Arrive at Zürich Airport and take S-Bahn (S2/S16) or taxi into the city; Christmas Day means slower services and some closures so confirm hotel check-in and transport. Allow time for immigration and luggage.
Enjoy festive lights on Bahnhofstrasse and a gentle wander through the Old Town to get familiar with the layout; many shops may be closed but public spaces are atmospheric.
Choose Hiltl (Europe’s oldest vegetarian restaurant) or your hotel’s restaurant for a reliable Christmas evening meal; many restaurants take reservations or close early on 25 Dec so pre-check opening times.
Light breakfast to start early; Babu’s is popular but check Boxing Day hours — hotels usually serve early breakfasts. Fuel up for a full day of travel and walking.
Regional train ~50–60 minutes to Neuhausen/Schaffhausen area; arrive to see Europe’s largest plain waterfall in winter light. Visitor centre and viewing platforms are normally open year-round but check boat schedules (boats run reduced hours in winter).
Walk the upper and lower viewing platforms at Schloss Laufen and, if operating, take the short boat to get close to the falls — spectacular photo stops. Winter boat service is seasonal; check timetable before you go.
Return toward Zurich and continue to Lucerne (total ~1.5–2h travel from Rhine Falls depending on connections); use this afternoon for Lucerne’s Chapel Bridge and lakeside promenades. Lucerne’s Old Town is compact and walkable.
See the 14th-century wooden bridge, lakeside views and painted facades — ideal in winter twilight for photos and light shopping. Many small shops and cafés may have winter hours; check Sunday/holiday openings.
Take the evening InterCity back to Zurich and have a hearty Swiss dinner at Zeughauskeller (Old Town) or a relaxed Italian at La Stanza — confirm opening times on holidays.
Very early hotel breakfast and head to Zurich HB for the train to Engelberg (~1h45–2h total); Engelberg is the gateway to Titlis and requires an early start to make the most of the mountain time. Check Titlis cable car opening (typically from ~08:30 but varies in winter).
Comfortable regional and intercity connections (change at Lucerne or via direct services) — travel time ~1h45–2h depending on connection. Sit back and enjoy lake/valley views.
Take the rotating Titlis gondola (Rotair) to the summit, visit the glacier cave and, weather permitting, ride the Ice Flyer chairlift — spectacular snow scenery; confirm winter operations and dress warmly. Titlis cable-gondola typically runs daily but hours can vary (check official site).
Choose a warming Swiss fondue (Swiss Chuchi) or vegetarian options at Hiltl — perfect after an alpine day. Check restaurant hours; popular places benefit from reservations.
Breakfast and early departure from Zurich HB to Interlaken Ost (approx 2h); this is a full long day visiting the Bernese Oberland and requires early trains to catch mountain connections. Pack warm layers and check mountain and cogwheel timetables (they operate year-round but times differ in winter).
Scenic rail ride (via Bern) around 2 hours; arrive in Interlaken and decide whether to approach Jungfraujoch via Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen (both routes are scenic).
Board the mountain trains through Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, then change at Kleine Scheidegg and ascend to Jungfraujoch — known as the 'Top of Europe' for an ice palace, observation deck and sweeping Alpine panoramas. Book Jungfraujoch tickets in advance; trains operate in winter but timetables vary.
Quick mid-day lunch with high-altitude views — dining options are practical and geared to visitors at the summit; allow time for outdoor viewpoints if weather permits.
Return to Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen in the afternoon; stroll through alpine villages, take photos of Eiger north face from nearby viewpoints and relax before the return to Zurich.
Regional/InterCity connections back to Zurich HB (~2h); choose a relaxed dinner near your hotel after a very long day — try Kronenhalle or a neighbourhood bistro.
Prepare a packed breakfast from the hotel and catch the earliest InterCity to Visp, then change for Zermatt; the trip takes ~3.5–4 hours one-way so expect a very long day. Consider an overnight stay in Zermatt if you prefer a less rushed visit.
InterCity to Visp and regional Glacier Express-type connection to Zermatt; scenic valley travel and mountain approach — aim to arrive mid-morning in Zermatt. Book seats in advance for best connections.
Decide between Gornergrat railway for classic Matterhorn panoramas (easier in winter) or cable car to Klein Matterhorn (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise) for glacier views and snow activities; check current opening hours as winter timings vary and high-altitude facilities can close in poor weather.
Have lunch at a mountain station or in the village — try raclette or Valais specialities; mountain restaurants often operate midday to late afternoon but verify schedules in winter.
Begin the return journey to Zurich (allow ~3.5–4h), arriving late evening; this is a very long day (often 12+ hours total) so be prepared and consider swapping for an overnight in Zermatt if preferred.
If you arrive late, opt for a simple night-time meal at the hotel or a nearby open restaurant — Zermatt day trips can be exhausting so plan to rest the next day.
Pack and check out early; store luggage at Zurich HB or bring it if time permits. You’ll transit to Lucerne for a morning Rigi half-day before your afternoon TGV to Paris — be strict with timing.
Short InterCity ~45–60 minutes; from Lucerne take the short ferry to Vitznau or train to Weggis for Mount Rigi ascent. Verify winter ferry/timetable; Rigi cogwheel and cable services usually operate year-round but with seasonal schedules.
Classic Swiss ‘Queen of the Mountains’ for sweeping views of Lucerne, Lake Lucerne and the Alps; a half-day visit (return-to-Lucerne roundtrip) is realistic if you keep a tight schedule. Typical Rigi operations run from morning, but check precise winter departure times.
Descend, have a quick lunch near the station (e.g., Viadukt/Markthalle or a lakeside café), then catch the midday train back to Zurich to collect luggage and head to Gare for the TGV Lyria to Paris.
High-speed train ~4h direct to Paris — comfortable city-centre to city-centre travel. Book tickets in advance; typical departure windows mid/late afternoon are convenient for an evening arrival in Paris.
Check into your Paris hotel and enjoy a relaxed first Paris dinner at Le Train Bleu (Gare de Lyon) or a neighbourhood bistro; New Year crowds start building so keep plans flexible for 31 Dec.
Classic Parisian café in Saint-Germain for coffee and croissants; be mindful of holiday opening times and arrive early to beat crowds. A gentle start after long travel days is recommended.
See selected highlights with a timed-entry ticket (Mona Lisa, Winged Victory); New Year’s Eve hours can vary so pre-book and confirm open times. Museums may have special schedules around holidays.
Casual, iconic falafel in the Marais for a quick, tasty lunch; a lively area for a midday stroll. Many eateries will be open but check Sunday/holiday hours.
Walk the bohemian streets of Montmartre and visit Sacré-Cœur for panoramic city views; the area is open year-round though some small museums may close on holidays.
Choose a booked NYE option: Seine dinner cruise, restaurant set-menu near Champs-Élysées or a hotel gala — book well in advance and expect security checks in busy zones for public gatherings.
Options: Champs-Élysées/Arc de Triomphe fireworks or public countdown (crowded), a rooftop/bar with reservations, or finish a cruise — pick the option that matches your comfort with crowds and security procedures.
Relaxed New Year’s Day brunch at a popular Paris café — many places open later and may be busy, so reservations help. A leisurely morning is ideal after NYE celebrations.
Pre-book tickets for a midday visit to avoid queues; holiday hour changes can occur so verify the official schedule and elevator status. Views are great on clear winter days.
Walk around Île de la Cité to see Notre-Dame's exterior and the historic island streets; interior access may be limited due to restoration, so plan for exterior viewing and nearby cafés.
Lively Provençal bistro in the Marais — friendly atmosphere and a relaxed New Year’s dinner option after a day of sightseeing. Reserve if possible, as New Year’s crowds linger.
Quick hotel breakfast and final packing; double-check your flight/train time and arrange airport transfer or rail to station. Allow extra time due to holiday/holiday-weekend traffic.
Head to Charles de Gaulle/Orly or Gare depending on onward travel; allocate ample time for security and transit. If you have spare time, a final café stop near the hotel is pleasant.
More About Delhi to Zurich 25th dec 5pm we will reach. We are staying Zurich for 5 days till 30th dec. Then Zurich to Paris. We are staying in Paris from 30th dec to 2nd jan