Hi, we are traveling to Switzerland arriving early morning on 5/22 in Geneva. Will have planned the following overnight stays in this order:
Montreux - 3 nights
Lauterbrunnen - 2 nights
Lucerne - 3 nights
Zurich - 1 night
Those are set in stone. I've read Rick Steve's most recent Switzerland travel guide as well as other research. There are certainly a lot of option on how we spend our time. I am trying to be a flexible as possible in terms of what we see on what day due to changing weather conditions. Here are my current thoughts on activities:
Montreux (3 nights) - Castle de Chillon, Chocolate Train (already purchased tickets), Lausanne (Olympic museum? Hike near Lausanne through vineyards that is outlined in Rick's travel guide?), Freddy Mercury Exhibit. We are staying at the Fairmont and I love great hotels so that will be highlight for me. We are planning on Sunday brunch at the Fairmont.
Lauterbrunnen (2 nights) we plan to arrive in Lauterbrunnen (via Golden Pass line and a transfer to another train) by noon. We will then have the rest of that day, a full day the following day and then a full day the next day (we can store our luggage at the hotel upon checkout). So all in all 2.5 days. I am trying to decide between Schilthorn and Jungfrau. I think Schlithorn takes less time but I am afraid I will missing out on the holy grail if we don't go to Jungfrau. In addition I am thinking we should go to Murren and take one of the less strenuous hikes recommended in Rick's guide. Any must sees that did not mention that time would allow?
Lucerne (3 nights) - I am thinking we will have 2 full days and nights and one additional night only in Lucerne. I figure between site seeing and spending time on the lake, we can easily fill up those two days. I know it stays light pretty late so that may maximize our time. I am thinking possibly a side trip to Bern to see some of the are museums if the weather is not good. Does this sound like reasonable plan?
Zurich (1 night) - we are flying home from Zurich so hence the last night of our trip is in Zurich. We plan to arrive as early in the day as possible so we have time to sight see in Zurich.
Dining recommendations for any of the above locations would be greatly appreciated.