Epic 13-Day Family Road Trip from Zurich to Amsterdam via Germany

Day 1: Zurich City Touring

Zurich, Switzerland on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Enjoy a traditional Swiss breakfast offering fresh pastries, including Luxemburgerli macarons, in a famous Zurich café to start your day with authentic local flavours.
CHF25, 1h

9:30am

Explore Old Town (Altstadt)

Wander through Zurich’s charming Old Town with narrow lanes, historic architecture and boutique shops. Don't miss the Grossmünster Church and Lindenhof park for panoramic views of the city.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Dine at this traditional Swiss restaurant located in a historic armory offering Swiss classics like sausages, rösti and cheese fondue in a family-friendly atmosphere.
CHF40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Lake Zurich Boat Ride

Take a scenic one-hour boat cruise on Lake Zurich to admire the alpine backdrop and the city skyline from the water. Boats run typically until early evening.
CHF20, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hiltl

Enjoy a healthy vegetarian dinner at Hiltl, the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, offering inventive Swiss and international dishes perfect for families.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Zurich Nature & Museums

Zurich, Switzerland on May 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse

Start your day with fresh pastries and excellent coffee at this popular bakery known for its homemade breads and relaxed vibe.
CHF20, 1h

10:00am

Visit Zurich Zoo

Spend the morning exploring Zurich Zoo, home to over 360 animal species and the innovative Masoala Rainforest hall, a hit for kids and adults alike.
CHF26, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Zoo Restaurant Masoala

Enjoy a relaxed lunch inside the zoo’s Masoala Rainforest hall with a view of exotic plants and animals.
CHF30, 1h

3:00pm

Kunsthaus Zurich

Visit the Kunsthaus art museum showcasing Swiss and international art from the Middle Ages to contemporary pieces, perfect for older children interested in visual arts.
CHF16, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Molino

Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine including wood-oven pizzas and pastas, a family favourite located near the lake.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Day Trip to Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Zurich Bahnhof Café

Grab a quick breakfast at Zurich train station before taking the train to Lucerne, a picturesque town an hour away.
CHF15, 30m

9:00am

Train to Lucerne

A scenic train journey of about one hour through Swiss countryside to Lucerne.
CHF25, 1h

10:30am

Explore Chapel Bridge & Old Town Lucerne

Discover Lucerne’s famous wooden Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and explore cobblestone lanes lined with medieval buildings.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Fritschi

Traditional Swiss food in a historic setting known for its rösti and local specialities.
CHF35, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Swiss Museum of Transport

Interactive museum ideal for families featuring trains, planes, automobiles and even a planetarium, open daily 9am–5pm.
CHF32, 3h

5:30pm

Train back to Zurich

Return to Zurich by train after an enriching day.
CHF25, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Löwen Grill

Fresh grilled meats and seasonal dishes with a relaxed atmosphere near Zurich’s old town to finish off the day.
CHF45, 1h30m
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Day 4: Zurich Day Outdoors

Zurich, Switzerland on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at ViCafe

Enjoy a quick, high-quality coffee and pastry from this local favourite coffee roaster and shop.
CHF15, 30m

9:00am

Uetliberg Mountain Hike

Take a train or hike up to Uetliberg, Zurich’s local mountain, for panoramic views over the city and lake. The trail is family-friendly and perfect for a morning adventure.
CHF12 (train), 3h

1:00pm

Picnic lunch at Uetliberg

Enjoy a picnic with food from local Swiss supermarkets or delis, breathing in fresh alpine air.
CHF20, 1h

3:00pm

Zurich Botanical Garden

Visit the botanical garden with over 15,000 species of plants, a quiet and educational afternoon stop that is open until 6pm.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Swiss Chuchi

Indulge in traditional Swiss fondue and raclette, a perfect family dinner experience to wrap up your time in Zurich.
CHF50, 1h30m
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