cheery_gal
New Member
Hi,
My hubby and I plan to go switzerland for 5 days free n easy in our trip to Europe. Can recommend any must see places for switzerland? Can share with us yr free n easy itinerary if u hv? My email is [email protected]
Thanks.
My hubby and I plan to go switzerland for 5 days free n easy in our trip to Europe. Can recommend any must see places for switzerland? Can share with us yr free n easy itinerary if u hv? My email is [email protected]
Thanks.
germangirl
New Member
Hi cheery gal,
for the mountains: Jungfrau Joch, Mount Pilatus and Zermatt
For typically "swiss" towns: Basel, Bern, Lucerne, Interlaken
For cultural events, UN-Headquarters, Museums and some "big city"-feel: Geneva and Zurich
For the french side to swiss culture: Geneva and Montreux (Chillon castle is awesome!)
Never mind most towns are small and many people actually live in villages...
I always get big photo coffee table books from the library before I go to a country to check out the scenery
) Proved very helpful!
for the mountains: Jungfrau Joch, Mount Pilatus and Zermatt
For typically "swiss" towns: Basel, Bern, Lucerne, Interlaken
For cultural events, UN-Headquarters, Museums and some "big city"-feel: Geneva and Zurich
For the french side to swiss culture: Geneva and Montreux (Chillon castle is awesome!)
Never mind most towns are small and many people actually live in villages...
I always get big photo coffee table books from the library before I go to a country to check out the scenery
) Proved very helpful!cheery_gal
New Member
Hi Germangirl,
Saw yr other postings in the other Switzerland thread..wow, u hv extensive info..How many days do u advise to spend in Switzerland? Are 5 days sufficient for the main places that you recommend? Did u take the chocolate train?
If u hv any itinerary that u keep for Switzerland, Italy or Prague, and if u dun mind sharing, can email me at [email protected]
Thanks!
Saw yr other postings in the other Switzerland thread..wow, u hv extensive info..How many days do u advise to spend in Switzerland? Are 5 days sufficient for the main places that you recommend? Did u take the chocolate train?
If u hv any itinerary that u keep for Switzerland, Italy or Prague, and if u dun mind sharing, can email me at [email protected]
Thanks!
Just to share our experience, Hmmm me and my wife went with tour 168 back in 2005 Oct for our honeymoon. I think Tour168 is unique in that it is in smaller groups and they really do let us see and experience the cultures of Switzerland. We had dinner at a house that is about 600 yrs old, local game food and so much more experience which we would never do if we follow the typical tour. BUT then again some people might complain that it is rather slow compared to the usual tour and for me i not a keen person for the usual rush rush tour....
One thing though bring a good water bottle ( container) as water is DAMN expensive the good thing is there is a lot of drinkable water frountain found all over switzerland and that can save you quite a lot of money. Food is also very expensive in switzerland but then again if you travel in pairs then most couple can share a meal as they have big portions... they ahve a unique drink sitzela or something?! made form milk serum which is quite nice....
One thing though bring a good water bottle ( container) as water is DAMN expensive the good thing is there is a lot of drinkable water frountain found all over switzerland and that can save you quite a lot of money. Food is also very expensive in switzerland but then again if you travel in pairs then most couple can share a meal as they have big portions... they ahve a unique drink sitzela or something?! made form milk serum which is quite nice....
I totally agree with Denny S on Tour168. It might be slow for some pple, but then we are not the touristy sort, and what's the point of rushing around when on holidays and be tired.
The hosts, Andrea and Mario, they are the nicest pple around, very warm and definitely know their way around. As it's in small group, the tour is flexible, especially in winter. Eg.. They would change the intinery to skiing cos' it snowed the night before and the fresh snow is good. Chocolate factory tour etc..
Overall, I would highly recommend that tour.. am thinking of going back next Spring/ Summer and go hiking..
The hosts, Andrea and Mario, they are the nicest pple around, very warm and definitely know their way around. As it's in small group, the tour is flexible, especially in winter. Eg.. They would change the intinery to skiing cos' it snowed the night before and the fresh snow is good. Chocolate factory tour etc..
Overall, I would highly recommend that tour.. am thinking of going back next Spring/ Summer and go hiking..
Hello Benee,
You have travelled with Mario and Andrea too?! Good to know, what programme did you follow them on?
I guess the good and bad is that they always bring peopl to all the different place and there is never a fixed places that you go to.
My wife has been buggin me ever since to go back to foxtown zzzzzzzzzzz
You have travelled with Mario and Andrea too?! Good to know, what programme did you follow them on?
I guess the good and bad is that they always bring peopl to all the different place and there is never a fixed places that you go to.
My wife has been buggin me ever since to go back to foxtown zzzzzzzzzzz
Hi Moo
The website is www.tour168.ch
I went there during winter and it's totally beautiful!! I can't recommend any best season to go.. but accordingly to the website, every season is different, the same place looks different in different season..
Think tour168 specializes in the Zurich and surrounding area only. But they do have tours to the surrounding border towns, even have shopping tours to Milan etc.
Hi Denny
I don't remember which program I joined, but we did mainly the winter stuffs, skiing for two days, sledging, horse-carriage ride etc.. just fun!! Went during Christmas, so it's really nice to have a white, white christmas, so romantic!! I heard about Foxtown, but we didn't go there. Will need to do that the next time I'm up there for hiking!!
The website is www.tour168.ch
I went there during winter and it's totally beautiful!! I can't recommend any best season to go.. but accordingly to the website, every season is different, the same place looks different in different season..
Think tour168 specializes in the Zurich and surrounding area only. But they do have tours to the surrounding border towns, even have shopping tours to Milan etc.
Hi Denny
I don't remember which program I joined, but we did mainly the winter stuffs, skiing for two days, sledging, horse-carriage ride etc.. just fun!! Went during Christmas, so it's really nice to have a white, white christmas, so romantic!! I heard about Foxtown, but we didn't go there. Will need to do that the next time I'm up there for hiking!!
jennifer_teoh
New Member
Hi guys..
I m planning to go Switzerland for my honeymoon this Nov/dec.. Understand that most of the packages (which includes switzerland, italy / paris) is around 3k per pax. However, I would like to know whether for most of the packages to these places, whether izzit tat alot of times, the tour wil jz bring us to the location and we v pay for the entrance or watever... ?? i understand that sometimes we may need to pay for the jaugfrau trip in switzerland... as for paris.. entrance for eiffel tower & moulin rouge.. pls let me noe wats ur experience w these tour agencies.. thks..
I m planning to go Switzerland for my honeymoon this Nov/dec.. Understand that most of the packages (which includes switzerland, italy / paris) is around 3k per pax. However, I would like to know whether for most of the packages to these places, whether izzit tat alot of times, the tour wil jz bring us to the location and we v pay for the entrance or watever... ?? i understand that sometimes we may need to pay for the jaugfrau trip in switzerland... as for paris.. entrance for eiffel tower & moulin rouge.. pls let me noe wats ur experience w these tour agencies.. thks..
Hi Moo
Just went to tour168 website to check something, and realised that they not only specialised in Zurich, but also Schaffhausen, Appenzell, St Gallen, Graubunden, Tiano, and Lucerne. Guess these are places all over Switzerland as well??
Might worth checking out. Do update your trip planning..
cheers!
Just went to tour168 website to check something, and realised that they not only specialised in Zurich, but also Schaffhausen, Appenzell, St Gallen, Graubunden, Tiano, and Lucerne. Guess these are places all over Switzerland as well??
Might worth checking out. Do update your trip planning..
cheers!
cheery_gal
New Member
Hi Jen,
My FH and I also plan to go italy, switzerland and prague free n easy too in May and hv studied some packages for our planning. Think $3k is based on brief photo stop and can be quite rushed. Maybe u can ask for their itineraries and ask if certain entrance fees are included.
Hi all, has anyone tried the Swiss Glacier Express before? How is the experience? As the whole trip fr St Moritz to Zermatt cost abt S$155, I am thinking of travelling on part of the route(see this website for the route http://www.glacierexpress.ch/en/4str_3.html) but I am not sure which part is the scenic route that we shld not miss. Does anyone know?
Thanks!
My FH and I also plan to go italy, switzerland and prague free n easy too in May and hv studied some packages for our planning. Think $3k is based on brief photo stop and can be quite rushed. Maybe u can ask for their itineraries and ask if certain entrance fees are included.
Hi all, has anyone tried the Swiss Glacier Express before? How is the experience? As the whole trip fr St Moritz to Zermatt cost abt S$155, I am thinking of travelling on part of the route(see this website for the route http://www.glacierexpress.ch/en/4str_3.html) but I am not sure which part is the scenic route that we shld not miss. Does anyone know?
Thanks!
Hi Astrogirl,
We toured part of the Swiss Alps in July for our honeymoon, F&E. We rented a car from Zurich (don't rent from the airport; there is a crazy surcharge).
You either take trains, or rent a car and drive. Switzerland is very safe and their infrastructure is top notch. Most people also speak English.
If you are driving, just remember that while distances look very short on the maps, the winding roads multiply the distance by about a factor of 2.
Please post here if you require more information.
We toured part of the Swiss Alps in July for our honeymoon, F&E. We rented a car from Zurich (don't rent from the airport; there is a crazy surcharge).
You either take trains, or rent a car and drive. Switzerland is very safe and their infrastructure is top notch. Most people also speak English.
If you are driving, just remember that while distances look very short on the maps, the winding roads multiply the distance by about a factor of 2.
Please post here if you require more information.
Hi Astrogirl,
My hb and I went for our F&E honeymoon this March. Everything had been planned and booked 2 weeks before departure. It's very easy to travel by train in Switz. We loved and enjoyed our time there. If you don't want to spend too mych time travelling, you can book for a nite or two at the resorts at the Alps. Although a ex, I think the money is worth it.
My hb and I went for our F&E honeymoon this March. Everything had been planned and booked 2 weeks before departure. It's very easy to travel by train in Switz. We loved and enjoyed our time there. If you don't want to spend too mych time travelling, you can book for a nite or two at the resorts at the Alps. Although a ex, I think the money is worth it.
Hi pinkybear,
It depends where. In the mountains, spring comes later so perhaps May is a good time to see the flowers blooming. In the valleys, probably April.
But if you really want to see flowers, especially Tulips, the Netherlands is the place to go. Check out Keukenhof.
http://www.keukenhof.nl/nm/english.html
It depends where. In the mountains, spring comes later so perhaps May is a good time to see the flowers blooming. In the valleys, probably April.
But if you really want to see flowers, especially Tulips, the Netherlands is the place to go. Check out Keukenhof.
http://www.keukenhof.nl/nm/english.html
marsilinghoo
New Member
is it expensive to visit switzerland? how best to travel ard whole country?
Hi marsilinghoo,
I guess this is your first time to Switzerland?
Zurich and the other major cities like Geneva, Bern, Lucern are expensive. So are the major tourist places like Interlaken and Zurich. But I've found the smaller towns and villages to be quite reasonably priced actually: very decent accommodation for SGD 200 (sometimes less!) per double room per night (free breakfast is standard), and meals (lunch or dinner) for about SGD30 per person. Accommodation can be actually cheaper than northern Italy!
Knowing me, I would say just be adventurous and go around on your own, either rent a car or go by train. But if it is your first time, and most Singaporeans are not the adventurous sort and we are a very conforming people (always doing things the standard way), then you may consider joining a Switzerland only tour. There are many bad tour agencies around; but a few reputable ones offer quite ok prices and good itineraries at the usual expense of inflexibility, crazy waking hours, and the touch-and-go feeling.
If you *really* want to visit a country and experience the culture, the food, the people, then you should go on your own and not join a tour group.
I guess this is your first time to Switzerland?
Zurich and the other major cities like Geneva, Bern, Lucern are expensive. So are the major tourist places like Interlaken and Zurich. But I've found the smaller towns and villages to be quite reasonably priced actually: very decent accommodation for SGD 200 (sometimes less!) per double room per night (free breakfast is standard), and meals (lunch or dinner) for about SGD30 per person. Accommodation can be actually cheaper than northern Italy!
Knowing me, I would say just be adventurous and go around on your own, either rent a car or go by train. But if it is your first time, and most Singaporeans are not the adventurous sort and we are a very conforming people (always doing things the standard way), then you may consider joining a Switzerland only tour. There are many bad tour agencies around; but a few reputable ones offer quite ok prices and good itineraries at the usual expense of inflexibility, crazy waking hours, and the touch-and-go feeling.
If you *really* want to visit a country and experience the culture, the food, the people, then you should go on your own and not join a tour group.
hi marsilinghoo,
The best way would be on your own. Travelling by train is great as you get to enjoy the scenary and spend time communicating during the journey. Driving is more stressful as one is a navigator and the other a driver.
Train is very easy in switzerland. Even on budget, can still enjoy and experience alot. I had my honeymoon in Switzerland in Mar this year. It's was a great experience and we spent about $2.5k per pax for everything (incl airticket) for 8D.
The best way would be on your own. Travelling by train is great as you get to enjoy the scenary and spend time communicating during the journey. Driving is more stressful as one is a navigator and the other a driver.
Train is very easy in switzerland. Even on budget, can still enjoy and experience alot. I had my honeymoon in Switzerland in Mar this year. It's was a great experience and we spent about $2.5k per pax for everything (incl airticket) for 8D.
I drive and navigate at the same time; I memorise as much of the map as I can, and my wife just holds up the map for me for those places that I forgot. A quick glance would "update" the map in my mind.
But that is after four years experience navigating in Europe for my dad when he drove.
It is true that it is best if the other passenger is a good navigator, or if the driver is a solid navigator. But men, don't expect your wife to navigate for you! If that is too stressful for both of you, don't drive.
But that is after four years experience navigating in Europe for my dad when he drove.
It is true that it is best if the other passenger is a good navigator, or if the driver is a solid navigator. But men, don't expect your wife to navigate for you! If that is too stressful for both of you, don't drive.
Hi Stephanie,
Zurich and Geneva are the two most standard places. Zurich is German speaking and Geneva is French speaking. But you can consider Geneva and Lucern as an interesting combination too; both Geneva and Lucern is next to a lake surrounded by mountains but Lucern is smaller and perhaps more charming?
Browsing through a Switzerland guide book can be useful; there are many other interesting towns too, like Basel, the capital Bern (no Zurich is not the capital), and Winterthur?
Zurich and Geneva are the two most standard places. Zurich is German speaking and Geneva is French speaking. But you can consider Geneva and Lucern as an interesting combination too; both Geneva and Lucern is next to a lake surrounded by mountains but Lucern is smaller and perhaps more charming?
Browsing through a Switzerland guide book can be useful; there are many other interesting towns too, like Basel, the capital Bern (no Zurich is not the capital), and Winterthur?
bubble_low
New Member
Hi,
For those who went with tour168, can u share with me ur experience ?
Which package did u take ? Did u go to Interlaken & Mount Titlis ? How's the accomodation and food provided ? Are u travelling in a mini van or tour bus ?
Thks for sharing.
For those who went with tour168, can u share with me ur experience ?
Which package did u take ? Did u go to Interlaken & Mount Titlis ? How's the accomodation and food provided ? Are u travelling in a mini van or tour bus ?
Thks for sharing.
Hello everyone
I am thinking to go Switzerland with my hubby on F&E in 2 weeks time. After reading tru your postings, i would rather do F&E rather than packaged tour.
I see there's suggested itenary at http://www.myswitzerland.com/en.cfm/travel/trips.
Is it too rush for us to plan and book? We have never been to Switzerland before. We are thinking either to drive or to take trains.
Any suggestions please?
Thanks!
I am thinking to go Switzerland with my hubby on F&E in 2 weeks time. After reading tru your postings, i would rather do F&E rather than packaged tour.
I see there's suggested itenary at http://www.myswitzerland.com/en.cfm/travel/trips.
Is it too rush for us to plan and book? We have never been to Switzerland before. We are thinking either to drive or to take trains.
Any suggestions please?
Thanks!
Hi Orith,
I think given the limited time to plan, it is better to take trains. You can probably still get the railpasses in time. Also, since it is low season now, you should be able to still book your accommodation quite easily.
You could also consider doing France in 14 days; you get mountains (French Alps), varied scenary, Paris, and of course, the fantastic food! But that's just our preferences.
http://sg.franceguide.com/
Bon voyage.
I think given the limited time to plan, it is better to take trains. You can probably still get the railpasses in time. Also, since it is low season now, you should be able to still book your accommodation quite easily.
You could also consider doing France in 14 days; you get mountains (French Alps), varied scenary, Paris, and of course, the fantastic food! But that's just our preferences.
http://sg.franceguide.com/
Bon voyage.
Hi Orith,
I agree with Raymond that you should take trains. As it is very punctual and well-connected.
Switzerland is the most expensive country to live in. Therefore accommodation are quite ex. You can check out the B&B for backpackers which are cheaper than hotels.
If you plan to go to the Alps, you may experience snowing still.
Have fun.
I agree with Raymond that you should take trains. As it is very punctual and well-connected.
Switzerland is the most expensive country to live in. Therefore accommodation are quite ex. You can check out the B&B for backpackers which are cheaper than hotels.
If you plan to go to the Alps, you may experience snowing still.
Have fun.
Hi Orith,
You can try the following websites.
These are the places I've visited when I was planning for my trip.
www.backpackers.com
Zurich
www.sleepinzurich.ch
www.dakini.ch
Lucerne
www.backpackers.com
Engelberg
www.engelberg.ch
www.titlis.ch
In other parts of Europe, it's off-peak. But it's actually quite pack in the Alps during winter. The crowd is mainly from other Europe countries travelling to Swiss. And you won't see tour buses and tour groups in and around so much.
How long do u plan to stay in Swiss? Already decided which are the places to visit?
I've also experienced staying in an Igloo in my last trip. It was an unforgettable experience.
You can try the following websites.
These are the places I've visited when I was planning for my trip.
www.backpackers.com
Zurich
www.sleepinzurich.ch
www.dakini.ch
Lucerne
www.backpackers.com
Engelberg
www.engelberg.ch
www.titlis.ch
In other parts of Europe, it's off-peak. But it's actually quite pack in the Alps during winter. The crowd is mainly from other Europe countries travelling to Swiss. And you won't see tour buses and tour groups in and around so much.
How long do u plan to stay in Swiss? Already decided which are the places to visit?
I've also experienced staying in an Igloo in my last trip. It was an unforgettable experience.
Hi Nas
I have booked air ticket, flying to Zurich on the 20th March, returning on the 1st April, on Emirates.
We are thinking to spend either all time in Switzerland, or spend some time in Switzerland and France/Germany/Austria. Still planning....
Where did you go then?
oh...Igloo....that must be interesting. How much is it and where?
Thanks so much for the info!!
I have booked air ticket, flying to Zurich on the 20th March, returning on the 1st April, on Emirates.
We are thinking to spend either all time in Switzerland, or spend some time in Switzerland and France/Germany/Austria. Still planning....
Where did you go then?
oh...Igloo....that must be interesting. How much is it and where?
Thanks so much for the info!!
Hi Orith,
I only stayed went to Swiss. Went to Lucerne, Zurich and the Alps (Engelberg). Was staying in Engelberg for 3N, really enjoyed my stay there. Although more expensive in terms of accommodation, we had great view from the balcony of our rooms.
The igloo is located in a few places in Europe. The one I went is on Mt Titlis. We went around this time of the year too. And we woke up to a snowing day up in the Alps. The cost per pax is Fr 140 (est SGD $180) per night.
Train stations provide storage places if you want to deposit your bags for a few hours while walking around the city and can't check-in to your next accommodation.
Just go to the Tourist Information Booth when you need information. There's also alot of information to collect. The people there can even advise where to visit in the city.
cheers
I only stayed went to Swiss. Went to Lucerne, Zurich and the Alps (Engelberg). Was staying in Engelberg for 3N, really enjoyed my stay there. Although more expensive in terms of accommodation, we had great view from the balcony of our rooms.
The igloo is located in a few places in Europe. The one I went is on Mt Titlis. We went around this time of the year too. And we woke up to a snowing day up in the Alps. The cost per pax is Fr 140 (est SGD $180) per night.
Train stations provide storage places if you want to deposit your bags for a few hours while walking around the city and can't check-in to your next accommodation.
Just go to the Tourist Information Booth when you need information. There's also alot of information to collect. The people there can even advise where to visit in the city.
cheers
Hi Orith,
For us, we stayed at Accor Hotels in France:
http://www.accorhotels.com/
Sometimes they have cheap last minute deals. I recommend you stay in at least a hotel of IBIS standard since it's your honeymoon.
Some others (midas) have used http://www.venere.com/ with success as well.
For us, we stayed at Accor Hotels in France:
http://www.accorhotels.com/
Sometimes they have cheap last minute deals. I recommend you stay in at least a hotel of IBIS standard since it's your honeymoon.
Some others (midas) have used http://www.venere.com/ with success as well.
Hi Orith,
Below is my itinery, which i can recall:
Arrive Zurich Airport, purchase a half-fare pass.
Train to Lucerne
Stay in Lucerne
Train to Engelberg
Stay in Engelberg
1 Nite in Igloo (Mt Titlis - Engelberg)
Train to Zurich
Stay in Zurich before departure
Half-fare pass is only for tourist and on a short term visit. Great as it saves you money on trains and cable car tickets.
Below is my itinery, which i can recall:
Arrive Zurich Airport, purchase a half-fare pass.
Train to Lucerne
Stay in Lucerne
Train to Engelberg
Stay in Engelberg
1 Nite in Igloo (Mt Titlis - Engelberg)
Train to Zurich
Stay in Zurich before departure
Half-fare pass is only for tourist and on a short term visit. Great as it saves you money on trains and cable car tickets.
Hello Nas
I have been reading up on Swiss Card and all that, didnd't realise there's Half fare pass. You mentioned it's for short term and how short is short? How much is the half fare? Is it part of Swiss card?
Just wondering, did you spend 5/6 nites in switzerland? My hubby and I really like the idea of staying in Igloo. Do you still rem where to book it?
Thanks so much.
I have been reading up on Swiss Card and all that, didnd't realise there's Half fare pass. You mentioned it's for short term and how short is short? How much is the half fare? Is it part of Swiss card?
Just wondering, did you spend 5/6 nites in switzerland? My hubby and I really like the idea of staying in Igloo. Do you still rem where to book it?
Thanks so much.
Hi Raymond
Thanks for this webbie...http://www.venere.com/
It's really good and affordable.
Now I am thinking either to follow Rick Steve's recommended 14 day in Switzerland, or spend just a few days in Germany (Black Forest route) or France.
Any advice pls?
Thanks for this webbie...http://www.venere.com/
It's really good and affordable.
Now I am thinking either to follow Rick Steve's recommended 14 day in Switzerland, or spend just a few days in Germany (Black Forest route) or France.
Any advice pls?
Hi Orith,
Yes, we spent about 1 week in Swiss. This is the website to book Igloo http://www.iglu-dorf.com
I think the half-fare pass is only valid for Swizterland. Check out this website http://www.sbb.ch/en/
Looks like it's valid for 1 year. Perhaps I remember wrongly about the duration.
How long is your holiday? 1 month?
Yes, we spent about 1 week in Swiss. This is the website to book Igloo http://www.iglu-dorf.com
I think the half-fare pass is only valid for Swizterland. Check out this website http://www.sbb.ch/en/
Looks like it's valid for 1 year. Perhaps I remember wrongly about the duration.
How long is your holiday? 1 month?
You could also checkout the eurail pass: http://www.eurail.com/
There's a regional pass for switzerland and germany or switzerland and france etc.
There's a regional pass for switzerland and germany or switzerland and france etc.
Hi Orith,
It really depends what you like.
If you haven't been to Europe before, you might wish to do two countries to have some sort of overview. Then next time you return, you can just focus on the country that you like.
I would personally recommend Switzerland for its scenary, and Provence (France) for its marvellous food, historical sights, and great weather.
It really depends what you like.
If you haven't been to Europe before, you might wish to do two countries to have some sort of overview. Then next time you return, you can just focus on the country that you like.
I would personally recommend Switzerland for its scenary, and Provence (France) for its marvellous food, historical sights, and great weather.
Hi Nas
I am quite confuse abt the diff ticketing system in Switzerland. From the sbb website, it mentioned "With the Half-Fare Card, you can purchase 1st and 2nd class tickets at half fare for travel on railway, boat and postbus lines...etc".
So does that mean, i need to pay 1 year Half Fare at 150 swiss franc, then pay 50% for the swiss card? Please advise.
Igloo is sooo cool. I think you took the standard room right?
I am quite confuse abt the diff ticketing system in Switzerland. From the sbb website, it mentioned "With the Half-Fare Card, you can purchase 1st and 2nd class tickets at half fare for travel on railway, boat and postbus lines...etc".
So does that mean, i need to pay 1 year Half Fare at 150 swiss franc, then pay 50% for the swiss card? Please advise.
Igloo is sooo cool. I think you took the standard room right?
