Have four days in Switzerland after a river cruise to Basel in late April. Is it better to rent a car or use the trains to go to the Lucerne, Interlaken, Murren area? Where would be the best area to see the meadows, wildflowers, etc? Thanks
Train. Switzerland has one of the best train systems in the world. In fact, Murren doesn't even allow cars. Check schedules here: http://rail.ch You can save money by using one of the various Swiss Passes. For details click the "railpasses" tab above.
Most of the businesses in Murren, however, are closed in late April. The reason is because the weather is usually damp and foggy and because the farmers use this time to fertilize the pastures... they spray liquified manure through a power hose. You're also too early for the wildflowers.