6-Day Comprehensive Switzerland Itinerary: Zurich, Lucerne, and the Alps

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

5:00 PM

Arrival in Zurich

Arrive at Zurich Airport, proceed to your accommodation at Zurich Youth Hostel or easyHotel Zurich.
S-Bahn (S2 or S16) from the airport to Zurich HB, then tram or walk to hotel.
CHF50, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Evening Walk - Zurich Old Town

Explore Bahnhofstrasse, Lindenhof Hill, and stroll alongside the Limmat River to soak in the city’s historic charm.
Walking distance from accommodation.
Free, 2 hours

9:00 PM

Dinner at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine known for hearty meals such as sausages, fondue, and rosti in a historic setting.
Located in Old Town, accessible on foot.
CHF30, 1 hour
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Day 2: Zurich Highlights

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café Schober

Delight in Swiss pastries and fine hot chocolate at this classic café close to Old Town.
Walking distance from accommodation.
CHF20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Swiss National Museum

Discover Switzerland’s cultural and historical treasures in an impressive castle-like building (free entry with Swiss Travel Pass).
Take tram line 4 to Museumstrasse.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Hiltl

Experience Europe’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, offering a vast buffet and light dishes.
Near the National Museum.
CHF25, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Lake Zurich Walk or Boat Ride

Unwind by walking lakeside or take a boat cruise for splendid views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Near Hiltl, boat rides included with Swiss Travel Pass.
CHF10 if opting for a boat ride, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Zurich West

Visit this trendy district with modern art galleries, street art, and vibrant affordable dining options.
Tram line 4 to Zurich West.
Free, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Les Halles

Dine at this animated bistro offering a diverse menu in Zurich West, perfect for an evening meal.
Walking distance in Zurich West.
CHF30, 1 hour
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Day 3: Lucerne Excursion

Lucerne, Switzerland

7:30 AM

Hotel Breakfast

Enjoy a simple breakfast to start your day before heading out on your day trip.
Included with accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Train to Lucerne

Board a train to Lucerne, scenic and covered by your Swiss Travel Pass.
Zurich HB station to Lucerne station.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Chapel Bridge and Old Town

Explore Lucerne’s famous wooden bridge and charming medieval streets packed with history.
Walking distance from Lucerne station.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Lion Monument

Visit the iconic sculpture memorialising the Swiss Guards of the French Revolution.
Short walk from Chapel Bridge.
Free, 30 minutes

12:00 PM

Lunch at Restaurant Fritschi

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes in a cosy, historic setting within the Old Town.
Nearby the Lion Monument.
CHF25, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Swiss Museum of Transport

Visit this interactive museum showcasing Switzerland’s transport history, free with your Swiss Travel Pass.
Bus or short taxi ride from town centre.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Return to Zurich

Travel back by train to Zurich for a peaceful evening.
Lucerne to Zurich by train.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Raclette Stube

Indulge in classic cheese dishes like raclette and fondue in this cosy restaurant.
Located near your accommodation.
CHF35, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Interlaken & Lauterbrunnen

Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a solid breakfast at your Zurich accommodation.
Included with hotel stay.
Included, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Interlaken

Take the scenic train ride to Interlaken, a picturesque town nestled between two lakes.
Zurich HB to Interlaken Ost by train.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 2 hours

10:15 AM

Explore Interlaken

Walk along the Aare River and enjoy the stunning alpine environment.
Walking around town centre.
Free, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Funicular to Harder Kulm

Ascend to Harder Kulm viewpoint for panoramic vistas over Interlaken and the Jungfrau region (discounted with Swiss Travel Pass).
Funicular station near Interlaken Ost.
CHF20 with Swiss Travel Pass discount, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Restaurant Laterne

Taste local favourites and enjoy a relaxed meal in Interlaken before heading to Lauterbrunnen.
Located centrally in Interlaken.
CHF30, 1 hour

2:45 PM

Train to Lauterbrunnen

Short train ride to stunning Lauterbrunnen, famed for impressive waterfalls.
Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen (20 mins).
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 20 minutes

3:15 PM

Visit Staubbach Falls

Witness one of Europe’s highest free-falling waterfalls right in the village.
Short walk from Lauterbrunnen station.
Free, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Return to Interlaken

Make your way back to Interlaken and relax in your accommodation or nearby café.
Train back to Interlaken Ost.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 20 minutes

7:00 PM

Dinner at The 3 Tells Irish Pub

Experience a friendly dining atmosphere with diverse menu options and live music some nights.
Near your accommodation in Interlaken.
CHF35, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Bern Day Trip

Bern, Switzerland

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Hostels or Hotel

Begin your morning with breakfast, ready for travel to the Swiss capital.
Included with accommodation in Interlaken.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Train to Bern

Board a comfortable train to Bern, a 1-hour journey covered by your Swiss Travel Pass.
Interlaken Ost to Bern main station.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Walk Around Old Town

Explore Bern’s UNESCO-listed medieval old town with beautiful arcades and fountains.
Within walking distance of the station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Restaurant Kornhauskeller

Dine in a grand vaulted hall serving Swiss and international cuisine.
Close to the Old Town centre.
CHF30, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Bear Park

Visit Bern’s famous Bear Park and observe their mascot bears in a natural environment.
Short walk from lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

2:45 PM

Federal Palace

View the exterior or take a guided tour of Switzerland’s parliament building (tour booking advised).
Within walking distance.
CHF10 for tour, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Return Train to Zurich

Travel back to Zurich to prepare for your final evening in Switzerland.
Bern to Zurich HB.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Leisure Evening

Relax or visit any last-minute sights or shopping areas nearby your accommodation.
Walking distance around Zurich city centre.
Free, Variable

7:30 PM

Dinner at Bianchi

Celebrate your journey with a final meal of Italian and Swiss fusion dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.
Near Zurich city centre.
CHF35, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Basel or Geneva Day Trip

Basel or Geneva, Switzerland

7:30 AM

Hotel Breakfast

Enjoy your last breakfast in Zurich to energise for your day trip.
Included with accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Train to Basel or Geneva

Choose your preferred city for the day; Basel for art and Rhine views or Geneva for international landmarks and lakeside charm.
Depart from Zurich HB.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Sightseeing in Basel or Geneva

In Basel, visit the Kunstmuseum and stroll along the Rhine; in Geneva, explore the Jet d’Eau, United Nations Office, and Parc des Bastions.
Walking distance between attractions.
Free, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch (City Choice)

Sample local cuisine at Kloster Liebfrauen in Basel or Les Armures in Geneva, both offering authentic Swiss fare.
Centrally located restaurants.
CHF30, 1 hour

1:30 PM

More Exploration

Continue discovering notable spots or museums based on your interests in either city.
Walking or short public transport rides.
Variable, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Return to Zurich

Head back by train, concluding your memorable Swiss experience.
Basel or Geneva to Zurich HB.
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at Swiss Chuchi

Enjoy a classic Swiss cheese fondue in a traditional setting for your final dinner.
Close to hotel in Zurich city centre.
CHF40, 1.5 hours
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