Purpletulip

I am taking a business trip to Swizertland, and will have 3 days to spare. I will stay in Lausanne or Geneva. This is my first trip to Swizertland. I am thinking about one day in Geneva and one day Lausanne and 1 day Montreux. I am not sure if this is too much for three days. Please give me some suggesttion.

Thanks in advance.

Dukey

You can get to all of those by rail rather easily as day trips...in fact, you can get across the entire country by rail in fewer than five hours.
I'd stay in one and do the others by rail...I've been to all three several times and cared for Geneva the least.

You might want to tell us of your sightseeing interests so we can give you more information.

swandav2000

Hi Purpletulip,

I concur with Dukey -- no need to spend a night in three places as they are all about 20 minutes apart. Just pick one and stay there; for me, the smaller the better.

I've been to the area a number of times and just love it. Here is my personal list (w/photos) of things to do (based in Montreux):

Montreux old town
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Lavaux
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Promenade Fleuri
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Morges
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...rges_Vaud.html

Gruyeres
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._Fribourg.html

Saanen
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html

Gstaad
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html

Have fun!

s

jmw44

Lausanne is a lovely old city, and it's train station is one of my favorites (don't ask me why; it's just comfortable). You can take your choice of Swandav's favorites, but you can also visit Bern. I don't think I'd spend one of three precious days in Geneva, but as dukey says, it does depend upon your particular interests.

Now someone at this forum mentioned that the funicular that runs from old Lausanne down to the harbor at Ouchy has been closed. Perhaps there's a Lausanne website that will give you some advanced info.

Try for a hotel with a view. Years ago we stayed in a B&B on a residential street just below the station, and our room had the most glorious view of the harbor, the lake, and the mountains beyond. It was then that I fell in love with Switzerland. J.

Dukey

i have not looked at all of Swanday's links but just in case...

a few hours ON the lake in one of the "steamers" can be wonderful; the approach to Chillon by water is impressive.

And then there is the magnificent ascent to Rochers de Naye from Montreux by rack railway.

suze

As already clarified no need to move town to town, as those you mentioned are very close together. I would spend 1 day in Vevey/Montreux, 1 day out to Gruyeres, and 1 day in Geneva/Lausanne, is my suggestion.

suze

Oh, and that's not too much at all. Don't miss Chateau de Chillon, outside Montreux. Fantastic OLD castle.

GeoffHamer

This is the web site for the lake steamers:
www.cgn.ch
The ships visit almost all towns and villages on the lake, and the fleet does include genuine steamers: paddle steamers with real steam engines. The ships' upper decks are reserved for first-class passengers. The dining saloons are normally on the main deck and are open to both first- and second-class passengers.