Does this sound do-able? Wishful thinking mild sun should give you company. Day 9: Interlaken Grindelwald (Jungfrau). I am concerned your "2 days" in Rome is only one night and that is not worth even trying. Is there a way to travel to Lugano from the Interlaken area? You feel as if you've gone back in time to an elegant 19th-century rail journey with charming coaches, as you travel towards the medieval town ofGruyeres. Here is a trusted site that has a large selection of tours and tickets for activities in Switzerland. Also remember that you'll have to do laundry, either everyone washing out by hand or taking time once or twice for laundry, though there's always the expensive option of sending it out. Cant wait for our trip now! You rail passes will not cover the cost of this trip but will give you a discount. Theres an impressive amount of waterfalls nearby (72), but I only had a chance to visit the most famous one- Staubbach Falls. You can choose to go one further and stay up in Muerren or Wengen for a village experience. Here's a link to a map: Switzerland is a really picturesque country and it has lots to offer, Medha. When do we purchase the Half Fare Cards (should I purchase these on SBB before we leave home?) 14 Day Italy Itinerary: Best Way to Spend Two Weeks in Italy Como--not where most people stay--is less than an hour from Lugano. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Switzerland Tours & Vacations 2023 & 2024 | Rick Steves Europe Download the sbb.ch app on your phone and start using it now to help you plan. I am thinking Zurich to Grindelwald area then to Bern area because it looks like the train ride to Lugano is shorter from Bern. We are making a trip end of June with our 2 kids who are 5 and 1.5 yrs old. To determine rail travel times and details, one of the easiest websites for trains all over Europe is the Germain Rail site - https://www.bahn.com/en/view/index.shtml . A road trip in Switzerland is a great idea! Absolutely loved reading your post. Either way, somehow Im going to have see all those locations someday. <3. Just when I thought this would be the highlight of the trip, we began descending into the gorgeous Val Poschiavo before crossing over the Brusio circular viaduct. I sampled such a small segment of the Herzroute but loved it enough to want to go back and complete more stages- maybe even all 13! When I began my trip in Schaffhausen, my first impression of Switzerland was that it was a fairy tale country. My trips to Calgary, Norway and New Zealand followed my visit to Switzerland but although these countries were gorgeous in their own right, nothing ever replaced my love for and the memories of Switzerland. Do you want to see a little bit of a lot of places and change hotels every couple of nights? I havent been in Switzerland yet but I am dreaming to go! It was gorgeous! You will already begin to feel the chill in the air, the temperature is drastically lower here as compared to Grindelwald. That looks like the ultimate dream trip. It is not easy going from the mountains in Switzerland to Italy nor vice versa. I am going to bookmark this right away. Geneva looks stunning and I love all your photos of the castles, its like a fairy tale land. Initially, I thought doing it in summer will not give you the best views. June, for your first time to Europe, you wouldn't want to miss the main sights that are so awesome, they attract people from all over the world. Oh my word, your photos are incredible! By early evening, you will be back on your train and headed towards Montreux for the night. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What you need to know before you travel to Norway, How to spend the perfect 3 days in Black Forest, Germany. Majestic, wild mountains, big river flowing and crashing into big waterfall. I see you went to Liechtenstein too! It was perfect! I had over 2000 pics when I got back home! 1-2 Tank Tops/Base Layers. Here is your proposed itinerary retyped: Day 1 - Arrive (8:00 to 9:00am), check-in, deal with jet lag, learn the hotel neighborhood. It looks amazing from your post, saving for later , Going back to Switzerland is always a good idea . This is a lot to cover in 2 weeks. This is the gorgeous place that inspired the poetess Johanna Spyri in her novels about Heidi. With engineering accomplishments like that, its no wonder this section of track was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Switzerland is one of those iconic destinations that you will visit, which you'll always want to go back to again someday. Rigi (you can do boat trip & mountain train & cable car trip too) or Mt. Either way, it is a risk! Spend at least part of the day on the waters of Lake Lucerne, with a scenic boat ride around one of Switzerland's most beautiful lakes. And a road trip in such countries fives you so much flexibility to explore the hidden cafes, restaurants and such places in the middle of the mountains, something I love doing! Yet another fabulous train journey, this train itself is special! From here, you can walk across the pedestrian bridge and enjoy some superb views of the fall along your path. Schaffhausen was a perfect introduction to both the natural and architectural beauty Id see throughout my 2 weeks in Switzerland. The Ultimate Switzerland Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks But then after 4 days, it rained and got cold, so it was fine . You might tell me that I saved the best for the last because a day trip to Chamonix, which is in France, was probably the highlight of our itinerary for Switzerland. The cafes and restaurants lining the Lucerne Lake come alive at night, you might even be lucky to enjoy some alphorn players putting on a great show in the area. Did you find it expensive to visit? Balancing seeing bits of a lot of places and still being able to remember where you have been and not be exhausted at the end: that is the challenge! Once youre up there, however, the visit is totally worth it. My journey on the Bernina Express was my favourite train ride during my trip to Switzerland. In fact, no cars are even allowed in Mrren or Wengen or Zermatt. The journey will be taken in 2 stages; the first cable car takes you up to Plan de l'Aiguille (2,317m) and the second one from here to the top station. A Two-Week Travel Itinerary to Switzerland - Culture Trip I am going with my husband. Thank you for your reply and advice. Probably goes back to the romantic feel of riding the train! Gruyres is the spot that most stood out to me from your description. Even though the weather was bad, I decided to visit some nearby mountains, hoping to get some good views. The most beautiful ones were clustered around Rathausplatz, the bustling town square. Switzerland is still on my bucket list so this list is very helpful for when I do visit Love that you laid out the number of days per citythats always a challenge to figure out when youre a first-timer. This guide is definitely helpful! This is going to be an exciting day because you will visit the highest peak in Europe Jungfraujoch. . Im sure anywhere you go in Switzerland will be gorgeous. Ascona is a lovely town on the shore of Lake Maggiore and I ended up preferring it to Locarno. Ive only been to Geneva and was hoping youd include a picture of Jet dEau thanks for the trip down memory lane! I was super excited to sail past Oberhofen Castle, since Ive long admired photographs of it. Much of today was spent exploring the Verzasca Valley by bike. On my first trip to Switzerland, I discovered that while there is a lot of truth to this conventional view, there is so much more diversity to the country. For checking rail trips and travel times, the Bahn.de website that I mentioned earlier is one of the best, and more "user friendly" than some of the others (IMO). Although not as big as Zurich or Geneva, Bern is a mid-sized city located on the foot of the Alps and home to many architecturally appealing buildings such as churches, museums and political places (such as Parliament building). Yes Please!|ProPhoto Photographer Template, Getting to Know St. Gallen- A Tour of St. Gallens Old Town, Hiking Down Monte Br- Switzerlands Sunniest Mountain, Alta Verzasca Bike Route- Cycling in the Verzasca Valley, 6 Memorable Things to Do in Zermatt- Switzerlands Alpine Paradise, Things to Do in Thun- Gateway to the Bernese Oberland, Lake Brienz Cruise- Highlights of a Lake Brienz Boat Tour, tours and tickets for activities in Switzerland, Best of Zurich City Tour: Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein, From Zurich: Stein am Rhein and Rhine Falls, Interlaken: 1 hour boat cruise on Lake Brienz, Zermatt: Gornergrat Bahn Cogwheel Train Ticket, Best Cities to Visit in Europe- My Favourite European Cities for Travellers, Five Weeks in Europe- Our Itinerarys Hits and Misses, Exploring Bavaria- The Best Places to Visit on a Trip to Bavaria, Germany, How to Spend 4 Days in Paris- Our Itinerary, Flightseeing in the Yukon- 4 Awe-Inspiring Air Tours, What to Expect on Your First Trip to Switzerland- A First Time Visitors Guide, The Swiss Travel Pass can be purchased online from various websites or at a service desk at Swiss rail stations. The photo ops are amazing! I would go to Luzern for a quick afternoon visit and a nights stay or go straight to Interlaken Ost for the connection to the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The view from the Munot, a circular fortress overlooking the city, was a vista straight out of a fairy tale- hillside vineyards, stone clock towers, a meandering blue river. . Like the air fare+hotels+basic food+car rental would cost how much. Switzerland is simply breathless. Is it a one day trip? . In Italy, we are looking to cover mostly the big cities. Walking Rigas Old Town Not much to do and see in the city itself, I agree . Theres even a hiking path that goes behind the falls, overlooking the hotel down below. junececol, what website are you using to look at rail timetables? Whats there in Chamonix? The Mont Blanc range was too good and it was a very beautiful day before we took the flight back home! A drive to this area is recommended because it is away from the busy streets, in the Swiss countryside. I can see some great prices on United from EWR to Milan in August, like $500 pp RT nonstops. From the summit at 3,089 m, I was surrounded by a glorious panorama of glaciers and mountain peaks. Where do you want to go in Italy? Do stop for a short picture break near the medievalLaufen Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the falls. Florence 4 nights - 3 days Jump to bottom. So stunning, Yea anything less than 2 weeks did not seem like wouldve been justified , I love Switzerland and spent a lot of time in and around Montreux some years ago. Its perfect to combine a road trip with train journeys . I am always divided between taking scenic train journeys or driving around in such lovely places Although it is more expensive to rent a car, it is amazing to be able to stop anywhere, anytime and enjoy the beauty of the place. 2-week itinerary for Switzerland - first timers' guide I know the weather is unpredictable and it is bad luck (like it was for us) if you reach there on a day when the weather is not good. So many good things to see in Switzerland. The David stands proudly above you etched with magnificent detail. Its quite easy to find information on the internet these days . Hi, My husband and I are considering a 2 week trip to Switzerland, Northern Italy, and Monaco.We both have never been to Europe.What would you recommend for an itinerary? I would love to rent a car though and follow this itinerary. The colours of the lake and forested hills looked especially rich under the low-hanging clouds. Today I travelled to Zermatt, a mountain resort town in the Swiss Alps. I spent the afternoon getting to know Thuns Old Town and ended my day with an evening cruise on Lake Thun. The more popular (on this forum) Varenna takes at least 2 hours. Suggested stay:Manor Farms Camping Grounds. I am thinking we would like to enter into Italy through Lake Como (visiting and possibly staying a night in Lugano Switzerland first) then to Milan, Florence and fly home from Rome? I think I will pick up a couple of Rick Steve's books tomorrow - sounds like they will really help out. We have a 2 week trip starting in Genoa - we have couple of nights and a day to spend there. My husband and I are planning a trip to Switzerland and Italy for April 2024, and need help with our itinerary. You will waltz past sprawling vineyards and quaint villages before you arrive at the gorgeousRhine Falls, known to be the largest in Europe. Choose from 42 trips with 181 customer reviews, that range from 11 up to 14 days. 17480 posts Start with air. My husband and I prefer to do roadtrips! For a possible itinerary that is not too fast, I offer. Today was all about soaking up beautiful views, nature, and Mediterranean vibes as I actively explored Monte Br. Still one of my top 2 fav country in Europe .. Would luv to go back and spend more time .. Luv the pictures .. Rome, Florence, Milan, Lugano, Lucerne, Zurich. They were quite amazing from the inside. It was a long travel day that involved passing though Italy, but the captivating scenery made the time go by quickly. Approximate travel times: St. Gallen to Appenzell- 50 min, Bike ride Appenzell to Altsttten- 2 hr, Altsttten to Chur- 50 min. The best way to spend time in Geneva is to take a walk around theLake and explore the many gems on its banks. It its very easy - we walked right up to the counter. The entire country looks gorgeous! Browse Rick's best Switzerland tours and vacation packages: Best of Switzerland in 12 Days Tour 2023 Brilliant! The bike park has 5 freeride trails in three levels of difficulty. For Italy, you shouldn't miss Venice, Florence, and Rome. Helpful Apps for Travelling in Switzerland- Here are the free apps I used during my trip to Switzerland. And have you been yo Zermatt? I have to admit, three days in Zurich? I havent seen a much as you, but now I would like to go back and spend more time there. Considering the range of towns, landscapes, activities, and culture I experienced during my trip, Im confident that my 2 week Switzerland itinerary gave me an in-depth look at the country. That's why it's important to know what sort of activities you are interested in. Rapperswil looks so idyllic, what a great place to stop off. Ive bookmarked this for my future visit likely in winter as I love the sledding there. If you want to experience some snow, you can take the train to Engelberg and take a cable car . Switzerland & Italy in 2 Weeks Itinerary - Travel by Luxe I couldnt swim in the lakes even during peak summer when the temperatures were soaring! We took a 2-bedroom tent throughEurocampand I highly recommend it! I would surely visit Switzerland again and hopefully end up in Interlaken which I see on Instagram a lot and seems so promising! Although we may be able to see the Rhine Falls on our way between the two towns; they look awesome. Your Swiss Travel Pass grants you hop-on/hop-off access to the boats of the Lake Lucerne Navigation System, which ply the lake year-round. I would love to go one day, so I was very keen on your itinerary. The weather, setting, and mood were perfect for cheese fondue, so when I saw it on the menu at the restaurant, I excitedly ordered it. Wish I had more time! Medha, this is an excellent itinerary. It has good rail connections to Switzerland. I picked up some good speed! In the morning, I did a walking tour of St. Gallen before heading to Appenzell by train. Choose from 18 trips with 50 customer reviews, that range from 11 up to 14 days. Lucerne is my favorite among all these. Aah sledding would be a wonderful experience in Switzerland in winter, I am sure! Spent a beautiful day in Vilnius! However, slight chances are that the tickets might get sold out during peak season, especially if it is a weekend. We both are in late 20s. Around Lake Como you may need lake boats and/or buses as well as trains. 42 France, Italy And Switzerland 14 Days tour packages with 181 reviews View Map Explorer The hike wasnt difficult, as it was mostly downhill, but it took me a lot longer than anticipated because I kept stopping to take pictures and sit and enjoy the view. Wonders of Europe Tour: 2-Weeks Itinerary in France, Italy - Zicasso As always, I speak only the truth and hosts have no editorial influence on articles. 2 Week Austria, Italy and Switzerland Tours & Trips - TourRadar Anold city with modern restaurants and cafes, this is the perfect place to enjoy a walk. 10 reviews 9 helpful votes 2 weeks road trip France, Switzerland, Italy 6 years ago Save My husband and I are planning a 2 week road trip with our 2 kids (9 and 6). Suggested Duration. The standout attraction in St. Gallen was the Abbey of St. Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2 Week France, Italy and Switzerland Tours & Trips - TourRadar The itinerary for my trip to Switzerland focused largely on natural landscapes, historic towns, and active travel- having experiences instead of passively seeing things. Approximate travel time: Zurich Airport to Schaffhausen- 55 min. Does this sound plausible? I highly recommend tryingparagliding, a fantastic way of enjoying spectacular views of both the lakes and the scenic town in between the lakes. There are so many lovely places to see, I felt even 2 weeks didnt do justice! Public transportation was frequent, well coordinated, and easy to use, accommodations were always clean, the places I visited werent overcrowded with tourists (in late August- early September), and I always felt safe. so beautiful pictures and great information Perhaps most importantly, I felt so comfortable travelling around Switzerland. I cant wait to take Darcee back to see Lucerne and personally I want to do some canyoneering in Interlakken! Looks so beautiful! Theres so much to see, youve to pick and choose your best places , So glad you had a fabulous time in Switzerland I totally agree that its one of those countries which will have you planning multiple trips back! We are flying out of Chicago. June, Other villages are closer to what you want to do than Grindelwald is, although Grindelwald is still in the general area and easily accessible. Unless youre interested in visiting one of the museums or the churches here, relish a meal here before heading towards Montreux (1 hour, 15 minutes), where you will also visitChateau de Chillon, a medieval fortress located on the banks of Lake Geneva. Take train to Berner Oberland / Lauterbrunnen Valley - stay either in Lauterbrunnen or Mrren - 3 days, Take train to Florence (about 6 hours, with 2-3 changes) - 4 days including day trips, Train to Rome - 4 days, including day trips. I did the easier single track flow trail (blue rated, route 701/707) and it had the perfect amount of technical challenges for me- steep in places, banked turns, rocks I had to ride over or around, a wall curve, and some jumps (which you can bypass, if you want). I loved the paradoxical sensations of excitement and relaxation as I soared in front of the Matterhorn, swooping and turning in the currents until my pilot landed us safely in Zermatt. It's probably safe to say they won't be able to use their phones the same way they do at home, unless you have a very large budget. Switzerland Itinerary: Where to Go in Switzerland by Rick Steves Theres a lot more I want to see and do in Switzerland, so hopefully Ill make it back there one day! By the end of my 2 weeks in Switzerland, I still thought that. I can say why Switzerland was special to you. Driving is always so much fun since you can stop where you want to but I love the train as well. After loading my bike onto a gondola, I arrived at the Alpenbikepark on Brambresch, Churs local mountain. Walk around the turquoise-watered river Aare, in the old town, with its cobbled stone streets, chiming bells of the church, clock tower, fountains and bridges. . Head back to Lucerne for the night, after a brilliant day of playing in the snow. The landscape and climate was surprisingly varied as well. I started my day with an easy 17 km bike ride from Schaffhausen to Stein am Rhein. It means youll be running around a bit too much without being able to give each of these places the time they deserve. Your tour will begin in the picturesque Lake Lucerne, where you will be surrounded by majestic mountains and crystal clear waters. These cards give free use of local public transportation and discounts on attractions. It will be our first trip to Europe. Its your first day so take it easy, make your way to Lake Zurich and explore theOld Town (Altstadt), one of the most scenic European old towns Ive been to. Someone was asking me why I did not include St Moritz in the itinerary and thats what I told them how much can one cover in 2 weeks? Spend your first day exploring Zurich city, absorb the sights around you and begin your journey of falling in love. They look gorgeous. It was an expensive activity, but worth it because nothing beats a birds eye view and the feeling of freedom! If there were a few more days at my disposal, I wouldve definitely included Zermatt , Great tips. My recommended 2-week itinerary for Switzerland includes visits to the snow-capped mountains, the blue-water lakes, the lush green valleys, small towns with cobbled stone streets, churches with bells ringing through the day, cheese and chocolate tasting tours and so much more! I prefer the same style, like keeping your base in few cities and then look around the places to see as day trips. Id love to hear of your experience , Wow, 34c in August in Switzerland I would have been like you and packed for chilly days lol. I visited both the Baroque cathedral and the Abbey Library, which houses a large collection of medieval books. After lunch in Appenzell, I rented a bike and cycled part of the Herzroute to Altsttten, where I returned my bike and caught a train to Chur. Some help getting into Italy: Thought is Wengen (thinking spending 4 days) to Varenna (2 days) then on to Florence (4 days) then quick trip in Rome (2 days) then home? Read more:Alta Verzasca Bike Route- Cycling in the Verzasca Valley. Thanks for sharing, This post brings back wonderful memories of my time in Switzerland! I hadnt realized how easy lichtenstein could be reached From there, Its just a couple of hours away by road . Rick's Best Two-Week Trip to Switzerland (by Train) Day 1: Arrive Zrich Airport, head to Appenzell (sleep in Appenzell or on Ebenalp) Day 2: All day for Appenzell and Ebenalp (sleep in Appenzell or on Ebenalp) Day 5: Boat, then train to Lugano along Gotthard Panorama Express route (sleep in Lugano) Day 6: Bernina Express to Upper Engadine . Approximate travel time: Thun to Zurich Airport- 1 hr 40 min. I promised myself to go back and explore the other parts. I cant believe we live so close (in Italy) and we still havent seen Switzerland! Motorcycle trip?! Your photos look like theyre out of a fairy tale and make me want to go back! I suggest driving from Interlaken toGrindelwald(40 minutes), yet another charming and picturesque village in the Swiss Alps. I had a fantastic time doing the Alta Verzasca bike route, a mainly flat, rocky mountain bike trail in the upper Verzasca Valley. 2 weeks in Italy & Switzerland - Rick Steves Travel Forum Maybe do the Rhine Falls and then move on towards Lucerne and Interlaken. The Swiss invented fondue, and they really do it the best! How will you travel - car, train, intra-European flights? Stanserhorn (open air-cable car ride). I couldnt get over the deep turquoise hue. To be honest, Zurich and Geneva were my least favourite places in Switzerland. We will arrive in Zurich on the morning of the 30th of June. The typical Big 3 in Italy (Venice-Florence-Rome) are intensely touristy if you stick to the top sights. Thank you! Answer 1 of 2: Hi everyone, Me and my wife are planning for an 8-day trip to Italy and a 6-day trip to Switzerland. 2 weeks in Italy & Switzerland. Had the weather been better, my table at the Romantik Hotels panorama restaurant would have offered wonderful views of Engadin Valley and its lakes. Is there a particular reason you chose Grindelwald for your stay in the Berner Oberland? I am also love photography. Since its just a road trip away, why not visit a new country altogether . The post is fabulously detailed and lucrative ! You covered almost all the eminent places of Switzerland. I usually use my iPhone for photography . It will be our first trip to Europe. Pl help me, Ms Verma, whats this chocolate train? A Two-Week Travel Itinerary to Switzerland EUROPE / SWITZERLAND Felix_Broennimann / Pixabay Sean Mowbray 26 July 2017 View One of the best things about traveling through Switzerland is that it is so compact. love the range of photos from the lovely lucerne to the stunning mountains! Kudos to that .. Lake Lucerne was one of my favourites. Read more: Getting to Know St. Gallen- A Tour of St. Gallens Old Town. Our oldest son is studying photography and would love some great photo sites. Thanks for the memories, of this itinerary I approve . Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary Ideas for the Best 10-14 Day Trip I spent most my time in town walking on the lakeside path simply enjoying the superb scenery. Thanks for the wonderful and useful article. Travel to Italy and Switzerland Summer 2022: COVID-19 and What To Our youngest is a shopper! With ample activities and a lakeside location, I would highly recommend you to spend this day making the most of your time at the beautiful campsite. Some are handwritten and over 1,000 years old! Hello Sarder, I took this trip more than 2 years ago so I dont think the cost would be relevant anymore. I suggest spending the night here instead of Bern as not only is this sleepy town more laid back and calm but it is also a great base for the next days trip on the Chocolate Train! 12-Day Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary: Zurich - Geneva - Bologna - Florence 3. Also, many hidden cafes and restaurants located in stunning places can only be visited if you have your own vehicle to drive around and explore! However, Im sure youll easily find all the prices if you follow the links Ive placed for accommodation and activities. 2023 Travel? I can see why you love Switzerland so much though, it really is a fairytale country as well. Paris, Rome, Athens, Greek Islands. Heres a map of the places I visited during my 2 weeks in Switzerland. Getting Around- Switzerland has an impressive public transportation system so theres no need to rent a car. If you have 4 nights in Wengen, you have 3 full days. The Ice Flyer is yet another amazing thing to experience here, a chairlift that spans the glacier. I would love to visit Gruyres LOVE cheese. We describe our travel style as "laid back luxe" and enjoy a mix of outdoor adventures and historic sites. Sample incredibly delicious chocolates here and pick a few to bring back with you if you like! This 13 days itinerary is designed to give you a good balance of sights, sounds and experiences. Interlaken to Lugano takes a bit over 4 hours. Hello Medhu, help me in this? Really enjoyed this, Medha! I have visited only the western part of the country including Montreux, Lausanne, Chateau de Chillon and Geneva and I loved how much green you can see around Lake Geneva.
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