We are in Switzerland for 5 days, and this is the ChatGPT-suggested itinerary.
As you can see, lots of trains, ferries, and a few cogwheels :)
I've searched the topics, and now I'm completely confused. Half Fare Card, Saver Day Pass, Swiss Rail Pass?
I'll download the SBB app and get the Swiss Rail Pass. Is it worth getting the Half Fare Card if we are only there for 5 days?
Where does the Saver Day Pass fit in, just a particular day?
All thoughts welcome!
June 3 – Gentle Arrival Day
Train Zurich Airport → Lucerne (~3 hrs, easy and scenic)
Easy orientation walk:
Chapel Bridge
Old Town squares
Lake promenade at sunset
June 4 – Mountain + Lake Day
For relatively active travelers, choose ONE big mountain:
Option A (More dramatic): Mount Pilatus
Golden Round Trip: boat + cogwheel train + gondola.
Panoramic ridge walking at the top.
Option B (Easier + gorgeous): Mount Rigi
Boat to Vitznau + cogwheel up.
Lovely ridge trails — less intense, very scenic.
Late afternoon: swim platform or lakeside café stop.
Evening: stroll the Musegg Wall towers if open.
June 5 – Scenic Train to Montreux
Lucerne → Montreux via GoldenPass Line (~3 hrs).
Sit on the right side, leaving Lucerne for lake views.
Montreux — June 5–7
Montreux feels Mediterranean compared to Lucerne. Palm trees. Lake Geneva. Vineyards
June 5 – Lakeside Evening
After arrival:
Walk full flower-lined promenade toward Chillon Castle
Aperol Spritz by the water
June 6 – Vineyards + Castle Day
Morning:
Visit Chillon Castle early (before cruise groups arrive)
Walk or ferry back
Afternoon:
Train up to Lavaux vineyards (UNESCO site)
Easy vineyard hiking between villages like St-Saphorin & Epesses
Wine tasting with lake views
This is peak “European summer bliss.”
June 7 – Montreux → Lyon
Train Montreux → Lyon (~2.5–3 hrs, easy border crossing).