I've been reading this forum for a bit now, and wow...what a tremendous community this is! With a bit of research, here's what I've developed as a tentative itinerary for a trip this September (just the wife and I). I'm trying to strike a balance between seeing many of the "must dos" but still making this a relaxing experience. All thoughts, critiques, and feedback on any aspect are very welcome!
Thursday: transatlantic flight arrives in Zurich, train to Luzern, check-in to Hotel Continental Park (3 nights). Maybe a lake cruise or something else easy....we never manage to get much sleep on overnight flights, so the first day is always tough for us.
Friday and Saturday: Luzern. explore the city, perhaps a day trip to Mount Pilatus.
Sunday: Luzern to Mürren via Golden Pass, check-in to Hotel Edelweiss Superior (4 nights). I'm still unclear how concerned to be about potential construction noise....thoughts?
Monday - Wednesday: Mürren as a base: easy hiking, Schilthorn, Jungfraujoch, savor the views. Does a trip to the Swiss Open-Air Museum at Ballenberg make sense here as a day trip, and would you spend the time to do it?
Thursday: Mürren to Montreux via Golden Pass, check-in to Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (1 night). Visit Chateau de Chillon either today or tomorrow.
Friday: Montreux to Bern, check-in to Hotel Savoy (2 nights). I am torn between this plan versus staying 1 more night in Montreux and doing a day trip to Lausanne. What would you do: 1 night in Montreux, skip Lausanne, and 2 nights in Bern.....or 2 nights in Montreux, a day trip to Lausanne, and 1 night in Bern?
Saturday: Bern. Explore the city.
Sunday: Bern to Zurich, check-in to Radisson Blu Hotel, Zurich Airport.
Monday: early flight home.
I'm assuming the Swiss Travel Pass with the Half Fare card makes the most sense, but please correct me if I'm missing something there.
Thank you!