we are arriving in Zurich on saturday morning (june 2023) .. meeting up with our RS best of Switzerland tour in 12 days in Lucerne on Sunday afternoon ... and staying in Lucerne for 2 nights... is it better to stay in Zurich for 1 night or go directly to Lucerne .. First time in Switerland . feedback please .. thank you in advance!
Posted by
San Diego, California
4675 posts
You are in luck, as this question is asked and answered here weekly: stay in Lucerne. It's an easy train ride to Lucerne, and the train station is in the Zurich airport. Review the posts under the Switzerland section here for ideas for activities, and using the Swiss rail system, SBB.
You are in for a treat - it's a great tour, and Switzerland is incredible. Safe travels!
Posted by
OP
Merrick NY
32 posts
Hi Pat: thank you so much for your quick reply.. so I guess that means Zurich is not really a city to spend a day exploring?
Posted by
OP
Merrick NY
32 posts
Hi Pat.. sorry 1 more question..as it sounds like you have been on this tour before... the tour says day 6 we leave Lugano and on the way to Lausanne, we stop in Zermatt. Do you know around when they arrive in Zermatt and when they leave? just trying to figure out a lunch rez there... any idea? thank you in advance!
Posted by
San Diego, California
4675 posts
Zurich is nice for a day, but Lucerne is fantastic, with so much spectacular scenery. For your first real view of Switzerland , you want to be in Lucerne! I fell in love on that trip, and have returned twice.
For some reason, I don't remember eating lunch in Zermatt. Perhaps we were there mid- afternoon? This is the problem with senior memories.😉
Posted by
San Diego, California
4675 posts
Attached is our 2021 Trip Report- our third visit to this beautiful country. Obviously disregard the COVID references, but I have included info on Lucerne activities. You may be served well with the Swiss Travel Pass half-fare option, or a Flexible Day pass for the rail, boats, Mt Rigi, Mt Stanserhorn.
I'm so jealous you're going to be there!
Posted by
San Diego, California
4675 posts
https://www.mystsnet.com/en/swiss-travel-pass-free-travel-days/
Not sure this will serve you're needs, but a sale starts April 15.
Posted by
San Diego, California
4675 posts
Hope you're staying in the Hotel des Alpes- do you have hotels yet? You would definitely want to spend your extra days there, with a view of the Chapel Bridge. The RS hotels for the Swiss trips were very nice, maybe a step above some I had stayed in a previous RS trip.
Posted by
OP
Merrick NY
32 posts
Thank you Pat for all your great info!!! yes we are staying at the Hotel Des Alpes! I am so excited after all your good information and your positive feedback!!! thank you again!
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8423 posts
Nothing wrong with Zurich, it's just a big cosmopolitan city. Luzern is only a bit over an hour away by train from the Zurich airport railway station. If your flight arrives in Zurich in the morning, you'd be unlikely to check into your hotel anyway, so yes, it's a good idea to keep moving.,
Posted by
San Diego, California
4675 posts
In Sept., I was caught off- guard over the warm weather in the cities, as I had packed all mountain layers. Not sure the temps in June, but be prepared for the cities to be much warmer than the mountains!