Hi, We are planning to a week long trip to switzerland in July. This is our planned itinerary 1. Day 1-Arrive in Geneva , proceed to Lucerne, night in Lucerne 2. Day2 - Mount Pilatus tour using goldern round trip ticket. Night in Lucerne 3. Day 3 - Proceed to Interlaken in Golden pass line. Night in Interlaken or nearby 4. Day 4 - Jungfrau tour. Night in Interlaken 5. Day 5 - Proceed to Montreux by Goldern pass . Night in Montreux 6. Day 6 - tour Lausanne during the day and proceed to French side of Geneva for the night 7. Return flight out of Geneva Given this schedule, what would be the best option in terms of rail passes ( 2 Adults and a child 3 years old). 1. Is the Swiss Saver pass an economical option ? 2. Will we get a discount for the golden round trip - pilatus tour using the swiss pass?
3. Will we get a discount for Jungfrau excursion from Interlaken? Appreciate your help
Posted by
Tulsa, OK
355 posts
When I read your plan, it looks like you will be spending most of your time riding trains. Don't get me wrong, the trains in Switzerland are great - but getting out into the mountains and walking around in the towns is so much better. We spent an entire week in Lauterbrunnen and a week outside of Lucerne and didn't feel like we saw enough.
I would encourage you to at least consider dropping part of your stops and spending more time in just a couple of places.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Srihari, I agree with the previous reply, this is a very "busy" Itinerary! I assume you've allowed for the fact that you'll "lose" the first day of your trips in flight times and time zone changes? You'll arrive in Europe the day after you depart the U.S. If you haven't already booked Hotels, I'd recommend perhaps skipping Montreux and Lausanne, and focusing on Lucerne and the Berner Oberland (outside of Interlaken). Regarding the Railpass questions, you might consider a phone call to the Railpass department at ETBD (or stop by the office if you happen to be in the Seattle area for a day). They will be able to provide all the information you need on the most cost effective Pass for your situation. Happy travels!
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Alpine weather often doesn't cooperate with people's travel plans, so you need a little more flexibility for the Jungfrau region. Unless you don't mind taking the chances of seeing nothing but fog and rain.
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR
2 posts
Kathryn, Ken and Tom, thanks! for your suggestions. I will plan on adding another day in Interlaken and dropping Montreux
Posted by
Cincinnati, OH, USA
768 posts
Srihari:
Note what Tom posted, the weather may not be as clear as you would like it to be. My wife and I recently returned from a visit to Switzerland that began in Lausanne, and included the trip from Montreaux to Interlaken on the Golden Pass, then on to Luzern, and eventually to Munich. The Golden Pass journey was very nice, but distant views to snow-covered peaks were very limited due to low clouds the entire trip. Have an alternate plan if the weather isn't cooperative. I assume you are aware there are train changes on the Montreaux-Interlaken trip. Less than 3 weeks ago, part of the trip was on a bus, there was construction on a bridge which didn't permit train passage.