We will be in Switzerland for 7 days. These are the tips we've received so far but always up for more!
1 in Zurich at beginning of our trip, then to Munich, Saltzburg, Slovenia, Venice, Lake Como and end our trip in Swlitzerland.
3 in Zermatt, 2 in Montreaux and 1 in Lucerne
Zurich: train to Uetliberg, Fraumunster Church
Zermatt: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, (Do you recommend Peak to Peak pass for Glacier Paradise and Zoom the Matterhorn?)
Would love to Paraglide, Anyone have suggestions?
Gornergrat train ride was recommended with the Gorner Gorge Hike. Would love another easy-moderate hike suggestion that takes less than 3 hours total since we have limited time here. Would like to see some of the 5 lakes hike but not sure our friends can manage that whole hike.
Montreaux: Jazzfest, would love thoughts.
Lucerne Mt Pilatus cruise, Thoughts?
Like to hike, sightsee, would love a good winery suggestion. Thanks!
Posted by
San Diego, California
5647 posts
I'm completely mixed up regarding your itinerary. You are going to Switzerland but not going to the Alps? I'd much rather be in the Berner Oberland than Zermatt- so many more options, and the beauty! However, if this is for June 2024, you may find acceptable lodgings in low supply. Are you going to the Jazz Festival? What is actually booked?
Pls help us out here. Thx
Posted by
OP
Boston
25 posts
Yes everything is all booked (hotels, car, parking in Venice). We are renting a car (got our international driving permits thanks to tips we rec'd on this forum), and are aware of the countries that we need vignettes and areas we are not allowed to drive in. We are starting and ending our trip in Switzerland because we are renting a car
Day 1: arrive in Zurich 11 AM, basically only here for one day and will be jet lagged. So our plan is to keep it simple and the train to Uetliberg was recommended and seems doable. Our hotel has 3 restaurants so prob. just eat there and crash early.
Day 2: drive to Munich, planning to visit Dachau on the way and low key night, perhaps dinner at Hofbraushaus
Day 3: Munich, Planning Mikes Bike tour at 11:30 (or use the free bikes from out hotel) to see English Garden and some beer houses and end in Marianplatz to see the Glockenspiel go off at 5:00. Zeughaus Keller and Sterman Grill were recommended for dinner.?? May check out Peters Church if time allows.
Day 4: Drive to Saltzburg. Walk around old town area, was told to check out footbridge Mullnersteg to Augistinerbrau and Fortress Hohen
Day 5: Drive to Fuschl, Wolfgang Lake, Villages St. Gilgen, cable car to Zwolferhorn. Pillstein trail loop hike (2miles/easy hike), Drive to Hallstat, check out down town, Chapel of St. Michaels/Churrel house and funnicular to skywalk. Drive back to Saltzburg hotel.
Day 6: Drive to Slovenia (Bohinj area), will arrive prob. 3 ish. Go see Lake Bled near our hotel. If time/energy allows take a Pletna (boat) to the island w/ the church. Takes 1 1/2 hours total. Last Pletna leaves at 4 PM.
Day 7: Leave by 7 AM, Drive Vrisic pass (N to S) to Kranska Gora, Lake Jasna and head towards Bovec (Trenta side). Things mentioned to check out on this drive: Russian chapel, Kamp Kanta, Pedestiran Bridge (Soca River) Napoleons Bridge/ Slap Kojak trail hike to waterfall (1 hour hike, easy/steep at end) , Tomlin Gorge, Pericnic waterfall. Drive back to hotel will be about 1 hour 45'. Restaurant suggested in K. Gora is Gostina Mojmir?
Day 8: Drive to Piran Slovenia. Stop at Skokjan caves on the way. Walk to downtown from hotel (20' scenic walk along the water). If time allows St. George church, climb the bell tower for 360 Degree views of Italy, Croatia, Slovenia (open 10-4). Hotel Piran rooftop bar great for sunset on the water. Our hotel has Tiki bar on the beach.
Day 9: Drive to Venice, park at Piazzole Roma parking lot (pre paid parking and 1 way Vaporetto/Line 2G is quickest, go to Rialto Bridge stop toward St. Marks Sq., can walk to hotel from there). Arrival 5-6 PM. Walk around St. Marks Square, see the orchestra in the square. Take Vaporetto up the length of the Grand canal at night
Day 10: Vaporetto to Murano, San Maggiore Bell tower/great views, 5:30-7:30 Bar tour with Allessandro (recommended by this forum/confirmed). Take a gondola ride from side canal/ less busy
Day 11: Drive to Lake Como, arrive 5-6:00, 7:00 dinner reserved at our hotel on the water, Lovers walk to downtown 1.3 km
Day 12: Castello di vezio (medieval castle), steep walk/great views, Villa Cipressi (gardens and rest.), ferry to Bellagio (20'), Villa Serebelloni gardens, Pesticera Rossi (great cappucino on the water). Last ferry back to Varenna is at 7 or they have 1 at 9:10
Day 13: Drive to Zermatt, arrive 5-6:00 ish, walk around locally, can do raclette at our hotel
Day 14: ? buy Peak 2 Peak pass, Matterhorn Glacier paradise (45', and Gongernat train ride 30'), ? ski in glacier if weather allows
Day 15: Hike..Which to do?? Or paraglide??
Day 16: Drive to Montreaux, ? winery, ? Laussane
Day 17: Jazzfest, can walk from hotel, Queen display at casino, see map of fest
Day 18: Drive to Lucerne, 20' walk to Chapel Bridge, Mt. Pilatus cruise??
Day 19: Fly home from Zurich
Posted by
Green Bay
21218 posts
Just remember to get Austrian and Slovenian vignettes for the car and get International Drivers Permits for all drivers. Confirm your rental agency is OK with Slovenia. I am sure you will figure out something to do with your extra day in Zermatt.
Posted by
OP
Boston
25 posts
Thank you for the heads up. I did call Hertz as Slovenia was not listed on their list of countries. I got a verbal reply that it was ok. I may call to see if I can obtain something in writing. We did both get international driving permits and I only knew about that because of this forum. So again, many thanks! As far as I know we need vignettes in Austria, Slovenia and Switzerland and we can get them at gas stations near the border or perhaps at the border?? Just something of interest regarding car insurance while traveling. Our insurance (Geico) does not cover while driving internationally. Amex covers insurance on the rental car automatically (gold card member) but does not include coverage in Italy. I called Hertz and you are able to buy full coverage "silver package" at the rental counter for just the days in Italy for $35 day, according to a phone call I had yesterday.
International Reservations desk 1-800-654-3001 In case that info helps anyone else on this forum!