From Brisbane, fly to Zurich Airport; the route and total journey time depend on your airline and connections, so keep today light rather than planning around a specific arrival hour. After landing, allow roughly 1–2 hours for immigration, baggage and getting into town, then take a frequent train from the airport to Zürich HB (about 10–15 minutes). From the station, continue to your hotel by tram, taxi or on foot, depending on its location. Leave luggage and check-in time flexible—jet lag can make even an easy stroll feel like enough.
When you’re ready, wander through the Old Town to Lindenhof, a quiet hilltop square with lovely views over the Limmat River and the rooftops. It’s a gentle first outing, and a good spot to pause without committing to a long sightseeing day. From there, stroll to St. Peter to see its famously large clock face; allow about 30 minutes. Church access is generally free, but opening times can vary, so check the posted hours if you arrive later in the day.
Walk toward Paradeplatz for dinner at Zeughauskeller, a lively traditional restaurant in a former armory. Expect about CHF 25–40 per person for a main meal; it can be busy, so consider reserving if you have a firm dinner time. Afterward, head back to your hotel and call it an early night if the flight has caught up with you.
Start at the Swiss National Museum, right beside Zürich HB, and give its Swiss-history galleries a good two to three hours. It’s an engaging overview, from early Switzerland to modern life, without trying to cram in several museums. It’s generally open Tuesday–Sunday, with longer hours on some days; check the 2027 schedule before you go. Admission is usually covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, but confirm the current terms. Afterward, walk about 15 minutes along the river to Niederdorf.
Wander Niederdorf’s lanes at an unhurried pace, browsing the independent shops and taking a break for lunch wherever looks inviting. Allow about 1.5 hours, then continue on foot through the Old Town to Grossmünster. This landmark is closely tied to the Swiss Reformation; allow about an hour to see the church and, if open, climb the tower for a view over the rooftops. Check tower access and any church visitor arrangements on the day.
Walk south through the Old Town to Confiserie Sprüngli at Paradeplatz for coffee and a Luxemburgerli or pastry; budget around CHF 10–20 per person. Then head back toward the river and visit Fraumünster for its celebrated Chagall windows. Allow about 45 minutes, and check the visitor hours and entry arrangements ahead of time—church services can affect access. Keep your phone handy for directions, but this is a pleasant route to do on foot, with trams available if you’d rather rest your legs.
Take a morning train from Zürich HB to Luzern; the ride is usually around 45–55 minutes, and trains run frequently. Your Swiss Travel Pass covers this rail journey. Allow time to get to the station, then drop your bags at your hotel or use station lockers if your room isn’t ready. Once you’re settled, walk to Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower for the classic river view; about 45 minutes is plenty to cross the bridge and enjoy its painted panels without rushing.
Continue along the river to the Jesuit Church, whose ornate Baroque interior is worth a quiet half-hour. It’s generally open during the day, but check locally for service-related access changes. From there, wander the lanes of Lucerne Old Town to Weinmarkt, taking around 1.5 hours at an easy pace to notice the painted façades and browse the small shops. The centre is compact and best explored on foot; leave yourself time to pause by the river rather than treating it as a checklist.
For hearty local cooking, head to Wirtshaus Galliker, a long-running family restaurant near the old town. Budget roughly CHF 30–50 per person before drinks, and check its opening days and reserve ahead if you have your heart set on dinner there. It’s a welcoming first-night-in-town choice after a day of travel and gentle exploring.
Take a boat from the Lucerne pier to Vitznau—the crossing is roughly an hour, and the lake-and-mountain views are part of the outing, not just the transfer. Boats run to seasonal timetables, so check the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company schedule and leave early enough to connect comfortably with the cogwheel railway. Your Swiss Travel Pass generally covers the boat and the Rigi railways; confirm 2027 validity and services before you go.
From Vitznau, ride the cogwheel railway up to Rigi Kulm. Allow around 2–3 hours for the ride, time at the summit and descent; bring a warm layer, as it can feel much colder and windier up high. On the way down, stop at Rigi Kaltbad for an easy wander around the car-free village and its viewpoints—about an hour is plenty. Check the railway timetable so you know when the next convenient train leaves.
Return by boat to Lucerne and, if the weather and seasonal opening hours cooperate, take a lakeside breather or swim at Seebad Luzern. Its season and hours can vary, particularly in September, so check before setting out; pack swimwear and a towel if you’d like the option. For dinner, Restaurant Fritschi in the Old Town serves Swiss classics beneath its painted historic façade; allow roughly CHF 25–45 per person for a main meal, and reserve if you want a particular time.
Allow about four hours door to door for the move from Lucerne—including hotel check-out, the train connections, reaching your accommodation and dropping your bags. Once settled, spend about an hour wandering central Grindelwald: the village is compact, and its first views of the surrounding peaks are a lovely introduction. If you’re staying outside the centre, local buses make the trip in; check your hotel’s directions and whether it provides a guest card for local transport.
Visit the Grindelwald Museum for a concise look at mountain life and the village’s transformation into a tourism destination. It’s small, so an hour is plenty; opening days and hours vary seasonally, so check before setting out and keep a little flexibility around your arrival. Then head to Bergrestaurant Bussalp for a mountain-view meal. The seasonal bus from the village takes you uphill; check that it’s running and confirm the return service before you go, especially in September. Budget roughly CHF 25–45 per person for a meal, and take a warm layer—the weather can feel very different above the village.
Take the Grindelwald–Kleine Scheidegg railway up the mountain; the ride is about 40 minutes each way, and the Swiss Travel Pass generally gives a discount rather than full coverage on this mountain railway. Saturday can be busy, so start early and check the 2027 timetable and pass reduction before buying. At Kleine Scheidegg, give yourself 1.5–2 hours for the close-up Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau views and an easy walk on a suitable path—conditions can change quickly, so bring warm layers and sturdy shoes.
Treat Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe as the big-ticket extension from Kleine Scheidegg: it adds several hours, can be crowded, and is worthwhile only if visibility is good. Check the forecast and live webcams before committing, and confirm train availability, any required booking, the current Swiss Travel Pass reduction and fares; the pass does not cover the excursion in full. At over 3,400 metres, take it slowly and turn back if you feel unwell. You’ll need to keep the day focused on this excursion rather than fitting in another mountain area.
If you’d rather have a gentler, less costly mountain day, choose Berggasthaus First instead of Jungfraujoch: return to Grindelwald, take the cable car up to First, and enjoy the terrace and a meal (allow roughly CHF 25–45 per person for food). Check cable-car operations and restaurant hours for the date, and don’t plan on doing both options comfortably in one day.
Walk about 10–15 minutes from Grindelwald station to the Firstbahn base station and take the cable car up to First; allow roughly 25 minutes for the ride, plus time for queues. Check the operating status and mountain forecast before setting out, and go early for a quieter trail and better chances of clear views. The Swiss Travel Pass usually gives a discount on this cable car rather than covering it in full; confirm the 2027 fare and pass reduction before buying.
From First, follow the signed out-and-back path to Bachalpsee. It’s around 6 km return and typically takes 2–3 hours, but allow longer for photos, rest stops and the uneven alpine path. Bring water, a warm layer and a snack; weather can change quickly, and the walk is best attempted in clear conditions. Back at the summit area, visit the First Cliff Walk if you’re comfortable with heights: the walkway is short, but exposed, so allow 30–45 minutes including time to pause for the views.
Return by cable car to Grindelwald and have a relaxed dinner at Hotel Restaurant Glacier, near the station, with mountain views. Expect roughly CHF 35–60 per person; reserve ahead if possible, and check the restaurant’s Sunday opening and service hours closer to your trip.
Take the train from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen, changing at Zweilütschinen; allow about 45 minutes each way, plus connection time. Go early to leave room for the valley and village, and check the SBB app for the day’s connections. From Lauterbrunnen station, walk into the village to Staubbach Falls. The view from below is lovely; the path behind the falls is seasonal and can be closed, so treat it as a bonus. Allow about an hour, and bring a light rain layer if you take the path.
Continue to Trümmelbach Falls, inside the cliffs. The lift and paths take around 1–1.5 hours; the falls are generally open seasonally, but check the current opening hours before setting out, as access can change with conditions. Entry is roughly CHF 15 per adult, and the paths include stairs and wet surfaces. Then return to Lauterbrunnen and head up to Mürren via Grütschalp—the cableway and connecting train are a scenic part of the outing. Allow 2–3 hours for the connections and an unhurried stroll along the village lanes. Your Swiss Travel Pass may give a discount rather than full coverage on mountain transport; check the current route-specific fare.
Back in Lauterbrunnen, have dinner at Hotel Oberland Restaurant, a handy stop for Swiss and regional dishes; budget about CHF 25–45 per person and check Monday opening hours or reserve ahead. Then return by train to Grindelwald. With several connections in the day, keep an eye on the return timetable and don’t leave the last valley train too late.
Allow about three hours door to door from Grindelwald for checkout, the train, getting to your Bern accommodation and dropping your bags. With a mid-morning departure, you should have the afternoon to explore; your Swiss Travel Pass covers the train. Head into the Old Town and visit Zytglogge, the medieval clock tower. Its moving figures perform shortly before the hour, so check the time and arrive a little early. You can admire the tower from outside without a booking; guided interior visits need advance reservation.
Continue on foot through the arcades to Bern Minster. Allow about an hour to see the cathedral and, if you’re up for the climb, take the tower stairs for views over the rooftops and the Aare. The church is generally open during the day, but access can vary around services; tower entry costs extra. Then walk along Kramgasse to Einstein House, a compact museum in the apartment where Einstein lived. Set aside 45–60 minutes and check its current opening hours before you go; admission is usually around CHF 7.
Finish at Kornhauskeller, a short walk away, for dinner beneath its dramatic vaulted ceiling. Budget roughly CHF 30–55 per person before drinks, and book ahead if you have your heart set on a particular evening. Bern’s centre is easy to explore on foot, with covered arcades that are especially handy if the weather turns.
Allow about four hours door to door from Bern to check out, travel, reach your accommodation in Zermatt and drop your bags. The train journey is covered by your Swiss Travel Pass; check the day’s connections on SBB Mobile, and remember Zermatt is car-free. Once settled, take an easy hour-long stroll along Bahnhofstrasse to get your bearings. The village centre is compact, with mountain views opening up between the hotels and shops.
Visit the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis in the village centre; allow 1–1½ hours for its displays on local life and the first ascent of the Matterhorn. Check current opening hours before you go, as they can vary by season; admission is typically around CHF 12–15. A short walk from the museum brings you to St. Mauritius Church and the Mountaineers’ Cemetery. Give yourself about 30 minutes here: it’s a quiet, moving memorial to climbers who lost their lives in the surrounding mountains.
For dinner, head to Restaurant Schäferstube for Valais dishes in a cosy, wood-panelled setting. Budget roughly CHF 35–60 per person before drinks, and reserve ahead, especially in the busy autumn season. It’s an easy walk from the centre; after dinner, keep the evening relaxed and save your energy for tomorrow’s mountain viewpoints.
Before setting out, check the mountain forecast and visibility: the Matterhorn can disappear into cloud, and the high-altitude views are the main reason to make this trip. From Zermatt station, take the Gornergrat Railway up to Gornergrat; the ride takes about 35 minutes each way. Swiss Travel Pass holders usually receive a discount, not free travel, and fares and operating times can change, so check the 2027 details before you go. If the summit is clouded over, consider waiting for conditions to improve before buying a ticket. At the top, allow 1–1.5 hours for the panorama, viewing platforms and a warm-up indoors if the wind is biting.
Ride down to Rotenboden and take the scenic downhill walk toward Riffelberg. The route is around 3 km and usually takes 1–1.5 hours, but only attempt it if the trail is open and conditions are suitable; the path can be rocky, so wear sturdy shoes and take water. On the way, make the short detour to Riffelsee for the famous mountain reflection. Allow 45–60 minutes for the lake stop, including the walk over uneven ground, and remember that still water and a clear reflection are never guaranteed. Continue downhill to Riffelberg and catch the railway back to the village.
For a relaxed post-hike meal, head to Papperla Pub in Zermatt. Expect roughly CHF 25–45 per person; it’s a casual choice, but check current hours and consider reserving if you’re dining at a busy time. If the mountain weather forces you to shorten the walk, you can still enjoy the summit and return by train without trying to make up lost time on the trail.
This a full travel day, so take an early train from Zermatt and keep the evening flexible. The rail journey via Visp, Andermatt and Chur takes roughly 7–8 hours before hotel check-in and the transfer to your accommodation; check connections on the SBB app, as a missed connection can push arrival later. Your Swiss Travel Pass covers the regular trains on this route. Once you’ve checked in, head to Lake St. Moritz for an easy lakeside walk of about 45 minutes. The path is a welcome way to loosen up after sitting on trains, and you can turn back whenever you’ve had enough.
From the lake, make your way into the village centre for a quick stop at the Leaning Tower of St. Moritz, a 15-minute look at the surviving remnant of the former St. Mauritius Church. Then call in at Caffè Spettacolo St. Moritz, near the station, for coffee, a light bite or something to take back to your hotel; allow around CHF 10–20 per person. With a long rail day behind you, an unhurried dinner nearby and an early night are a better bet than trying to fit in more sightseeing.
Take the train from St. Moritz to Punt Muragl—only a few minutes—then walk to the Muottas Muragl funicular. Go early for the clearest mountain views and check the weather and 2027 operating timetable before leaving; the funicular is seasonal, and your Swiss Travel Pass may give a discount rather than cover the ride. Allow about 30 minutes each way, plus time at the top. From the summit, follow a manageable section of the Muottas Muragl panorama trail and turn back whenever you like. The path is high and exposed, so bring a warm layer, sturdy shoes and water, even if the valley feels mild; allow 1.5–2 hours and don’t set out if conditions are poor.
Return to Punt Muragl, then travel via St. Moritz by train and PostBus to Sils Maria; allow roughly 45–60 minutes, checking connections in SBB Mobile. Give yourself about two hours to wander the village and enjoy the quieter lakeside scenery around Lake Sils. Visit the Nietzsche-Haus, where Friedrich Nietzsche spent several summers; allow about an hour, and check its Saturday opening hours and admission before you go, as seasonal hours can change. For a late lunch or early dinner, Restaurant Engiadina serves welcoming Engadine and Swiss dishes; budget around CHF 25–45 per person before drinks. Check the return bus times before settling in, as services are less frequent later in the day.
Board your reserved Bernina Express at St. Moritz for the roughly 2½-hour ride to Tirano. The UNESCO-listed line climbs past glaciers and high-alpine lakes before descending through the Poschiavo Valley; sit back and keep your camera handy, as the scenery changes dramatically along the way. Allow 4–5 hours door to door for reaching the station, boarding and arriving. Reserve the panoramic-car seat well ahead and check the 2027 timetable and reservation rules; your Swiss Travel Pass covers eligible rail travel, but confirm the applicable fare for your journey.
From Tirano station, walk into the old town for a relaxed lunch and a wander through its historic streets—allow about 1½ hours. Then continue to Basilica Madonna di Tirano, at the edge of town, for a 45-minute visit. This Renaissance pilgrimage church is a striking change of scene after the mountain railway; check Sunday opening arrangements before you go, as access or visiting hours may be limited.
For Valtellina specialities, plan dinner at Osteria Roncaiola; budget around €25–45 per person and check Sunday opening, booking requirements and transport before committing. It is outside central Tirano, so arrange a taxi or confirm another practical way there and back rather than assuming it is an easy walk.
Allow roughly 7–9 hours door to door from Tirano to Bolzano once you include station access, train changes, the walk or taxi to your hotel, and check-in—not just the 5–7 hours on trains. The route is usually via Milan and Verona; leave a generous connection margin in Milan, where changing stations may be necessary depending on your trains. These Italian journeys aren’t covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. September 2027 schedules may not yet be available, so check Trenitalia, Italo and Trenord when booking; fares vary, and buying ahead can help. After dropping your bags, keep the afternoon flexible.
Stroll the Bolzano arcades (Portici), the medieval shopping street beneath long covered walkways. It’s an easy, atmospheric wander, with cafés and shop windows to dip into if you’re tired from the journey; allow about an hour. Continue to Bolzano Cathedral on Walther Square. Its patterned Gothic roof is the striking feature, and the interior is worth a quiet look; allow around 30 minutes, but check visitor access locally, as opening times can vary around services.
Settle in for South Tyrolean food and a beer at Hopfen & Co. in the Old Town. Budget about €25–45 per person; it’s popular, so consider reserving or arriving early. If you have energy afterward, take an unhurried loop around Walther Square before calling it a night—tomorrow’s a better day for a fuller look at Bolzano.
Start at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano’s Old Town, where Ötzi the Iceman is displayed alongside a thoughtful account of his discovery and life. Allow 2–3 hours; check the museum’s current Tuesday hours and book a timed ticket ahead if available, as entry can be busy. Admission is typically around €13–€15 for adults, but confirm the 2027 price. From there, stroll to the Piazza delle Erbe market for about 45 minutes among the fruit, vegetables and local food stalls. It usually trades on weekday mornings, but hours and stall availability can vary.
Have lunch near the square, then head to Runkelstein Castle above town for its remarkable medieval frescoes. Allow 1.5–2 hours including the uphill walk or local bus ride; check the castle’s opening arrangements and transport before setting out, since access and services can vary. The walk is scenic but steep in places, so the bus is a useful option if you’d rather save your legs. For dinner, book Cavallino Bianco in the Old Town if possible: it’s a historic address for South Tyrolean dishes, with a typical meal around €25–€45 per person.
Confirm the exact meeting point and start time with your Dolomites tour operator before checkout; don’t assume the tour collects you from your hotel or that you can leave bags there. Allow time for breakfast, settling your bill and handling luggage, and follow the operator’s transport instructions. If the tour begins later and the operator confirms you have time, stroll over to Walther Square for a relaxed 45-minute coffee and a last look around central Bolzano.
Stop at Franziskaner Bäckerei for a pastry and journey provisions—budget around €5–15 per person. Check its opening hours for the morning and keep an eye on the clock: the tour’s meeting time takes priority over this quick stop. Then meet your guide and begin the tour, following its planned transport and activities.
Before you leave, confirm where your luggage will travel and whether it will be accessible during the day. Ask the operator if the first day includes walking, and bring the footwear and layers they recommend; mountain weather can change quickly, even when town feels warm.
No packing list attached yet.