My husband is Europe from the US on business the first week of April and I plan to meet up with him in Boxmeer Netherlands. We will be leaving there early on a Saturday morning with a car and want to do 2 nights in Colmar France and 2 nights in Lucerne area. We have traveled in Europe before but we always seem to run out of time to hit Switzerland and really want to this time. We are thinking of driving directly to Lucerne on Saturday to start. Want to see the mountains some how, (thinking a day trip to Titlis). I am seriously looking for any hints, tips or advice to make the most of this short time we have. I thank you in advance for your help.
Posted by
Florida
1450 posts
In addition to Titlis, from Luzern you can do easy day-trips to Mt. Pilatus and Mt. Rigi. With only 1.5 days to work with, I'd visit one peak and spend the rest of the time exploring Luzern. Visiting the peaks is only worthwhile if you have nice weather, and in early April there is still a good chance to get a winter storm.
If you plan to drive from Colmar to Luzern, beware of the steep fee rental companies charge if you rent in one country and return the vehicle in another. It might be better to trek to Luzern by rail.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
I think we will plan to try Mount Titlis on our trip. As well our rental car is being picked up and returned in Amsterdam were we are flying in and out of as well.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Rather than driving 7 hours minimum each way (not counting breaks and delays), I'd look at flying Dusseldorf-Zurich and Basel-Amsterdam. See www.skyscanner.com.
Or, from Colmar back to Amsterdam, trains require either one connection in Paris or two connections in Basel and Frankfurt, both options departing around the 9:00 hour and taking 8 hours. These trains will be more expensive than flying.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Since the trip is being tacked on to the end of a business trip (air being paid for by husbands employer) we must fly into and out of Amsterdam. Car is also being picked up and returned there as well. We are aware of the 7 hr drive time and have a few side stops along the way planned.