14-Day Scenic and Cultural Journey Through Switzerland

Day 1: Explore Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Enjoy traditional Swiss pastries and excellent coffee in this famous Zurich café known for its Luxemburgerli macarons.
CHF15, 1h

9:30am

Old Town Walking Tour

Explore the medieval streets of Zurich's Altstadt, visit landmarks like Grossmünster Church and the Lindenhof viewpoint.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Savor traditional Swiss dishes in a historic armory building offering hearty meals in a lively atmosphere.
CHF30, 1h

1:30pm

Kunsthaus Zurich (Art Museum)

View impressive collections of Swiss and international art, including works by Alberto Giacometti and Marc Chagall.
CHF23, 2h

4:00pm

Lake Zurich Promenade Walk

Relax with a leisurely walk along Lake Zurich, enjoying park spaces and panoramic views.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Kronenhalle

Dine at one of Zurich's iconic restaurants known for classic Swiss and European cuisine alongside original artworks by famous artists.
CHF70, 2h

Day 2: Lucerne and Surroundings

Lucerne, Switzerland on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Train to Lucerne from Zurich

Enjoy scenic 1-hour train ride westwards to the picturesque city of Lucerne.
CHF25, 1h

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Rathaus

Taste delicious breakfast dishes in a historic setting in Lucerne's Old Town near the town hall.
CHF20, 1h

10:30am

Chapel Bridge and Water Tower

Visit the iconic 14th-century wooden bridge and tower, a symbol of Lucerne with picturesque views of the Reuss River.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Lion Monument

Admire the poignant rock relief commemorating Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution.
Free, 30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Enjoy traditional Swiss comfort food made with local ingredients in this cozy restaurant.
CHF30, 1h

1:30pm

Lake Lucerne Boat Cruise

Take a 1.5-hour scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne to see the surrounding mountains and charming villages.
CHF28, 1h30m

4:00pm

Musegg Wall

Walk along this well-preserved medieval city wall with nine towers, some open to the public offering great views.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Balances

Dine in a picturesque riverside setting offering gourmet Swiss and international cuisine.
CHF60, 2h

Day 3: Interlaken and Mountain Views

Interlaken, Switzerland on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Train to Interlaken from Lucerne

Travel about 2 hours through scenic Swiss landscapes to the outdoor adventure hub of Interlaken.
CHF40, 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at Café de Paris

Enjoy classic European breakfast near Interlaken Ost station before exploring.
CHF18, 1h

10:30am

Harder Kulm Funicular and Viewpoint

Ride the funicular up to Harder Kulm for spectacular panoramic views of Interlaken and the Jungfrau region.
CHF38, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Laterne

Classic Swiss dishes in a friendly setting in Interlaken's center.
CHF25, 1h

2:30pm

Stroll around Höhematte Park

Relax in the central park with views of mountain paragliders and the Jungfrau peaks.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Optional: Lake Thun Short Boat Trip

Take a 1-hour boat trip on Lake Thun to admire beautiful lakeside villages and mountain scenery (check schedule beforehand).
CHF20, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Husi Bierhaus

Relax with local beers and Swiss comfort food at this lively Interlaken pub.
CHF30, 2h

Day 4: Jungfrau Region Adventure

Jungfrau Region, Switzerland on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Start early with a nutritious breakfast to prepare for the day's mountain excursion.
CHF20, 1h

8:00am

Train to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Take the scenic train route to Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454m for glacier views and snowy activities.
CHF150, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Jungfraujoch Restaurant

Warm up with a hot meal while enjoying stunning alpine views.
CHF40, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Ice Palace and Observation Deck

Visit the ice tunnels and enjoy breathtaking views from the Sphinx Observatory Deck.
Included in train ticket, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return to Interlaken by train

Descend back to Interlaken to relax for the evening.
Included, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The 3 Tells Irish Pub

Casual dining with pub grub and Irish hospitality to unwind after a full day.
CHF25, 2h

Day 5: Zermatt and Matterhorn Views

Zermatt, Switzerland on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Train to Zermatt from Interlaken

Travel around 2.5 hours, changing trains at Visp, to reach the car-free mountain resort of Zermatt.
CHF55, 2h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Café du Pont

Enjoy coffee and pastries in this cozy café in Zermatt center.
CHF15, 1h

11:00am

Gornergrat Railway Ride

Ride up the cogwheel train for an unforgettable panoramic view of the Matterhorn and surrounding Alps.
CHF90, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Findlerhof

Savor mountain cuisine with views of the Matterhorn on the way back from Gornergrat.
CHF40, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore Zermatt Village

Stroll through charming streets, shops, and visit the Matterhorn Museum.
CHF10, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Schäferstube

Experience authentic Swiss alpine dishes in a traditional setting.
CHF50, 1h30m

Day 6: Montreux and Lake Geneva

Montreux, Switzerland on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Train to Montreux from Zermatt

Scenic 3-hour train ride via Visp and Lausanne to Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva.
CHF55, 3h

11:00am

Breakfast at Funky Claude’s Bar

Eclectic café offering fresh coffee and light breakfast options near the lakeside.
CHF18, 1h

12:30pm

Stroll along Montreux Lakeside Promenade

Walk the beautiful lakeside promenade lined with flowers, sculptures, and views of the Alps.
Free, 1h30m

2:00pm

Chillon Castle Visit

Explore the well-preserved medieval island castle just outside Montreux, open 9am-7pm.
CHF14, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax in Montreux Old Town

Wander historic streets with shops and cafés, soaking in lake views.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Palais Oriental

Enjoy fine Moroccan cuisine with beautiful lake views in Montreux.
CHF60, 2h

Day 7: Lausanne Highlights

Lausanne, Switzerland on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Short train to Lausanne from Montreux

A quick 30-minute ride along Lake Geneva’s northern shore to vibrant Lausanne.
CHF10, 30m

8:45am

Breakfast at Café Saint-Pierre

Cozy café in the old town, perfect for light breakfast and coffee.
CHF15, 1h

10:00am

Visit Olympic Museum

Discover the history of the Olympic games with interactive exhibits in a modern lakeside museum (open 9am-6pm).
CHF18, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Brasserie de Montbenon

Enjoy Swiss and French brasserie fare in a grand venue with lake views.
CHF35, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Lausanne Cathedral and Old Town

Visit the impressive Gothic cathedral (free entry, tower CHF5) and stroll through medieval streets.
CHF5, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café de Grancy

A popular bistro offering seasonal dishes and local wines.
CHF40, 2h

Day 8: Bern – Swiss Capital City

Bern, Switzerland on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Train to Bern from Lausanne

A 1-hour scenic train ride to Switzerland’s historic capital city.
CHF30, 1h

9:15am

Breakfast at Café Einstein

Enjoy breakfast in a relaxed atmosphere close to Bern’s old town.
CHF18, 1h

10:30am

Bern Old Town Walking Tour

Explore UNESCO-listed medieval old town with sights including the Zytglogge clock tower and the Bear Park.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Tennent

Traditional Swiss and international cuisine in a cozy setting.
CHF30, 1h

2:00pm

Bern Historical Museum and Einstein Museum

Visit one of Switzerland’s most important cultural museums, highlighting history and Einstein’s legacy.
CHF15, 2h

6:00pm

Relax by the Aare River

Enjoy a peaceful walk or sit by the scenic riverside before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Lötschberg

Try out Swiss specialties like fondue and rosti in a warm, welcoming restaurant.
CHF40, 2h

Day 9: Basel Art and Old Town

Basel, Switzerland on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Train to Basel from Bern

Approximate 1.5-hour train trip northwest to the cultural hub of Basel.
CHF30, 1h30m

9:45am

Breakfast at Kaffeehaus

Kickstart your day with a great coffee and pastries at this renowned cafe.
CHF16, 1h

10:45am

Kunstmuseum Basel

Visit Switzerland’s oldest public art collection featuring works from the Middle Ages to modern art (open 10am-6pm).
CHF26, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Schlüsselzunft

Historic guild house restaurant offering traditional Basel specialties.
CHF35, 1h30m

2:45pm

Explore Basel Old Town

Wander medieval streets including Marktplatz and the Town Hall with its vibrant red facade.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Basel Minster

Explore the striking gothic cathedral on a hill overlooking the Rhine, free entrance.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Markthalle Basel

Enjoy a variety of dishes and vibrant atmosphere in this food hall and market.
CHF30, 2h

Day 10: Return to Zurich, Leisure Day

Zurich, Switzerland on May 23, 2025

9:00am

Train to Zurich from Basel

Short 1-hour ride back to Zurich to relax and revisit favorite spots.
CHF25, 1h

10:15am

Breakfast at Café Henrici

Popular spot with great coffee and light morning fare in the Old Town.
CHF18, 1h

11:30am

Shopping and Exploring Bahnhofstrasse

Explore one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets and visit nearby museums if you like.
Variable, 3h

3:00pm

Relax at Lindenhof Park

Enjoy panoramic views over the Old Town and Limmat River in peaceful surroundings.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Swiss Chuchi

Celebrate your final night with classic Swiss fondue in a cozy, traditional atmosphere.
CHF50, 2h

Day 11: Day Trip to Appenzell

Appenzell, Switzerland on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Train to Appenzell from Zurich

Approximately 2.5-hour scenic train ride into eastern Switzerland for alpine village charm.
CHF45, 2h30m

10:15am

Breakfast at Café Krämerhaus

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee in downtown Appenzell.
CHF15, 1h

11:30am

Walking Tour of Appenzell Village

Discover colorful traditional houses, local crafts shops and learn about the region’s customs.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Gasthaus Bären

Taste regional specialties made from locally sourced ingredients.
CHF30, 1h

2:30pm

Hike to Ebenalp or Visit Wildkirchli Caves

Explore one of eastern Switzerland’s beautiful alpine hikes or visit prehistoric caves (weather dependent).
Cable car CHF25 return, 3h

6:00pm

Return to Zurich

Train back for overnight stay in Zurich.
Included in earlier ticket, 2h30m

8:30pm

Light Dinner at Hiltl

Enjoy healthy and diverse vegetarian dishes at Europe's oldest vegetarian restaurant.
CHF30, 1h30m

Day 12: Swiss Wine Region: Lavaux

Lavaux, Switzerland on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Train to Lavaux from Zurich

About 2 hours by train to the UNESCO World Heritage terraced vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva.
CHF30, 2h

10:30am

Breakfast in Lutry

Try local bakery items and coffee in this charming lakeside village.
CHF15, 1h

11:30am

Vineyard Walking Tour

Hike through the vineyard terraces along the Lavaux Wine Trail, enjoying vistas and photo stops.
Free, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch and Wine Tasting at Domaine Bovy

Enjoy local wines paired with seasonal dishes at a well-reviewed winery.
CHF45, 2h

5:00pm

Relax by Lake Geneva

Unwind along the lakefront promenade with views of the Alps.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Auberge de la Gare

Illustrate your day with delightful Swiss cuisine in a quaint setting.
CHF40, 2h

9:00pm

Return to Zurich

Train back to Zurich for overnight stay.
CHF30, 2h

Day 13: Day Trip to Rhine Falls

Schaffhausen, Switzerland on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Train to Schaffhausen

About 1.5-hour train trip from Zurich to the town near Europe’s largest waterfall.
CHF25, 1h30m

9:45am

Breakfast at Café Bar Lagerhaus

Simple breakfast options close to train station.
CHF12, 1h

10:45am

Visit Rhine Falls

Walk the paths around the falls, take boat trips close to the cascades, and enjoy spectacular natural sights (open dawn to dusk).
Boat CHF12, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Schloss Laufen Restaurant

Castle restaurant with views over Rhine Falls serving Swiss and international dishes.
CHF40, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Schaffhausen Old Town

Discover Renaissance architecture and charming streets in this historic town.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Train back to Zurich

Return journey for overnight stay.
Included, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Sternen Grill

Sample Zurich specialties like hot sausages in a laid-back grill spot to end the day.
CHF25, 1h

Day 14: Departure and Relaxation

Zurich, Switzerland on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with fresh breads and excellent coffee near Zurich's central station.
CHF15, 1h

10:00am

Last-minute shopping or visit to Zurich Botanical Garden

Spend the morning relaxing amid diverse plant collections or picking up souvenirs.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hiltl

Savor a diverse vegetarian buffet for a healthy farewell meal in Zurich.
CHF30, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Zurich Airport

Head to the airport for your departure flight with sufficient time for check-in.
CHF6 (train), 30m