Comprehensive 13-Day Switzerland Scenic and Cultural Journey with Must-See Attractions and Scenic Train Rides

Day 1: Arrival Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on May 28, 2025

15:25

Arrive Zurich Airport

Land at Zurich Airport and check-in at Dormero Hotel Zurich Airport, well situated for your arrival day.

CHF0, 1h

17:00

Explore Bahnhofstrasse

Stroll along Zurich's famous shopping street, a beautiful area to get your first taste of Swiss culture.

CHF0, 2h

19:30

Dinner at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes like Zürcher Geschnetzeltes in this historic and lively restaurant, open till 10:30pm.

CHF50, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Zurich to Luzern

Zurich to Luzern, Switzerland on May 29, 2025

7:30

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty Swiss breakfast before checkout, preparing for Luzern adventure.

Included, 1h

9:00

Train to Luzern

Take a short train ride from Zurich to Luzern (~1h), a picturesque town on Lake Luzern.

CHF25, 1h

10:30

Check-in Hotel Bergsonne

Drop off luggage at your Luzern hotel for a comfortable stay on May 29-31.

CHF0, 0.5h

11:30

Visit Chapel Bridge and Old Town

Walk across the iconic wooden Kapellbrücke and explore Luzern’s charming historic center.

CHF0, 2h

13:30

Lunch at Rathaus Brauerei

Enjoy locally brewed beers and Swiss specialties at this cozy brewery in central Luzern.

CHF30, 1h

15:00

Lindt Chocolate Factory Tour

Discover the world of Swiss chocolate making at the Lindt Home of Chocolate, open 9am-6pm.

CHF15, 1.5h

17:00

Lake Luzern Boat Ride

Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Luzern, perfect for panoramic views of the Alps.

CHF25, 1.5h

19:30

Dinner at Wirtshaus Taube

Experience traditional Swiss cuisine in a warm rustic setting, open until 10pm.

CHF40, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Luzern & Hiking

Luzern and Surroundings, Switzerland on May 30, 2025

7:30

Breakfast at Hotel Bergsonne

Fill up on a delicious breakfast buffet to start your active day.

Included, 1h

8:45

Day hike to Mount Pilatus

Take the cogwheel train from Alpnachstad (accessible via Luzern) to Mount Pilatus, enjoy breathtaking views and hiking trails; the train runs from 8:30am to 5pm.

CHF72, 5h

14:30

Cable Car descend and visit Pilatus Kulm

Ride the cable car down enjoying panoramic views or hiking around Pilatus peak for stunning scenery.

Included in ticket, 2h

18:30

Return to Luzern

Relax after your adventurous day with a stroll by the lake.

CHF0, 0.5h

20:00

Dinner at Old Swiss House Luzern

Indulge in classic Swiss dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, open until 10pm.

CHF50, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Luzern to Gsteig via Basel & Weil am Rhein

Luzern - Basel - Weil am Rhein - Gsteig, Switzerland/Germany on May 31, 2025

7:00

Breakfast at Hotel Bergsonne

Eat an energizing breakfast before traveling onwards.

Included, 1h

8:00

Train to Basel

Travel by train to Basel (~1.5h), gateway for your scenic train ride to Germany.

CHF40, 1.5h

10:00

Train ride Basel to Weil am Rhein

Experience the short cross-border train trip to Weil am Rhein, Germany, known for its shopping outlets and architecture.

EUR5, 0.5h

11:00

Explore Weil am Rhein

Visit Vitra Campus for design and architecture, open 10am-6pm.

EUR10, 1.5h

13:00

Lunch at VitraHaus cafe

Enjoy a modern café lunch featuring regional flavors.

EUR20, 1h

14:30

Travel to Gsteig

Take the train and local transport for scenic transfer to Gsteig home accommodation.

CHF30, 3h

18:00

Check-in Home in Gsteig

Settle in and unwind in this peaceful mountain village, perfect base for hikes and nature exploration.

CHF0, N/A

19:30

Dinner in Gsteig

Enjoy nearby traditional mountain cuisine, check local eateries like Restaurant Alpenblick.

CHF40, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Gsteig Hiking & Heididorf

Gsteig & Heididorf, Switzerland on June 1, 2025

7:30

Breakfast at Home

Prepare for a day of hiking with a local home-cooked breakfast.

Included, 1h

9:00

Hiking in Gsteig area

Explore the mountain trails around Gsteig, with beautiful alpine landscapes and waterfall views.

CHF0, 3h

12:30

Drive/Train to Heididorf

Visit the charming Heididorf village where the story of Heidi originated, open 9:30am-5pm.

CHF10, 2h

15:00

Return to Gsteig

Rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings after your cultural visit.

CHF0, 1h

18:30

Dinner at Local Inn

Savor hearty alpine dishes with a cozy ambiance in Gsteig’s local dining spots.

CHF40, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Gsteig to Interlaken, Waterfalls

Gsteig to Interlaken, Switzerland on June 2, 2025

7:00

Breakfast at Home

Early breakfast before checking out.

Included, 1h

9:00

Travel from Gsteig to Interlaken

Train journey to Interlaken (~2h), check into Hotel Central - Continental.

CHF40, 2h

11:30

Check-in Hotel Central - Continental

Settle in and prepare for visiting nearby attractions.

CHF0, 0.5h

12:30

Visit Staubbach and Trummelbach Falls

Explore these breathtaking Jungfrau region waterfalls—Staubbach is open year-round, Trummelbach Falls from 9am-6pm (small fee applies).

CHF15, 3h

16:00

Walk around Interlaken

Leisurely stroll near Lake Thun and Lake Brienz shorelines.

CHF0, 1.5h

19:00

Dinner at Restaurant Laterne

Taste traditional Swiss dishes and local beers, open till 10pm.

CHF45, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Interlaken to Montreux via Geneva

Interlaken - Geneva - Montreux, Switzerland on June 3, 2025

6:30

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day early to fit in Geneva visit.

Included, 0.5h

7:00

Train to Geneva

Travel by train (~3h) to Geneva for a morning tour.

CHF60, 3h

10:30

Visit Jet d'Eau and Old Town Geneva

Enjoy the iconic water fountain and explore historic Geneva from 10:30am until 1:00pm.

CHF0, 2.5h

13:00

Lunch at Buvette des Bains des Pâquis

Savor casual lakeside dining with Swiss and international dishes, open all day.

CHF30, 1h

14:00

Train from Geneva to Montreux

Scenic 1h journey along Lake Geneva shoreline to Montreux.

CHF20, 1h

15:30

Check-in J5 Hotels Helvetie Montreux

Settle in Montreux for your one-night stay.

CHF0, 0.5h

16:00

Visit Château de Chillon

Explore this famous lakeside castle open 9am-7pm; must-see for history and stunning architecture.

CHF15, 2h

19:30

Dinner at Montreux Jazz Café

Enjoy live music atmosphere with Swiss and Mediterranean cuisine, open until 11pm.

CHF50, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Montreux to Zermatt

Montreux to Zermatt, Switzerland on June 4, 2025

8:00

Breakfast at Hotel

Eat well before embarking on journey to mountain paradise.

Included, 1h

9:30

Train to Zermatt

Travel through scenic Swiss landscapes to the car-free village of Zermatt (~3.5h).

CHF55, 3.5h

13:30

Check-in Hotel Daniela

Check in and prepare for Matterhorn sightseeing.

CHF0, 0.5h

14:00

Gornergrat Railway to Matterhorn Views

Take the cog railway to Gornergrat summit for panoramic views of the Matterhorn; operates 8am to 6pm.

CHF95, 3h

18:30

Dinner at Restaurant Schäferstube

Sample local Valais specialities like raclette in traditional alpine atmosphere.

CHF50, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Zermatt to Lugano

Zermatt to Lugano, Switzerland on June 5, 2025

6:30

Early Breakfast at Hotel Daniela

Ready for a day of travel south to Italian-influenced Lugano.

Included, 1h

7:30

Train to Lugano

Enjoy scenic railway journey through the Gotthard Base Tunnel and alpine passes (~4h).

CHF60, 4h

12:00

Check-in Locanda della Masseria a Porza

Settle in a cozy B&B close to Lugano center for your stay.

CHF0, 0.5h

13:00

Lunch by Lugano Lakefront

Dine at Ristorante La Cucina di Alice, offering lakeside Italian fusion dishes.

CHF40, 1.5h

15:00

Explore Lugano City and Parco Ciani

Stroll through the beautiful lakeside park and visit Lugano's quaint old town.

CHF0, 2h

19:00

Dinner at Grotto Morchino

Experience authentic Ticino rustic cuisine in a charming grotto setting.

CHF45, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Lugano to Saint Moritz

Lugano to Saint Moritz, Switzerland on June 6, 2025

7:00

Breakfast at Locanda della Masseria

Breakfast before a scenic train journey to the Engadine valley.

Included, 1h

8:00

Train to Saint Moritz via Tirano

Journey includes passing Tirano by 13:00 and arrival Saint Moritz at 14:45; enjoy alpine vistas and cross into Engadine.

CHF70, 6h45m

15:00

Check-in Hotel Nolda

Settle into your hotel in elegant Saint Moritz.

CHF0, 0.5h

16:00

Visit Lake St. Moritz and Promenade

Relax with a walk around the lake and soak in alpine luxury atmosphere.

CHF0, 2h

19:00

Dinner at Restaurant Hauser

Swiss and international cuisine in intimate setting, open until 10pm.

CHF55, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Saint Moritz to Saint Gallen

Saint Moritz to Saint Gallen, Switzerland on June 7, 2025

7:00

Breakfast at Hotel Nolda

Enjoy breakfast before departure to Saint Gallen.

Included, 1h

8:00

Train to Saint Gallen

Travel by train (~3h) traversing alpine scenery to cultural city of Saint Gallen.

CHF45, 3h

11:30

Check-in Self Check-In Hotel David 22

Arrive and settle at your accommodation for 2 nights.

CHF0, 0.5h

12:30

Lunch at Gasthaus zum Goldenen Schäfli

Traditional Swiss dining in an historic inn open until 9pm.

CHF35, 1h

14:00

Visit Abbey Library of Saint Gall

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with its stunning baroque library interiors, open 9am-5pm.

CHF12, 1.5h

15:30

Explore Old Town & Textile Museum

Walk through the cobblestone streets and visit the Textile Museum showcasing regional heritage, open 2pm-5pm.

CHF10, 1.5h

18:00

Dinner at Zum Goldenen Löwen

Switzerland meets international cuisine in cozy setting, open till 10pm.

CHF45, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Saint Gallen & Liechtenstein & Lindau

Day Trips from Saint Gallen, Switzerland on June 8, 2025

7:30

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy early breakfast before day of exploration to Liechtenstein and Lindau.

Included, 1h

8:30

Day Trip to Liechtenstein

Catch the train and bus (~1.5h) to Vaduz, Liechtenstein to explore the Prince's Castle (outside view), Vaduz Art Museum, and local shops; museums typically open 10am-5pm.

CHF15, 3h