gregs317

Hi, I'm curious about visiting Lucerne as a stop from Florence, Italy on the way to Geneva (to fly home). Will only be in Geneva for about 2 days and 1 night. Hoping to visit Mt. Pilatus or Mt. Rigi, or both. Appreciate any suggestions. Thanks, Greg

Jean

I suggest you check the train timetables and decide whether you want to spend that much time on trains over a few days. That's your choice. For me, Lucerne has too much to see for a day trip from Geneva, and I'd want to spend two nights there in order to have at least a full day for exploring. Would two nights in Lucerne eliminate any time in Geneva?

http://www.sbb.ch/en/

P_M

This is like saying, "I'm going to to New York for 2 days and I want to do Washington DC as a day trip." Sorry but it really isn't a good plan, please save Lucerne for another trip. I will be happy to help you with ideas for what to do in and around Geneva.

I took the city tour by tram, that's a great way to get an overview of the city. If you want to venture outside the city I highly recommend Montreaux, which you can reach either by train or boat. You could visit Chateau de Chillon, a medieval castle on the lake. Nearby Vevey is another nice town on the lake, as well as Yvoire on the French side. I have heard Annency is a wonderful little French city and it will be a don't-miss on my next trip.

Please do a bit of reading about Geneva and the surrounding area, you will find plenty to keep yourself busy.

P_M

PS I absolutely loved Lucerne, much more so than Geneva. But if you are flying from Geneva and there is really no time for a couple of days in Lucerne then as I said above, save it for another trip. Once you get to Lucerne you will be very sad if you only have a day.

gregs317

Sorry that I wasn't more specific. What I want to do is experience a little bit of the Alps before heading home. I'm flying home from Geneva, so thought that a couple of days in Lucerne would be good. Is 4 days, 3 nights in Lucerne good, doing 2 excursions to Mt. Rigi and Mt. Pilatus? Then head to Geneva for final night, before departing next day. Thanks, Greg

P_M

Thanks for the additional info. I think 4 days, 3 nights would be perfect for Lucerne. You can do Rigi one day and Pilatus on another day, then spend a bit of time wandering around Lucerne. Enjoy your trip, Lucerne is my favorite Swiss city.

violetduck

Consider taking a bus from Geneva to Annecy, France.
Totally charming place with lakeside promenade, boats to little towns around the lake, beautiful flower boxes,restaurants along the canal,shopping. It was a very relaxing place to visit. Use a search engine and look at photos. A not to miss place on my list. It seems it is about
an hour from Geneva to Annecy on the bus. The train goes there also but the bus is an easier journey.