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Switzerland 8 day itinerary in May

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Switzerland 8 day itinerary in May

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Old Feb 4th, 2017, 02:41 AM
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Basel - Montreux:
The train itinerary through the Jura gorges and along Lake Biel and Lake Neuchatel is more scenic that that via Berne.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Biel/Bienne (dp 14.35) - Neuchatel (ar 17.10) leg can be done by boat.

Montreux:
Narcissus flowers will begin to bloom above Montreux.

Montreux - Lauterbrunnen:
take the scenic panoramic train via Gstaad.
From My 8th, the gondola to Glacier 3000 (close to Gstaad) will run again. I prefer Glacier 3000 to Titlis. http://www.glacier3000.ch/en
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Old Feb 4th, 2017, 11:54 AM
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an 8-consecutive-day Swiss Pass may be your best ticket to ride - covers travel to Murren in full and 50% off cables to Schilthorn and covers cable Gimmelwald to Stechelberg in full and postal bus from there to Lauterbrunnen - yes a nice base for that and Jungfraujoch trains too. And gives 50% off all gondolas not covered in full and also lake boats on the two lakes bookending Interlaken and those on Lake Lucerne.

9th day pay the relatively cheap ticket Lucerne to Zurich Airport.
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Old Feb 4th, 2017, 12:59 PM
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Draft:

*Please advise*: An option - We wouldn't have much time in Basel but we are thinking that we should not miss the opportunity to see the highlights. On arrival in Basel we could have part of the day, spend the night and train to Montreux the next morning. I know it is our decision. But can someone give me thoughts on this leg of the trip. It would cut our time in the Lake Geneva area to 1 1/2 days.

Day 1: Arrive in Basel train spend the day and night.

Day 2: (Thank you for the great suggestion on Basel - Montreux train/boat trip. I think it is a about a three hour train ride, I have not figured out the boat part, but I'm sure that will add time. Okay with that, just have to figure it out. The villages in that area are look wonderful, but we will have baggage so not an opportunity to linger a while.

Arrival to Lake Geneva area - 1/2 day - Chateau de Chillon and walk the Lakeside Promenade
*Lake Geneva* area (Do you think Montreux is a good choice for a base in this area? Any recommendations for lodging?)

Day 3: *Lake Geneva* area - Full day possibly the Chocolate train.


Day 4: Train to Lauterbrunnen area Also great information for the scenic panoramic train via Gstaad - I checked the website and the Glacier 3000 should be running through May 5, which would work for us. It seems that weather is iffy for being clear. If weather is clear on this day we should take advantage, rather than risk the weather down the road at Mt. Titlis.) I looked at the Golden Pass and did not see how to get from Montreux to Lauterbrunnen. All I could find was Montreux to Lucern, what am I doing wrong.

I am trying to start over by analyzing one leg at a time. Maybe it won't seem so overwhelming. For today let's look at Day 1 through Day 4. Are we trying to do too much. We enjoy the villages and what they offer. In the Lake Geneva area we are just scratching the surface, but hopefully choosing activities and the area to give us the fullest experiences. ?????

Thank you for your experience and knowledge on planning this adventure. I have spent all day researching from the first discussion. Have to make choices, never enough time, we love walking and exploring and engaging in the culture of the area.

Day 5: Day trip Schilthorn/Murren excursion
Day 6: Lauterbrunnen area
Day 7: Train to Luzern
Day 8: Luzern area(cable car to Mount Titlis, weather permitting)
Day 9: Train to Zurich for morning flight
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Old Feb 4th, 2017, 01:13 PM
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I loved Basel, but then, I love museums and it has some excellent ones. It also has some charming city squares and a lovely cathedral and a delightful botanic garden, etc.

1.5 days in Montreux would give you time for the Chateau Chillon and nearby promenade, the ride to Rochers de Naye, a bit of a boat ride along the lake, etc. If you want the Chocolate Train, you'd probably have to give up the Rocher de Nayes and boat along Lake Geneva. I'd take the ride to the Rochers de Naye over the Chocolate Train any day, but that's just me.

For train (and all other) public transportation in Switzerland, see the Swiss Rail site:
http://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html

I was not enamored of Montreux and, were I to go again, would stay in Vevey instead.

With your time frame, I think you must acknowledge that you can only skim the surface. You will not have time to see even the highlights. You must choose which ones must appeal, and honestly, <b>none</b> of us can tell you what that will be.
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Old Feb 4th, 2017, 05:43 PM
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You are right, can't do it all. Thank you for your comments on Basel! Your responses gives me a better insight to relate to our own travel preferences. Thank you so much for taking the time to voice an opinion, it helps sooooo much!

Of course I will add a question....... instead of bouncing around somewhat frenetically, should we focus on quality instead of quantity. Would it be better to focus on two areas instead of three??? I truly wish that we had a month, don't we all! (Right now we are trying to do the Lake Geneva area, Luzern and the Berner Oblerland.)

The scenic trains sound wonderful but we are much more boots on the ground, we would love to experience the area rather than just see it. Thank you again!
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Old Feb 4th, 2017, 05:44 PM
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I will read up on Vevey!
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Old Feb 4th, 2017, 07:30 PM
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As stated above, but with emphasis added, "<b><u><i>Only you</b></u></i> can decide if all the moving around -- and time lost to transportation, getting to your lodging, checking in/out, packing/unpacking, etc. -- works for your travel preferences and leaves you enough time to see what you want in each of these locations."
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Old Feb 4th, 2017, 08:33 PM
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Hi again milestogo --

I travel often to Montreux (about every other year) and generally stay for 2 weeks at a time, so I hope I can help with your stay at the lake.

First, some information on the two towns. Vevey is more residential, and even the foreign visitors there tend to be on a looong stay, like several months. The lakeside area has more old stately trees than flowers, and its old town of tangled streets right next to the lake is a huge draw. In contrast, Montreux has the feel of a resort, and the flowered lakeside promenade can feel like a party at the right time of day. You're more likely to see a very interesting and wide-ranging variety of folks on the promenade at Montreux -- from punked-out youths walking with their matronly Chanel-draped grandmothers to Asian students, French starlets, Australian families, Scandanavian back-packers, and international businessmen.

With so much of what you want to do located at/from Montreux, it might be the more convenient base. You can stay in a suburb (Territet or Clarens) and miss a lot of the mess of the town. But in any case, bus #201 will take you between Montreux and Vevey, and it will be free with the Riviera Card your hosts give you.

I will strongly suggest you don't do the Chocolate Train or the Rochers-de-Naye for your very limited time at the lake. Since you'll be spending time at a place with big mountains and lakes, the Rochers-de-Naye would be redundant . . . and not as dramatic. And the Chocolate Train is a full day activity, and it will be going over some of the very same tracks that you'll take to go to the Oberland (in fact, you can even see Gruyeres and chocolate factory while enroute, on your own).

Instead, I would suggest that you spend half a day in Vevey, exploring the tangled streets of its old town -- you won't see anything like that in the Oberland. Then spend half a day in the vineyards of the Lavaux -- maybe the town of Lutry (with a sign-posted walk of its medieval buildings) and then walking to another town through the vineyards. Or maybe explore the sweet town of Morges, with a pedestrian zone lined with cafes and shops, and a beautiful little harbor area. Or take a long ferry ride on the lake.

Anyway, have fun as you plan!

s
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Old Feb 4th, 2017, 09:58 PM
  #29  
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IMO, we have an interesting example of why ONLY the OP can decide: Like swandav2000, I enjoyed strolling through Vevey – but after an hour, I was done and ready to move on. And I thought the train to the Rochers-de-Naye unlike anything else I saw while in Switzerland, although I do appreciate the point that swandav is making. I agree that visiting Lutry and walking through the vineyards of the Lavaux was a pleasant way to spend a half-day.
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Old Feb 5th, 2017, 06:06 AM
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Trains Basel - Jura Gorges - Biel/Bienne - Neuchatal - Morges - Montreux:
Basel dp every hr from 6.03 until 20.03. 3 hrs journey. Change at Biel/Bienne (same platform) and Morges (same platform)

Golden Pass trains Montreux - Interlaken:
Montreux dp every 2 hrs from 7.44 until 17.44. 3 hrs journey, except for the 17.44 train where the journey lasts 1 hr longer. Change at Zweisimmen and sometimes Spiez (no change at Spiez for the trains Montreux dp 9.44, 11.44 and 13.44).
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Old Feb 5th, 2017, 09:10 AM
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neckervd -any news of the plans to make GP trains run straight thru Lucerne to Montreux by making the whole route narrow- and standard-gauge?

I heard about that a few years back - current change in Zweisimmen is no hassle but bothersome still.
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Old Feb 5th, 2017, 11:08 AM
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Montreux to Zweisimmen portion of GP has unique VIP seats where you sit by the front window next to the driver's compartment (or in the back window facing rear) - more info on official site.
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Old Feb 5th, 2017, 04:04 PM
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Thank you for sticking with me on this planning. I am reading and following up on everything you have shared. As you know that sends you into another tangent of research. I'm feeling pretty good about this plan.

April 29 Day 1: Arrive in Basel - Half day in Basel, overnight Basel
April 30 Day 2: Train to Lake Geneva area - Montreux - Chateau de Chillon and walk the Lakeside Promenade?????
May 1 Day 3: Vineyards of Laveaux/Vevey ?????
May 2 Day 4: Train to Lauterbrunnen area (1/2 day Lauterbrunnen - depends on how much time is needed for Gstaad)
May 3 Day 5: Lauterbrunnen area
May 4 Day 6: Lauterbrunnen - Day trip Schilthorn/Murren excursion
May 5 Day 7: Lauterbrunnen area ( Wengen/ Interlaken????)
May 6 Day 8: Train to Luzern 1/2 day in Luzern
May 7 Day 9uzern area(cable car to Mount Titlis, weather permitting, maybe the Golden Pass)
May 8 Day 10: Train to Zurich for morning flight

Nothing is set in stone, but this gives me a good start (that would be another start Some thoughts at this point:

Basel: We are there, we should at least have the opportunity to experience it at some level, be it ever so small.
Lake Geneva area: Love the sound of the low-key, village, walking and exploring atmosphere
Lauterbrunnen: What a rich area!
Luzern: Can't miss this beautiful lake. Maybe the Golden Route????? -comments

As I continue planning I will be asking again for your awesome advice! In fact I have a question now. Lodging in these areas - your recommendations. We love the small B&B's, but we are open to your experiences and advice! Thank you again for helping me get on track with this. We've had some heart breaking and challenging life experiences in the last months and I felt so disconnected from this trip. You have helped me to refocus and enjoy the planning stage that I so love! Thank you Fodor People!
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Old Feb 5th, 2017, 06:18 PM
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FWIW, I found Gstaad WAY too upscale for my tastes. I only spent 20 minutes there, and that was enough for me! But maybe because I spent so little time, I missed its charm. Certainly, there are people who love it.

I don't think you want a train to the "Lake Geneva area" -- I think you are looking for a train to Montreux. (Geneva is also in "the area" -- several hours away.)

Interlaken isn't really a destination in and of itself -- it's a place that many people find convenient to stay. I think you are wise to look at staying in the Lauterbrunnen area itself.

If you choose to stay in Lauterbrunnen, I was very pleased with the Staubbach:
http://www.staubbach.com
but you might want to consider Wengen or even Murren instead -- again, your call. If your budget can accommodate a hotel with a stunning view, I'd go for Wengen. JMO.
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Old Feb 5th, 2017, 08:07 PM
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Yes, it should have been a train to Montreux!
And
Thinking that Lauterbrunnen will be our base for the area. Wengen???
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Old Feb 5th, 2017, 08:21 PM
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Wengen and Murren are two separate car-free villages above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, one to each side. In case you have forgotten: Google is your friend.
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Old Feb 5th, 2017, 08:39 PM
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Hi again,

Your plans for Montreux/Vevey look fine.

Gstaad -- that's another area where kja and I strongly disagree. I've spent a few vacations there, 1 week to 10 days, and really love the landscape around it. The area is characterized more by soft green rolling hills rather than stunning peaks, and to me that is more beautiful.

FWIW, I wasn't overwhelmed by the number of the rich & famous in Gstaad. I do remember seeing one strikingly tall and thin and young beauty tottering down the street in stiletto heels, but she was an amusing exception that just added to the overall people-watching joy of the day. Mostly the folks were much like me -- dressed for hiking. And many were elderly. I do remember bench-hopping along with an elderly couple as we stopped from bench to bench to rest (after a hiking day) and watch the people walking down the promenade. Well, there are a number of upscale shops. But. It is a Swiss resort.

But there are more picturesque and less well-known villages where you can stop. Rougemont is on the Golden Pass line, on the French side of the roesti border, and it is, to me, the prettiest village in the area. However it is quite small. I've bicycled through it a few times and wandered around it on foot two times, and there is really just one street and the train station. Just a few buildings. Saanen is another village that you may think is prettier than Gstaad, and it's just next door to Gstaad, about 10 minutes on the train. There is a lovely walk between Saanen and Gstaad that takes 45 minutes, and if you have the time, you might enjoy it. You could send your suitcases ahead of you using the SBB's Fast Baggage service, and you'd be free to walk from village to village.

As for Lauterbrunnen vs. Wengen, I personally far (FAR) prefer Wengen. The cliffs that overhang Lauterbrunnen always put me off from visiting the town (though others enjoy the views down the valley). However, in May, Wengen might be under-populated, with many hotels and restaurants closed as they prepare for the summer. If I were you, I would opt for Grindelwald -- though it allows cars, it sits up high in the mountains with views over to the other peaks and down the valley. It is larger than Wengen, so more will be open.

As kja says, google is your friend. One nice way to spend your time is to use googe's "images" search engine and do a search for all of these towns & villages. You may be able to get an idea of what each place is like, and one may attract you more than the other.

Have fun!!

s
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Old Feb 5th, 2017, 08:53 PM
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Hi again,

Ooops, forgot!

What is your price range for a hotel? And please give us some figures rather than an adjective -- "budget" or "mid-range" can mean very different things to different people.

Also, how many people are travelling? Will you need a room for 6 people for 200 chf/night, or a room for 2 people for 400 chf/night?

There is an organization for Swiss B&Bs called www.bnb.ch. But you should know that these are truly homey-type places, not hotels, and they can be somewhat remote and difficult/time consuming to get to.

But off the top of my head, for the Montreux/Vevey area, these are my picks:

Hotel Eden Palace au Lac, 4-star, in Montreux. I've stayed here three times, all three times before they added the "Palace" to the name. Nice location right on the lake right in the center of town.

Hotel Victoria in Glion, above Montreux, 4-star. I've stayed here also three times. Situated above Montreux with stunning views over the lake and into France. You get there by funicular that runs every 15 mminutes from Territet or by train from Montreux.

Hotel Bristol, 3-star. I stayed here for 2 weeks last fall, and I loved its location. It's just above the lakeside promenade, right on the lake, in the suburb of Territet/Veytaux. The same building houses a retirement home, and you see the residents in the breakfast room.

Hotel Golf Rene Capt, 4-star. Never stayed there but love its location right on the lakeside promenade in Territet.

Hostellerie Bon Rivage, 3-star. Never stayed there but again love its location in a quiet spot on the lake. It sits in the suburb of La Tour-de-Peilz just next to Vevey; it is about a 15-minute walk to the Vevey train station. But it is right at a bus stop, and, as I said above, your hosts will give you the Riviera Card to make the busses free.

If you'd like more recommendations, let us know.

Have fun!


s
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Old Feb 5th, 2017, 09:24 PM
  #39  
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or you can easily search for your own accommodations at booking.com
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Old Feb 6th, 2017, 08:12 AM
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Wengen and Murren are two separate car-free villages above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, one to each side. In case you have forgotten>

Wengen however is much better situated for most excursions and Murren rather isolated - taking a lot of time to get up to and down from. Swiss Passes fully valid to either one.
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