day 1 -forget Rochers de Naye - your plate will already be full - a nice mountain train but they are a dime a dozen in the Jungfrau Region. Nice if you can fit it in though. But forget Montreux' mountainsIMO

All other days seem excellent -a 15-day Swiss Pass is ideal for this on the move somewhere every day itinerary (nothing wrong with that I move around every day too).

Even pays for castle entries many times and museums and valid on lake boats - most mountain trains, postal buses.

Great! I may just drop the chocolate tour in favor of touring the castle

PalenQ- is there a reason the 15-Day Swiss Pass would be better than the 8 Day? The price is a little steep for us and was hoping the "Consecutive Travel Days" pass would be sufficient.

Oh gosh, I keep making typos lol. I meant "8 Consecutive Travel Days"

One of my favorite things is the street farmers market if you happen to be in town on the right day. In Vevey it's Tuesday and Saturday and Montreux Friday.

You have more than enough time in one day to visit Gruyere castle, have a fondue lunch, and visit the Broc chocolate factory before returning to Vevey.

The chocolate tour ends with an 'all you can eat' chocolate tasting! I was the only person in there... even the attendant left when I walked in.

Agree that you should tour the inside of Chillon!

For Pal -- yes, it's just "a one-time motorist" .... (x) every other person travelling in Switzerland. If it were just one person every year, we probably wouldn't be having the problems we're having now with climate change.

For nOcarrots,

Yes, your plan sounds much better this time, and more logical. And, as I noted above, I do think it would be better to skip the R-d-N since you're heading to the big mountains for your next stop. Lake Geneva is unique, so focusing on the lake is not a bad idea.

You'll find that you're going over the same territory for your trip to Gruyeres and for your journey to Wengen, for the first part of the trip. But it's beautiful countryside, so it won't be that bad!

Please note that the chocolate factory is not in Gruyeres -- it is at a train stop called "Broc Fabrique." It's not a long train ride, maybe 5 or 10 minutes, but you do need to get to the station (maybe 20 minute walk from Gruyeres town) & wait for the train, etc. I have to admit that, after 3 or 4 visits to Gruyeres, I still haven't gone inside the chocolate factory. I also didn't go inside the castle until about visit #3, and I loved it. It will give you a good sense of the history of the area.

One thing to be sure to try while in Gruyeres is the double cream with berries or with meringue. It's beyond heavenly. And even if it's warm outside, try to sample some fondue -- again, heavenly.

Have fun!

s

Oh, and sorry for not posting these earlier. These are my reviews (w/photos) for Montreux. I know you don't have time to do all that's there, but it may help a bit.


Montreux old town
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Lavaux
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Walks through the Lavaux vineyards
http://static.montreuxriviera.com/ra...679.1466572907

Promenade Fleuri
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Morges
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...rges_Vaud.html

Gruyeres
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._Fribourg.html

s

I’m confused! I may be missing something obvious, but I don’t see your day 1 working – I think you will run out of time long before you can complete this list of want-to-sees.

Then, if you want to find time for any of what you skipped on day 1, I’m not sure that day 2 Is possible. I could be wrong.

FWIW, I would make seeing the interior of the Chateau Chillon a priority.

I’m sure you realize that your days 10, 11, and 12 are dependent on the weather. Be prepared with backup plans!

depending on how long you spend in Brienz, I’m not sure that you are giving yourself sufficient time in Lucerne.

JMO.

Good luck!

kja, I believe the OP is re-thinking the trip to R-d-N. So that would leave for the day:

2h Vevey exploration
2h Montreux exploration/promenade
2h Chillon

I think it would be fine.

s

I’m sure you’re right, swandav -- if that’s the plan, it could work! I must admit that I adored the Rochers de Naye, but understand that skipping it makes sense in this case.

If this is the plan, then I, personally, would check in, freshen up, and find a place for coffee before going to Montreux. I would then walk to the Chateau Chillon (because I feel the need for fresh air and exercise after a long flight), visit the chateau, and then go back to Montreux for further exploration. I would defer exploration of Vevey – which can be done once things are closed or on the next day – until last. Whether it works depends, I think, on when they arrive in Vevey, when they are ready to leave their hotel, whether they got lost or stop for coffee (or wine!), etc.

FWIW, if time permitted, I’d find time for a quick visit to Glion on that 1st day, even if it meant waiting until the next day to visit Vevey. The views from the little lake-side chapel are so glorious! And if necessary, I’d skip the Broc Factory tour if that’s what it took to see the castle in Gruyeres. Even though a chocoholic, I simply was not that impressed. JMO.

I had forgotten that the OP has some time on the 3rd day, and so another chance for things missed on days 1 & 2 … more options!

Yes 8-consecutive-day pass is best - I quickly looked at your day listing that said 15 but you have only 8 travel days so yes that is best.

This has been INCREDIBLY helpful, everyone. I'm so excited for our trip!!! Thanks so much for your time.

PLEASE report back! So few do and we all can learn from your travels and travails!

Cheers!