I need an itinerary! Help.
 

I need some help. Even with 12 library books on Switzerland and maps, I can't seem to narrow down an itinerary for 5 full days in Switzerland, starting in Zurich. We arrive Tuesday morning and depart Sunday morning. I'll take ANY suggestion!
Thanks.

You want "us" to TELL you where to go? Is five days your entire trip to Europe? OR have you allocated 5 days of some longer period of time to Switzerland, with other countries to follow? Isn't it as simple as at least telling us the three places that appeal to you most?


You could follow days 12-17 from Rick Steves' (rather whirlwind) itinerary through Germany, Switzerland AND Austria - - http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/desti...any/germ22.htm - - or just take the first five days from http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/desti...rland-best.htm

How did you come to this crisis?

And finally, please see http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34654700

Best wishes,

Rex

Switzerland is a wonderful country to just relax, take walks and enjoy the scenery. We lived in Geneva for two years so with our recommendations are to visit Zermatt and Murren. Both of these places have wonderful hikes and the scenery is breathtaking. Lausanne is nice also. There are also so many cute little villages everywhere in the country where you can stop for lunch. Take a boat ride on a lake. Any of the big lakes will do. We also loved the Ticino area near the Italian border. Have dinner on a lake and order the perch with frites - a Swiss specialty. Also, in Zermatt have fondue. We also liked the Gruyere region. I don't think you can go wrong anywhere there.

With only 5 days it should not be hard. I would do 2 nites in Luzern and 3 in the Berner Oberland---I prefer Wengen or Grindelwald. You decide the sequence.

OK, I'm sorry. Yes, we only have 5 full days total in Switzerland. We get every 6th week off from work and this is our latest trip, booked on a whim, and we're trying to learn FAST about the country. I just don't want to come home and have people say, "...you mean, you went to Switzerland and didn't do so and so?!?". I know we can't really go wrong but I need a day to day itinerary from those who know distances between places and train schedules/availability. We probably won't rent a car. Also, should we book accommodations in advance?

Switzerland is so diverse that I can about promise that you'll hear "you mean you went to Switzerland and...". Witness the fact that it has 4 different languages. So do you want an alpine experience? A city experience? Lakes? Are you picturing German, French, Italian or Romanche?

I had the same problem with my first trip; too many choices, not enough time. But whatever you choose, you can't go wrong.

I think we want the small town nestled in a valley, chalets everywhere experience. We're taking backpacks but no camping equipment. We'll hostel it or sleep in the hay (!). I love urban hiking too, but this is of lower priority. We may spend time in the cities, but maybe lodge and spend the bulk of our time outside of cities. I want to see the real charm. Cities can be the same in general wherever you go. I doubt we'll make it to Geneva. Thanks everyone - keep it coming.

Then I would recommend you do some searching on the Engadin. There are so many great places to hike. Can't recommend a hostel or place with hay, but there was something recommended a few months ago if you want to do a search here. Or maybe post a new thread with a title like: need recommendation for Swiss mountain hut sleeping. Most likely someone will find that thread for you.

<<I just don't want to come home and have people say, "...you mean, you went to Switzerland and didn't do so and so?!?">>

You can and should have better friends than this. If they have info about such places and aren't coming forward with it - - do "they" know you well enough to know of your upcoming travel plans? have "they" tried to belittle your travel reports in the past?

If &quot;they&quot; are travel elitists, I wonder if they come here to Fodors.com - - this is not (entirely) serious, but post a message saying &quot;to all the friends of &lt;&lt; <i>Mary Jo Mustard</i> &gt;&gt; from Sheboygan,
Wisconsin (or whoever you are), if you have advice on Switzerland destinations, would you please answer this post!&quot;

And if your post-trip critics do <u>not</u> know about Travel Talk, then you've got your travel snob comeback right there! &quot;Oh, I see you really don't know Europe travel at all&quot;... you can snap back!

;)

If it were me traveling, I'd hop on a train in Zurich and head for the Berner Oberland (2-3 hours by train depending on connections). I'd spend all my time there - basing myself in Wengen, Murren or both.

When are you going? NEXT Tuesday? If so, you're going during high season, so I'd definitely book accommodation in advance. I'd also avoid Zermatt, which is a wonderful place to visit, but an absolute zoo this time of year (based on my experience anyway). It's also a five hour train ride from Zurich. With your limited time, I'd suggest the BO instead - closer, more to see, more highlights, if you will (Jungfrau, Schilthorn, Mannlichen, Schinge Platte, etc, etc, etc).

You might consider a 5 day Swiss Saver Rail Pass which covers most trains, buses, boats etc. For what isn't covered, such as the Jungfrau, Schilthorn, etc, you get a 25% discount. If you're pressed for time in planning, and it sounds as if you are, it's probably the most convenient and flexible rail pass, assuming you hope to see alot in your five days.

Whatever you decide, have a great trip.

My mistake - no 5 day rail pass - it's either 4, 8, 15 or more.