15-Day Family Swiss Adventure Itinerary with Swiss Rail Pass

Day 1: Arrival and Basel Exploration

Basel, Switzerland on July 26, 2025

10:00am

Arrival and Check-in at Novotel Basel City

Settle into your family-friendly hotel conveniently located in central Basel, perfect for city exploration.
Included with Booking, 1h0m

11:30am

Breakfast at Café Frühling

Enjoy a delicious bakery experience with fresh bread, pastries, and Swiss coffee, located near your hotel.
CHF 25, 1h0m

12:30pm

Visit Basel Old Town

Explore medieval streets, the Town Hall with its red facade, and enjoy family-friendly walking tours through historic squares.
Free, 2h30m

3:00pm

Basel Paper Mill Museum

Engage the kids with hands-on paper-making exhibits and learn about Basel’s printing history. Open 10am-5pm.
CHF 11 Adults, CHF 5 Kids, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at the Rhine Riverfront

Stroll or rest by the scenic riverfront, watch boats, and take photos with the famous Mittlere Brücke bridge backdrop.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Walliser Kanne

Savor traditional Swiss dishes including cheese fondue and Rösti in a cozy family-friendly atmosphere, open till 10pm.
CHF 40 per person, 1h30m
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Day 2: Basel Museums and Nature

Basel, Switzerland on July 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Novotel

Enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast with international and Swiss selections to energize the family for the day.
Included with Stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Fondation Beyeler

Explore world-class modern art in an attractive setting with family-friendly exhibits. Open 10am-6pm.
CHF 25 Adults, Free Kids under 18, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Markthalle Basel

Taste diverse local and international cuisines from the vibrant indoor food market stalls.
CHF 25 per person, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Zoo Basel

Spend an afternoon with interactive exhibits and animal encounters at Switzerland’s oldest zoo. Open 9am-6pm.
CHF 28 Adults, CHF 14 Kids, 3h0m

4:30pm

Relax at Kannenfeldpark

Playtime and leisure in a beautiful green park with playgrounds, perfect for children.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Kunsthalle

Enjoy family-friendly Mediterranean cuisine and stunning views of the Rhine river. Open till 9pm.
CHF 35 per person, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Zermatt and Explore

Zermatt, Switzerland on July 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Start with a relaxed breakfast at Novotel and prepare for the scenic train ride to Zermatt.
Included with Stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Train from Basel to Zermatt

Enjoy a picturesque 3.5-hour first-class train journey via Swiss rail, including Lyria and Glacier Express sections.
Included with Rail Pass, 3h30m

1:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Alpen Resort & SPA

Settle in and explore the alpine hotel’s amenities including spa and pool to unwind after the journey.
Included with Booking, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Whymper-Stube

Sample traditional Swiss alpine dishes such as raclette and fresh mountain produce in a cozy atmosphere.
CHF 35 per person, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Zermatt Village

Walk through the car-free village, visit local shops, and marvel at Matterhorn views from town.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Chez Max Julen

Family-friendly restaurant offering tasty Swiss dishes in a mountain chalet setting. Open until 10pm.
CHF 40 per person, 1h30m
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Day 4: Matterhorn Adventure

Zermatt, Switzerland on July 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Alpen Resort

Fuel up with the hotel’s buffet including fresh Swiss specialties for a big day ahead.
Included with Stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Gornergrat Railway and Hiking

Take the cog railway up to Gornergrat for panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. Trails and lookout points are family-friendly. Railway open 8am-7pm.
CHF 50 Adults, CHF 25 Kids, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kulm Hotel Gornergrat

Enjoy lunch with a breathtaking view of the Matterhorn from the historic mountain hotel restaurant.
CHF 30 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Matterhorn Museum

Explore fascinating exhibits about mountain climbing history, local culture, and geology of the region. Open 9am-6pm.
CHF 12 Adults, CHF 6 Kids, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Hotel Spa

Unwind with family at the hotel spa featuring pools, hot tubs, and sauna facilities.
Included with Stay, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Schäferstube

Cozy alpine dining with traditional Valais cuisine focusing on fresh and local ingredients. Open till 9:30pm.
CHF 38 per person, 1h30m
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Day 5: Day Trip to Klein Matterhorn

Zermatt, Switzerland on July 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Alpen Resort

Start with a nutritious breakfast for an early alpine adventure.
Included with Stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Cable Car to Klein Matterhorn - Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Ride the highest cable car in Europe to the glacier paradise. Enjoy snow activities, panoramic views, and the Glacier Palace. Open 8am-6pm.
CHF 90 Adults, CHF 45 Kids, 5h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Panorama Restaurant

Dine with stunning views over the glaciers, serving international and Swiss dishes.
CHF 35 per person, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Zermatt Village

Leisure time for shopping and exploring local cafes.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Omnia

Enjoy a sophisticated family meal with beautiful ambiance at this highly rated restaurant open till 10pm.
CHF 50 per person, 1h30m
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Day 6: Free Day in Zermatt

Zermatt, Switzerland on July 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Alpen Resort

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast buffet to start your free day.
Included with Stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Family Hike around Zermatt

Choose from easy trails like the 5-Seenweg (Five Lakes Walk) offering beautiful reflections of the Matterhorn, suitable for children.
Free, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch Picnic or Local Restaurant

Enjoy a picnic lunch on the trail or stop at a mountain hut such as the Sunnegga area restaurants.
CHF 25 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Sunnegga Paradise Visit

Take the funicular to Sunnegga for playgrounds and stunning views, perfect for kids and family photos.
CHF 40 Adults, CHF 20 Kids, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Julen

Casual yet tasty options in a family-friendly environment, serving Swiss and international dishes. Open till 9pm.
CHF 35 per person, 1h30m
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Day 7: Travel to Luzern and Initial Exploration

Luzern, Switzerland on August 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Enjoy your last Swiss breakfast in Zermatt and get ready for the train to Luzern.
Included with Stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Train Zermatt to Luzern

Scenic 3.5 - 4 hour first-class train ride through the Swiss Alps to Luzern via Visp and Bern. Relax and enjoy.
Included with Rail Pass, 4h0m

2:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Baslertor

Located near the historic center, ideal for discovering Luzern with ease.
Included with Booking, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)

Explore Luzern’s iconic covered wooden bridge, admire paintings, and scenic views of the Reuss river.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit the Lion Monument

See the famous carving honoring Swiss Guards, a short scenic walk from the city center.
Free, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Fritschi

Enjoy traditional Swiss fare and cozy ambiance right in the heart of Luzern, open until 10pm.
CHF 40 per person, 1h30m
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Day 8: Luzern Exploration and Lake Cruise

Luzern, Switzerland on August 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Ville

Enjoy Swiss pastries and coffee in a charming café near the hotel.
CHF 20 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Swiss Museum of Transport

Interactive, educational museum showcasing vehicles, planes, and trains with family appeal. Open 9am-5pm.
CHF 32 Adults, CHF 18 Kids, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Museum's Brasserie

Enjoy casual dining with fresh local dishes inside the Transport Museum complex.
CHF 25 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lake Luzern Boat Cruise

Relaxing 1.5-2 hour scenic cruise on Lake Luzern with stunning mountain views, operated on schedule till late afternoon.
CHF 30 Adults, CHF 15 Kids, 2h0m

4:30pm

Explore Luzern Old Town

Wander cobblestone streets, visit quaint shops and cafes.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Wirtshaus Galliker

Family-friendly traditional Swiss restaurant featuring Luzern specialties, open till 10pm.
CHF 35 per person, 1h30m
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Day 9: Travel to Interlaken and Adventure Start

Interlaken, Switzerland on August 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Enjoy a final Luzern breakfast then prepare for your journey to Interlaken.
Included with Stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Train from Luzern to Interlaken

Approximate 2-hour scenic first-class train ride via Bern to picturesque Interlaken.
Included with Rail Pass, 2h0m

11:45am

Check-in at Essential by Dorint Interlaken

Bright, family-friendly hotel with good access to adventure activities.
Included with Booking, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Restaurant Husi Bierhaus

Casual dining with local and international dishes, great for families, open till 3pm then dinner service starting 6pm.
CHF 30 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hohematte Park and Jungfrau View

Relax in the park with playgrounds and enjoy views of the Jungfrau massif.
Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Early Dinner at Ox Restaurant & Grill

House specialties in a family-friendly environment focusing on grilled dishes. Open till 10pm.
CHF 40 per person, 1h30m
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Day 10: Jungfraujoch Excursion

Interlaken, Switzerland on August 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Power up early for a full-day adventure to the 'Top of Europe'.
Included with Stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Train to Jungfraujoch

Use your rail pass for a stunning mountain train ride to Europe's highest railway station with snow fun, ice palace and panoramic views. Open 8am-5pm.
Included with Rail Pass but requires seat reservation approx CHF 40/person, 7h0m

3:00pm

Return to Interlaken

Relax on the train back and enjoy evening at leisure.
Included with Rail Pass, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bebbis Restaurant

Comfortable family dining with Swiss and international dishes, open till 9:30pm.
CHF 30-40 per person, 1h30m
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Day 11: Adventure Sports and Lake Thun

Interlaken, Switzerland on August 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a balanced breakfast buffet.
Included with Stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Family Paragliding Introduction / Easy Tandem Flight

For adventurous family members aged 12+, enjoy beginner tandem paragliding flights or observation. Book in advance. Approx 1.5-hour session.
CHF 150 per person approx., 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant

Take funicular to Harder Kulm for a mountaintop lunch with stunning Interlaken views. Open 11am-5pm.
CHF 35 per person, 1h30m

2:00pm

Boat Ride on Lake Thun

Enjoy a peaceful and scenic boat ride on Lake Thun, with stops at charming villages and castles.
CHF 25 Adults, CHF 12 Kids, 2h0m

5:00pm

Explore Interlaken Shopping Streets

Discover local shops, chocolate stores and souvenir boutiques.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bistro Laterne

Enjoy casual Swiss and International fare with a welcoming family vibe, open till 9pm.
CHF 30 per person, 1h30m
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Day 12: Explore Lauterbrunnen and Trummelbach Falls

Interlaken, Switzerland on August 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast for day trip to the valley of 72 waterfalls.
Included with Stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Train to Lauterbrunnen

Short 20-minute train ride from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen to explore stunning valley scenery.
Included with Rail Pass, 30m

9:00am

Visit Trummelbach Falls

Discover Europe's largest underground waterfalls via elevator and walkways, open 9am-5pm.
CHF 12 Adults, CHF 6 Kids, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Hotel Staubbach

Dine overlooking Staubbach Falls with family-friendly menu options.
CHF 30 per person, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Lauterbrunnen Village & Valley Walk

Leisurely walk through picturesque valley and visit waterfalls along the accessible trails.
Free, 3h0m

4:30pm

Return to Interlaken

Relax and enjoy the hotel amenities after your nature day trip.
Included with Rail Pass, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Goldener Anker Restaurant

Traditional Swiss dishes in a welcoming setting, ideal for families. Open till 9pm.
CHF 35 per person, 1h30m
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Day 13: Travel to Zurich and City Introduction

Zurich, Switzerland on August 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Final Interlaken breakfast before rail trip to Zurich.
Included with Stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Train Interlaken to Zurich

Approximate 2-hour first-class train ride via Bern to Zurich, settling into city atmosphere.
Included with Rail Pass, 2h0m

11:45am

Check-in at Novotel Zurich City West

Modern hotel in Zurich’s trendy district, convenient for city sights and transport.
Included with Booking, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Markthalle Zurich

Sample a variety of international and Swiss dishes at this vibrant indoor market with family-friendly options.
CHF 30 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk Bahnhofstrasse and Old Town

Explore Zurich’s famous shopping street and medieval old town with its historic alleys and shops.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Lake Zurich Promenade

Relax or take a short family stroll along the lake’s scenic waterfront.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy hearty Swiss fare in a historic armory setting, very family-friendly and centrally located. Open till 10pm.
CHF 40 per person, 1h30m
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Day 14: Zurich Museums and Leisure

Zurich, Switzerland on August 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a rich breakfast buffet at Novotel.
Included with Stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Swiss National Museum

Explore Swiss cultural history with engaging exhibits for all ages. Open 10am-5pm.
CHF 10 Adults, Free Kids, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Sprüngli

Iconic spot for chocolate, pastries and light lunches popular with families.
CHF 25 per person, 1h0m

1:30pm

Zurich Zoo

Spend the afternoon at the vast and modern zoo with themed enclosures and playgrounds. Open 9am-7pm in summer.
CHF 28 Adults, CHF 14 Kids, 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel or Local Park

Unwind before final dinner with some leisure time.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Final Dinner at Swiss Chuchi Restaurant

Celebrate your Swiss vacation with a classic fondue or raclette dinner in a warm, welcoming setting.
CHF 45 per person, 1h30m
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Day 15: Departure Day

Zurich, Switzerland on August 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Zurich before hotel checkout.
Included with Stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Check-out and Transfer to Zurich Airport

Take the train or taxi to Zurich Airport in time for your CX 382 flight departure.
Included with Rail Pass or Taxi CHF 50 approx., 1h30m

11:00am

Flight Departure - CX 382

Depart Zurich and end your unforgettable Swiss family adventure.
Included with Tickets, N/A
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