Traveling through Switzerland for the first time

The STP will be closer to $1350 US, with 2 8-day passes at 419 CHF, 1 8-day Youth Pass at 297 CHF plus the free Family Card. That comes to 1135CHF, which is currently about $1350. And the STP will not cover everything because it only covers cost to inhabited towns and villages, not tourist sites above these in the mountains, like Kleine Scheidegg, or First, or Piz Gloria. You do get discount though.

The STP is often the most expensive way to travel, although it is convenient. Just consider that you are paying a premium price for that convenience. More often, the Half Fare Card costing 120 CHF per person saves the most. You can still get the free Family Card for the 14 yo. But you need to purchase each ticket for each day.

Places worth seeing, things worth doing? I believe someone named Rick Steves covers that pretty well in his guidebook.

Since you want to see Montreux and are heading to Geneva, skip Bern. Take the scenic Golden Pass route from Interlaken Ost to Montreux. As such, 2 nights in Luzern, 3 or 4 nights in Wengen, 2 nights in Montreux.

I agree with Sam's thoughts. I'd add that the STP covers the train trip, but not the Panoramic Express train cars. I wouldn't worry about that, I really see no advantage to paying more money to be on the "special" cars. Last time we were there, the train had 5 cars, the first and last car was a "normal" car. They all had comfortable seats, large clean windows, and all the cars went to the same place.

Note however, this was last week. In midsummer, perhaps the "normal" cars are very packed with tourists, and the fancy Panoramic Express cars could have more room. I don't know about that. Others will.

Thank you for your replies. Our itinerary is: 1 night in Zurich> 2 nights in Lucerne>3 nights in Wengen>2 nights in Montreaux. We want to travel a scenic route and we want to purchase transportation that will take us to all these locations and is seamless. Some of you mentioned that the STP doesn't cover scenic routes and that the Golden pass does. I personally would love a scenic route. Does the Golden Pass go from Zurich to Montreaux, covering all stops in between? This will be our first time in Switzerland, and I am reading up on how best to navigate around the country, but I would rather hear from people who have been there, in similar situations and who can give sound advice. My son thinks we should get the STP because it makes the most sense for what we would be getting with it (most train rides, boat rides, museums), but it seems like a lot to pay, especially if it isn't covering all travel. So my question is: for the itinerary we have, would the Golden Pass, STP, or half fare card make the most sense? Thank you again. Your insight is much appreciated from this mom who is trying to book an unforgettable trip!

Yes, the STP will cover everything you mention in your itinerary. But why waste a day in Zurich? Luzern is just 1 hour away on the train. The leaves more time for the scenery you want.

Green Bay we have never been to Zurich and since it's a major city, thought it would be nice to stop there for a day since we are flying in to Zurich. I also thought my son would enjoy the Fifa museum since he plays soccer and loves the sport. Do you suggest we not stay in Zurich?

If you want to see the FIFA Museum, go right ahead. Just sayin', people don't go to Switzerland for sophisticated cities like Zurich, of which Europe has many.
BTW, if you just bought full fare tickets for ZRH to Zurich to Luzern to Wengen to Montreux to Geneva airport, the cost would be about 220 CHF, almost half the coast of the STP.