BTilke

Sandiedog, I've done that route several times and it is very pretty! I recommend sitting on the right side of the train (as you leave Lucerne)...about an hour into the ride you go by a picturesque little village with a small church sitting alone on the top of a hill. Great photo op.
I am in Milan from time to time (I work for a company based in the Lambrate area on the east side)...perhaps we can get together for a cappuccino some day?

jmw44

Hi, Sandie. Lucerne is very convenient for visitors arriving via train; it is right there in front of you. It's a beautiful city. I'm topping this so you can receive some hotel recommendations. However, you might want to do a search re Lucerne to see which hotels have been previous favorites. J.

flygirl

Hi

last month I took the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz/Pontresina. It really was gorgeous, but 8 hours is quite a long time to sit on a train - scenery or not. Had I not a specific reason to go to "the other end" I wouldn't choose it again - unless maybe in a different season.

what can I say? ya gotta do it at least once.

I can't tell you a shorter/prettier one b/c that's the only 'scenic train' I've been on, in CH. (although I gotta say, my first train trip there 11 years ago was only selected for A-B, not scenes, and I was simply and completely blown away. first time, and all...)

if you would like to see some pictures, either email me or do a recent search on my name, I think I posted a picture link.

either way you will love it, it's a beautiful country. mondo cher though!

clevelandbrown

We blundered onto the Golden pass while going from Gstaad to Montreaux for lunch. It (and the return) were very scenic, but I thought it was not more scenic than most of the trains we took in Switzerland. The ride from Milan to Spiez was our entrance into Switzerland, and will remain forever in my memory as a wonderful ride. From Spiez on to Bern, however, was pretty mundane after we passed Thun.

I spent a lot of time researching the question of pass vs. point to point tickets. We were staying in a remote village and used the trains (or busses or boats) every day, and by my calculations the passes cost just a tiny bit more than our planned trips; the pass did help, however, when we had to change plans because of weather, or whatever. I would not have gone to Montreaux for lunch if I had not had the pass.

sandiedog

It's decided - I'm doing the William Tell from Lucerne to Lugano - but no the question becomes - Panorama car or the 2nd class? I've heard it's so great to open the windows but they're only in 2nd class.
What's the vote?

flygirl

on the GE I took, they only had first class cars - panorama windows. bear in mind if it's sunny out, the sunny side can get dang warm! enough to make you wanna nap. I am glad the car wasn't very full, I kept switching.

I also have enjoyed the trains you can open up and watch the world go by. if the 2d class really does open, a nice bonus I'd say.

dwzemens

For further reference about the distance from the train station to the Hotel des Balances in Lucerne, look at this photo:

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/...t=IMG_0363.jpg

The train station is visible just past the boat docks in the top right of the photo, and the very attractive woman is sitting on a balcony of the Hotel des Balances.

I am telling you, that is an awesome hotel!

sandiedog

The Des Balances does look nice but unfortunately they are booked.
I've booked the Villa Maria - anyone heard of it? The only other option is the Best Western Hotel FLora which is says is a short walk from town. Any feedback on these?

jmw44

If it's the pension Villa Maria, it's received good reactions here. I thought it sounded familiar so did a search, and all the comments are favorable. It is not a 'hotel' as such, if it is indeed the one you mean. I am the most devoted fan of Swiss two-star accommodations, so I'm of the opinion that you'll love it. J.

sandiedog

I have one more question for any of you who have taken the William Tell. Is the 3 hour boat ride really worth it? It looks like the actual train ride is only 2 hours. Would I see just as much by taking the Lucerne-Lugano train direct which gets me home in 3 hours?

swandav2000

Hi sandiedog,

Well I think a ferry ride on the lake is really extraordinary! So if you manage to take a ferry cruise the day or evening that you get to Luzern, then you could just take the train down to Milan. But if you don't take the cruise separately, then do consider taking that "William Tell." The view from the middle of the lake out to the mountains on all sides, with quaint and picturesque villages dotting the hillsides, is just spectacular. Though I've only gone as far as the Ruetli meadow, I've heard that the best part is on toward Flueelen, which is how the WT goes (yes?). I just don't think that the train can duplicate that scenery!

Hope this helps!

s

Ingo

Definitely take the boat to Fluelen. Much more scenic than the train.

One hint though regarding the fare: I don't think the fare of 160 something Sfr. for the Wilhelm-Tell-Express is worth the money (okay, it includes a lunch on the boat). I would buy single tickets for the boat (31 Sfr. 2nd class and 47 Sfr. 1st class) and the train (43/71 Sfr.) IMO 2nd class is good enough. At least it was for me.

Ingo

surfingmomma

I'm going to have one full day (2 nights) in Varenna, and want to travel to switzerland. Any comments on how to get there/best scenic view/amount of time?
thanks
surfingmomma

Travelnut

From what I can tell, Villa Maria is not near the old town, but is around the north side of the lake (zip 6006).

Hotel Flora is right IN Luzern, near the Kappelbrucke (zip 6002), and very walkable from the train station (300 meters).