I posted before about our trip to Switzerland, and at the advice of many of you, we have changed our itinerary so that we don't move so much. Planning to spend 4 days in Luzern then 4 days in Murren. Where should we spend the last 4 days before going to Zurich for the last night before departure? We'd read so much about Montreux and had planned to stay in Vevey, but then some people say 2 nights there are enough. Same if we would instead go to Lugano or Locarno. We'd prefer small towns versus city but don't want to be bored after 2 nights either.

Any suggestions? The trip is from June 18 to July 1. Thanks in advance for your help! These boards and all of you posters are great!

Hi JanP,

I don't think you'll be bored with four nights either in Montreux/Vevey or in Lugano. Personally, I prefer Montreux and usually spend a week there at a time; in fact, this summer I've rented an apartment there for two months. In two days, you won't even scratch the surface.

Here are links to my favorite activites there --

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

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

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

Saanen
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html

Gstaad
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html

Don't forget also a ferry ride on the lake (schedules at www.cgn.ch) and a visit to the castle of Chillon (www.chillon.ch).

Let us know if you want more information on any of these --

s

I don't know who said two days in Vevey was enough, but I disagree. I have friends living in Vevey and Montreux and often spend two weeks at a time there. It's lovely. I'm not sure what you are looking for, but I can't imagine being "bored after 2 nights"!!

From a Vevey base:

Chateau Chillon (sp?)
Montreux
Lausanne - big city few miles away
Boats on lake to Evian-les-Bains in France or to Chateau Chillon, Lausanne, etc.
Ride the Golden Pass train route up from Montreux - most awesome portion of that trip to me
Chocolate train to Gruyeres and Broc for the Nestle factory tour - can go be regular train - Gruyeres is a fine fine old walled town.

lots to do here - and Vevey sticks out in the lake - so nice to sit on the benches at the dock and see the lake and Mt Blanc disappear as the sun sets.

Yes, that's the correct spellling (Chateau de Chillon).

Actually geographically, it's Montreux that sticks out into the lake. Vevey lakeshore is a smooth line.

Visiting Gruyeres, Lausanne, Vevey, Montreux, etc. are all possibilities in the area.

If there weather's clear the tram ride called Rochers de Naye up the mountain outside Montreux is fun.

I like Gruyeres but we just drove ourself, did not do a tour or the chocolate factory. Did visit the fantastic castle/museum there!

Each of the towns has open air farmers markets various days of the week: Vevey Tues & Sat, Montreux Fri, old town Lausanne Wed, La Tour be Peiz (sp?) on Thurs.

Jan--Did you tell us somewhere whether you were driving or training in Switzerland? Last September my husband and I drove throughout southern Switz. for two weeks. I am sending the link for my trip report.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34877911

After thinking it over, I would not spend the time or money at the Nestle Chocolate factory (read my report about that).

I would recommend the trip to Moleson, near Gruyeres to the cheese farm and the best fondue of our trip.

I would even recommend the trip to Aigle to visit the castle and wine museum.

We based ourselves in Montreux and Chateau d'oex for that part of our trip.

Let us know what you decide. We loved this trip.

Margo