Help with trip planning
 

Hi, <BR> <BR>I would like to get your help in planning our trip to Swizerland after visiting a couple of other destinations in Europe. We are going the 1st week of Sep. Arriving in Zurich and departing from Geneva after 6 days. We are considering the following: <BR>1 night in Lucern, 3 nights in Interlaken, 1 in Zermatt, and 1 in Geneva. We are trying to "cover" as much as we can. Is this making it too hectic? Also I know that Murren or Wengen is preferred over Interlaken but since we would be travelling with some heavy luggage how easy is it to transfer in and out of these towns as compared to Interlaken?

help for Alex?

Alex, <BR> <BR>Short answer: yes, too hectic. <BR> <BR>Don't let heavy luggage deter you from visiting Muerren or Wengen; when you arrive in Zurich, check your bags through to the final station for about 10 chf each. They'll arrive the same day, but usually delayed by 2-3 hours. Most hotels will also help you pick up the bags at the station w/an electric cart. <BR> <BR>If I were only staying in Switzerland for six days, I would probably stay in one place, maybe two at maximum. If you decide to stay in Lucerne, you can day-trip to Wengen, Interlaken, etc (and the reverse as well, stay in Muerren and day-trip to Lucerne, Interlaken, Wengen, etc). Then if you want to move, go to Montreux (better than Geneva but very close to Geneva airport) and day-trip to Zermatt, Geneva, Gstaad, etc. <BR> <BR>Montreux holds an international classical music/choral festival about that time, if that interests you. <BR> <BR>s

Hi, <BR>I am curious as to why you say it is better to stay in Montreux instead of Geneva? <BR>We are going to have 9 nights in Switzerland, and I was planning for 3 nights in Luzern(to see Luzern, Bern, and the Bernese Oberland), 3 nights at Lake Lugano (to see the lake(s), St. Moritz, and I don't know what else) and 3 nights in Geneva (to see Geneva, Lausanne, and Montreux). <BR>Does that sound like a decent itinerary?

Carol, <BR> <BR>I prefer Montreux to Geneva because I don't particularly like to take a vacation in a large city. I spent one night in Geneva and just found it to be crowded, noisy, lots of traffic, etc. The charm and beauty of the lakeside parks did not mitigate my discomfort. <BR> <BR>Montreux, on the other hand, has a population of about 23,000, and because it's basically a resort, it offers a slower pace and more serenity. Yet it still has lots to do: the Lavaux vineyards for gentle walks, the 11 km lakeside promenade with lots of benches and cafes, the old town, world-class dining, and excursions to Aigle, Leysin, Gstaad, Nyon, and Gruyeres. I have been there about four times in the past three years. Feel free to e-mail me for specifics. <BR> <BR>Before I comment on your personal itinerary, I must warn you that I prefer to stay in one place and try to get to know the area; I really don't enjoy packing, unpacking, and wasting my time in mediocre transit. For that reason, I try to stay in each place for a minimum of four nights -- my ideal is to take 7 or 8 nights in one place. Second, I must warn you that I did not like Lugano when I was there -- the old complaints: too crowded, too overbuilt, too noisy. I had planned to stay there for 7 nights but left after three. <BR> <BR>So if I were you with 9 nights, I would spend four in Luzern and 5 in Montreux. But that's just me. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps?? <BR> <BR>s

Here's my two cents: I agree with S about Montreaux -- love the walks in the vineyards; he's right about the many, many lovely places to visit from there. If you plan to visit Bern and Lucerne from one place (by train I hope), you might want to consider Interlaken. It is indeed nice to stay in one place for 4 or 5 nights, but on the other hand, I did love the Ticino area -- Lake Lugano. So if you want to do 3 days each, try Lugano, Interlaken, and Montreaux. The dandy thing about that is that you'll experience the Italian, German, and French-speaking areas of this fascinating country. Bon voyage. jw

A quick reply to Alex, if I may: For six nights, I'd agree with the two stops that S recommended, but again, maybe Interlaken and Montreaux. To both Alex and Carol, let me say that usually I stay in much smaller places than either of these (tight budget) -- but the wonderful Swiss trains make it possible.

Dont stay in Interlochen--You are in the Alps!!! Stay in Lauderbunnen and see Mountains and hike on both sides of the valley.Sept can be cool---you have cities on your list already