Start your trip in Geneva with a visit to the stunning Jardin Anglais (English Garden), located in the heart of the city. Enjoy a picnic on the lush greenery of the park, and enjoy the Jet d'Eau, the famous water fountain in the middle of Lake Geneva. Then, explore the Flower Clock, a symbolic watch made of 6,500 flower varieties, and visit L'horloge fleurie, a clock that also features more than 6,500 flowers. End your day with a halal meal at Chez ma Cousine, which serves delicious Swiss dishes like chicken with mushrooms, fondue and raclette.
Take a train to the city of Lausanne, known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, with breathtaking views of the whole city. Visit the Olympic Museum; it displays the history of the Olympic Games and the Olympic sports. Have a halal lunch at Le Palais d'Orient, which serves Middle Eastern cuisine. End your day with a visit to Musée de l'Elysée, a museum dedicated to photography with a great collection of photographs taken by Swiss photographers.
Get on a train to Interlaken, known as the adventure capital of Switzerland. The landscape is breathtaking and perfect for a scenic train ride. Once you arrive, explore the town center, where you can find traditional Swiss markets where you can buy Swiss chocolates, and souvenirs. Then visit Harder Kulm, a mountain peak that rises more than 1,300 meters above Interlaken; it offers the perfect panoramic view of the surrounding Swiss Alps. End your day with a dinner at Bombay Spice, which serves Indian food with halal options.
Travel by train to Lucerne, with its famous and iconic Lion Monument, which commemorates Swiss Guards killed during the French Revolution. Walk across the Kapellbrücke, (Chapel Bridge), a covered wooden pedestrian bridge that dates back to the 14th century, which spans the Reuss River. Then visit Pilatus Bahnen, a mountain railway that takes you to the top of Mount Pilatus, one of the nearby mountains with spectacular views. Have a halal meal at Tamarind Hill, an Indian restaurant surrounded by mountains.
End your trip by visiting Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, and an international hub for finance and commerce. Walk through the charming old town and visit the famous Swiss National Museum, which displays the culture and history of Switzerland. Have lunch at Mangiare Italiano, an Italian restaurant with halal options. End your day by visiting Bahnhofstrasse, Switzerland’s lively and high-end shopping street that houses luxury brands from all over the world.
Switzerland has an excellent public transportation system, with trains, buses, and trams. Trains are the best way to travel between cities while buses and trams are useful for getting around towns. You can purchase a Swiss Rail Pass, which allows you to travel on as many train routes as you want within 3, 4, 8, or 15 days. The Swiss Travel Pass also gives you free admission to museums, discounts on mountain railways, and many other attractions. The estimated cost of a day trip is around CHF 60 per person, and travel time can vary but usually takes around 1-2 hours between cities.
If you have less than five days, consider skipping Interlaken or Lucerne to give you more time in the other cities. For those who have more than five days, add an extra day in Zurich to explore the nearby Rhine Falls or in Geneva to explore Lake Geneva.
Geneva International Airport (GVA), is the main airport in Switzerland and the closest airport to the starting point of our itinerary. It is located 4.5 km from Geneva city center and provides easy transportation options such as trains, buses or taxis.