Start the trip in Switzerland's largest city, Zurich. Known for its banking industry, this city is also famous for its medieval old town and vibrant nightlife. Visit the famous Fraumünster Church, renowned for its stained-glass windows designed by Marc Chagall. Take a stroll down Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most expensive shopping streets. End your day with a scenic sunset view from Uetliberg Mountain.
Take a short train ride to the picturesque city of Lucerne. Located on the shores of Lake Lucerne, this city is famous for its colorful Old Town, the Chapel Bridge, and the Water Tower. Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport, where you can see vintage cars, planes, and trains. Spend your evening walking along the lake and enjoying a swiss cheese fondue.
Take a train through the Swiss countryside to Interlaken. This town is the gateway to the Swiss Alps, and it's a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. Take a hike to the Harder Kulm for stunning views of the Swiss Alps, or go skiing or snowboarding in one of the many ski resorts. For a peaceful afternoon, take a cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz.
Take a short train ride from Interlaken to Grindelwald. This beautiful alpine village is famous for its skiing and mountaineering. Visit Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe, which is the highest train station in Europe, and take in the breathtaking views of the Aletsch Glacier. For a rush of adrenaline, try the First Flyer, a zip line ride that will take you down the mountain at high speed.
Take a train to Zermatt, a pedestrian-only village located at the foot of Matterhorn, one of the most famous peaks in the Alps. Take a ride on the Gornergrat railway, which will take you to the top of the mountain for panoramic views of the Matterhorn and 28 other peaks. For a more relaxed afternoon, visit the Matterhorn Museum and learn about the village's history and mountaineering culture.
Take a train to Montreux, located on the shores of Lake Geneva. Visit the Chillon Castle, one of the most photogenic castles in Switzerland. Take the Golden Pass Line, a scenic train ride that will take you through small towns and mountains, to Gstaad. Enjoy an afternoon in Gstaad, a charming village known for its ski resorts and luxury boutiques.
End your trip in Geneva, located on the western end of Lake Geneva. Visit the United Nations Headquarters, the Red Cross Museum, and the famous Jet d'Eau, a water fountain that shoots water up to 140 meters. Take a walk around the Old Town, and visit the St. Pierre Cathedral, a significant monument of the Reformation era.
Switzerland has an excellent public transportation system. Trains run on time, and buses and trams operate every few minutes. Consider getting a Swiss Travel Pass, which allows unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats for a fixed price. Taxis are expensive and not recommended for long distances. Expect to pay around CHF 50-70 for a 30-minute taxi ride.
If you have more time, consider visiting other Swiss cities like Bern, Basel, or St. Moritz. If you have less time, skip some of the activities and focus on exploring a few cities in-depth. Pack appropriate clothing for the activities you plan to do, and be prepared for sudden weather changes, even in the summer.
The main airports in Switzerland are Zurich Airport (ZRH), located 10 km north of Zurich; and Geneva Airport (GVA), located 4 km northwest of Geneva. Zurich Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe, serving over 30 million passengers per year. Geneva Airport is much smaller, serving around 17 million passengers per year, but it's well connected to the city center by public transportation.