11-Day Scenic Road Trip through Switzerland and Germany

Day 1: Explore Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on September 4, 2025

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Sprüngli

Start your day with a famous Luxemburgerli macaroon and a strong coffee at this iconic café.
CHF20, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit the Swiss National Museum

Explore Swiss cultural history through exhibits that span the ancient to modern era.
CHF10, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy a traditional Swiss meal in a historic building, famous for its sausages and Rösti.
CHF30, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Lake Zurich Boat Tour

Take a scenic cruise on Lake Zurich to enjoy the lakeside views and the Alps in the background.
CHF20, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Stroll down Bahnhofstrasse

Shop or window-shop in one of the world's most exclusive shopping streets.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Rüti

Savor seasonal Swiss dishes made from local ingredients at this cozy restaurant.
CHF45, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Evening walk at Uetliberg

End the day with panoramic views over Zurich at sunset.
Free, 1 hour

Day 2: Travel to Fussen

Fussen, Germany on September 5, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Dolder Grand

Enjoy a lavish breakfast buffet with various international and local options.
CHF50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Fussen

Enjoy your scenic drive through picturesque countryside (approx. 2 hours).
Cost of fuel, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Neuschwanstein Castle

Explore the fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney and learn its fascinating history.
EUR15, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein

Enjoy lunch overlooking the castle with regional Bavarian specialties.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Hohenschwangau Castle

Visit the childhood residence of King Ludwig II with picturesque views.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Gasthof Müller

Enjoy traditional German dishes and beer in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Explore Fussen

Fussen, Germany on September 6, 2025

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Café Gerechtigkeitsstäble

Indulge in freshly baked pastries and German breakfast options.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit the Museum of Bavarian Kings

Learn about the lineage of the Bavarian kings through interactive exhibits.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Weinstube Krinner

Sample regional wines paired with lovely lunch dishes in a charming wine tavern.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Walk along the Lech River

Enjoy a leisurely walk by the river, taking in nature and quaint bridges.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Forggensee Lake

Partake in water activities or simply relax by the scenic lakeside.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Altes Gymnasium

Dine on local cuisine in a historic building with a rustic charm.
EUR35, 2 hours

Day 4: Travel to Como

Como, Italy on September 7, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with a quick breakfast before your journey.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Como

Enjoy a drive through scenic landscapes, crossing into Italy (approx. 2.5 hours).
Cost of fuel, 2.5 hours

11:30 AM

Check in at hotel

Get settled in your hotel in Como to refresh before exploring.
Varies, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Da Domenico

Savor delicious Italian pizzas with a view of the lake.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Lake Como Boat Tour

Experience the beauty of Lake Como by taking a scenic boat tour.
EUR20, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Como Cathedral

Explore the stunning Gothic architecture of the Cathedral and its rich history.
EUR5, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Osteria Del Gallo

Indulge in regional specialties and fine Italian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR35, 2 hours

Day 5: Experience Como

Como, Italy on September 8, 2025

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Panificio Pasticceria

Enjoy fresh local pastries and strong Italian coffee to start your day.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Funicular Ride to Brunate

Take the funicular up for breathtaking views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at La Vita è Bella

Dine at this charming restaurant with a varied menu of Italian favorites.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Relax at the Villa Olmo

Tour this neoclassical villa and stroll through its lovely gardens.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Shop in Como's boutiques

Discover fashion and crafts unique to the region in local stores.
Varies, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Ristorante Il Pomodoro

Enjoy traditional dishes in a casual bistro with a warm vibe.
EUR30, 2 hours

Day 6: Travel to Lugano

Lugano, Switzerland on September 9, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day with a comforting meal before you travel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Lugano

A short drive through the picturesque landscapes of Ticino (approx. 1 hour).
Cost of fuel, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Parco Ciani

Relax in one of Lugano’s most beautiful parks, known for its lush greenery.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Grotto della Salute

Enjoy traditional Ticinese dishes in an authentic grotto setting.
CHF25, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Explore Lugano's lakeside

Stroll along the beautiful shores of Lake Lugano and enjoy the views.
Free, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Visit the Monte Brè

Take the cable car to the top for panoramic views of the lake and mountains.
CHF20, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Ristorante La Cucina

Enjoy inventive Italian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
CHF40, 2 hours

Day 7: Travel to Grindelwald

Grindelwald, Switzerland on September 10, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel you for the journey ahead.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Grindelwald

Enjoy an adventurous drive through the Swiss Alps (approx. 3 hours).
Cost of fuel, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Check in at hotel

Settle into your hotel and relax for a bit.
Varies, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Restaurant Belvedere

Try local specialties while enjoying stunning mountain views.
CHF30, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Hike to First Cliff Walk

Take a short hike to experience breathtaking views from the cliff walk.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Visit the Grindelwald Glacier

Marvel at the stunning glacier and breathtaking mountain scenery.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant Adler

Taste Swiss fondue and other specialties in a warm, inviting environment.
CHF45, 2 hours

Day 8: Explore Grindelwald

Grindelwald, Switzerland on September 11, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a delicious meal before a day of exploration.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Jungfraujoch Day Trip

Take the train to Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe' for awe-inspiring mountain views.
CHF100, 8 hours

6:00 PM

Return to Grindelwald

Enjoy a relaxing journey back after a full day of sightseeing.
Included in train fare, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at C und M Cafe

Savor delectable desserts and light dinner options to round off your day.
CHF30, 1.5 hours

Day 9: Explore Grindelwald

Grindelwald, Switzerland on September 12, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy your first meal as you control the day that lies ahead.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Hike the Eiger Trail

Experience an invigorating hike along the foot of the famous Eiger mountain.
Free, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Restaurant Myioma

Dine with flavors inspired by local produce in this charming eatery.
CHF35, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit the Grindelwald Museum

Discover the local history and culture of Grindelwald through fascinating exhibits.
CHF5, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at the spa

Unwind with a massage or a spa treatment at your hotel.
Varies, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Eiger

Enjoy a delightful dining experience with a focus on local cuisine.
CHF40, 2 hours

Day 10: Travel to Zermatt

Zermatt, Switzerland on September 13, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day with energy before heading to your next destination.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Zermatt

Leave for Zermatt - remember it's car-free, park at Täsch and take a train (approx. 2.5 hours).
Cost of fuel + train fare, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Check in at hotel

Settle into your accommodation in Zermatt.
Varies, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Lunch at Walliserstube

Enjoy authentic Swiss dishes with a flair for local specialties in a charming atmosphere.
CHF35, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Gornergrat Railway

Take the scenic train ride to the Gornergrat summit for breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.
CHF70, 3 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Phoenix

Experience fine dining with creative dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients.
CHF60, 2 hours

Day 11: Travel to Luzern

Luzern, Switzerland on September 14, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Zermatt before the journey to Luzern.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Train back to Täsch

Return to your car parked in Täsch for the onward journey.
Included in train fare, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Drive to Luzern

Embark on a scenic drive through stunning landscapes (approx. 3 hours).
Cost of fuel, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Check in at hotel

Settle into your hotel in Luzern.
Varies, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Taste traditional Swiss cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.
CHF30, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Chapel Bridge

Stroll across this iconic covered wooden bridge, a symbol of Luzern.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Fritschi

Dine in a historic setting with a menu focused on local dishes and hospitality.
CHF50, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Evening stroll along Lake Luzern

Enjoy the evening ambiance by the lake with beautiful views of the mountains.
Free, 1 hour

Day 12: Return to Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on September 15, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast before heading back to Zurich.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Zurich

Take the drive back to Zurich, reflecting on your amazing trip (approx. 1 hour).
Cost of fuel, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Lindenhof Park

Wander through this tranquil park offering great views of the old city.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Hiltl

Enjoy a vegetarian meal at the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world.
CHF25, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Shopping at Bahnhofstrasse

Indulge in some last-minute shopping on Zurich's famous shopping street.
Varies, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Departure

Bid farewell to Switzerland as you head to the airport or onward destination.
Varies, 1 hour