7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary: Switzerland by Car from Italy
Monday, August 21: Arrival in Zurich
In the morning, arrive in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city. Start your day exploring the picturesque old town of Zurich, filled with charming cobblestone streets and historic buildings. In the afternoon, visit Lake Zurich and enjoy a relaxing boat ride or take a leisurely stroll along its shores. In the evening, head to Lindenhof Hill for panoramic views of the city.
Old Town of Zurich: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Lake Zurich: Estimated cost: Free/Boat ride cost varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Lindenhof Hill: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A charming breakfast spot to start your day in Zurich is Café Schober, known for its delightful pastries and cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about CHF 15 per person.
For a tasty and affordable lunch option, head to Hiltl, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world. They offer a diverse buffet with plenty of delicious options to choose from. Average cost for a meal is about CHF 20 per person.
For dinner, indulge in traditional Swiss cuisine at Restaurant Zeughauskeller, located in a historic building. Their menu features a variety of hearty dishes like fondue and Zurich-style veal. Average cost for a meal is about CHF 35-40 per person.
Tuesday, August 22: Lucerne and Mount Pilatus
In the morning, drive to Lucerne, a beautiful city nestled among mountains and located on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Explore the well-preserved Old Town and visit the iconic Chapel Bridge. In the afternoon, take a boat or train to Mount Pilatus, where you can enjoy breathtaking views from the summit. Return to Lucerne for the evening.
Lucerne Old Town: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Chapel Bridge: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Mount Pilatus: Estimated cost: Cable car/train cost varies, Time spent: 4-5 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Bachmann Bakery & Konditorei in Lucerne, where you can enjoy freshly baked pastries and a variety of coffee options. Average cost for a meal is about 10-15 CHF per person.
For lunch, try Restaurant Rathaus Brauerei in Lucerne, a traditional Swiss restaurant that serves hearty regional dishes such as Fondue and Rösti. Average cost for a meal is about 20-30 CHF per person.
In the evening, dine at Restaurant Old Swiss House in Lucerne, a historic restaurant known for its exquisite Swiss cuisine and charming atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 40-60 CHF per person.
Wednesday, August 23: Interlaken and Jungfraujoch
In the morning, drive to Interlaken, a charming town situated between two stunning lakes, Thun and Brienz. Take a leisurely walk along Hoheweg, the main street, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. In the afternoon, embark on an unforgettable excursion to Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe," with breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. Return to Interlaken for the evening.
Interlaken: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Jungfraujoch: Estimated cost: Train cost varies, Time spent: 4-5 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Eggsplorers, a cozy breakfast spot in Interlaken. Indulge in their fluffy pancakes and hearty omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about 15 CHF per person.
For lunch, head to Restaurant Laterne, a traditional Swiss eatery serving authentic Swiss dishes such as fondue and rösti. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere while savoring your meal. Average cost for a meal is about 25 CHF per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Schuh, a charming restaurant known for its creative and modern Swiss cuisine. Taste their signature dishes like deer tenderloin or Lake Thun char. Average cost for a meal is about 40 CHF per person.
Thursday, August 24: Bern and Gruyères
Start your day by visiting the capital city of Switzerland, Bern. Explore the medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and see the famous Bear Park. In the afternoon, drive to Gruyères, a charming village known for its cheese production. Visit the Gruyères Castle and indulge in some delicious Swiss cheese. Return to Zurich for the evening.
Bern Old Town: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Bear Park: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Gruyères Castle: Estimated cost: Entry fee, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Café Albertini in Bern. This cozy café offers a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and hot beverages. Average cost for a meal is about 12-15 Euros per person.
For a savory and satisfying lunch, head to Restaurant Le Chalet in Gruyères. Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes such as fondue and raclette, as well as other hearty options. Average cost for a meal is about 20-25 Euros per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Restaurant Zunfthaus zur Schmiden in Zurich. This historic restaurant serves delicious Swiss and international cuisine in a charming atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 40-50 Euros per person.
Friday, August 25: Zermatt and Matterhorn
In the morning, drive to Zermatt, a car-free Alpine village surrounded by majestic mountains. Explore the town, take a cable car ride, and enjoy the stunning views of the iconic Matterhorn. In the afternoon, hike or take a cogwheel train to Gornergrat for panoramic vistas. Return to Zurich for the evening.
Zermatt: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Gornergrat: Estimated cost: Train cost varies, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try Café du Pont located in the heart of Zermatt. This charming café offers a variety of freshly baked pastries and delicious coffee. The average cost for a meal is about CHF 15 per person.
When it's time for lunch, head to Restaurant Findlerhof, a cozy mountain hut with breathtaking views. They serve traditional Swiss dishes like cheese fondue and raclette. The average cost for a meal is about CHF 25 per person.
For dinner, visit Walliserkanne, a rustic restaurant known for its authentic Swiss cuisine. Feast on dishes like rosti, sausages, and hearty stews. The average cost for a meal is about CHF 35 per person.
Saturday, August 26: Basel
Drive to Basel, a cultural city located on the Rhine River. Visit the impressive Basel Minster and explore the charming Old Town with its narrow streets and historical buildings. In the afternoon, visit the Kunstmuseum Basel, one of the oldest and largest art collections in Switzerland. Enjoy the evening atmosphere in the lively Marktplatz.
Basel Minster: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Basel Old Town: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Kunstmuseum Basel: Estimated cost: Entry fee, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Frühling. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly service, it offers a wide range of breakfast options from pastries to omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about 10-15 CHF per person.
For lunch, head to Restaurant Cheval Blanc and indulge in their famous Swiss dishes like cheese fondue and rösti. Located in the heart of Basel, this restaurant offers traditional Swiss cuisine in an elegant setting. Average cost for a meal is about 20-30 CHF per person.
Enjoy a memorable dinner at Restaurant Kunsthalle. Located within the Kunsthalle Basel, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience surrounded by contemporary art. Their menu features a fusion of Swiss and international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 30-40 CHF per person.
Sunday, August 27: Departure from Zurich
On your last day, return to Zurich and spend some time exploring the city further. Visit the Swiss National Museum to learn about the country's history and culture. Take a stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping streets. Depart from Zurich in the afternoon for your onward journey.
Swiss National Museum: Estimated cost: Entry fee, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Bahnhofstrasse: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Café Sprüngli: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at this renowned café in Zurich. Indulge in freshly baked pastries, breads, and a variety of hot beverages. Average cost for breakfast is about 15 CHF per person.
Lindenhofkeller: For lunch, head to Lindenhofkeller and savor traditional Swiss delicacies such as fondue, raclette, and sausages in a cozy and historic setting. Average cost for lunch is about 25 CHF per person.
Zunfthaus zur Waag: Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Zunfthaus zur Waag. This traditional Swiss restaurant offers a wide selection of dishes, including veal, fish, and vegetarian options, all prepared with high-quality ingredients. Average cost for dinner is about 45 CHF per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For budget-friendly options, consider exploring the charming village of Stein am Rhein, known for its well-preserved medieval buildings and beautiful frescoes. Another off-the-beaten-path destination is the Aare Gorge near Meiringen, where you can walk along a wooden pathway surrounded by towering cliffs and a rushing river. Locals also love the scenic Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps, which can be visited from the village of Fiesch.