9 day itinerary for Switzerland the first of MAY!

I would rearrange the itinerary just a tad. Go to the Lauterbrunnen area on nights 4-6, then go to Luzern on nights 7 and 8. Luzern cleverly has a direct rail link to the Zurich airport (2 per hour, 70 minute trip). This way you get an extra day in the Berner Oberland and don't have to waste one in Zurich.

I'm doing the same thing this May. My last night is in Luzern and my flight from Zurich the next day leaves at 10:35 AM. I can leave Luzern at 7 am and be at the airport by 8:15.

I've visited Murren twice in May (and once again this year) and it's gorgeous. Lush flowers, smaller crowds, and most everything is open. Unless you're into hiking high mountain trails, you'll be able to do everything you want in May.

In the Lake Geneva area Lausanne, Vevey, and Montreux are all usually get high recommendations. Two nights in that area should be good.

We had planned to stay in Murren but it sounds like that is not a good choice in Spring. It depends on the conditions of the preceding winter and early spring, which unfortunately, is not predictable this far in advanced. I've seen the Berner Oberland in full bloom by the first week of May, I've seen it covered in deep wet snow, and I've also seen it slushy and muddy. Without the benefit of a short-term weather forecast, Lauterbrunnen is a safer bet.

Would you suggest staying in Lauterbrunnen or somewhere else in the area? Am I trying to see too broad of an area in this amount of time? Suggestions for where to stay in the Lake Geneva area, Vevey??? Montreaux??? other better ideas? Thank you for your advice.

Draft:

Please advise: An option - We wouldn't have much time in Basel but we are thinking that we should not miss the opportunity to see the highlights. On arrival in Basel we could have part of the day, spend the night and train to Montreux the next morning. I know it is our decision. But can someone give me thoughts on this leg of the trip. It would cut our time in the Lake Geneva area to 1 1/2 days.

Day 1: Arrive in Basel train spend the day and night.

Day 2: (Thank you for the great suggestion on Basel - Montreux train/boat trip. I think it is a about a three hour train ride, I have not figured out the boat part, but I'm sure that will add time. Okay with that, just have to figure it out. The villages in that area are look wonderful, but we will have baggage so not an opportunity to linger a while.

Arrival to Lake Geneva area - 1/2 day - Chateau de Chillon and walk the Lakeside Promenade
Lake Geneva area (Do you think Montreux is a good choice for a base in this area? Any recommendations for lodging?)

Day 3: Lake Geneva area - Full day possibly the Chocolate train.

Day 4: Train to Lauterbrunnen area Also great information for the scenic panoramic train via Gstaad - I checked the website and the Glacier 3000 should be running through May 5, which would work for us. It seems that weather is iffy for being clear. If weather is clear on this day we should take advantage, rather than risk the weather down the road at Mt. Titlis.) I looked at the Golden Pass and did not see how to get from Montreux to Lauterbrunnen. All I could find was Montreux to Lucern, what am I doing wrong.

I am trying to start over by analyzing one leg at a time. Maybe it won't seem so overwhelming. For today let's look at Day 1 through Day 4. Are we trying to do too much. We enjoy the villages and what they offer. In the Lake Geneva area we are just scratching the surface, but hopefully choosing activities and the area to give us the fullest experiences. ?????

Thank you for your experience and knowledge on planning this adventure. I have spent all day researching from the first discussion. Have to make choices, never enough time, we love walking and exploring and engaging in the culture of the area.

Day 5: Day trip Schilthorn/Murren excursion
Day 6: Lauterbrunnen area
Day 7: Train to Luzern

Day 8: Luzern area(cable car to Mount Titlis, weather permitting)
Day 9: Train to Zurich for morning flight

A couple of points on train travel in Switzerland. Many stations have lockers or baggage checks where you can stash your luggage. If the train stops at a town you would like to visit for a few hours, store your luggage and then hop back on the next train going your way. The SBB rail site has baggage check info on some of their stations.

The other point is that a Swiss rail pass of some type would serve you well for this itinerary. Be sure to look into those before you go.

Thank you for the advice on station lockers for baggage. I've checked into a couple of places but will definitely look at being able to use the locker system.

My biggest concern right now is that we are jumping around so much. Perhaps with the time frame that is the best choice. Traveling the first of May also makes a difference. We seem to be spending a lot of time on the train getting from one place to the other and not landing for a very long. But what makes sense to leave out in the plan?

It sounds like it is a good time of the year for the Lake Geneva area. We must see the Berner Oberland. Lake Lucern sounds beautiful as well, with the boat rides, Mount Pilatis.

I know that ultimately it is our decision, but hoping that some of you who have experienced the area will give your opinions. It helps us to find the middle that works. Again is this too frenetic? So much to see, so little time!

Day 1: Arrive in Basel - Half day in Basel, overnight Basel

Day 2: Train to Lake Geneva area - Montreux - Chateau de Chillon and walk the Lakeside Promenade

Day 3: Vineyards of Laveaux/Vevey ?????

Day 4: Train to Lauterbrunnen area (1/2 day Lauterbrunnen - depends on how much time is needed for Gstaad)

Day 5: Lauterbrunnen area (Looking to stay in Lauterbrunnen: Would Grindelwald be better?)

Day 6: Day trip Schilthorn/Murren excursion

Day 7: Lauterbrunnen area

Day 8: Train to Luzern

Day 9:Luzern area(cable car to Mount Titlis, weather permitting, maybe the Golden Route)

Day 10: Train to Zurich for morning flight

Tentative draft. Would anyone recommend Grindelwald instead of Laurterbrunnen?????

This is the first week of May, most days are in Berner Overland. Because of the time of year, would anyone advise taking a day off of the BO and adding to Montreux or Luzern instead?

There are two of us, starting to look for lodging. i'm not sure of the price range as Switzerland is expensive. Hoping to stay in the $150 to 180 range, less is always better. We enjoy B&B type lodging, have staying in an Ibis ( it will suffice). If you have lodging suggestions for any of the areas listed above, please respond so that I can have a starting place to research.

If you have any advice, suggestions for activities, basically any information about the areas, please share.

Thank you for you time and help.

Your itinerary looks good to me. Grindlewald is more of a resort so it has more nightlife than Lauterbrunnen. Have you considered staying in either Murren or Wengen instead of Lauterbrunnen or Grindlewald? The first pair are traffic-free villages resting on cliffs overlooking the Lauterbrunnen valley.

I would not deduct a day from the B.O. to add to anywhere else unless the weather is poor.

You should get a Switzerland guidebook for a good list of hotel/B&B options in each place, as well as recommendations for sights and activities. The RS and Lonely Planet guidebooks are good.

You are right, we need that day in the BO! The time of year (early May) was a deciding factor in staying in Lauterbrunnen.

I have my guidebooks in hand, I've googled reviews on lodging. It's always good to get recommendations from the traveler who has been there, done that, and can also direct you on your research!

Thank you for replying and helping with the planning. I appreciate all of your tips, advice and experience sharing:)f.