9-Day Itinerary for Zurich, Bern, and Geneva: City Experiences

  1. Day 1: Explore Zurich's Old Town
    2km walk from Zurich Main Station

    Stroll through the narrow, winding streets of Zurich's historic Old Town and check out iconic landmarks such as the Fraumunster Church and Bahnhofstrasse shopping street.

  2. Day 2: Lake Zurich and Uetliberg
    20-minute train ride from Zurich Main Station to Uetliberg

    Take a boat tour around picturesque Lake Zurich before hiking or taking a train up to Uetliberg for panoramic views of the city and surrounding Alps.

  3. Day 3: Bern's Old Town and Bear Park
    1-hour train ride from Zurich Main Station to Bern

    Discover Bern's well-preserved medieval old town, home to the beautiful Zytglogge clock tower and gothic-style Bern Minster cathedral. Later visit Bear Park where the city's beloved bears can be observed.

  4. Day 4: Day Trip to Interlaken
    1.5-hour train ride from Bern to Interlaken

    Experience the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Swiss Alps in Interlaken, a paradise for hikers and adrenaline junkies alike. Activities include paragliding, mountain biking and hiking.

  5. Day 5: Geneva's International District and Lakefront
    3-hour train ride from Interlaken to Geneva

    Explore the hub of international diplomacy, the Place des Nations, and explore some of Geneva's museums around the area. At the end of the day, take in the panoramic views of Mont Blanc at Lake Geneva's Jet d'Eau fountain.

  6. Day 6: City Tour of Geneva
    2km walk/tour from Place des Nations

    Discover Geneva's fascinating landmarks including the Palace of Nations, the Reformation Wall, and St. Pierre Cathedral. Visit local artisan chocolatiers and taste the famous Swiss chocolate.

  7. Day 7: CERN and United Nations Tour
    30-minute tram ride from Geneva City Center to CERN, and 15-minute tram ride to the United Nations office

    Get a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible world of physics at CERN and then explore the international diplomacy hub of the United Nations, which houses the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room.

  8. Day 8: Chocolate and Cheese Tour in Gruyeres
    2-hour train ride from Geneva to Gruyeres

    Visit the medieval village of Gruyeres, learn about Switzerland's renowned cheese and sample the famous Gruyere cheese. Take a chocolate factory tour and indulge in Swiss chocolate with this full-day tour.

  9. Day 9: Montreux's Castle and Chillon Castle
    1-hour train ride from Gruyeres to Montreux

    Tour Montreux's magnificent Castle Chillon, one of Switzerland's most visited landmarks, and later explore Montreux's lively promenade and the statue of Freddie Mercury.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Zurich's Old Town (2 hours, free)
  • Lake Zurich Boat Tour (1.5 hours, CHF 30)
  • Uetliberg (4 hours, CHF 20 for the train ride)
  • Bern Old Town and Bear Park (4 hours, free)
  • Interlaken Day Trip (8-10 hours, CHF 150 for activities)
  • Geneva International District and Lakefront (3 hours, free)
  • Geneva City Tour (3-4 hours, CHF 15 for the train/tram ride)
  • CERN Tour and United Nations Tour (6 hours, free)
  • Gruyeres Chocolate and Cheese Tour (8 hours, CHF 150 for entrance fees)
  • Montreux Castle and Chillon Castle (5 hours, CHF 30 for entrance fees)
  • Total Estimated Costs: CHF 385

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, explore more of Switzerland's tranquil natural beauty by visiting places like Appenzell, Lugano or Lucerne. For a faster-paced trip, you may want to skip some of the suggested activities to give you more downtime to relax and wander on your own in each city.

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