12-Day Scenic Itinerary from Zermatt to Bern with Coastal Escapes in Switzerland and Nearby Countries

Day 1: Explore Zermatt

Zermatt, Switzerland on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bakery & Café du Pont

Start your day with fresh Swiss pastries and coffee at this charming local bakery open from 7am.
CHF15, 1h

9:30am

Gornergrat Railway to Gornergrat Summit

Experience panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks on the cogwheel train journey. The railway operates from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
CHF95, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Schäferstube

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes like raclette and fondue in a cozy alpine atmosphere close to the train station, open 11:30am - 2pm.
CHF40, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Matterhorn Museum

Discover the history and mountaineering heritage of Zermatt at this informative museum open 9am - 5pm.
CHF12, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Chez Vrony

Dine at this renowned mountaintop restaurant known for local organic cuisine and splendid views, open until 8pm.
CHF65, 2h
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Day 2: Outdoor Adventures

Zermatt, Switzerland on April 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Monte Rosa

Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet with local ingredients to fuel your day, serving from 7am.
Included if staying, 1h

8:30am

Hiking the Five Lakes Trail

Trek this beautiful trail featuring alpine lakes with reflections of the Matterhorn, suitable for moderate hikers. Access all day.
Free, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Findlerhof

Quaint and scenic mountain eatery offering delicious local dishes. Open 11:30am-3pm.
CHF35, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Zermatt Village

Stroll around the pedestrian village, shop for Swiss souvenirs, and visit local chocolate shops.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Whymper-Stube

Taste Swiss classics with a modern twist in a cozy setting. Open 6pm-10pm.
CHF50, 2h
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Day 3: Zermatt to Bern Travel

Travel: Zermatt to Bern, Switzerland on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Flatiron Zermatt

Enjoy artisanal pastries and coffee to start your travel day. Open from 7:30am.
CHF15, 1h

9:30am

Train Journey to Bern

Travel by train for scenic views of the Swiss countryside; journey takes approximately 2h30m.
CHF45, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kornhauskeller, Bern

Dine in a stunning vaulted cellar featuring Swiss fusion cuisine. Open 11:30am-2pm.
CHF40, 1h

2:00pm

Walking Tour in Bern Old Town

Explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town with medieval architecture, fountains, and churches. Best in afternoon for photos.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Bern Munster Cathedral

Climb to the top for panoramic city views. Open 10am-5pm.
CHF5, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Altes Tramdepot

Enjoy local beers brewed onsite and traditional Swiss dishes by the Aare river. Open until 10pm.
CHF45, 2h
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Day 4: Bern Culture Day

Bern, Switzerland on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Fédéral

Start your day in the heart of Bern with a popular coffee shop and light local breakfast items. Opens 7am.
CHF15, 1h

9:00am

Bern Historical Museum and Einstein Museum

Discover Bern's rich history plus Einstein's life and work, museum open 10am-5pm.
CHF16, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Rosengarten Restaurant

Dine with panoramic views over Bern in a beautiful rose garden. Open 11am-3pm.
CHF45, 1h

2:30pm

Relax in Rosengarten and Bear Park

Enjoy nature and city views from the rose garden and visit the nearby bear park, open daylight hours.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Shopping in Marktgasse

Explore Bern’s main shopping street filled with boutiques, Swiss watches, and craft shops.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Vorstadt

Chic eatery offering refined Swiss and European dishes, open 6pm-10pm.
CHF60, 2h
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Day 5: Bern to Lake Geneva

Travel to Montreux, Switzerland on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Local Bern Bakery

Grab Swiss baked goods for your journey, bakery opens at 7am.
CHF15, 1h

9:00am

Train to Montreux, Lake Geneva Region

Enjoy the scenic ride toward the lakeside town, 1.5-hour train trip.
CHF30, 1h30m

11:00am

Stroll Along Montreux Lakeside Promenade

Relax on the beautiful flower-lined promenade with lake views and jazz festival sites. Accessible all day.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Très Parc

Enjoy fresh local fare with views of Lake Geneva, open 11:30am-3pm.
CHF40, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Château de Chillon

Explore this breathtaking medieval lake castle; open 9am-6pm, about 30 min from Montreux by bus or boat.
CHF15, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant le Palais Oriental

Experience unique Swiss and Mediterranean dishes in Montreux’s center, open until 10pm.
CHF55, 2h
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Day 6: Lake Geneva and Riviera Day

Vevey and Montreux, Switzerland on April 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at La Rouvenaz Montreux

Fresh pastry and strong coffee by the lake, open from 7am.
CHF15, 1h

8:30am

Morning Visit to Charlie Chaplin’s World, Vevey

Celebrate the legacy of Charlie Chaplin at this entertaining museum open 9am - 6pm.
CHF27, 2h

11:00am

Explore Vevey Old Town

Wander cobbled streets with lovely shops and lakeside cafés.
Free, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Lausanne

An elegant spot serving refined local cuisine, open 12pm-2:30pm.
CHF45, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Montreux Beach

Enjoy lakeside sunbathing and scenic views in the afternoon with public access all day.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Le Jaman

Known for seasonal dishes and excellent wine selection, open until 9:30pm.
CHF50, 2h
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Day 7: Travel to French Riviera

Travel: Montreux to Nice, France on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hôtel des Trois Couronnes

Enjoy a gourmet breakfast buffet before your international travel, opening from 7am.
CHF25, 1h

8:30am

Train to Nice, France

Experience the train ride through scenic routes into the French Riviera; journey lasts about 6 hours with connections.
EUR60, 6h

3:00pm

Check-In and Rest

Settle into your accommodation in Nice and rest before evening activities.
Varies, 1h30m

4:30pm

Evening Walk Along Promenade des Anglais

Take a leisurely stroll along the famous beachfront promenade to enjoy Mediterranean views.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Petite Maison

Savor authentic Niçoise cuisine in an elegant setting, reservation recommended. Open until 11pm.
EUR70, 2h
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Day 8: Beach & Culture Nice

Nice, France on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Emilie’s Cookies & Coffee

Grab delightful coffee and fresh pastries in this local favorite cafe, opens at 7:30am.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

Hike or take an elevator to the hilltop park for spectacular views over Nice and the sea. Open until sunset.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Acchiardo

Taste classic Mediterranean dishes in this family-run eatery, open 12pm-2:30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Relax at Blue Beach

Private beach club offering sun loungers and Mediterranean swimming, open from 9am to sunset. Entry fee required.
EUR25, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Le Safari

Popular spot on Cours Saleya serving Provençal cuisine with great seafood, open until 11pm.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 9: Day trip to Cannes Beach

Cannes, France on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Nice Hotel

Breakfast included or local cafe nearby enjoying classic French croissants.
EUR15, 1h

8:30am

Train to Cannes

Short 30-minute train ride to the glamorous beach city of Cannes.
EUR10, 30m

9:15am

Morning Relaxation on Plage de la Croisette

Spend time on one of Cannes' famous sandy beaches, free public access areas available.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Explore Boulevard de la Croisette

Stroll this luxury promenade lined with shops, cafes, and the iconic Palais des Festivals.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Astoux et Brun

Seafood specialist restaurant known for fresh oysters and fish, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR45, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Le Suquet Historic Quarter

Climb the old quarter’s streets for the best views and charming atmosphere.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Return to Nice

Take the train back to Nice to prepare for departing the French Riviera.
EUR10, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Merenda, Nice

Traditional Niçoise dishes served in a cozy ambiance, reservation highly advised. Open until 10pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 10: Return to Switzerland - Geneva

Travel: Nice to Geneva, Switzerland on May 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Nice

Enjoy your last French Riviera breakfast, often included or try local café around, open from 7am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Train to Geneva

A scenic journey of about 6 hours taking you back into Switzerland, passing through picturesque landscapes.
CHF70, 6h

4:00pm

Check-in and Rest in Geneva

Settle into your accommodation and unwind after your journey.
Varies, 1h

5:30pm

Evening Walk by Lake Geneva

Leisurely stroll around the lakefront, enjoy jet d’eau views and sunset.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Café du Soleil

Traditional Swiss restaurant famed for its fondue, open until 10pm.
CHF50, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Geneva City Tour

Geneva, Switzerland on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Boulangerie Pâtisserie Wolfisberg

Delicious local bakery fresh pastries and coffee, opens 7am.
CHF15, 1h

9:00am

Visit United Nations Office at Geneva

Guided tours available to learn about UN activities, open 9am-12pm, 2pm-4pm.
CHF15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Les Armures

Classic Swiss cuisine in a historic setting in Old Town, open 12pm-2:30pm.
CHF40, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Old Town Geneva

Walk through cobbled streets, visit St. Pierre Cathedral and museums, open all day.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Parc des Bastions

Enjoy sculptures and chess boards in this central peaceful park.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Izumi Restaurant

Upscale Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant with spectacular city views, open until 10pm.
CHF75, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Departure or Optional Excursion

Geneva, Switzerland on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast to start the day, included typically with hotel stay.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Optional Excursion: Day trip to Mont Saleve

Take a short trip up Mont Saleve for panoramic views of Geneva and the Alps, great for mild hiking, open all day.
CHF20 (cable car), 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Le Mont Saleve

Lunch with mountain views at the summit restaurant, open 12pm-2:30pm.
CHF40, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Geneva and prepare for departure

Head back to your accommodation to pack and travel to airport.
Varies, 2h
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