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How is this itinerary and timing and restaurant choices THANK YOU

I'm making sure buying the pass makes sense. We know that we may need to switch our plans based on visibility/weather. I assume our hotel's concierge has a way of knowing the best choice. Pilatus will be our backup. I wish we had one more day - poorly planned but international flights are locked in.

Day 1: Land in Basel after river cruise. 8 am ish. Explore Basel for an hour.

Train to Lucerne (I assume this is direct and we can buy the ticket when we arrive?) Explore Lucerne OR go to Stransehorn if concierge suggests the next days won't be as nice.

Day 2 Mt. Rigi

Day 3 Stranserhorn (or maybe we can add Pilatus but we really want a kick back day to see Lucerne and the younger generation is really interested in some chocolate tour if you can suggest one)

Day 4 The younger ones must get to Zurich for a noon flight. I read that a connection is needed due to construction. What time should they leave by? Our flight is until 4:45 pm so we can enjoy a leisurely lunch in Lucerne before heading in. We considered going early and seeing Zurich for a couple of hours - it will be Sunday and we're aware the shops will be closed, but that's not an issue. It just seems that may be a rush to tick a box. Thoughts on that?

Restaurant choices (happy to change) for dinner - we like nice food but not super pricey - with a view.
1. Ameron Lucherne Flora (our hotel)
2. Antons
3. Montana

Posted by
923 posts

If you enjoy Greek food, then I would recommend Ammos. We sat next to the river and had a lovely meal. I would stick with your plan to forgo Zurich on this trip. Enjoy Switzerland!

Posted by
19 posts

It's funny - we do love Greek food, though we're heading to Santorini after Switzerland (weird combination I know - but my sister wants to do that).

Our hotel said: You will be receiving a visitor Card with 20 % discount on the Pilatus and Rigi Tour. So should we just purchase everything separately or get the passes?

I'm correct that we need a 4 day right? 18th - 21st - but we only need a ticket to Lucerne on the 18th so we could purchase that separately and buy a 3 day pass. I'm unclear about the cost of Rigi and Stransehorn. Yes, I looked online - but there's the lift, the cruise, the train, etc. It's also unclear if you need a reservation or just show up (Stranserhorn) It just seems simpler to buy the Swiss rail pass.

Thanks again!
Cheers,
Ellen

Posted by
5596 posts

All travel to Mt Rigi and Stanserhorn are completely covered by the STP. Pilatus is discounted. Just show up. I think you'll truly enjoy these experiences. Safe travels!

Posted by
923 posts

I may be missing something, but I believe a four day Swiss Travel Pass will cost you 295 CHF per person. That seems to be overkill for the trips that you have planned. I would suggest that you do the math to determine if it is more economical for you to purchase a Half Fare Card or just go with Point to Point Tickets. We did not visit Mt. Rigi, but chose Pilatus instead. Our Luzern card covered the bus to the Pilatus ticket office and then we used our Half Fare Card for the mountain. I believe you should be able to use the Half Fare and Luzern cards for Mt. Rigi as well. https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/tickets/guests-abroad.html

Posted by
19 posts

You're right about the 295.
I see half is 120 pp
What I can't determine is the cost of Rigi (including the cruise, but I THINK it's 123)
Stranserhorn: Seems to be 81 or half that with 50% pass

So if I'm correct 120 plus 62 plus 40 plus the train to Lucerne from Basel about 20 and train to Zurich airport another 20 is almost the same as the 295

Or am I completely off? I do really appreciate your insight and willingness to patiently work through this with me.
Cheers,
Ellen

Posted by
923 posts

You might want to check and see if the Lucerne Guest Card provides you with any type of discount to Mt. Rigi. (since we did not visit that site, I am unable to share our experience) https://www.luzern.com/en/information/useful-information/visitor-card-lucerne
We waited until our arrival in Switzerland to purchase our travel passes. We gave the customer service agents at the SBB office an overview of our plans, and they were extremely helpful in helping us determine the most economical option for our time in their country. Everyone we encountered in Switzerland were helpful and kind. Hopefully this helps you plan for a wonderful vacation!

Posted by
19 posts

Travelbug- that's a wonderful idea! Thank you!
Cheers!!!
Ellen