A Swiss Adventure: Zermatt, Lindt Chocolate Factory, and Lake Como

  • Day 1: Zermatt
    2 hours, 30 minutes (143 km) from Geneva Airport

    Zermatt is a charming car-free village in the Swiss Alps, known for its breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. Take a cable car up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to ski or snowboard, or explore the town's shops and restaurants.

  • Day 2: Interlaken
    2 hours (81 km) from Zermatt

    Interlaken sits in the heart of Switzerland's mountainous Jungfrau region. Go paragliding or skydiving, or take a scenic train ride up to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, for stunning views of the Aletsch Glacier.

  • Day 3: Lucerne
    2 hours (79 km) from Interlaken

    Lucerne is known for its stunning medieval architecture, including the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower. Take a stroll through the old town's quaint streets, or visit the Swiss Museum of Transport for an interactive journey through Switzerland's transportation history.

  • Day 4: Zurich
    1 hour, 10 minutes (52 km) from Lucerne

    Zurich blends ancient history with modern culture, making it one of the liveliest cities in Switzerland. Visit the Grossmünster church, or take a stroll down Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most expensive shopping avenues.

  • Day 5: St. Gallen
    1 hour, 15 minutes (76 km) from Zurich

    St. Gallen is a charming university town known for its Baroque architecture and UNESCO-listed Abbey Library, which houses some of Switzerland's oldest and most valuable manuscripts.

  • Day 6: Appenzell
    35 minutes (28 km) from St. Gallen

    Appenzell is a picturesque mountain village with traditional Swiss architecture and a rich folk heritage. Take a guided tour of the Appenzeller cheese dairy, or hike up to the Säntis, the highest mountain in eastern Switzerland.

  • Day 7: Basel
    2 hours (136 km) from Appenzell

    Basel is a cosmopolitan city located where Switzerland, France, and Germany meet. Visit the Kunstmuseum, one of the oldest and most renowned art museums in Europe, or go for a stroll through the medieval old town.

  • Day 8: Lindt Chocolate Factory
    1 hour (77 km) from Basel

    This is a sweet attraction for chocolate lovers. Visit the main factory of the famous Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprüngli and see how chocolate is made. Do not forget to take some souvenirs for your loved ones.

  • Day 9: Lugano
    2 hours (161 km) from Lindt Chocolate Factory

    Lugano is a vibrant city in the south of Switzerland, bordering Italy. Take a stroll along the picturesque lakefront promenade, or visit the 18th-century Villa del Balbianello, a stunning villa situated on the banks of Lake Como.

  • Day 10: Lake Como
    1 hour (30 km) from Lugano

    Lake Como is a picturesque lake surrounded by majestic Alpine mountains. Take a boat tour around the lake to see the beautiful villas and gardens, or visit the charming town of Bellagio, known as the Pearl of Lake Como.

  • Day 11: Geneva
    3 hours (267 km) from Lake Como

    Geneva is a cosmopolitan city located on the shores of Lake Geneva, known for its role in the development of the Red Cross and the European headquarters of the United Nations. Take a stroll through the Old Town, or visit the Jet d'Eau, a stunning fountain in the middle of Lake Geneva.

  • Day 12: Departure
    20 minutes (5 km) from Geneva Airport

    It's time to say goodbye to Switzerland and head home, taking with you unforgettable memories and a desire to return.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Admission to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (2-3 hours, CHF 57)
  • Train ticket to Jungfraujoch (4-6 hours, CHF 190)
  • Swiss Museum of Transport admission (2-3 hours, CHF 18)
  • Admission to Grossmünster church (1-2 hours, free)
  • Guided tour of Appenzeller cheese dairy (2 hours, CHF 10)
  • Kunstmuseum admission (2-3 hours, CHF 26)
  • Lindt & Sprüngli factory tour (1-2 hours, CHF 10)
  • Villa del Balbianello admission (2-3 hours, CHF 20)
  • Boat tour of Lake Como (4-5 hours, CHF 100)
  • Jet d'Eau (1-2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: CHF 431

Transportation

To get around Switzerland, you can use the extensive public transportation network which includes trains, buses, and boats. A Swiss Travel Pass is a convenient way to travel to most parts of the country, with unlimited use of public transportation and discounts on mountain railways and cable cars. A 12-day pass costs CHF 599 per person. Taxis and car rentals are available, but they can be expensive.

The approximate travel time from one location to the next is listed in each itinerary item.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider exploring the Swiss cantons of Bern, Valais, or Graubünden. If you have less time, consider skipping a few destinations or extending your stay in your favourite city.

Airports

Switzerland has several international airports, including Geneva Airport (GVA) in Geneva, Zurich Airport (ZRH) in Zurich, and EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL) in Basel. Geneva Airport is closest to the first destination on this itinerary, Zermatt, at a distance of approximately 143 km.

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