SWITZERLAND is regarded as one of the most expensive countries in Europe, but there are savings to be had.
Hotel bookings in a number of cities come with complimentary local travel cards.
Essentially, the cards provide travellers with free access to not only the city’s public transport network, including buses, trains and boats, but in certain cities, experiential activities as well.
Depending on the city or town, these travel cards also offer various added-value features. Here are five examples:
Basel Card - Apart from unlimited access to the city’s public trains and buses, the Basel Card gives holders access to free WiFi at 17 spots; one ferry ride; and 50 per cent off admissions to Basel Zoo, Theatre Basel, a two-hour sightseeing bus, a walking tour of old town and scheduled river cruises.
Lucerne Mobility Card - Especially good for repeat visitors or short stays, the Lucerne Mobility Card entitles hotel guests to free travel on the city’s trains and buses for the duration of their stay. Longer stays or first-time visitors will find the features of the Swiss Travel Pass are more useful when exploring the city, as ferry rides, mountain railways, cableways and museum entries would all be included.
Bern Ticket - The Bern ticket offers hotel guests free travel on the city public transport, as well as airport transfers, rides on the Gurten Mountain Funicular, the funicular Marzilibahn and the elevator to the Minster terrace.
Lausanne Transport Card - The Lausanne Transport Card allows holders up to 15 days of free travel while staying in any hotel in Lausanne. Free travel aside, the card also grants holders special discounts at selected shops, eateries, cinemas and theatres, nightclubs, museums, and a wide range of places of interest.
Montreux Riviera Card - Besides free travel, the Montreux Riviera Card offers holders complimentary welcome drinks at the Montreux-Vevey Tourism office, 50 per cent off the city walking tours in Montreux and Vevey, a Queen Studio Experience and 50 per cent discounts on a series of rail journeys, cruises and activities in the Lake Geneva region.
Each person on the hotel booking will get their own city card with the arrival and departure dates listed.
Details - www.MySwitzerland.com/cities
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