Hello,

Seeing how helpful people on this board are, here are a few questions.

My husband and I will be traveling to Switzerland at the end of August for about 5-6 days (and then will visit France, starting in the South). We have already been to Geneva and Zurich, and now trying to compose an interesting itinerary.

From the brief review of the messages, it seems that people recommend Lucerne, OB and Montreux.

What would be the desired breakdown by days, as well as any other recommended destinations?

Also, does anybody know whether there is an airport in Lucern? (or which city should we fly into?).

Thank you again for all the help!

Hi Vic1,

No airport in Luzern -- Zurich airport is only an hour by train, so that's awfully close!! Geneva airport will be about three or four hours, depending on the connection.

Now, as to how to split up your 5-6 days, I'll be no help at all. I like to stay put for a week; in fact, I've done a week in Montreux on two separate trips. I've also done a week in the BO a few times (skiing mostly). Though I've only spent 3-4 days in Luzern at any one time, I could easily stay there for a week, too!

Maybe others will give you some helpful hints for you to divide your days!

s

I'm not sure why Montreux gets recommended so often (although I'm going there next month because a friend lives there). Don't get me wrong, I do love the towns along the lake coming "out" from Geneva, but feel Vevey or even Lausanne has more to offer.

Suze,

I think it depends on what you're looking for. Montreux for sure gives you the strongest feeling of a lake surrounded by mountains, has the most beautiful lake promenade and still has some "Belle Epoque" charm. I personally enjoyed the stay in the quiet Hotel Masson VERY much. And Montreux offered the best connections into the mountains (MOB, Rochers-de-Naye). Last but not least, don't forget Chillon!

Hi, Vic. It would seem reasonable to land in Zurich, spend two nights each in Lucerne, the Berner Oberland (Wengen/Grindelwald/Murren or Brienz), and Montreux. Then move on down to the south of France. You have not said what your mode of travel will be. That decision could be a factor. The above split will give you a quick taste of three places, though (as S' mentioned) many of us would prefer to stay in one hotel for the full six nights and daytrip or explore from there. Bon Voyage. J.

Thank you for everyone's input. I think the itinerary now looks as follows:

Day 1 -- fly into Zurich, take a train into Luzern. Spend a day in Luzern (center, boat on a lake, transportation museum).

Day 2 -- Mt. Pilatus; leave to Interlaken in the second half of the day.

Days 3-5 -- Explore Interlaken and environs.

Day 6 -- Montreux and Chillon.

Day 7 -- leave to Riviera.

I'd appreciate any comments. I also have a couple more questions:

1. any (moderately priced) hotel recommendations for each of the places?

2. which of the Swiss passes does it make sense to get? (Swiss flexipass? for how many days?)

3. we are debating between renting a car in Montreux and driving to Riviera -- is it a viable (and pleasant) option over just taking a train?

Thank you again!

Hi Vic. Try to plug in your rail trips at the sbb.ch website to check the fares. Then see how much the half-price pass is. It seems to be the one that most folks here recommend. I don't know if you'll be using public transportation enough to make it worthwhile. I use the Swiss Pass, but I daytrip the life out of that little piece of plastic. As for places to stay, if you'll search here using the various town names, you'll come up with lots of moderately priced suggestions. Topping for you. J.

OK, for Montreux... I love Chateau de Chillon! And Montreux will make a great stop for 1 day. If you happen to hit a heatwave (as the last two summers were) there's a fantastic pool at the Casino/hotel along the quai, where you can buy a single admission pass, heavenly. If you happen to be there on Friday, that's when the open air local farmers market sets up under the pavillion on the main street. Don't miss a stroll in the Old Town, it's in and up away from the waterfront a bit. And Rochers de Naye is an excellent recommendation for a scenic tram up the mountains. Wow, that will be a busy day~ haha.