Seven days in Switzerland: A Whirlwind Tour

  • Day 1: Zurich
    3.5 hours (220 km) from Geneva Airport

    Welcome to Zurich, the banking capital of Switzerland. Spend your day exploring Old Town, which is home to some of Switzerland's most famous churches, museums and historical buildings. You can also visit Lake Zurich and enjoy its crystal-clear waters while taking in some amazing views of the landscape.

  • Day 2: Interlaken
    2 hours (120 km) from Zurich

    Today, head over to Interlaken, the heart of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy views of the magnificent Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. You can take the cogwheel railway up to Jungfraujoch and witness the stunning glacier park. Explore the picturesque streets of the town or opt for some outdoor activities like paragliding or a boat ride on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz.

  • Day 3: Lucerne
    2 hours (80 km) from Interlaken

    Lucerne is a city in central Switzerland known for its snow-capped mountains, charming cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, the Chapel Bridge and other landmarks. Take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne or walk through the city's Old Town. Don't miss out on visiting the Lion Monument, a massive rock-carved statue of a dying lion in honor of Swiss guards who lost their lives during the French Revolution.

  • Day 4: Zermatt
    3.5 hours (180 km) from Lucerne

    Zermatt is known as the ultimate ski resort in Europe. Spend your day skiing or hiking on the slopes while taking in breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. Alternatively, visit the Matterhorn Museum to learn about the history of this world-famous mountain, or stroll through the charming car-free streets of the small town.

  • Day 5: Lausanne
    4 hours (190 km) from Zermatt

    Lausanne is a vibrant, green city by the shores of Lake Geneva. Visit the Gothic Cathedral or the Olympic Museum, or take a boat ride along the lake to explore the picturesque towns of Montreux and Vevey. You can also visit Lavaux, Switzerland's largest wine region, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Day 6: Geneva
    45 minutes (6 km) from Lausanne

    Geneva offers stunning views of Lake Geneva and the snow-capped Alps. Visit the historic Old Town or the United Nations Palace, stroll through Park de la Grange, or visit the Jet d'Eau, one of the tallest fountains in the world. Don't forget to indulge in some Swiss chocolate shopping before departing.

  • Day 7: Departure day
    6 km (15 mins) from Geneva Airport

    It's time to say goodbye to Switzerland. Reflect on your memorable trip to one of Europe's most sought-after destinations.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Olympic Museum in Lausanne (2 hours, CHF 18)
  • Jungfraujoch cogwheel railway in Interlaken (4 hours, CHF 200)
  • Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt (2 hours, CHF 10)
  • Jet d'Eau in Geneva (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: CHF 228

Transportation

To explore Switzerland it is advised to rent a car, as public transport is not always convenient. The average cost of renting a small car starts at CHF 270 for the week. You can also consider purchasing a Swiss Travel pass to enjoy unlimited movement on trains, buses and boats.

For cost and time-saving, it's recommended to travel at off-peak times and avoid driving during work commute hours. Please note that Switzerland has strict driving laws, particularly speed limits and parking regulations.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider spending an extra day to explore the picturesque villages in the Lavaux wine region, or take a trip to the H.R. Giger Museum in Gruyères.

If you're short on time, you can skip Zermatt and head straight to Lausanne from Lucerne.

Airports

Switzerland's main airport is the Zurich Airport (ZRH), and it's located 12 km from the city center. There is also the Geneva Airport (GVA), which is 6 km from the city center.

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