Those of you who have taken the Rick Steves Switzerland tour can probably help with this question: Do you need the Swiss travel pass for any activities once you start the trip? I plan on buying Swiss Travel passes for my wife and I since we will be arriving 4 days early and then will need to take the train from Bern to the Zurich airport on the last day, but do you need the pass for the 12 days of the tour? I'm asking because usually on Rick's tours everything is paid for with the price except some of the meals. If I need it during the tour then I will get the 15 day pass but if I only need it before and after the tour than I will get the 8 day flex pass. Any prior experiences would be appreciated.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
I can't answer the question whether you need a pass for the tour, but assuming not.
8 day flexi pass costs CHF 445
4 day pass (not flexi) CHF 270
A ticket from Bern to Zürich airport costs CHF 56 (no discounts)
270 + 56 = 326, which is less than 445. This would be cheaper, assuming you don't need to use the train on your tour start day.
Pass prices here: https://www.sbb.ch/en/leisure-holidays/travel-in-switzerland/international-guests/swiss-travel-pass.html
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11179 posts
All group transportation from Luzern to Bern
From the RS website of "what is included"--- https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/switzerland/best-switzerland-tour
Posted by
Green Bay
20087 posts
Look through the daily itinerary. Mostly, you will be traveling by charter bus. The only things that would seem to be included are short boat ride on Lake Luzern on day 3, ride on the Titlis gondola on day 4, ride the train from Taesch to Zermatt and back and the cable car ride from Stechelberg to Muerren on day 7, cable car ride down from Muerren to Stechelberg. Other things, like the breakfast at Schilthorn on day 8 are listed as optional, meaning you'll have to pay for that. I think the guide organizes a group rate for that which will involve a round trip cable car ride to the top restaurant.