I will be staying one of the night in Santis hotel in Schwägalp. The next day, we will stay in Zurich for 1 night and take the train around 12pm for Rhine Fall from Urnäsch station (as the bus take us to this station from Schwägalp)
Here comes the difficult part and questions.
1) There are 2 options for us:
Option 1: From Urnäsch to Zurich station takes around 1 hr 40 min. Check in & drop baggage @ Zurich (add another 1/2 hour). Then take the train to Schloss Laufen, add another hour. Meaning, it will take me 3 hours in total to get there and arrive there, I'd say approx. 3:30pm.
Option 2: From Urnäsch to Schloss Laufen station is just 1 hour 45 minute, meaning, I have cut extra 1 1/2 hours and arrive there approx. 1:45pm
If I could choose, of course I would love the 2) option since its the saves alot of time travel but given we will have 2 luggage on us, is it a problem? I mean can we still do the attraction along with the luggage or it will be EXTREMELY? We will be happy to do that provided there's not alot of inconvenience such as climbing up and down hills (if there is any)
2) If it is recommended to choose option 1, that means we will probably be at Rhine Falls at around 3:30pm conversatively speaking, if so, would it be a bit too late to do the attraction? I dunno what time they closes at, although I assume its closed till after sunset?
3) Although it is a wonderful place in Rhine fall but I am also a bit confused which is the best to go there since I heard there a few routes that you can see along the wonderful views starting from Neuhausen Rheinfall or SchlossLaufen Rheinfall station as you can cross the bridge or something? Which is better route in terms of good view/strolling?
4) Sorry, the following few questions are off topic in regarding for Zermatt & Zurich.
We will be staying in Zermatt for 2 nights and we will probably arrive in the midday at 12pm. On the following day, we will be doing the Gornergrat and Glacier Paradise 2 excursions. So basically, the period from 12pm onwards is unplanned on arrival, we have an unplanned day leisure in Zermatt. Any recommendation we should do after arriving at Zermatt?
5) I know that St Mortiz is famous for the horse sleigh riding in Engadin. Unfortunately, I do not have time as I am staying 1 night and then leave the following morning after Glacicer Express, so therefore, I am wondering if Zermatt offer this similar attraction? (not sleigh horse riding in the city/street though)?
6) When we go to Zurich, we would like to stroll around Old Town (the restaurants/alleys/shops in Niederdorf/Altstadt if they are the same place/area?) but I am wondering how long is recommended to do the walking tour? And what time they generally close? (Hope they close late so that we can walk till late!)
7) We may consider to take 1 1/2 hour Lake Zurich cruise on the last day @ 12:40pm and I am wondering if anyone had good experience? i.e.
https://www.zsg.ch/en/short-winter-round-trips-from-zurich.html
Or you think we should skip it given we will go to Mt Rigi (as we will take the boat to Vitznau as it may be similar anyway?) and focus on the Old Town instead?
This is my last day of the trip and see if you think is doable and not too rush??
8am - Breakfast in hotel
9am - Stroll in Zurich city including Old Town (Altstadt & Niderdorfst)
12:40pm - Take the 1 1/2 hour Lake Cruise
2:10pm - Cruise concludes and return to pier
2:30pm - Late lunch plus walking for another half hour nearby
4pm - Go back to hotel & pick up the luggage
4:30pm - Take train to Airport
4:45pm – Estimate arrival airport to check in for my 7pm flight
Thanks again!