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Help with two days post Rhine River Cruise

Posted by on

Thanks for advice in advance. We are taking a Gate 1 Rhine River cruise which ends in Basel on July 25. I am trying to work out the details before we fly back to the US on July 27. I thought we could spend a day in Basel on July 25 and stay overnight there. Then on July 26 I am undecided about whether to train to Lucerne or Zurich or Bern -- or somewhere else on the next day (suggestions welcome). Wherever we go, I would like to train back to a hotel near the Zurich airport for our flight out the next morning.

I know people say look into all the choices, so I want to add that I actually have researched this a lot but am still undecided. I am leaning towards a day in Lucerne since it sounds like that is the classic Swiss city/town at least that we are close to. What I like best: charming old towns. If we go to Lucerne, I wonder if it's hard to do or skip Mt. Pilatus to still have enough time in the old town area. Personal opinions are welcome!

Posted by
9172 posts

Luzern has a perfect setting. We went to Luzern directly after our cruise (and I had been there before). I would suggest going directly there. Switzerland is all about mountains, and neither Basel or Bern are in the mountains, just more city life. It's only about 1 1/2 hours by train from Basel, and you are right in the heart of Luzern. No, you don't have to go up Pilatus, although it's certainly worth doing. We took a 2-3 hour cruise on the lake as part of our visit. Very scenic. I don't think the old town is that different from other small cities, and other than the Lion Monument and the covered bridge, it's not a priority.

Posted by
21749 posts

I made the same recommendation to a couple of friends two years ago. I suggested that they purchase Saver Day Passes well in advance for 52 CHF per day per person. So that included the train from Basel, a cruise on the lake to Vitznau, the train to the top of Mt Rigi, ride back down on the cable car to Weggis, boat back to Luzern. next day a day trip to Engelberg to see the real high Alps, then train to, in their case, Basel for the flight home. Everything worked out well and they had a great time.

Posted by
47 posts

The Saver Day Pass is a great tip! I was thinking of a day in Basel, then the next day (with the pass) train to Lucerne, trip to Stanserhorn with Lake Lucerne ride, train back to Zurich that evening. So I guess the question is if it's worth a day in Basel (which does seem nice to me) or two days in Lucerne? (I will look into the second day you recommended to your friends.) Thanks!!

Posted by
47 posts

I could not find this on the SBB website but I believe the Saver Day Pass covers the funicular and cable cars on Stanserhorn and Mt Rigi. I wanted to confirm this is true if anyone happened to know.

Posted by
768 posts

Imho....we enjoyed Basel after our river cruise but I would go straight to Lucerne. Lucerne is lovely and there are more options for day trips to Alps or other places.

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