5-Day Switzerland Itinerary: Exploring Iconic Cities and Alpine Wonders

Day 1: Arrival and Zurich Exploration

Zurich, Switzerland on March 12, 2025

8:00AM

Arrival in Zurich

Arrive at Zurich Airport and check into your hotel.
-, 1 hour

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Enjoy a traditional Swiss breakfast at this renowned café known for its pastries and chocolates.
CHF 15-25, 1 hour

10:00AM

Old Town (Altstadt) Walking Tour

Explore Zurich's historic Old Town, featuring medieval buildings, narrow alleys, and the famous Bahnhofstrasse shopping street.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Dine at this historic restaurant offering traditional Swiss dishes in a former armory.
CHF 25-35, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Discover an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art at Zurich's premier art museum.
CHF 23, 2 hours

3:30PM

Lake Zurich Boat Cruise

Relax on a scenic boat cruise around Lake Zurich, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
CHF 26, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Stroll along Seefeld Promenade

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakeside promenade, lined with parks and cafes.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Kronenhalle

Experience fine dining with classic Swiss cuisine in an art-filled setting.
CHF 50-70, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Lucerne and Mount Pilatus

Lucerne, Switzerland on March 13, 2025

7:00AM

Train to Lucerne

Depart Zurich early to maximize your day in Lucerne.
CHF 25, 1 hour

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Ville

Start your day with a hearty breakfast overlooking the Reuss River.
CHF 15-20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) Visit

Explore Lucerne's iconic wooden bridge adorned with 17th-century paintings.
Free, 0.5 hours

9:30AM

Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal)

Visit the poignant sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution.
Free, 0.5 hours

10:00AM

Mount Pilatus Excursion

Take the world's steepest cogwheel railway to Mount Pilatus for breathtaking alpine views.
CHF 72, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Pilatus Kulm Hotel

Enjoy lunch with panoramic views at the summit restaurant.
CHF 30-40, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Lucerne

Descend via cable car and bus back to Lucerne.
Included in excursion, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Old Town Lucerne

Wander through the charming streets, visit boutiques, and admire medieval architecture.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport

Discover Switzerland's transportation history through interactive exhibits.
CHF 32, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Wirtshaus Taube

Savor traditional Swiss cuisine in a cozy, historic setting.
CHF 40-50, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Interlaken and Jungfraujoch

Interlaken, Switzerland on March 14, 2025

6:00AM

Train to Interlaken

Depart Lucerne early to reach Interlaken for your mountain excursion.
CHF 35, 2 hours

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Paris

Enjoy a French-style breakfast in the heart of Interlaken.
CHF 15-20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Jungfraujoch Excursion

Take the train to the 'Top of Europe' for stunning glacier views and alpine activities.
CHF 190, 6 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Crystal

Dine at this mountain restaurant offering Swiss specialties with panoramic views.
CHF 30-40, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Interlaken

Descend back to Interlaken via train.
Included in excursion, 2 hours

6:00PM

Stroll through Höhematte Park

Relax in this central park offering views of the surrounding mountains.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Laterne

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes in a rustic atmosphere.
CHF 40-50, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Zermatt and Matterhorn

Zermatt, Switzerland on March 15, 2025

6:00AM

Train to Zermatt

Depart Interlaken early to reach the car-free village of Zermatt.
CHF 50, 3 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at Petit Royal Café

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee in Zermatt.
CHF 15-20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Gornergrat Railway to Matterhorn Viewpoint

Take the cogwheel train to Gornergrat for unparalleled views of the Matterhorn.
CHF 90, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Findlerhof

Enjoy alpine cuisine with stunning mountain vistas.
CHF 40-50, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Zermatt Village

Wander through the charming streets, visit local shops, and learn about mountaineering history.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Matterhorn Museum Visit

Discover the history and culture of Zermatt and the Matterhorn.
CHF 10, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Chez Vrony

Experience gourmet Swiss cuisine in a cozy mountain setting.
CHF 50-60, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Geneva Exploration and Departure

Geneva, Switzerland on March 16, 2025

7:00AM

Train to Geneva

Depart Zermatt early to reach Geneva for your final day.
CHF 60, 4 hours

11:00AM

Brunch at Café du Centre

Enjoy a classic Swiss brunch in the heart of Geneva.
CHF 25-35, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit Jet d'Eau

See Geneva's iconic water fountain, one of the tallest in the world.
Free, 0.5 hours

12:30PM

Stroll through Old Town (Vieille Ville)

Explore the historic center with its narrow streets, antique shops, and St. Pierre Cathedral.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Les Armures

Dine at Geneva's oldest restaurant, known for its traditional Swiss fondue.
CHF 40-50, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the United Nations Office

Take a guided tour of the European headquarters of the UN.
CHF 15, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore Parc des Bastions

Relax in this beautiful park featuring the Reformation Wall and giant chess boards.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Bistrot du Boeuf Rouge

Enjoy French-inspired cuisine in a cozy bistro setting.
CHF 50-60, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Departure from Geneva Airport

Conclude your Swiss adventure with your departure flight.
-, -