Scenic Switzerland and Zurich Exploration: September 2025 Itinerary from Lausanne to Zurich

Day 1: Campus Visit

Lausanne, Switzerland on September 8, 2025

9:00am

AISTS Campus Visit

Attend scheduled activities at AISTS campus. Explore the university environment and network with faculty and students.
FREE, 6h0m

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Saint Pierre

Start your day with a fresh croissant and coffee at this cozy Lausanne café near the campus.
CHF15, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Brasserie de Montbenon

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes with views over Lake Geneva.
CHF30, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Chalet Suisse

Try a classic fondue or raclette in a rustic Swiss setting.
CHF45, 1h30m

Day 2: Campus & Lake Stroll

Lausanne, Switzerland on September 9, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Holy Cow!

Grab a Swiss-style breakfast burger near the campus.
CHF18, 1h0m

10:00am

AISTS Campus Visit Continues

Attend afternoon sessions and explore the surroundings.
FREE, 5h0m

4:00pm

Lake Geneva Promenade Walk

Relax with a scenic stroll along the lakeside watching sailboats and mountains.
FREE, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café de Grancy

Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a lively atmosphere.
CHF40, 1h30m

Day 3: Explore Lausanne

Lausanne, Switzerland on September 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Blackbird Downtown Diner

American-style hearty breakfast with vegan options.
CHF20, 1h0m

10:00am

Olympic Museum Visit

Discover interactive exhibits about the Olympic Games and sports history (Open 9am - 6pm).
CHF18, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Table d'Edgard

Indulge in Michelin-starred fine dining featuring Swiss and Mediterranean flavors.
CHF70, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Lausanne Cathedral

Explore this gothic masterpiece with panoramic views from the tower (Open 9am - 6pm).
FREE, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Brasserie de Montbenon

Savor lakeside dining with local specialties.
CHF40, 1h30m

Day 4: Lausanne to Interlaken

Travel Day: Lausanne to Interlaken, Switzerland on September 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Lausanne train station bakery

Grab pastries and coffee before travel.
CHF10, 0h30m

9:00am

Train to Interlaken

Take scenic Swiss Rail from Lausanne to Interlaken with transfer at Bern (Approx 3h30m).
CHF50, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Laterne, Interlaken

Traditional Swiss favorites in Interlaken town center.
CHF30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Höhematte Park

Relax in this beautiful park with views of the Jungfrau peaks.
FREE, 1h0m

4:00pm

Harder Kulm Summit

Ride the funicular to Harder Kulm for panoramic views of Interlaken and the Alps (Operates 8am-6pm).
CHF38, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Husi Bierhaus

Relax with Swiss and international fare paired with local craft beers.
CHF35, 1h30m

Day 5: Jungfrau Region

Interlaken, Switzerland on September 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Restaurant

Start early with a hotel buffet breakfast for a full day of hiking.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Day trip to Jungfraujoch

Take the cogwheel train from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe, with stunning alpine views (Open 7am-8pm).
CHF150, 6h0m

3:00pm

Light snacks at Jungfraujoch

Grab a quick bite with spectacular views before descending.
CHF15, 0h30m

5:30pm

Return to Interlaken

Relax after the return train ride from Jungfraujoch to Interlaken.
Included, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Barrel

Local and international comfort food in cozy atmosphere.
CHF35, 1h30m

Day 6: Interlaken to Lucerne

Travel Day: Interlaken to Lucerne, Switzerland on September 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Schuh

Enjoy Swiss pastries and coffee before departure.
CHF15, 1h0m

9:30am

Train to Lucerne

Travel from Interlaken to Lucerne by train through scenic landscapes (Approx 2h).
CHF40, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Traditional Lucerne Swiss cuisine in a welcoming tavern.
CHF35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Chapel Bridge and Old Town

Walk across the iconic covered wooden bridge and explore historical town squares.
FREE, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit the Lion Monument

See the famous rock relief honoring Swiss Guards from 1792.
FREE, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Balances

Stylish Swiss and international dishes in a picturesque riverside setting.
CHF50, 1h30m

Day 7: Mount Pilatus Day Trip

Lucerne, Switzerland on September 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quick hotel breakfast to prepare for a mountain excursion.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Boat to Alpnachstad

Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Lucerne to the gondola base station.
CHF25, 1h0m

9:45am

Cogwheel Train or Cable Car to Pilatus

Ascend Mount Pilatus, enjoying panoramic alpine views (Pilatus railway runs 9am-5pm).
CHF72, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pilatus Kulm Restaurant

Dine with breathtaking mountain vistas.
CHF40, 1h0m

1:30pm

Hiking and Sightseeing on Pilatus

Explore walking trails and observation points on the summit.
FREE, 2h0m

3:30pm

Cable Car down to Kriens and Bus to Lucerne

Descend and return by bus to Lucerne city.
CHF20, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Old Swiss House

Savor traditional Swiss dishes including schnitzel in a historic venue.
CHF55, 1h30m

Day 8: Lucerne to Zurich

Travel Day: Lucerne to Zurich, Switzerland on September 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bäckerei Hug

Grab fresh bread and coffee for breakfast.
CHF12, 0h45m

9:30am

Train to Zurich

Short scenic 50-minute train ride to Zurich, Switzerland's largest city.
CHF25, 0h50m

11:00am

Drop off luggage at hotel and quick refresh

Get settled and ready for city exploration.
FREE, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Traditional Swiss dishes in a historic armory setting near Old Town.
CHF35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Zurich Old Town (Altstadt)

Discover cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and quaint shops.
FREE, 3h0m

5:00pm

Visit Bahnhofstrasse for Shopping

Explore one of the world's most exclusive shopping streets.
FREE, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Swiss Chuchi

Famous for cheese fondue and other Swiss comfort foods.
CHF45, 1h30m

Day 9: Zurich Museums & Parks

Zurich, Switzerland on September 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Henrici

Enjoy artisanal coffee and fresh baked goods.
CHF18, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Explore one of Switzerland's finest art museums (Open 10am - 6pm).
CHF16, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Markthalle

Casual dining with multiple fresh food stalls inside a historic market hall.
CHF25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk along Lake Zurich Promenade

Relaxing walk along the lake with beautiful views and gardens.
FREE, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Swiss National Museum

Learn about Swiss cultural history in this castle-like museum (Open 10am-5pm).
CHF15, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kronenhalle

Historic restaurant serving Swiss-French cuisine with an art-filled ambiance.
CHF60, 1h30m

Day 10: Day Trip: Rhine Falls

Zurich, Switzerland on September 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to start day tour.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Train to Schaffhausen and Rhine Falls

Take train from Zurich to Schaffhausen and walk or shuttle to Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall (Falls viewing open 9am-7pm).
CHF30, 1h15m

10:00am

Explore Rhine Falls

Walk the trails, take a boat ride close to the falls, and enjoy spectacular scenery.
Boat ride CHF15, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Schloss Laufen Restaurant

Dine overlooking the falls with Swiss and international cuisine.
CHF40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Zurich by Train

Relax on return journey to Zurich from Schaffhausen.
Included, 1h15m

4:00pm

Free Afternoon: Explore Zurich neighborhoods or rest

Optional visit to trendy Zurich West or rest at hotel.
FREE, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Hirschen

Casual Swiss dining known for seasonal specialties.
CHF40, 1h30m

Day 11: End of Campus & Start Open Travel

Lausanne to Interlaken on September 18, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Lausanne hotel

Fuel up for a travel day heading to Interlaken.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel from Lausanne to Interlaken

Take the train via Bern, approx. 3h 30m journey.
CHF50, 3h30m

12:00pm

Check into Hotel and Lunch

Check in and have lunch at Hotel Restaurant Steakhouse.
CHF30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Afternoon at Lake Thun

Relax and enjoy lake views or take a short boat cruise (2-3 hours boat tour available).
CHF30, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

Enjoy Swiss cuisine in traditional style near the town center.
CHF35, 1h30m

Day 12: Bern Day Trip

From Interlaken to Bern and back, Switzerland on September 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast for your city day trip.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Train to Bern

Take direct train to Bern approx 1h 15 mins each way.
CHF30, 1h15m

10:00am

Explore Bern Old Town

UNESCO World Heritage site featuring medieval architecture, fountains, and the Zytglogge clock tower.
FREE, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kornhauskeller

Dine in a stunning vaulted cellar serving classic Swiss and European fare.
CHF40, 1h0m

2:30pm

Rosengarten (Rose Garden) Visit

Relax with city panoramas and beautiful gardens.
FREE, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Interlaken

Train back to your hotel to relax or explore.
Included, 1h15m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bebbis

Casual Swiss-pub cuisine close to Interlaken center.
CHF30, 1h30m

Day 13: Travel to Zurich via Lucerne

Interlaken to Lucerne and then Zurich, Switzerland on September 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before travel.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Train to Lucerne

Approximately 2 hour train ride, enjoy window views.
CHF40, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Stern Luzern

Modern Swiss cuisine near city center.
CHF40, 1h0m

1:00pm

Short sightseeing or shopping in Lucerne

Re-visit favorite spots or buy souvenirs.
FREE, 2h0m

3:30pm

Train to Zurich

Final leg for 50 minutes to Zurich hotel.
CHF25, 0h50m

5:00pm

Check in & rest

Prepare for upcoming days of exploration.
FREE, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Frau Gerolds Garten

Hip outdoor eatery with street food and lively atmosphere.
CHF35, 1h30m

Day 14: Zurich Day Trip: Uetliberg Mountain

Zurich, Switzerland on September 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Swiss chocolate and breakfast classics in an iconic café.
CHF20, 1h0m

9:30am

Train and hike to Uetliberg Mountain

Take the train to Uetliberg base and enjoy panoramic views of Zurich and Alps (Train runs 20 mins, hiking trails well marked).
CHF8, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Uto Kulm Restaurant

Set in mountain hotel with spectacular views.
CHF45, 1h30m

3:00pm

Descend and relax back in Zurich

Return to city for leisure or explore nearby parks.
Included, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Haus Hiltl

World’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, innovative and delicious.
CHF40, 1h30m

Day 15: Day Trip: Appenzell

From Zurich to Appenzell and back, Switzerland on September 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a full day of scenic mountain village exploration.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Train to Appenzell

Train ride approx 2h 30m; enjoy peaceful countryside views.
CHF40, 2h30m

10:30am

Explore Appenzell Village

Admire traditional Swiss architecture, colorful houses, and local crafts.
FREE, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Gasthaus zum Kreuz

Traditional local cuisine with specialties from the Appenzell region.
CHF30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Ride the cable car to Ebenalp

Enjoy stunning views, Berggasthaus Aescher, and hiking options (Operates 9am - 6pm).
CHF40, 3h0m

5:30pm

Return to Zurich by train

Evening train ride back to Zurich.
Included, 2h30m

8:30pm

Dinner near hotel or room service

Relax after a long day with casual dining option or in hotel.
CHF25, 1h0m

Day 16: Last Day Relax & Shopping

Zurich, Switzerland on September 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse

Popular for organic, fresh breads and specialty coffee.
CHF18, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Lindenhof

Historic hilltop park with beautiful views of Old Town.
FREE, 1h0m

12:00pm

Shopping on Bahnhofstrasse

Grab last souvenirs and explore high-end stores.
Variable, 3h0m

3:30pm

Visit Zürichsee lakefront cafes

Relax and reflect on your trip by the waterside cafes.
CHF20, 1h0m

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Restaurant Kronenhalle

Celebrate your Swiss adventure with fine dining and art ambiance.
CHF70, 2h0m

Day 17: Departure

Zurich Airport, Switzerland on September 24, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel or airport lounge

Early breakfast and airport check-in for your flight to Mumbai.
CHF25, 1h0m

8:00am

Zurich Airport Departure

Arrive at Zurich airport and complete check-in formalities for your flight back to Mumbai.
Varies, N/A