jh1981

I'm looking to spend 8 full days in Switzerland in mid-April. I will be in a group of 4 people (mid-30s). We're looking for a mix of city touring, hiking, casual biking and even some wine tasting.

We have flexibility flying into Geneva or Zurich and are not set on any places in particular, though would prefer to spend more time in warmer areas as we're nit interrsted in late season skiing and probably limit pur time to 2, maybe 3 places.

If possible, we'd like to either start of end the trip with a quick 2-3 day visit to Amsterdam if possible, but know that might be difficult all within 8 days.

Any suggested itineraries or recommendations would be appreciated.

nytraveler

April is early for Switz. The temps in the lowlands won't be too cold, but many hiking paths will be muddy and those at higher altitude may well still be snowy. Not sure about options for biking.

The warmest places in Switz are likely to be south of the Alps or up by Lake Constance. And for biking I would think you want flat - not mountain roads with no or limited shoulders and sheer drop offs.

If you want to do Amsterdam to see the tulips than I would limit yourself to one or at most 2 places in Switz - and not near the mountains unless you are willing to limit hiking or biking.

Lucerne is a great town for visiting and touring other places from and the weather should be decent. And it's only an hour on the train to the Zurich airport.

Dukey1

We spent a week in Switzerland in April several years ago. We were mostly around Lac Leman but did go as far north as Lucerne. Weather was Spring-like with forsythia just coming into bloom in places. Montreux was the usual mild but be aware it enjoys a micro-climate that supports palm trees.

neckervd

All will depend on the weather which is always unpredictable in the Alps.
The driest area is the Rhone Valley between Lake Geneva and Brig/Fiesch where both, hiking and biking will perfectly be possible in April.
http://www.sierretourisme.ch/tourism...g-cycling.html
http://www.martigny.com/en/office-tourism-activities
Biking is great in the 3Lakes area (Biel/Bienne-Neuchâtel-Murten) if the weather is fine in the midlands.
http://www.biel-seeland.ch/en/leisur...emme.1210.html
http://www.juradreiseenland.ch/en/home.html
The Northern slopes of the Alps (Interlaken - Lucerne - Appenzell - Lake Constance) are usually more rainy.
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/home.html

Dianedancer

We were in Switzerland in April a few years back. We stayed in Lucerne and Bern. I love Bern. We went to Mt. Titlis/Engleberg for Lucerne for the whole day. It's great because there is still snow there and people skiing and snowboarding. We don't do either of these, but it was absolutely gorgeous with outdoor Adirondack type loungers on one of the levels and a restaurant you could relax in. Definitely recommend it.