FrankArm

Hello

I am planning a trip to SWISS in the month of July-Aug 2013 for 6-7 days. I am currently reading many tours itineraries on internet and finally decided to visit Zurich, Lucerne and Interlaken area.

This is my 1st visit and I am interested in scenic beauty and not museums. Also i do not want miss Jungfrau (Top of Europe).

Is it possible to stay in Zurich for 6 days in one hotel and have a day trips to Lucrene, Bern, Interlaken and Jungfrau.

How about 2 days in Zurich, 2 days in Lecrene and 2 days in Interlaken area.

Also what places can i visit while in Zurich , lucrene and Interlaken.

Also please suggest if i am missing any place which is worth visiting. We are family of 4 with 2 kids (10, 14).

Is it worth renting a car in Swiss with US Licence or trains are better and cheaper.

Thanks

Frank

PalenQ

Is it possible to stay in Zurich for 6 days in one hotel and have a day trips to Lucrene, Bern, Interlaken and Jungfrau.>

Yes for Lucerne but not practical for Jungfraujoch - highest train station in Europe and maybe 4-5 hours each way - I'd stay in two bases - one for Zurich and Lucerne - Zurich which to me is one of the most fascinating cities in Switzerland though it is not everyone's cup of tea as per previous disparaging comments by more than a few Fodorites in the past. But if you like glitz, museums and a lovely city on a lake go for it - base there and day trip to Lucerne, certainly one of Europe's most gorgeous cities but a smallish one where for most folks a day is enough

actually to me the highlight of Lucerne is its wondrous setting on fjord-like Lake Lucerne and taking boat trips on the lake to me is a great great adventure.

And yes base in either Interlaken or one of the more remote Alpine villages up from it to the south - Wengen, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen are three where you can't go wrong - Wengen appeals especially to older folks and the other two to anyone with a pulse!

There is much more to the Jungfrau Region than the Jungfrau Top of the World thing - though to me that is awesome - but again boat rides on the two lakes the bookend Interlaken ("between the lakes) and things like the famous Ballenberg Open-air museum, etc.

Investigate a Swiss Pass that would cover all travel on normal trains, city buses and trams and give a discount on the Jungfrau railway as well as giving you free entry to over 400 Swiss museums - like in Ballenberg that's about a $25 value or so - passes also good on lake boats in full.

For lots of great info on Swiss trains, the Jungfrau Region, passes, etc. I always spotlight these IMO awesome sites - www.swisstravelsystem.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

kenav

Splitting 6 days up into staying in 3 places is not a good plan IMO. Packing, unpacking, checking in and out of hotels. Too much time wasted.

I would stay in Lucerne and Interlaken. If you stay in Lucerne last, then the rail to the Zurich airport is not a big trip on the morning of your flight home.

FrankArm

thanks Guys .. i like the idea of staying at 2 places Lucerne and in Interlaken Area instead 3 places.

I will now explore some places to travel while in Lucren and Interlaken and some good budget hotel.

Any suggestion on budget price hotels in this area.

Thanks

kenav

While in Lucerne I would go to Engelberg. It's abut 1 1/2 hours away. It's by far the best to of mountain time I've had. Except for Schnygge Platte. Better than Schilthorn.

We stayed at the Sunny Days Bed and Breakfast in Interlaken. About as good a price as you're going to pay in Interlaken and get a decent place with breakfast, private bathroom, TV. Switzerland IS expensive you know. July and August fill up pretty quickly in tourist areas. Start looking!!

PalenQ

will now explore some places to travel while in Lucren and Interlaken and some good budget hotel.

Any suggestion on budget price hotels in this area.>

For budget hotels or B&Bs in general Interlaken has many of them but Lucerne or Zurich very few if any viable ones. Interlaken has many so you may want to base there the whole time and day trip from there to Lucerne - taking trains over the gorgeous Brunig Pass rail route as the famous Golden Pass train does.

PalenQ

http://www.walters.ch/

Walters Bed & Breakfast in Matten, a quiet part of Interlaken, with full views of the awesome Jungfrau Massif in the distance from its balconies has become legendary amongst budget travelers. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there and there are many rave reviews on TripAdvisor, etc.