[Removed user]

19 July 2018 at 11:25:05 #817347

I need some recommendations. I have a group on Uniworld river cruise from Basel in August 2020 and I am planning a 3 days excursion in Switzerland prior to the trip.

We arrive in Zurich from the US and want to take the Glacier Express train. I have 3 nights accommodations and I am undecided where to stay. My plan train from airport and 2 nights the first stop since everyone will be tired from the long flight.

How is St Moritz for 2 nights , than the Glacier Express to Zermatt than overnight. or would it be better to overnight in Chur. Than take the train to Basel. I am trying to stay in the most picturesque towns.Does anyone have another idea where to stay?

Also I am thinking of the 3 course meal on Glacier Express. Is it worth the cost or would we be better bring on food. We will travel in 1st class. What is the best side of the train for viewing. Does anyone have a recommendation for hotels? . I really appreciate any feedback. This is more confusing than I thought.

I think my best option since it is only 3 trains is to use the 1/2 pass and get discounted train tickets. Can I book reservations in advance?

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[rockoyster]

20 July 2018 at 7:43:45 #891832

Hello Rmacher12 and welcome to MySwissalps,

Nothing like planning ahead. 😎

What time do you expect to land in Zurich and what time do you have to pick up the cruise in Basel?

For such a short visit I would be inclined to suggest you base yourselves in Luzern and do day trips from there. But that would of course rule out the Glacier Express (which curiously doesn’t offer views of any actual glaciers these days).

One night in Zermatt after the GEX and then off to Basel the next day may be selling yourselves short on Zermatt.

[Removed user]

20 July 2018 at 12:08:38 #891833

Hi Rmacher12,

If your priortity for the 3 days is the Glacier Express then your plan looks appropriate. 2 nights in St. Moritz (https://www.myswissalp s.com/stmoritz) is certainly a nice option – depending on your groups interests. It is a ski resort town.

Chur, is a nice town, but I’d say nothing particularly special about it, though it does have some history (https://www.graubuende n.ch/en/regionen-entdecken/geschichten/ chur-oldest-city-switzerland) again depends on the groups focus.

Read more about the Graubünden region here: https://www.myswissalp s.com/graubunden

For hotel suggestions, look at the town you want here first: https://www.myswissalp s.com/wheretogo/towns – once on the town page, you’ll find a section with our hotel suggestions there.

a Swiss Half Fare Card or the 3 day Swiss Travel Pass are good options to look at.
https://www.myswissalp s.com/swisstravelpass
https://www.myswissalp s.com/swisshalffarecar d

Reservations for the Glacier Express are mandatory but can only be made 3 months in advance. You can book reservations with HappyRail here (next year). If you make the reservation more than 3 months ahead they will take payment and make the reservation as soon as it is available.

[Removed user]

22 July 2018 at 10:41:13 #891834

Have you considered the area to the north of Zuerich instead of focusing on a place as far removed as the Engadin? Just a thought.

I find places like Schaffhausen and particularly Stein-am-Rhein less rushed and close by, and if your interest is towards art galleries, Winterthur for example. Switzerland really has so much to offer, so this is just a curved ball … 🙂 ENJOY!