Philip

Posted a similar thread on myswissalps and received some great advice. Wanted to get your suggestions because I believe that somewhat different readers.

Texas neophyte still trying to finalize Swiss details concerning trip with 2 friends 3rd week of September. Cancelled 4 different trips due to Covid – we stayed healthy thank God. All senior citizens with plenty of European experience but this Swiss trip is unique. The do not miss attractions are the obvious – cruise Lake Lucerne, Pilatus, Jungfraujoch, Trummelbach Falls, Zermatt, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Gornergrat and Zurich Historic District. We love regional cuisine in a beautiful setting PLUS we are wine lovers without substantial Swiss knowledge. Hopefully I have enough flexibility built into itinerary so we can modify because of bad weather. Appreciate your sharing your knowledge.

Arrive Zurich and purchase ticket to Lucerne, Will purchase 6-day first class STP. Will need to purchase the ticket from ZRH to Lucerne (outside of 6 days).

1. We want a STP hard copy as well as one in the cell phone. What seller do you recommend? We want to purchase in the next few weeks.

Staying at the Lucerne Hotel des Alpes.

1. Have dropped Mt. Rigi and added Golden Roundtrip to Pilatus in the afternoon? We have a morning Official Guided City Tour. Any comments?

2. Do you have a preference between: Grotting, Restaurant Geissmatt, Bolero, Bellini Locanda Ticinese, Balances, Rathaus Brauerei and Burgerstube? Are reservations required or advised? Leaning Rathaus Brauerei. Any comments?

Staying at the Belvedere in Grindelwald.

1. Want to visit early in AM Jungfraujoch via Eiger Express. Upon departure, to Wengen, Lauterbrunnen and then back to Grindelwald. The Eiger Express, etc. down to Wengen is covered by STP at 25% discount. What is best way to get back to Grindelwald from Lauterbrunnen? Train or gondola!

2. Do you have a preference between: Café 3692, Barrys Restaurant, Bar & Lounge? Lunch at either Wengen Restaurant Baren, Lauterbrunnen Restaurant Weidstubl versus Bergestaurant in Kleine Scheidegg?

Staying at the Julen Hotel in Zermatt.

1. Want to visit Gornergrat in the morning (eat lunch on cafe terrace) and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in the afternoon.

2. Do you have a preference between: L’Atelier Grand Sire, Restaurant Julen and Bergrestaurant Blatten?

Staying at the Hilton Airport at ZRH.

1. Do you have a preference between: La Pasta, Restaurant Swiss Chuchi and Walliser Keller The Swiss Restaurant?

Thanks again for your help. Any suggestions to make trip more rewarding is greatly appreciated.

neckervd

Youn can easily buy your Swiss Travel Pass at any somewhat importqnt Swiss railway station after arrinving (Zurich airport and Lucerne railway staton included).
Be aware tan trips to Jungfraujoch, Gornergrat and Matterhorn parradise make only sense if the weather is fine.
Do either Gornergrat or Matterhorn Paradise and spend more time there than trying to visit both. You can easily spend some time at intermediate stations like Rotenboden (Lake Riffelsee), Riffelberg or Fury (Gorner Gorge). You may include Schwarzsee too.

Hermesblanket

There is no gondola from Lauterbrunnen to Grindelwald. You would have to take a train. There is a gondola from Wengen to Mannlichen, then gondola to Grindelwald.

Be careful you do not mix up Grindelwald with Gimmelwald, because you can take a gondola to Gimmelwald from Lauterbrunnen as trains do not go there.

Ciao, Mr Biddle