End of River Cruise Stayover

Posted by Jim (Slidell, LA) on 05/29/26 01:41 PM

We are taking a Viking river cruise that departs Amsterdam om November 3rd and ends in Basel on the 10th. We plan to take a three days after the cruise to visit Switzerland and would appreciate any thoughts or experiences you've had, and in particular where to start planning, where to stay and how to get around. I just bought Rick's Switzerland book which will cover the area, but I've found I get more, if not better information here. The two places we are targeting is Zurich and Lucerne, and we fly out of Zurich on the 14th. We are open to practically anything we can squeeze into those few days. Thank you.

Jim

Posted by Carol now retired

Lynnwood, Washington

05/29/26 01:49 PM

10264 posts

I would focus on Luzern and spend as much time there as possible. I found it far more interesting than Zurich.

Posted by Sam

Green Bay

05/29/26 02:18 PM

23560 posts

Yes, you have lots of options in Luzern. Mountain top excursions (Pilatus, Rigi, Stanserhorn), boat excursions on the lake, day trip to the high Alps in Engelberg. Plus Luzern itself (Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, Transport Museum).

Posted by stan

The Heartland USA

05/29/26 02:28 PM

9706 posts

You can skip Zurich and just stay in Luzern. Much more interesting, and you can take a train directly to the Zurich airport from Luzern in 1.25 hours.

In Luzern, you have a choice of mountains to visit. The weather will help decide when and which one. Go as soon as there's a good weather report on top - your hotel can help you with that info. A lunch cruise on the lake is also a good excursion, or take a ferry ride around the lake and visit the towns long it.

We did the same cruise with extra days on our own in Luzern. It was much less expensive than the Viking excursion. On the ship, the staff asked people to tell them if they needed ongoing transport, and they arranged taxis to meet people (by name) on the dock. We took taxi to SBB train station and then bought tickets to Luzern. I would book hotel as soon as you have your dates firm. No need to book rail in advance.

Posted by jules m

Twin Cities of MN

05/29/26 03:05 PM

8341 posts

I agree with previous comments. Absolutely Luzern/Lucerne! We did the boat ride on the lake and the cog wheel train up to Mount Rigi. Stunning! We did the walking tour from the RS guidebook of the city. Unless you have an early morning flight, just take a train from Luzern the day of your travel.

I hope you have time to see a bit of Basel before your cruise. Its a beautiful city. Also, if you have time before the cruise you could do a day trip to Bern which is an interesting and lovely city, as well. After, the cruise, I would prioritize Luzern and spend all your time there.