Switzerland part of 3-week trip
Sep 5th, 2017, 11:36 AM
#41
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Thanks neckervd - I just checked the direct flight from Prague to Lyon (it's with Air France), and for our date (a year in advance, of course), the cost is $388/person. That's a significant cost differential for us. I'll check the Brussels Air and other airlines for less expensive flights. I agree there's little sense in spending the entire day in transit - but a train ride on TGV from CDG to Lyon would be reasonably restful.
As I read the information from chamonix.com, the Aiguille du Midi lift will be operating when we're there. That's the only life we're interested in.
Thanks for the recommendation regarding an early train from Montreux to Zermatt. A train at 08:11 is supposed to arrive Zermatt at 10:51 - that would give us "most" of a day in Zermatt. I need to check the timetables for lifts in Zermatt to make sure we're there in time to take advantage of them.
I may well need to re-arrange our schedule to give us a full day in Pontresina. We wouldn't arrive in Pontresina until almost 15:00 even if we take the earliest train out of Zermatt.
Regarding Milan, the other couple traveling with us has never been to Milan. Moreover, when we were there we didn't get a chance to go inside the duomo, and my DW would like some time in the fashion district(s). Hopefully just to window-shop!
Thanks for your quick suggestions and advice.
Sam
As I read the information from chamonix.com, the Aiguille du Midi lift will be operating when we're there. That's the only life we're interested in.
Thanks for the recommendation regarding an early train from Montreux to Zermatt. A train at 08:11 is supposed to arrive Zermatt at 10:51 - that would give us "most" of a day in Zermatt. I need to check the timetables for lifts in Zermatt to make sure we're there in time to take advantage of them.
I may well need to re-arrange our schedule to give us a full day in Pontresina. We wouldn't arrive in Pontresina until almost 15:00 even if we take the earliest train out of Zermatt.
Regarding Milan, the other couple traveling with us has never been to Milan. Moreover, when we were there we didn't get a chance to go inside the duomo, and my DW would like some time in the fashion district(s). Hopefully just to window-shop!
Thanks for your quick suggestions and advice.
Sam
Sep 5th, 2017, 03:23 PM
#42
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I stayed at the Hotel Splendid in Montreux in 2013, and had mixed reactions to it. I don't know if the conditions that bothered me still exist, but here's my TA review from that time:
"A mix of the great and the not-so-great
"I spent two nights in a double for single use at the Hotel Splendid in May and thought it had some great features and some not-so-great ones.
"With its wonderful location on Montreux’s waterfront, the little balcony of my room offered a truly wonderful place to enjoy some stunning views, and the views from the bed itself were also amazing! Although I didn’t actually see the sun rise, I could see dawn’s light spread over the magnificent snow-capped mountains across the lake without moving a muscle – glorious! I could hear some noises from the street in the morning, but they didn’t bother me; others might feel differently.
"(One can reach the hotel from the trains station by taking a public elevator. In case you haven’t already seen these instructions: Cross the street immediately outside of the train station and head to the left. Soon – in just a block or so – you will see a walkway to your right that leads to the elevator. At the base of the elevator, turn left; the Hotel Splendid is just steps away.)
"As noted elsewhere, the en suite “bathroom” is not a room – the walls reach only just above the level of the sink. As a solo traveler, I couldn’t imagine, in advance, any reason to object to that arrangement. I never realized how much I value stepping out of a shower into a steamy room – something that did not and could not happen here. I had plenty of hot water at good pressure, but the room was too large to contain enough steam for my comfort.
"I also thought the furniture a bit under par. The legs of the armchair in my room had been twisted out of alignment, so the chair was unstable. Although the room had sufficient counter space, there was no surface at desk height. I thought the bed quite comfortable, although the pillows were a little thinner than I would have preferred.
"The Hotel Splendid is family owned, and the two brothers I met could not have been more welcoming. The breakfast buffet held a nice array of tasty options. (Go ahead -- open the refrigerator behind the counter to reach the platters within!) And I was very pleased to find that the linens included wonderfully large bath sheets, rather than conventionally sized towels. On the other hand, I think some small conveniences, like an electric kettle and safe, would be much appreciated."
BTW, if you want comments on your broader itinerary, I would encourage you to start a new thread -- your title will not invite people who might have useful comments about your non-Swiss locations.
"A mix of the great and the not-so-great
"I spent two nights in a double for single use at the Hotel Splendid in May and thought it had some great features and some not-so-great ones.
"With its wonderful location on Montreux’s waterfront, the little balcony of my room offered a truly wonderful place to enjoy some stunning views, and the views from the bed itself were also amazing! Although I didn’t actually see the sun rise, I could see dawn’s light spread over the magnificent snow-capped mountains across the lake without moving a muscle – glorious! I could hear some noises from the street in the morning, but they didn’t bother me; others might feel differently.
"(One can reach the hotel from the trains station by taking a public elevator. In case you haven’t already seen these instructions: Cross the street immediately outside of the train station and head to the left. Soon – in just a block or so – you will see a walkway to your right that leads to the elevator. At the base of the elevator, turn left; the Hotel Splendid is just steps away.)
"As noted elsewhere, the en suite “bathroom” is not a room – the walls reach only just above the level of the sink. As a solo traveler, I couldn’t imagine, in advance, any reason to object to that arrangement. I never realized how much I value stepping out of a shower into a steamy room – something that did not and could not happen here. I had plenty of hot water at good pressure, but the room was too large to contain enough steam for my comfort.
"I also thought the furniture a bit under par. The legs of the armchair in my room had been twisted out of alignment, so the chair was unstable. Although the room had sufficient counter space, there was no surface at desk height. I thought the bed quite comfortable, although the pillows were a little thinner than I would have preferred.
"The Hotel Splendid is family owned, and the two brothers I met could not have been more welcoming. The breakfast buffet held a nice array of tasty options. (Go ahead -- open the refrigerator behind the counter to reach the platters within!) And I was very pleased to find that the linens included wonderfully large bath sheets, rather than conventionally sized towels. On the other hand, I think some small conveniences, like an electric kettle and safe, would be much appreciated."
BTW, if you want comments on your broader itinerary, I would encourage you to start a new thread -- your title will not invite people who might have useful comments about your non-Swiss locations.
Sep 5th, 2017, 05:35 PM
#43
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Hi Knoxville couple, In Zermatt, be sure to visit the museum right next to the church, where many unfortunate climbers are buried. This small museum, much underground, on the second floor, has some fascinating information about the very bad event that put Zermatt on the map...4 of 7 climbers fell to their death on Matterhorn after getting to sumit, pretty sure it was the Matterhorn. Anyway, You might do a google search for the Ommni Hotel in zermatt, interesting place with just 15 rooms, built into the mountain, with tunnel entrance/Jame Bond sort of, that takes you up to the main desk by elevator. Great Pool on lower level. Not sure how price would compare with what you found, but read the reviews on the hotel, very unique. Great restaurants that they recommended too, old climber restaurants. Sue
Sep 6th, 2017, 10:18 AM
#46
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As I read the information from chamonix.com, the Aiguille du Midi lift will be operating when we're there. That's the only life we're interested in.>
that's only first part of the overall journey to Pte Heilbrenner however - make sure Aiguille-du-Midi to P H is also working - assume you mean the whole thing but not sure.
that's only first part of the overall journey to Pte Heilbrenner however - make sure Aiguille-du-Midi to P H is also working - assume you mean the whole thing but not sure.
Sep 7th, 2017, 06:51 AM
#47
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Pal - thanks for the heads up about Pte Heilbrenner. After googling it, however, I found one of your Fodor posts that said is was NOT for "nervous Nellies." Even though I might like it, the wife would be terrified! Oh well - guess we'll have to be satisfied with the lift just to Aiguille du Midi!
Sep 7th, 2017, 11:19 AM
#48
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Well yes those small few-person cabins Aiguille de Midi to Pte Heibrnner could be nerve-racking - they will stop and leave you danlging over the sea of ice far below whilst they let folks on or off at either end of the cableway - dangling high above the ice for what could seem like an eternity to some.
And also there was a major malfunction not that long ago where folks were left dangling for hours - no one hurt though.
The first stage up is a huge gondola where nervous Nellies can hide in the middle!
And also there was a major malfunction not that long ago where folks were left dangling for hours - no one hurt though.
The first stage up is a huge gondola where nervous Nellies can hide in the middle!
Sep 7th, 2017, 11:58 AM
#49
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Dozens stuck overnight in cable cars on Mont Blanc | World news ...
https://www.theguardian.com › World › France
Sep 9, 2016 - ... each of which carries four people – connect Aiguille du Midi on the French side of the mountain with Pointe Helbronner on the Italian border, ...
20 killed in cable car disaster | World news | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/1999/jul/02/jonhenley
Jul 2, 1999 - There were no survivors in the accident, which happened soon after ... cable running between L'Aiguille du Midi and summit of Helbronner ...
Naw not for your wife!
https://www.theguardian.com › World › France
Sep 9, 2016 - ... each of which carries four people – connect Aiguille du Midi on the French side of the mountain with Pointe Helbronner on the Italian border, ...
20 killed in cable car disaster | World news | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/1999/jul/02/jonhenley
Jul 2, 1999 - There were no survivors in the accident, which happened soon after ... cable running between L'Aiguille du Midi and summit of Helbronner ...
Naw not for your wife!
Sep 7th, 2017, 06:24 PM
#52
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Hi maitaitom - we're staying in La Villa Favorita just outside Alba Oct. 6-13 - there for the donkey Palio as well as the truffles and wine! ������ Would be cool to share a bottle of Barolo, or two!!!
