyere and broc

    will it be cloudy and crazy in wengen also or only at the top at jungfrau

    Arno
    Moderator
    15471 posts
    27 February 2016 at 10:44:34 #848775

    Hello Pooja,

    The Swiss Travel Pass offers 4 consecutive days of traveling. Once those days are over there are no further discounts. I see your point of getting a 4-day pass for the 15th to the 18th and then travel by car during the last two days. However, there are two other options for you to consider:

    • Get a Swiss Half Fare Card instead. It’s valid for a month so you could use it all days, including the trip to Zermatt. This option is a bit less convenient as you have to buy tickets for all trips, but it may make sense economically. You can check that as explained here.
    • Get an 8-day Swiss Travel Pass. It’s indeed more expensive, but not twice the price of a 4-day pass. 4 days cost CHF 251, 8 days cost 363. The difference is CHF 112. A regular train ticket Montreux – Zermatt would cost you CHF 144, and renting a car (not sure if you would rent one or use the car of your friend both days?) would not save you much money either I think (rental fee, fuel, parking costs).

    One more thing: you’d pay the regular price for any cable car in Zermatt if you travel by car and without a rail pass. That’s another reason to have either a Swiss Travel Pass or a Swiss Half Fare Card that day. Plus, the chocolate factory and Gruyeres cheese factory are free with a Swiss Travel Pass. All in all I don’t think you save much by traveling by car, and in any case it’s more pleasant by train, especially the 19th. The extra CHF 112 may be money well spent.

    I’m not sure if you still plan to stay in Zurich, but apart from the Swiss Travel Pass you can use the day tickets Slowpoke mentioned (they’re discounted with a Swiss Half Fare Card) or a ZurichCARD if you want museums to be included as well.

    May is low season. It won’t be busy in Wengen unless there is some event. Whether it’s cloudy can’t be predicted until the prior evening.

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    27 February 2016 at 11:31:55 #848776

    dear arno..

    i really appreciate the peacefulness with which u answer. thank you so much this gives me the much needed clarity…

    thankyou

    pooja

    Arno
    Moderator
    15471 posts
    27 February 2016 at 13:03:56 #848777

    Glad to help Pooja! Note that both passes can be printed at home if you go through http://www.swissrailways.com/ en and pick “Online Ticket” when asked for a delivery option. Just let us know if you have any more doubts after going through the provided links.

    Slowpoke
    Participant
    7567 posts
    27 February 2016 at 16:56:59 #848778

    Hi Pooja-

    <<“will it be cloudy and crazy in wengen also or only at the top at jungfrau”>>

    Could go either way. The weather frequently comes in layers, and altitude is very important.

    There is a substantial eevation change from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen, and then from Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg, and a still more up to Jungfraujoch.

    map.geo.admin.ch/?topic=swisstopo&lang=e n&bgLayer=ch.swisstopo .pixelkarte-farbe&layers=ch.swisst opo.swissimage-product&X=163750.00&Y= 645650.00&zoom=4&layer s_visibility=false

    and

    http://www.swissholidayco.com /Public/Assets/User/fi les/Map-of-Jungfrauregion1.jpg

    Slowpoke

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    28 February 2016 at 21:02:53 #848779

    hi guys..so after all the inputs and mulling over this is what i have decided..

    15th morning – lugano to lucerne (wilhelm tell train), stay @krienz, quick tour to pilatus if possible

    16th – mt titlis +lucerne, lake museum walkin around ,stay @ krienz

    17th – lucerne – interlaken – stay at wengen, jungrau if its a good day..else just explore the area, maybe go (golden pass line) for a small hike.. – any back up recommendations pls suggest

    18th – interlaken – montreux (golden pass line), stay @montreux, explore montreux, lake, castle etc

    19th – montruex – zermatt (day trip) stay @montreux, by train

    20th – montreux – gruyere – broc – montreux, head to lutry (by car)

    have decided to go for the 8 day flexi pass. ….

    any sugestions, feedback, recommendations….to me this seems like a doable packed but not rushed itinerary, if u feel otherwise pls lemme know

    your suggestions are valuable

    thank you guys!!

    Arno
    Moderator
    15471 posts
    28 February 2016 at 21:54:30 #848780

    Hi Pooja,

    To me it seems doable as well. Pretty full but doable. If the weather is not ok for Jungfraujoch you can go as far as Kleine Scheidegg, unless it’s just rain and fog. A boat trip or a visit to Bern will work as well.

    Do not buy the Swiss Travel Pass Flex, but the cheaper regular Swiss Travel Pass we discussed in your other thread.

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    28 February 2016 at 23:55:39 #848781

    arno,

    i have 2 days in lutry after which i head to zurich with my friend, so will need atleast one more day over there..i just thought it made more sense to buy flexi vis a vis regular 8 day plus zurich day pass…

    am i right?

    pooja

    Slowpoke
    Participant
    7567 posts
    29 February 2016 at 0:50:25 #848782

    Hi Pooja-

    From your last post, I cannot find 2 days in Lutry. “Head to Lutry by car…”

    Lutry is a nice town with wonderful lake views, and chances to take extended walks through the vineyards or along the lake shore to Ouchy (L ausanne).

    Lutry is quite few minutes from the main rail networks via local trains…via Lausanne or Vevey. It is not the best base for extended travel by train, for that reason.

    Few travelers would pick Lutry as a destination in its own right.

    I have not been to the casino there. Most Swiss casinos are rather small scale, with limited options for gambling.

    Check it out before you commit.

    Slowpoke

    Arno
    Moderator
    15471 posts
    29 February 2016 at 5:57:42 #848783

    Hi Pooja,

    The 6 days in your itinerary + 2 days in Lutry would be exactly 8 days. The consecutive pass is cheaper, but if all of this actually takes more than 8 days then indeed the Flex pass could make sense.

    Removed user
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    29 February 2016 at 10:39:48 #848784

    hey guys,

    sorry for not clarifying earlier, my friend will pick me up by her car and take me to her chalet in lutry where we will stay with her for 2 days and then head to zurich in her car.. so it is only after two days that i need to explore zurich on my own….

    hence the flexi pass, and hence lutry!!!

    thanks and much love!!!

    also the raileurope in india says the early bird discounts are only on tickets and not passes!!

    Arno
    Moderator
    15471 posts
    29 February 2016 at 12:38:43 #848785

    Hi Pooja,

    If you are referring to this post about the current Rail Europe promotion then you’re right. That’s also what the post says: a discount on tickets, not on passes. But if you add a pass to reach the minimum order amount it works (I tried a while ago), as long as there’s at least one ticket in the order. Please see raileurope.co.in/deals /great-deals-to-tour-Europe for all the details and try yourself. You can apply the promo code to lower the amount. Of course this is not relevant if you do not need a point to point ticket at all. In that case you can simply go to http://www.swissrailways.com/ en and print your pass at home as discussed previously.

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