This will be our fifth trip to Europe, but first to Switzerland, Austria and Munich.
We are a family of 5 with three teenagers and my cousin, Mitch. The primary purpose of the trip is a week-long leadership for the three teenagers just outside of Geneva in Leysin.
I'd love to get some feedback on this (initial) itinerary because we simply haven't been to this area before and I'm sure that we are overlooking many things. We plan on using a rental van, unless you have a better suggestion considering the fact that we have a lot of luggage (oh, the lady's shoes!!!) with us.
So, here's my proposed itinerary, be kind......
July 10th - Arrive in Geneva and drop off kids at camp in Leysin, then drive to Jungfrau region (still need a base city).
-Four nights in Jungfrau (Grindelwald??)
-Three nights Montreux or Luzern (somewhere different than Jungfrau)
-Pick up teenagers and drive to Appenzell for one night (visiting village along the way)
-Drive to Kitzbuhel for one night
-Drive to Munich for four nights, booking a private tour guide to Bavaria and Neuschweinstein Castle for a full day.
Flight home to LAX from Munich
This is a very preliminary plan and what I'm really hoping for is alternative suggestions on where to stay, other means of travels, side trips, etc.
About us:
40-ish years old, love outdoors, active, very social, like adventure of the unknown (somewhat)
FOODIES!!!
My cousin loves some nightlife
Budget not too much of a concern
Open to wild changes in itinerary if it sounds fun
Thanks in advance for ripping my plan apart and then reassembling.
Matt
Critique my trip to Switzerland
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I'm glad that budget isn't much of a concern - since Switz is REALLY expensive - assume prices twice what they are in US big cities.
Also, there aren't any cities in the Berner Oberland - there are hamlets, tiny towns and larger towns. And, as in other places in Switzerland, meals are early (restaurants often close at 10 pm), and hours for shops and other venues are limited.
Also, suggest you have a look at a map for your route.
(While Montreaux is charming, Lucern has much more to see/do there and nearby - and it's easier to get to Munich I think.)
Check the drop fees for picking up a car in Switzerland and dropping in Germany.
Lucerne will have nightlife as will Munich. It might be geared more to your kids ages than you (they don't really try to attract the 40ish crowd).
Yes, Lucerne over Montreaux for sure. Prices are amazing. I've been looking at dining options for our trip to Zermatt and Lucerne in January and main dishes from 40 to 60 CHF (which is close to 1 to 1 with US$) are not uncommon. You might want to drop your car (actually a van if you're traveling with 6 people) somehwere in Switzerland and train to Germany where you could either stay with trains for the travel around Munich, or rent a different car there.
I'm not a Munich fan. Prefer places like Garmisch-Partenkirchen to base for Bavarian area. Kitzbuhl is fun in winter but don't know that it would have great summer appeal. Salzburg might afford more interesting possibilities but I'd scrap the one night stop in favor of more time in Bavaria with Ludwig's castles and then maybe 1 or 2 nights in Munich as a final stop before your flight out.
Why Appenzell with the kids?