A post on X has taken the internet by storm, as an Indian man disclosed that his family of four managed to visit 25 cities in Switzerland over an 11-day period for a budget of just ₹90,000. With an astounding 3.4 million views on the microblogging platform, the post has captivated audiences with its extraordinary account of budget-friendly travel.
In a thread on the the microblogging platform, Mehul Shah, wrote, “No travel agency will take you to this route, but here’s how we travelled Switzerland with 25+ cities in 11 days, including 4 boat cruises for a total price of ₹90k for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids using the Swiss travel system,”
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The father of two revealed that he acquired two adult Swiss Travel passes for a 15-day duration, priced at ₹45,000 each. Additionally, he obtained a family card free of charge, granting complimentary travel for children under 16 years old.
Shah stated that he opted for Lausanne as his base city for a three-day period. On the second day, he ventured to Gstaad, renowned as a resort destination often frequented by celebrities, situated alongside the cities of Zweisimmen and Saanen.
He then shared a tip: “You can board a Panoramic Goldenpass train from Montreux which has a more scenic route. Reservation is optional, and mostly you will get a seat easily without reservation. So the Swiss Pass covers more than 10+ Panoramic trains as well.”
On the third day of their itinerary, he planned a “relaxing day” and visited the Olympic museum in Lausanne. Additionally, the family enjoyed a 2.5-hour cruise, complimentary with the Swiss Pass, and strolled through the picturesque lake towns of Montreux and Vevey along Lake Geneva.
Transitioning on the fourth day, the family relocated their base to Mierengen, noted for offering properties at significantly lower rates compared to main tourist hubs like Interlaken or Lucerne. On the same day, they embarked on another boat cruise, this time from Lake Brienz to Interlaken, an excursion covered by their Swiss Pass.
In the next few lines, he shared yet another tip: “SBB has a unique service to transfer luggage at 12 CHF per luggage from one town to another. Although costly, I would recommend using this as if we analyse our per day cost, which goes wasted while we checkout from one hotel, change city and check in at another hotel, here we you will have hands free while intercity travel so can visit many small towns in between by Hop on – Hop off any train.”
They opted for less“touristy but much more beautiful mountain Mannlichen”.
Shah added, “The journey till Interlaken- Lauterbrunnen – Wengen even though Cogwheel train is covered by Swiss Pass We took Cable Car from Wengen to Mannlichen and then took a Gondola from Mannlichen to Grindelwald and the excursion was opened just today for Summer 2024. The total cost for family of 4 was just Rs. 7000 for two way ride.”
Mehul Shah and family took a train to Bern on day 6 of his trip.
X user, @mehulshahca remarked, “You cannot miss the Clock towers and the two main shopping streets of Kramgasse and Gerechtigkeitsgasse are in the center of the Old Town. The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site is lined with six kilometres of arcades that invite visitors to enjoy a special kind of shopping experience. You will find Trams running along the city which is again free with Swiss Pass.”
“This is like a Hidden Gem I am going to share! Take a Train to Luzern – 1 hour. Take a scenic Boat Cruise to Vitznau from Pier 1 – 1 hour. Board Europe’s Oldest Cogwheel railway to Mt Rigi – 40 min and behold!” X user further wrote.
He added, “On May 21, 1871, Europe’s first mountain railway departed on its inaugural ascent from Vitznau to Rigi Staffelhöhe – a milestone in the history of Mount Rigi. Today, Mount Rigi and its cogwheel railways present itself as a unique mountain railway paradise and all this again included in Swiss Pass without a single penny extra.”
Sharing food options, he stated: “Lausanne – Shanti – Indian. Gstaad – Mango – Indian. Bern – Tibis – Pure Vegan – Pay as per weight. Zermatt – Golden India – Indian. Mereingen – Hotel Sherlock Homes – Run by Indians Made Pure Jain food for us.”
“And as Gujaratis – Ghar ka Khana Thepla, Khichdi Locho, Home made Nachos. We bring vegetables from Coop or Migros and cook one time ( also helps to save cost ) or manage breakfast,” he further shared.