We will be based in Zurich for 4 days in late July. Traveling by train -Swiss Pass. Planning on Luzern for a day trip and will spend another day exploring Zurich. For the 3rd day trip I'd like to make it to Wengen to get the Swiss village experience. But I know it will take 3 hours to get there and another 3 back. Are we being too ambitious? Open to ideas of other villages to get a similiar experience. We are healthy day hikers in our mid-60's. We have to stay in Zurich--no change possible. Traveling on to Basel to board a river cruise on the 4th day. Looking forward to your suggestions. Got so many great ideas from Fodorites for our trip to Paris 2 yrs ago. Thanks everyone!

Hi grankath,

Yes, another, much closer option, would be seeing Engelberg and then ascending Titlis:

www.engelberg.ch
www.titlis.ch

While in Luzern, don't forget to take a cruise on the lakes and visit one or two lakeside towns like Weggis or Vitznau.

On your Zürich day, if you have time, take the train to Rapperswil and see that charming town as well.

Have fun!

s

If you're art lovers, a day trip to Winterthur - only a half-hour or so on the train from Zurich - would be well worthwhile. We were there just a few weeks ago; the Oskar Reinhart Collection "Am Romerholz" is one of the best small museums in Europe. And while you're in Luzern the Museum Sammlung Rosengart is also worth a visit (mandatory if you like Picasso and/or Klee. The Swiss Transportation Museum, a short walk down the lakefront from the Luzern train station, is a fascinating place to spend some time if you're interested in planes, trains, and automobiles (and much more).

I second the trip to Engelberg and Mt.Titlis!
The ascent up is in ?3 stagges.
I got off at Truebsee (lake) for a circular walk around the lake (about 1.25 hours) and a picnic. Simply breathtaking views of the mountains immediately above reflected in the clear, sparkling mountain lake.
Then I went on up to the top to finish the experience--the rotair over the glacier is great.
When in Zuerich , you can also take the tram up to the 'local mountain'-Uetliberg, just 15 minutes travel.
Walk well-marked paths to the summit. There is a free metal tower to climb for the tip-top view of surrounding mountains.
Many people picnic (or there is also a cafe) above.
Zuerich offers a daily, 2 hour city tour at 3 PM, starting at the Railstation's Tourist Info. Invest in a 24 or 72 hour Zurichkarte for savings on the Uetliberg tram, the tour and roundtrip (circular) boat trips on Lake Zuerich.
And I can't highly enough recommend Rapperswil (just 35 minutes by train from Zuerich main). I stayed there for a week just last November. Einsiedeln is also very close (Monastery and Black Madonna fame + famous horse breed).
If you click on my name (in blue), and scroll down to my trip reports (2- June and November), you read more about daytrips in this region. Hope this helps!

grankath:
You probably already researched this,

Zurich to the Engelberg-Titlis Gondelbahn takes only 1hr 59 minutes by train. The Gondelbahn ascends in 3 stages--Truebsee-Stand-Titlis.

Zuerich city walking tours take place daily in the summer at both 11 am AND 3 PM--guide will adjust language to participants.
Zuerichkarte saves 50% on walking tour cost(now 20 CHF), and provides for free rides on all trams, buses, local boats (they have 90 minute RT excursions which are nice) and city trains.
Choose 24 hour or 72 hour and validate by stamping at platform JUST PRIOR TO FIRST USE to provide maximum hours of usage.

The END of my FIRST TR (posted in September) covers two days in Zuerich.
OH! I wish I were going again!

Thanks to all for the great info. Fodorites are the best! Now debating between rail passes--Flexi Saver, 3 or 4 day Swill Pass or Zuerichkarte and point to point. We arrive Monday evening and must be in Basel by 3 on Friday. Have checked a few of the p to p prices and loooks like it's almost a wash. A bit more for the rail passes but to me it's worth not having think about it. Can we get the Swill rail passes after we get there?

You might want to plan to arrive in Basel early in the day on Friday so you will have some time to enjoy this charming small city.