Suggestions on where to go for two nights after disembarking on a Viking River Cruise in Basel? We only have two nights. We've never been to this part of Europe.
Should we:
*Go to Lucerne?
*Stay one-night in Basel? Go to Zurich?
*Other suggestions?
It is our 40th anniversary, so want to make the best of our time!
Thank you.
Lucerne for 2 nights !! It's one of our favorites in all of Europe.
Are you flying home from Zurich?
Yes, flying out of Zurich
Don't disregard Basel itself which has quite a lot to see.
Same with Bern.
I can't recommend based on experience yet, we're getting off a boat in Basel as well and then heading to Colmar for 2 nights, followed by 2 nights in Lucerne and 1 in Zurich.
Yes go to Luzern - that's what we did. You need to see mountains while you're in Switzerland and they have them in Luzern. You can get to the Zurich airport in 1.25 hours by train from there so no need to spend any time in Zurich.
If Viking is doing your flights, they can book your return flight from Zurich (instead of Basel) with a fee for the "deviation". And at the end of your cruise, the boat staff can arrange for taxis to meet you at the dock in Basel to take you to the rail station. Note, we booked our own hotel and transport to Luzern, at about 1/3 the cost of the Viking excursion.
Thank you everyone for your recommendations. We would love to stay in Basel and Lucerne, and.... so much more. We have an adult handicap son at home and have limited time to be away with arranging care. Just wanted to maximize our Switzerland experience. I wish we could do one night in Basel and one night in Lucerne, luggage is the issue.
Has anyone just stayed in Basel for 2 nights and then train to Lucerne for a day? That way you see both cities but don't have to worry what to do with luggage?
Thank you again!
Just my opinion, but the things to see in Luzern are less important than the proximity to the three mountains and the lake. That is, it's a beautiful city, but you want to go up one of the mountains for the view and the experience. And/or, take a cruise (or ferry rides) out onto the Lake. I'm sure Basel is nice enough, but you don't really see any mountains from there.
But no bad choices in Switzerland.
You are right, we want to see the Alps (something we couldn't do with our son). Many beautiful cities in Europe. Going to Lucerne after getting off cruise in Basel.
Anyone have a good experience on a hotel in Lucerne they would recommend?
I’m sailing in the opposite direction in April and staying in Lucerne for two nights pre-cruise. I’ve never been to Basel and was actually in Lucerne for two nights in 2022 and can’t wait to go back. Beautiful Swiss town. And the mountains. I went up Stanserhorn last time (I was on a group tour) and will do Mt. Titlis this time. There’s also Mt. Pilatus and Mt. Rigi…I think you made the right choice. Enjoy!
Take a tour of Mt. Pilatus - cog railway up, cable car down
We love Hotel des Alpes, in Lucerne, ask for a Chapel Bridge view room with a balcony. I'm not sure about AC, when will you be there? And- book directly for the best price, but then again, this is Switzerland. $$$$
Enjoy this beautiful country! Safe travels.
cgreenen, note that your hotel should give you a pass for free local transport (buses and trams) in Luzern, either on your phone or a paper copy.
