6-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Self-Drive Adventure through Switzerland & Paris

Day 1: Explore Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Start the day with famous Luxemburgerli macarons and traditional Swiss breakfast items at this iconic café.
Located in downtown Zurich; parking is available nearby.
CHF25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Swiss National Museum

Dive into Switzerland's cultural history at this engaging museum filled with artifacts and exhibits perfect for families.
Short drive to the museum, parking is available.
CHF12 per adult, free for children, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy hearty Swiss fare like sausages and Rösti in this historic armory-turned-restaurant.
A quick drive back into the Old Town, with nearby parking.
CHF50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lake Zurich Boat Cruise

Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Zurich, a relaxing way to see the city skyline and surrounding mountains.
Drive to Bürkliplatz, with parking options close to the departure point.
CHF30 per family, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Zurich’s Old Town

Wander through the charming narrow streets filled with shops, cafés, and historical sites.
Driving to Old Town and finding parking in a nearby garage.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Raclette Stube

Experience traditional Swiss raclette and fondue in a cozy setting, perfect for families.
A short drive from Old Town, with convenient parking.
CHF120, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel or local bakery

Fuel up with croissants or Swiss pastries before heading out.
Local options available within walking distance.
CHF20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Lucerne

Enjoy a scenic drive to Lucerne, a picturesque city on the shores of a lake and surrounded by mountains.
Follow A4 towards Lucerne; the drive takes about 1 hour.
CHF15 for fuel, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Chapel Bridge and Water Tower

Explore this famous landmark featuring beautiful paintings and great views.
Park in a nearby public parking garage.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Take a Boat Trip on Lake Lucerne

Enjoy stunning views of the Swiss Alps from the water on a family-friendly boat trip.
Board at the lake end of Chapel Bridge.
CHF25 per family, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Restaurant Fritschi

Indulge in fresh local fish and Swiss specialties in a lovely courtyard.
A pleasant 5-minute stroll from the boat dock.
CHF70, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Swiss Transport Museum

Interactive exhibits help you discover Switzerland's transportation history, great for kids!
A quick drive to the museum with parking available.
CHF32 per family, 2 hours

4:30PM

Drive back to Zurich

Head back to Zurich while enjoying the scenic views of the countryside.
Follow the directions through the scenic roads back.
CHF15 for fuel, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Swiss Chuchi

Try traditional Swiss cuisine including fondue in the heart of Zurich.
Within driving distance, with parking available.
CHF100, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Adventure to Interlaken & Grindelwald

Interlaken, Switzerland

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for adventure.
Most hotels offer breakfast included.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Interlaken

Enjoy a scenic drive to Interlaken, the adventurer's playground in the Bernese Alps.
Take A6 and A8 towards Interlaken; the drive takes about 2 hours.
CHF35 for fuel, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Harder Kulm

Take a funicular to the viewpoint for breathtaking views of the mountains and lakes.
Park at Interlaken Ost station and catch the funicular.
CHF38 per adult, CHF18 for children, 2 hours

1:00PM

Family Lunch at Restaurant Harder Kulm

Savor lunch with stunning panoramic views at the mountaintop restaurant.
Dining is available right after your visit to the viewpoint.
CHF90, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Drive to Grindelwald

Take a scenic drive to Grindelwald surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
Follow route signs for Grindelwald; the drive takes about 30 minutes.
CHF10 for fuel, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Explore Grindelwald

Wander through the picturesque village and visit the Glacier Gorge, offering family-friendly trails.
Parking available in the village.
CHF15 per adult, free for children, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Belvedere

End your adventurous day with Swiss cuisine in a cozy mountain setting.
Easy drive from the gorge with parking available.
CHF100, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Enchanting Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hotel breakfast with views of the beautiful Lauterbrunnen valley.
Breakfast typically included.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Lauterbrunnen

A short 30-minute drive takes you to one of Switzerland's most picturesque valleys.
Follow the road signs to Lauterbrunnen.
CHF5 for fuel, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit the Staubbach Falls

Marvel at the spectacular waterfall cascading down rocks, ideal for family photos.
Parking available at the nearby visitor center.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Take the Cable Car to Schilthorn

Experience breathtaking views from the famous Piz Gloria at Schilthorn, featured in James Bond's film.
Drive to the cable car station and find parking.
CHF100 per adult, CHF45 for children, 3 hours round trip

1:30PM

Lunch at Piz Gloria

Enjoy lunch at the mountaintop revolving restaurant with unparalleled 360-degree views.
Dining is available right after the cable car ride.
CHF100, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Trümmelbach Falls

Discover the stunning series of waterfalls within the mountain, an unforgettable experience for families.
A short drive from Lauterbrunnen town center.
CHF12 per adult, free for children., 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Oberland Restaurant

Savor traditional Swiss dishes while enjoying the beautiful Lauterbrunnen valley view.
Short drive from the falls.
CHF80, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Drive to Paris

Paris, France

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy croissants, pain au chocolat, and coffee to get your Parisian adventure underway.
Included in your stay.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Paris

Set off early for Paris, with plenty of scenic views along the way.
Follow A12 from Lauterbrunnen and take major routes into France; expect a 9-hour journey including stops.
CHF80 for fuel, Approx. 9 hours

5:30PM

Arrive in Paris & Check-in

Settle into your hotel and prepare for dinner.
Hotels in Paris usually have parking available; check in advance.
Varies, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Café de Flore

Savor a classic French dinner at this legendary café with a terrace perfect for watching people.
Located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area, a short drive or walk from your hotel.
CHF80, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Discovering Paris

Paris, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy delectable pastries and fresh fruit to prepare for a day of exploration.
Included in your stay.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Louvre Museum

Discover world-renowned artworks and family-oriented tours that engage kids in culture.
Drive and park at a nearby garage; the museum is within walking distance.
CHF17 per adult, free for children under 18, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Relax with a sophisticated lunch in an elegant setting, with options for children.
Directly across from the museum; convenient parking nearby.
CHF90, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Stroll through the Tuileries Garden

Enjoy the beautiful gardens where kids can play and families can unwind.
Just outside the Louvre through the main entrance.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

Explore vibrant Montmartre, artist shops, and climb to the Basilica for panoramic city views.
Drive to Montmartre and find parking nearby.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at La Crêperie de Josselin

Wrap up your Parisian adventure with delicious crêpes, offering both sweet and savory options.
A short drive or walk from Montmartre.
CHF60, 1.5 hours
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