Start your adventure in the heart of Zurich, exploring the charming alleyways and historic highlights of the Old Town. Don't miss the iconic Grossmünster Church and the Fraumünster Church with its stunning stained-glass windows by Chagall. Take a break and sample some Swiss chocolate at Confiserie Sprüngli.
Head out of Zurich to the town of Schaffhausen to marvel at the largest waterfall in Europe, Rhine Falls. Take a boat tour or hike to the top for a panoramic view. Continue on to the picturesque village of Stein am Rhein, with its charming frescoed houses and medieval castle.
Take a scenic train ride to the base of Mount Rigi, where you can hike or take a cable car to the summit for stunning views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne. Spend the night in the tranquil mountain village of Rigi Kaltbad at the base of the mountain.
Explore the charming city of Lucerne, taking in the iconic Chapel Bridge, the atmospheric Old Town, and the Lion Monument. Then take a cable car and cogwheel train to the summit of Mount Pilatus for more breathtaking views.
Experience the beauty of Switzerland's lakes and mountains on a tour of Lake Lucerne. Take a boat ride to the idyllic village of Vitznau, then hike or take a funicular to the top of Mount Rigi for more stunning views.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city to visit Zurich's popular zoo, home to over 4,000 animals. Then head to Uetliberg Mountain for a hike or bike ride through the scenic forests and meadows.
End your adventure in the trendy neighborhood of Zurich West, where you can explore the converted factories and warehouses-turned-restaurants and bars. Don't miss the Freitag Tower, made of recycled shipping containers, and the Viadukt market.
Switzerland has an extensive public transportation network, including trains, trams, buses, and boats, making it easy to explore Zurich and Lucerne without a car. A Swiss Travel Pass could be a smart investment for travelers planning to take multiple trips by boat, bus, or train. A seven-day pass starts at CHF 325.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the scenic Bernese Oberland region, home to the stunning Jungfraujoch peak. For those with less time, skip Mount Pilatus and spend more time exploring the charming towns of Rhine Falls or Stein am Rhein.
Zurich Airport (ZRH) is Switzerland's largest airport and is located about 13 km north of the city center. Travelers can take a train or tram to Zurich or other nearby destinations. Another option is EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL), located about 80 km northwest of Zurich, which serves as a hub for low-cost carriers.