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Planning 5 days in Switzerland this summer between Zurich and Milan

Hi All -
we are a family of 4 adults heading this August to Europe for a 2 week vacation for the first time ! We are flying into Zurich from Copenhagen on the morning of August 15th and have 5/6 days to see Switzerland ! We have to get to Milan so my daughter can fly back early.
Thinking of heading to Lucerne directly from Zurich on Day 1 and spend time in Lucerne and stay the night.
Day 2 Head to Interlaken on train and visit Lauterbrunnen Valley /Wengen/ Murren and stay around there.
Day 3 Head to Jungfrau and also visit Grindelwald first, Bachalpsee and either come back or stay there
Day 4 head to Zermatt and do Gornergrat /See Matterhorn and stay in Zermatt
Day 5 visit Oeschinensee /Kandersteg and head to Milan via Visp, Brig, Domodossola ;

Would like your inputs on some questions :)
1. First, does this plan look too exhausting ? Should i skip Zermatt /Matterhorn and stay in the Oberland area ?
2. Should i skip Lucerne and head out to Interlaken on Day 1 itself
3. If i stay another day -where should i spend the time ?

4. Leaving for Milan via Luzern /Arth / Lugano will be more scenic or via Andermatt, Chur, St.Moritz, Tirona be too tiring ?

Also
5. Should i get a Bernese Oberland Pass ? and anything else? Would this work in Zermatt ?
6. What would be the best easy /moderate Trails to checkout (less than 2 hours) and where ?

All /any inputs are appreciated :)

thanks
Ramesh

Posted by
5604 posts

First thoughts-
Head directly to Luzern from Zurich, and spend two nights in Lucerne.
Eliminate Zermatt, it's so weather- dependent , and RS calls it a "one- trick pony "- there are better Alpine experiences in the BO, IMHO. Stay in the Alps!
It would be a long day, but when leaving the BO, you could pick up the Bernini Express regional trains around Chur, travel on this famous route to Tirano, Italy, go pass Lake Como, to your Milan destination.
Europe is very busy this summer, have you researched hotel availability anywhere? That may dictate your itinerary.
Good luck and have a great trip!