Visit the Zurich Botanical Gardens, a natural oasis in the heart of the city. Take a stroll through the lush gardens and admire the wide variety of plants from around the world. Next, head to the Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic views of Zurich and the Alps. Finish the day by exploring the charming streets of the Old Town.
Take a scenic drive to the town of Interlaken, surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps. Explore the quaint town and indulge in some Swiss cuisine. Visit the St. Beatus Caves, where stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes create a natural wonderland. In the evening, take a relaxing cruise on Lake Brienz, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.
Head to Grindelwald for a day of hiking and exploring. Take the cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, and enjoy stunning views of the Alps. Next, hike the stunning Eiger Trail, with views of the famous Eiger North Face. Finish the day with a relaxing soak in the Grindelwald Glacier Canyon Hot Pools.
Visit the beautiful city of Lucerne, located on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Walk across the iconic Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden pedestrian bridge that dates back to the 14th century. Next, take the cable car up to Mount Pilatus for stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. In the evening, take a relaxing sunset cruise on Lake Lucerne.
Drive to Geneva, a vibrant city situated on the banks of Lake Geneva. Visit the Jet d'Eau, a famous water fountain that shoots water 140 meters into the air. Walk around the charming Old Town and visit the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations. In the evening, take a relaxing walk along the lake.
Take a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Geneva to the town of Montreux. Stroll along the Montreux Promenade, a beautiful lakeside path lined with palm trees and flowers. Visit the Chillon Castle, a well-preserved medieval castle that dates back to the 12th century. Finish the day with a relaxing dinner at a lakeside restaurant.
Drive to the charming town of Zermatt, located at the foot of the Matterhorn. Take the scenic Gornergrat railway to the top of Gornergrat Mountain, where you'll be treated to panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. In the evening, relax in one of the town's many hot tubs or saunas.
Visit the city of Basel, situated on the banks of the Rhine River. Visit the Basel Zoo, home to over 600 species of animals from around the world. Explore the Basler Munster, a beautiful Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 12th century. In the evening, stroll along the river and enjoy a drink at a riverside bar.
Visit Switzerland's capital, the charming city of Berne. Walk around the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Visit the Bear Park, home to a family of brown bears that roam free in a natural habitat. In the afternoon, visit the Zentrum Paul Klee museum, dedicated to the Swiss artist Paul Klee.
Switzerland has an extensive public transportation system, including trains, buses, and cable cars. It's recommended to purchase a Swiss Travel Pass, which provides unlimited access to public transportation and discounts on some attractions. Car rentals are also available, but keep in mind that some areas, such as Zermatt, are car-free.
Estimated transportation costs: 480 CHF
Estimated travel time: 21 hours
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley or the picturesque town of Gruyeres. For those with less time, consider skipping Basel and Berne to focus on the natural attractions in the Alps.
Geneva Airport (GVA) is the largest airport in Switzerland, located in the city of Geneva, about 4 km from the city center. Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the busiest airport in Switzerland, located about 12 km from the city center. Both airports serve many international airlines and offer a range of transportation options to the city centers.