Hello. We are a family of four, incl. children aged 21 and 25, visiting Switzerland for the first time. We will be arriving at Basel on 22 June and head straight to Wengen where we will stay till 28 Jun, travel to Zurich on 29th and depart Zurich on 01 July. Hotel bookings are all done. We now need to work out the final itinerary and which travel pass to purchase. I have purchased Swiss Travel Pass already, but if not worth it, will cancel it. We are not interested in hiking but are mainly interested in scenic views and budget friendly spots (except for an odd "not to be missed" spot even if it is a bit heavy on the pocket).
The places we have identified so far from Wengen (but not finalised yet, and that's where your help would be most useful) are: Lucerne, Mt Titlis, Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, Zermatt, Riffelsee lake, Gornergrat, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Grindelwald, Murren, Jungfraujoch, Trummelback waterfalls, Gimmelwald, Harder Klum, Mt Pilatus, Mt Titlis and would like to add a few villages/ scenic spots in and around this region.
Now for the specific questions:
1. I read that a trip to Jungfraujoch is expensive and Mt Titlis is a better option, although Jungfraujoch is closer to Wengen. Should I drop Jungfraujoch and choose Mt Titlis instead?
2. I read that Zermatt should be avoided if it is likely to rain. As per the forecast, it seems that Zermatt will have some rain on 25/26 Jun. Will it be the kind of rain that counts or just a drizzle which will not affect the trip is unknown. Incidentally, to avoid transporting heavy luggage, we plan to retain the hotel at Wengen and book an additional hotel at Zermatt for 25th night, as I understand that at least a full day is required at Zermatt and the first train should be taken to Gornergrat. So, the Question is: Is the Zermatt plan worth it considering the weather?
3. Assuming that Zermatt is included, which is better - Matterhorn Glacier Paradise or the glacier cave / ice palace on Mt Titlis/ Mt Jungfraujoch? Are they all similar so that any one experience would be good enough?
4. What changes would you suggest to my plan, in terms of places to add or drop? Would like to take one scenic train trip. Which one is recommended? Bernina Express?
5. Finally, I understand that only travel from Wengen up to the mountains are not covered by the Swiss Travel Pass (but 25% - 50% discounts are possible on tickets - to be purchased), but all other travel to places as indicated above are included. Therefore, should I retain the 8-day Swiss Travel Pass (which will cover transfer from Basel to Wengen and from Wengen to Zurich also, but does not cover local sightseeing and visit to Rhine Falls in/ near Zurich as they are beyond 8 days)? Or should I return the Travel Pass and buy some Half Fare or some other Pass/ Point to Point tickets?