Relaxing 8-Day Family Trip in Switzerland with Zurich as Base

Day 1: Arrival and Zurich Easy Explore

Zurich, Switzerland on May 4, 2025

11:30am

Brunch at Café Sprüngli

Enjoy Swiss pastries and light brunch in a family-friendly setting famous for its chocolates and Luxemburgerli macarons.
CHF25, 1h

1:00pm

Zurich Old Town Walk

Take a gentle stroll through the cobblestone streets of Altstadt, viewing historical landmarks like Grossmünster and Limmatquai.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Visit to Zurich Zoo

Embark on an entertaining and educational visit to Zurich Zoo, ideal for kids and adults alike, showcasing over 400 animal species.
CHF26, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Hiltl

Dine at the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, offering a vast buffet with options suitable for the whole family.
CHF30, 1.5h

Day 2: Lucerne and Lake Day Trip

Lucerne, Switzerland on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse

Start the day with hearty breakfast including fresh breads, eggs, and coffee before heading out.
CHF20, 1h

9:30am

Train to Lucerne

Take the scenic train ride from Zurich to Lucerne, approx. 1 hour, offering beautiful views.
CHF25, 1h

10:45am

Walk the Chapel Bridge and Old Town

Explore Lucerne’s iconic wooden bridge and charming historic streets, perfect for family photos and light walking.
Free, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes in a casual, welcoming atmosphere suitable for families.
CHF35, 1h

2:00pm

Lake Lucerne Boat Ride

Relax on a scenic one-hour cruise across Lake Lucerne, perfect for resting and sightseeing.
CHF24, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Zurich by train

Travel back comfortably to Zurich after a refreshing day out.
CHF25, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Zeughauskeller

Sample Swiss comfort food in a historic armory setting, great for families.
CHF40, 1.5h

Day 3: Day Trip to Interlaken and Nature

Interlaken, Switzerland on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Parent’s choice

Enjoy an early hearty breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the day.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Interlaken

Travel to Interlaken, a hub for stunning Alpine scenery, about 2 hours by train.
CHF45, 2h

11:00am

Harder Kulm Family Panorama

Take the funicular to Harder Kulm viewpoint for spectacular views over Interlaken and the lakes; family-friendly walking paths at the top.
CHF38, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant

Enjoy lunch in a scenic location with local Swiss fare and stunning views.
CHF40, 1h

3:00pm

Relax by Lake Thun

Spend a relaxed afternoon by Lake Thun’s shore, with options for light walks, playgrounds for children, and refreshments nearby.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Return to Zurich

Travel back to Zurich to rest after a fulfilling day of nature and sightseeing.
CHF45, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Sternen Oerlikon

Family-friendly restaurant offering a great mix of Swiss and international dishes close to your hotel base.
CHF35, 1.5h

Day 4: Leisure Day in Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on May 7, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Nordic Bakery

Savor Scandinavian-style breakfast treats including pastries and artisan coffee, right in Zurich.
CHF20, 1h

10:30am

Explore Uetliberg Mountain

Take a train to Uetliberg for family-friendly hiking trails and panoramic views of Zurich; ideal for a relaxed nature escape.
CHF8 return train fare, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Uto Kulm Restaurant

Enjoy lunch with breathtaking views atop Uetliberg, serving Swiss specialties and kid-friendly meals.
CHF40, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Zurich city and visit Swiss National Museum

Discover Switzerland’s cultural heritage through engaging exhibits suitable for all ages; open 10am-5pm.
CHF10, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kronenhalle

Dine in a classic Zurich restaurant famed for traditional dishes and art-filled interiors, providing a rich cultural dining experience.
CHF50, 1.5h

Day 5: Zermatt and Matterhorn Trip

Zermatt, Switzerland on May 8, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for a full-day excursion to Zermatt.
Included, 1h

7:30am

Train from Zurich to Zermatt

Take a scenic train journey of about 3.5 hours to the idyllic mountain village of Zermatt.
CHF90, 3.5h

11:15am

Gornergrat Bahn to the Observation Point

Ride the cog railway up to Gornergrat for breathtaking family-friendly views of the Matterhorn.
CHF48, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Kulm Hotel Restaurant

Dine with magnificent mountain views; menu includes Swiss specialities and lighter kid options.
CHF45, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Zermatt Village

Stroll through the car-free village, visit Matterhorn Museum and browse local shops.
Free (Museum CHF10 if interested), 1.5h

5:00pm

Return train to Zurich

Head back to Zurich for a restful evening after a spectacular day.
CHF90, 3.5h

9:00pm

Light dinner or room service at hotel

Relax with a quiet meal at the hotel after a long travel day.
Varies, 1h

Day 6: Relaxed Zurich and Shopping

Zurich, Switzerland on May 9, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Henrici

A cozy café offering quality coffee and pastries to start your day gently.
CHF18, 1h

10:30am

Shopping on Bahnhofstrasse

Explore one of Europe’s premier shopping streets featuring international brands and local boutiques, suitable for light strolling with kids.
Free to browse, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sternen Grill

Try Zurich’s famous sausages and casual meals in a lively atmosphere near the shopping area.
CHF20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit to FIFA World Football Museum

Enjoy interactive exhibits and memorabilia; fun for children and adults alike, open 10am-6pm.
CHF15, 2h

5:00pm

Back to hotel to relax

Rest and prepare for dinner after a leisurely day.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Stanza

Enjoy tasty Italian cuisine offering comforting pasta and pizza, perfect for families.
CHF35, 1.5h

Day 7: Day at Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein

Rhine Falls, Switzerland on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a wholesome breakfast before heading out for a nature day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train to Schaffhausen for Rhine Falls

Travel about 1.5 hours to the spectacular Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall.
CHF25, 1.5h

11:00am

Rhine Falls Viewing and Boat Trip

Enjoy viewing platforms and a boat trip close to the falls, an exciting family experience; open 9am - 6pm.
Boat trip CHF15, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Schloss Laufen Restaurant

Have lunch overlooking the Rhine Falls with local Swiss dishes and kid-friendly meals.
CHF35, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Stein am Rhein

Explore this charming medieval town with painted facades, perfect for a relaxing stroll and photos.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Return to Zurich

Head back to Zurich to unwind after a refreshing day outdoors.
CHF25, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Rosso

Enjoy pizza and pasta in a relaxed setting close to your hotel, great for families.
CHF30, 1.5h

Day 8: Departure Day and Final Stroll

Zurich, Switzerland on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely hotel breakfast before your departure preparations.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Walk along Lake Zurich Promenade

Take a calm morning walk with the family along the scenic lakefront to reflect on your holiday.
Free, 1.5h

11:30am

Check out and transfer to airport

Prepare for your departure with ample time for travel to Zurich Airport.
Varies, 1h