Switzerland part of 3-week trip
Jul 29th, 2017, 05:39 AM
#22
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http://www.mountainforce.com/journal...-in-the-world/
Glacier Express does run in winter - the Furkha Base Tunnel was drilled in part to allow year-round running of GEX - as old Furkha Pass it used to take was blocked by snow in winter.
Glacier Express does run in winter - the Furkha Base Tunnel was drilled in part to allow year-round running of GEX - as old Furkha Pass it used to take was blocked by snow in winter.
Jul 29th, 2017, 09:35 AM
#24
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OK -I thought you meant stops Oct 23 till spring. Now see relevance to OP - I knew you knew that GEX runs in winter! (Neckervd is Swiss I believe and is always right and extremely helpful in taking lots of time to help tourists with the nitty-gritty. A Fodor's treasure!)
Jul 29th, 2017, 05:32 PM
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@ Huggy: I would hardly say that my life is in order; just that traveling, IME, offers such a wealth of wondrous moments that I really don't worry about whether anything is "best." That's one of the benefits of traveling solo (as I do) -- I'm not responsible for decisions that affect anyone else. ;-)
Jul 30th, 2017, 09:15 AM
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If you have a choice of seats on Bernina Express sit on the west side of the train - at least between St Moritz and the summit most of the awesome scenery is on the west side.
The neat thing about local trains is that they have no reserved seats and often not full so you can hop side to side as scenery dictates.
The neat thing about local trains is that they have no reserved seats and often not full so you can hop side to side as scenery dictates.
Jul 30th, 2017, 12:43 PM
#29
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GE seats don't seem tomake much difference as to side you sit on.
One major difference between local and official BEX and GEX trains is commentary you get along the way as well as more comfy seats with doilies and those spiffy panoramic observation cars.
One major difference between local and official BEX and GEX trains is commentary you get along the way as well as more comfy seats with doilies and those spiffy panoramic observation cars.
Aug 1st, 2017, 12:37 PM
#30
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Thanks for all the great suggestions. We're now looking at taking the regional trains rather than the GE and BE. Also thinking about taking the "cruise" from Geneva to Montreux, via Lausanne. If we only have 5-6 days for all of this, which place would you be ibclined to spend an extra day at - Montreux, Zermatt, Davos, or Tirano? Not really into hiking, but would like time to walk around, drink wine, and enjoy the ambience.
TIA!
TIA!
Aug 1st, 2017, 01:02 PM
#31
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Montreux would be nice if not into hiking -some nice lakeside walks and places to go by boat - Chateau Chillon, Gruyeres- old walled town and scenic train to get there - boat over to Evian-les-Bains France for a day - You're itinerary begs for some kind of Swiss Pass -valid on boats, trains, city transports, etc.
Geneva-Lausanne-Montreux is a long haul with nice but after a bit same old scenery -I'd take train maybe to Montreux and do shorter boat trips - Vevey is one town many like as well as Montreux. Into a little downhill trek thru vineyards -take train Montreux up a few stations thru hillside vineyards and waltz down -I did and wow views of Mt Blanc and lake.
Well worth it IMO to go first-class on boats -open-air front deck section.
Geneva-Lausanne-Montreux is a long haul with nice but after a bit same old scenery -I'd take train maybe to Montreux and do shorter boat trips - Vevey is one town many like as well as Montreux. Into a little downhill trek thru vineyards -take train Montreux up a few stations thru hillside vineyards and waltz down -I did and wow views of Mt Blanc and lake.
Well worth it IMO to go first-class on boats -open-air front deck section.
Aug 1st, 2017, 01:22 PM
#32
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For a nice excursion train check out the Chocolate Train -Montreux-Gruyeres - Broc Factory (Willie Wonkaesque tours of Callier Chocolate Facdtory and back - uses vintage Pullman cars - 1st cl only -visits a cheese factory -say cheese!
http://www.mob.ch/en/goldenpass/offer/view?id=15
http://www.mob.ch/en/goldenpass/offer/view?id=15
Aug 1st, 2017, 02:21 PM
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Aug 1st, 2017, 03:00 PM
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I’m not sure I’d go all that way on the boat – the most spectacular scenery is to the east end of the lake. Maybe from Lausanne to Montreux or the Chateau Chillon?
I must admit that I would not plan any extra time in Tirano. Which of your other choices would be best for your 'extra" time would depend, I think, on your interests and what your current itinerary is (sorry, I’ve lost track).
I must admit that I would not plan any extra time in Tirano. Which of your other choices would be best for your 'extra" time would depend, I think, on your interests and what your current itinerary is (sorry, I’ve lost track).
Aug 1st, 2017, 03:19 PM
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Tirano is a loud busy transit town - just take train from Tirano to say Lake Como - Varenna-Esino is a nice lakeside town with direct trains from Tirano. Boats from there go to nearby Bellagio.
I'd suggest dropping Davos and staying instead in say Pontresina - short train ride from St Moritz but a more bucolic setting - can access Bernina Pass trains from there.
Davos is a detour off a route that you already are short of time on.
Starting from Pontresina you can easily get to Milan by mid-afternoon - you may want to consider renting car before you get to Milan in a city on that line to Milan or even in Tirano if possible - lovely drive Tirano-Lake Como - bypass Milan and its hectic traffic to Piedmont.
I'd suggest dropping Davos and staying instead in say Pontresina - short train ride from St Moritz but a more bucolic setting - can access Bernina Pass trains from there.
Davos is a detour off a route that you already are short of time on.
Starting from Pontresina you can easily get to Milan by mid-afternoon - you may want to consider renting car before you get to Milan in a city on that line to Milan or even in Tirano if possible - lovely drive Tirano-Lake Como - bypass Milan and its hectic traffic to Piedmont.
Aug 1st, 2017, 08:16 PM
#36
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Hi again knoxvillecouple,
Right, taking the ferry from Geneva to Montreux is probably going to be too much of a good thing ... it takes about 5h or 6h. The train trip is about 90 minutes.
A great ferry trip is from Montreux to Lutry to sample some wine caves and/or to start a walk through the vineyards. Or the reverse -- spend the day walking & sampling wine, then take the ferry home. That will be around 1h or 1h30.
As for where to spend an extra day -- I would go to where the scenery is most spectacular (whatever "spectacular" means to you). In Zermatt, the scenery will be more spectacular for most folks, with huge peaks. You don't have to be a dedicated hiker to enjoy the scenery, either -- just take cable cars, etc, to the peaks. Or take excursions to Brig and onwards to Riederalp and/or Bettmeralp to get another perspective of the peaks.
From all I've heard about Davos, I'm not that crazy about it. I think it's full of modern/concrete buildings. But do an image search at google and see if any of it looks appealing to you.
For me, the most spectacular scenery is at Montreux, particularly if you end up going in October when the leaves are changing. But then again, I'm prejudiced, as I know Montreux personally from the 1960s, and it's a personal and private connection.
Here are some links w/photos to give you some idea of what you can see in each area:
Riederalp & Bettmeralp (you can see as a day-trip from Zermatt via Brig)
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...0EauGrJq5bMWJT
On or around Lake Geneva:
Montreux old town
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html
Vineyards of the 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 (you can do this on your own from Montreux)
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._Fribourg.html
Lutry photos
https://swandav.shutterfly.com/632
Have fun as you plan!
s
Right, taking the ferry from Geneva to Montreux is probably going to be too much of a good thing ... it takes about 5h or 6h. The train trip is about 90 minutes.
A great ferry trip is from Montreux to Lutry to sample some wine caves and/or to start a walk through the vineyards. Or the reverse -- spend the day walking & sampling wine, then take the ferry home. That will be around 1h or 1h30.
As for where to spend an extra day -- I would go to where the scenery is most spectacular (whatever "spectacular" means to you). In Zermatt, the scenery will be more spectacular for most folks, with huge peaks. You don't have to be a dedicated hiker to enjoy the scenery, either -- just take cable cars, etc, to the peaks. Or take excursions to Brig and onwards to Riederalp and/or Bettmeralp to get another perspective of the peaks.
From all I've heard about Davos, I'm not that crazy about it. I think it's full of modern/concrete buildings. But do an image search at google and see if any of it looks appealing to you.
For me, the most spectacular scenery is at Montreux, particularly if you end up going in October when the leaves are changing. But then again, I'm prejudiced, as I know Montreux personally from the 1960s, and it's a personal and private connection.
Here are some links w/photos to give you some idea of what you can see in each area:
Riederalp & Bettmeralp (you can see as a day-trip from Zermatt via Brig)
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...0EauGrJq5bMWJT
On or around Lake Geneva:
Montreux old town
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html
Vineyards of the 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 (you can do this on your own from Montreux)
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._Fribourg.html
Lutry photos
https://swandav.shutterfly.com/632
Have fun as you plan!
s
Aug 19th, 2017, 06:06 PM
#38
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Hi, I am 82 and just did one week on Swiss Rail from Zurich to Zermatt to Wengen and back to Zurich in a week, after two weeks on a river cruise. Had my son along who was a big help. We found Swiss Rail flex pass saved money on Swiss trains, mountain lifts/boats in Switzerland, etc. We did first class to avoid crowded trains, and they were very nice, on time, comfortable and not crowded in July. Second class would most likely be fine. If you do the trains, be sure to have wheeled bags. Fortunately the train stations now seem to have more ramps, where they used to have more stairs, I found that helpful. We did like Zermatt, altho it is quite touristy, and found the Alpine Museum well worth a visit. I particularly liked Wengen, and had a room that looked out on the Jungfrau with spectacular views (Schonegg Hotel/nice place). I enjoy planning my own trip as that is part of the fun of travel, but I understand that not everyone might feel this way. I have never used a package trip in Switzerland, as I find I can get some great referrals on hotels, villages from this site. Sue in GA
Sep 5th, 2017, 06:45 AM
#39
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Sorry to be absent for so long. I've read all your suggestions and we've pretty much made our decisions about this trip. Regarding the Swiss Rail system packages, we've decided to go on our own - using the Swiss trains but not their package deals. Our current itinerary (at least the Switzerland portion of it) has us spending two nights in Geneva, training to Montreux for two nights, train to Zermatt for one night, train to Pontresina for one night, train to Tirano en route to Varenna for three nights. Our thoughts on hotels, at this point, include the Metropole in Geneva, the Golf Hotel Rene Capt or Hotel Splendid in Montreux, the Schlosshotel Life and Style in Zermatt and the Hotel Allegra in Pontresina.
We're not inclined to take the "special" trains (Glacier Express and Bernina Express) but will use the same trains/routes. Also not inclined to purchase first class, but would appreciate your views on this.
For those interested, the rest of our itinerary follows:
1. Fly Atlanta to Prague, spend 3-4 nights in Prague, staying at the Alchymist Nosticova Palace or the Iron Gate Hotel - opinions on either or other suggestions?
2. Fly Prague to Paris/CDG, take TGV upon landing to Lyon. Stay 3 nights at the Okko Hotels Lyon Pont Lafayette.
3. Pick up rental car, drive to Talloires for 3 nights. Stay at Hotel Restaurant Les Grillons or Hotel Beau Site Talloires. While there, visit Annecy and Mont Blanc.
4. Return rental car in Annecy, train/bus to Geneva for two nights.
5. Switzerland part of trip - see above.
6. Three nights in Varenna (staying at Hotel du Lac or Albergo Milano - while in Varenna use Lake Como ferries to visit Bellagio, Mennagio, Villa Carlotta, maybe a cooking class (we did this when staying in Bellagio 5 years ago and loved it).
7. Train from Varenna to Milano to Torino, pick up rental car, drive to Alba.
8. Spend 7 nights in Alba (stay at La Villa Favorita). Our schedule has us in Alba for the donkey pallio and the beginning of the truffle festival. Of course we'll also spend a fair amount of time wining and dining!
9. Return rental car in Torino, train to Milan. Spend 1-2 nights in Milan (we've been to Milan before and have "done" The Last Supper and the Sforza Castle), staying at UNA Maison Milano.
10. Return flight from Malpensa to Atlanta.
Our hotel selections so far have been based on Fodorite suggestions as well as Trip Advisor reviews. Hope they're OK.
Thanks for your previous helpful comments. Still would like others.
TIA
We're not inclined to take the "special" trains (Glacier Express and Bernina Express) but will use the same trains/routes. Also not inclined to purchase first class, but would appreciate your views on this.
For those interested, the rest of our itinerary follows:
1. Fly Atlanta to Prague, spend 3-4 nights in Prague, staying at the Alchymist Nosticova Palace or the Iron Gate Hotel - opinions on either or other suggestions?
2. Fly Prague to Paris/CDG, take TGV upon landing to Lyon. Stay 3 nights at the Okko Hotels Lyon Pont Lafayette.
3. Pick up rental car, drive to Talloires for 3 nights. Stay at Hotel Restaurant Les Grillons or Hotel Beau Site Talloires. While there, visit Annecy and Mont Blanc.
4. Return rental car in Annecy, train/bus to Geneva for two nights.
5. Switzerland part of trip - see above.
6. Three nights in Varenna (staying at Hotel du Lac or Albergo Milano - while in Varenna use Lake Como ferries to visit Bellagio, Mennagio, Villa Carlotta, maybe a cooking class (we did this when staying in Bellagio 5 years ago and loved it).
7. Train from Varenna to Milano to Torino, pick up rental car, drive to Alba.
8. Spend 7 nights in Alba (stay at La Villa Favorita). Our schedule has us in Alba for the donkey pallio and the beginning of the truffle festival. Of course we'll also spend a fair amount of time wining and dining!
9. Return rental car in Torino, train to Milan. Spend 1-2 nights in Milan (we've been to Milan before and have "done" The Last Supper and the Sforza Castle), staying at UNA Maison Milano.
10. Return flight from Malpensa to Atlanta.
Our hotel selections so far have been based on Fodorite suggestions as well as Trip Advisor reviews. Hope they're OK.
Thanks for your previous helpful comments. Still would like others.
TIA
Sep 5th, 2017, 07:53 AM
#40
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some remarks:
2. You waste at least a whole day with your Prague - flight - CDG - train - Lyon journey.
Altenatives: direct flight from Prague to Lyon (Air France, fares start around 200 EUR) or flight with Brussels airlines or Eurowings (about 4 hrs, fares start around 100 EUR);
or (cheaper) flight from Prague to Geneva (Swiss, Brussels airlines, Eurowings), rent car at Geneva aiport French side and drie to lyon - Talloires.....
3. You know that most lifts will be closed at Chamonix while everything will be running at Zermatt and Pontresina.
5. Leave Montreux early in the morning in order to have at least one full day at Zermatt. Otherwise it wouldn't make sense to go to Zernatt as you will have to leave this place after breakfast in order to reach Pontresina the same day.
Spend AT LEAST 1 full day at Pontresina.
9. As you know Milan already, you could take a direct bus from Turin to MXP airport as well.
2. You waste at least a whole day with your Prague - flight - CDG - train - Lyon journey.
Altenatives: direct flight from Prague to Lyon (Air France, fares start around 200 EUR) or flight with Brussels airlines or Eurowings (about 4 hrs, fares start around 100 EUR);
or (cheaper) flight from Prague to Geneva (Swiss, Brussels airlines, Eurowings), rent car at Geneva aiport French side and drie to lyon - Talloires.....
3. You know that most lifts will be closed at Chamonix while everything will be running at Zermatt and Pontresina.
5. Leave Montreux early in the morning in order to have at least one full day at Zermatt. Otherwise it wouldn't make sense to go to Zernatt as you will have to leave this place after breakfast in order to reach Pontresina the same day.
Spend AT LEAST 1 full day at Pontresina.
9. As you know Milan already, you could take a direct bus from Turin to MXP airport as well.
