Suggestiond for 3 nights in Lucerne - Summer2013

Hello,
We ( 2 adults , 2 kids) are planning a trip to Switzerland and Italy in June 2013. This will be our first trip to the area and we can use some advise.

Plan is to land in Zurich and rent a car and drive in Switzerland and Italy (Rome, Venice etc).

Tentative Itin in Switzerland:

Day 1
- Land Zurich 10:00 am , rent a car at the airport
- Visit Rhine Falls
- Arrive Lucerne in the evening

Day 2
Need help here : Should we do Rigi or take Godlen Roud Trip to Pilatus
Can we mix another short excursion on this day?

Day3
-Drive to Interlaken area
- Take top of Europe train to Jungfraujoch
- Spend rest of the day in Interlaken area
- Drive back to Hotel in luceren
- Any other suggestions?

Day 4
- Check out
- visit Mt Titlis - other suggestions?
- Drive to Italy.

Should we look to get a trail pass instead of driving in the area?
Any suggestiosn to improve / ehance swiss experience will be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Welcome happy123! Personally, I prefer public transportation over car hire. That's because the public transportation system is excellent, train traveling is scenic and an attraction in itself, and some places can't even be reached by car. If you decide to go by train, a Swiss rail pass would be a good idea. The 4 day Swiss Saver Pass would be a convenient option. By the time you'll be traveling, there may be a promotion (such as a 2 for 1 offer or promo codes for online ordering). There are no guarantees, but just keep an eye on our rail forum for updates by February-March next year.

As for your itinerary: I can't really choose between Rigi and Pilatus. Both can be combined with a boat trip over the lake and both offer a great view. The Golden Round trip to Pilatus does offer more modes of traveling (boat, train, cogwheel and cable car) - although part of the trip to Rigi, generally made by cogwheel, can also be made by cable car. I wouldn't add another excursion on that day, except for some sightseeing in Lucerne and/or an extended boat ride in the direction of Flüelen.

A trip to the Jungfraujoch can be combined with a visit to the Trümmelbach falls and/or a boat trip on lake Brienz or lake Thun. You yould take the boat from Interlaken Ost to Brienz on your way back to Lucerne, for example.

I hope this gets you started!

Annika - Thank you for your insight and suggestions.