We traveled with Rick Steve's in Italy last year and spoke to one of the couples we met that had just been in Switzerland. We are going on a Viking river cruise that ends in Bern Switzerland and my wife and I want to extend or trip for several days to tour around Switzerland. We are not exactly spring chickens, both will be 70 but we can get around pretty good. We live In Reno and love the beauty of the Sierras and it has always been my dream to see the Alps. It will be mid September of 24. Please let me know a 4 or 5 day itinerary you would suggest. We are planning using trains as our primary transportation. Thank you
Posted by
Green Bay
21142 posts
I think the Viking cruise ends in Basel, as there is no way Viking ship is going to make it to Bern unless they are offering a bus excursion.
Train to the Berner Oberland and see the Alps. Stay in Muerren 3 nights to get the full alpine experience. Then to Luzern for 2 nights, then a morning train to Zurich airport for the flight home.
Posted by
San Francisco area
1888 posts
I agree with Sam. If you can add an extra day then 4 Berner Oberland and 2 Luzern. If limited to 5 then I might be tempted to do 4 BO and 1 Luzern. Zurich airport is an easy train ride from Luzern. Just over an hour ride and frequent service too.
Posted by
234 posts
Like you, we are disembarking a Rhine River cruise in Basel. We are doing pretty much what Sam and Rocket suggest this September. We've two nights in Lucerne with a walking tour booked for the afternoon of our arrival there after taking the train from Basel. On our full day there, we are headed to Mt. Pilatus. Then off we go to the Berner-Oberland for 4 nights. Instead of staying in Murren, we chose Wengen which is at a 1k lower elevation.
BTW, age is just a number. (Though good for senior discounts!) Our group of 10 ranges from late 60s to early 80s and we will likely not be the oldest folk on the mountain paths of the alps in that area.