Swiss City Experience in 9 Days

  • Day 1: Zurich
    20 min (7.5 km) from Zurich Airport

    Zurich is known as the largest city in Switzerland and for its stunning mountainscapes. The city has a lot of attractions to offer, including the Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich Opera House, and Lindenhof.

  • Day 2: Lucerne
    52 min (39 km) from Zurich

    Lucerne is a medieval city that exudes charm and culture. This beautiful city presents the Lion Monument, Chapel Bridge, and the Old City Wall, as well as a picturesque lake and mountain views.

  • Day 3: Interlaken
    2 hr 3 min (102 km) from Lucerne

    The beautiful resort town of Interlaken is situated between two lakes and is known for its scenic beauty. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as exploring the Jungfrau region, seeing the Aare Gorge, and watching the Trümmelbach Falls.

  • Day 4: Montreux
    1 hr 52 min (140 km) from Interlaken

    Montreux is a breathtaking Swiss Riviera city perched on the edge of Lake Geneva. Here, visitors can experience the scenic vineyards, relax by the waterfront, enjoy the Chillon Castle or take a scenic drive to Lausanne.

  • Day 5: Geneva
    51 min (95 km) from Montreux

    Geneva is the second-largest city in Switzerland and is situated on the banks of Lake Geneva. Visitors can take a stroll around the Old Town, explore the parks, the Palace of Nations which is the UN headquarters or take a boat ride on the lake.

  • Day 6: Lausanne
    37 min (62 km) from Geneva

    Lausanne is a picturesque city set on Lake Geneva. Visitors can explore the Olympic Museum, The Lausanne Cathedral, and the charming narrow lanes of the Old Town while enjoying panoramic views of the lake.

  • Day 7: Zermatt
    2 hr 46 min (216 km) from Lausanne

    Zermatt is a mountain resort village famous for its Matterhorn peak. Visitors can get a stunning view of the mountain by taking the Gornergrat Bahn, skiing or hiking, although the village itself is very attractive and calming.

  • Day 8: Basel
    3 hr 56 min (259 km) from Zermatt

    Basel is a charming and vibrant city with a blend of modern and historical influences. Attractions include the Basel Minster, Kunstmuseum Basel, and Rhine River Cruises.

  • Day 9: Bern
    1 hr 52 min (84 km) from Basel

    Bern is a stunning medieval city exuding culture and history. Visitors can explore the Old Town named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bern Minster, and Zentrum Paul Klee.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Zurich Opera House (1-2 hr, $40-$80)
  • Lucerne Walking tour (2-2.5 hr, $22-$40)
  • Jungfrau Region (8-10 hr, $130-$180)
  • Chillon Castle (1-2 hr, $13-$20)
  • Palace of Nations tour (1-1.5 hr, $16-$25)
  • Olympic Museum (1.5-2 hr, $18-$25)
  • Gornergrat Bahn (2-2.5 hr, $85-$120)
  • Kunstmuseum Basel (2-2.5 hr, $15-$20)
  • Bern Walking Tour (1.5-2 hr, $20-$35)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $359-$545

Transportation

Getting around these cities is easy as they have great networks of buses, trains, and trams. The Swiss Travel Pass comes in handy for unlimited access to public transportation and entry to more than 500 museums. The costs will depend on the type of transportation and chosen pass but start from $48 for a 1-day pass.

Useful Tips

If you have less time, consider shortening the stay in Zurich and spend an extra day in Geneva or Interlaken. However, with more time, you can add a visit to St. Moritz or the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen.

Airports

Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the main airport in Switzerland located north of Zurich's city center, and it is 12.7 km away. It is one of the busiest airports in Europe, serving many global destinations. Regional and international trains serve the airport every 10-15 minutes.

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