10-Day Scenic Switzerland Vacation Itinerary: Alpine Adventures & Cultural Delights

Day 1: Arrival and Zurich exploration

Zurich, Switzerland on May 28, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Enjoy Swiss pastries and rich coffee at this iconic Zurich café, famous for its Luxemburgerli macarons. It opens at 7:30am, perfect for a fresh start.
CHF15, 1h0m

10:30am

Old Town Walking Tour

Explore Zurich’s historic centre with its narrow medieval streets and landmarks like Grossmünster Church. The tour lasts about 2 hours and helps set the city’s cultural context.
CHF0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine in a historic armory setting. They are open from 11:30am to 10:30pm, offering authentic dishes like Zurich-style veal.
CHF30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Lake Zurich Boat Ride

Relax with a scenic 1-hour boat ride on Lake Zurich, providing pleasant views of the Alps and city skyline. Boats operate until early evening.
CHF8, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Kronenhalle

Dine in an elegant historic venue renowned for its classic Swiss dishes and original artwork by famous Swiss artists. Booking in advance is recommended.
CHF70, 2h0m
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Day 2: Lucerne and Lake Tour

Lucerne, Switzerland on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bachmann Confiserie

Start the day with freshly baked Swiss bread and pastries at this popular Lucerne bakery located near the train station, open from 7:00am.
CHF12, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel to Lucerne by train

Take a direct train from Zurich to Lucerne, a scenic 1-hour journey offering beautiful views as you enter the heart of Central Switzerland.
CHF25, 1h0m

11:00am

Chapel Bridge and Water Tower Visit

Walk across Lucerne’s iconic 14th-century wooden bridge and admire the adjacent Water Tower. The area is pedestrian-friendly and ideal for photos.
CHF0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Rathaus Brauerei

Indulge in hearty Swiss and German beers paired with local dishes in this brewery known for its cosy atmosphere and lake views. Open from 11:00am.
CHF35, 1h30m

2:30pm

Lake Lucerne Cruise

Embark on a 2-hour scenic cruise exploring the fjord-like lake surrounded by mountains, offering panoramic alpine views and perfect photo ops.
CHF45, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Wirtshaus Taube

Savour Swiss comfort food with a modern twist in a relaxed setting just a short walk from the lake. They serve until 9:00pm.
CHF40, 2h0m
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Day 3: Interlaken and Jungfrau Region

Interlaken, Switzerland on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Interlaken Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Swiss breakfast buffet to fuel up for the day of alpine exploration. Available from 7:00am.
CHF20, 1h0m

8:30am

Train to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Take the cogwheel train from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. Open daily 8:00am to 6:00pm during spring, offering stunning glacier views.
CHF150, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Jungfraujoch Restaurant

Dine with spectacular views of the Aletsch Glacier at the alpine restaurant while resting after your climb.
CHF40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Ice Palace and Snow Fun Park

Discover impressive ice sculptures in the Ice Palace and enjoy snow activities accessible year-round here.
Included in train ticket, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Interlaken

Descend back to Interlaken by train, enjoy the scenic mountain vistas on the journey down.
Included, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Husi Bierhaus

Taste local Bernese and Swiss specialties paired with craft beers in a lively rustic setting in Interlaken. Open until 10:00pm.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Montreux and Lake Geneva

Montreux, Switzerland on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café La Rouvenaz

Enjoy a breakfast by the lake, with fresh croissants and coffee in a charming place open from 7:30am.
CHF18, 1h0m

8:30am

Train from Interlaken to Montreux

Take the scenic train route via Spiez and Bern to Montreux, a 3-hour journey showcasing Swiss countryside and lakes.
CHF60, 3h0m

12:00pm

Walk the Montreux Lakeside Promenade

Relax with a stroll alongside gorgeous Lake Geneva and admire flowerbeds, sculptures, and the backdrop of the Alps.
CHF0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Palais Oriental

Enjoy Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine in an atmospheric setting near the lake. Perfect for a leisurely meal open from noon.
CHF40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Château de Chillon

Explore the stunning medieval castle on Lake Geneva’s edge, open daily from 9:00am to 7:00pm. A highlight of Swiss history and architecture.
CHF13, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Brasserie J5

Savour local Swiss and French fusion cuisine with lake views. Open until 10:00pm, offering fine dining with regional wines.
CHF50, 2h0m
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Day 5: Lavaux Vineyards and Bern

Lavaux / Bern, Switzerland on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Les Trois Épis, Lutry

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee at this charming café near the vineyards, open from 7:00am.
CHF16, 1h0m

9:00am

Lavaux Vineyards Hiking and Wine Tasting

Discover UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards with beautiful lake views; stop at several wineries for tastings, available by appointment or walk-in between 10:00am and 5:00pm.
CHF20, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Auberge de la Gare, Villette

Enjoy regional Swiss dishes with local wines in a cozy setting, open from noon.
CHF35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Train to Bern

Travel by train to Switzerland’s capital, taking around 1 hour for the journey.
CHF30, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Bern Old Town

Wander the UNESCO World Heritage medieval centre with its covered arcades, Zytglogge clock tower, and river views.
CHF0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Lötschberg

Dine on traditional Bernese and Swiss fare in a rustic environment. Open till 10:00pm and recommended for its authentic atmosphere.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Bern Museums and Gardens

Bern, Switzerland on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kaffeehaus

Enjoy a modern twist on Swiss breakfast with local coffee and pastries, open from 7:30am.
CHF15, 1h0m

9:00am

Bern Historical Museum

Explore Switzerland’s second largest historical museum including Einstein Museum. Open daily 10:00am to 5:00pm.
CHF15, 2h0m

11:30am

Rosengarten (Rose Garden)

Relax in the beautful rose garden with panoramic views over Bern’s Old Town. Free and open daylight hours.
CHF0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Altes Tramdepot

Eat Swiss specialties brewed beer in an authentic brewery restaurant adjacent to the Aare River. Open 11:00am to 11:00pm.
CHF35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Free afternoon for Bern shopping and leisure

Stroll Bern’s arcades and local markets or relax by the river. A great chance to pick up souvenirs or enjoy local cafes.
CHF0, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kornhauskeller

Dine in a spectacular vaulted cellar offering Swiss and international cuisine with excellent service. Reserve in advance.
CHF50, 2h0m
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Day 7: Zurich Museums and Shopping

Zurich, Switzerland on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Babu's Bakery & Coffeehouse

Relax with freshly baked cakes and high-quality coffee in a trendy Zurich location, open from 8:00am.
CHF14, 1h0m

9:30am

Kunsthaus Zurich (Art Museum)

Visit one of Switzerland’s leading art museums with works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art. Open 10:00am - 6:00pm (Tue closed).
CHF23, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hiltl Restaurant

Enjoy the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant with a vast buffet selection, open all day.
CHF30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Shopping along Bahnhofstrasse

Explore one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets with luxury boutiques and Swiss watchmakers.
CHF0, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Lindenhof Hill

Relax at this peaceful park with views of the Old Town and Limmat River, ideal for a late-afternoon break.
CHF0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Swiss Chuchi

Savour classic Swiss fondue and raclette dishes in Zurich’s Old Town, open until 10:30pm.
CHF45, 2h0m
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Day 8: Day Trip to Appenzell

Appenzell, Switzerland on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Zurich Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out for a full-day excursion, hotel opens from 6:30am.
CHF20, 1h0m

8:00am

Train to Appenzell

Travel to picturesque Appenzell (approx. 2.5 hours) known for its traditional Swiss culture and rolling green hills.
CHF60, 2h30m

10:30am

Appenzell Village Walking Tour

Discover colourful painted houses, local crafts, and learn about Appenzell customs in the pedestrian-friendly village centre.
CHF0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Gasthaus Zum Wilden Mann

Savour local cheeses and meat specialties at this traditional inn, open from noon.
CHF35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Hike Roblosen Viewpoint

Take a gentle 1.5 hour hike with panoramic views of the Alps and rolling landscapes, accessible year-round.
CHF0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Zurich

Train back to Zurich, arriving early evening for leisure time.
CHF60, 2h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Veltlinerkeller

Experience refined Swiss cuisine in a cellar setting in Zurich. Open from 6:30pm.
CHF55, 2h0m
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Day 9: Day Excursion to Rhine Falls

Schaffhausen / Rhine Falls, Switzerland on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Zurich Hotel

Fuel up early before the day trip to Europe’s largest waterfall.
CHF20, 1h0m

8:30am

Train to Schaffhausen

Travel by train to Schaffhausen (approx. 1hr 15min), gateway to Rhine Falls.
CHF30, 1h15m

10:00am

Visit Rhine Falls

Explore the dramatic waterfall area with observation decks and boat rides close to the water, open from 9:00am to 7:00pm.
CHF5 entry + CHF15 boat ride optional, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Schloss Laufen Restaurant

Enjoy fine dining overlooking the Rhine Falls with traditional Swiss and international cuisine.
CHF45, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return to Zurich

Train ride back to Zurich, arriving late afternoon for free time.
CHF30, 1h15m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Restaurant Razzia

End your trip with Mediterranean and Swiss fusion cuisine in a classy Zurich venue, perfect for a last memorable night. Open until 11:00pm.
CHF60, 2h0m
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Day 10: Departure Day Relax

Zurich, Switzerland on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel or nearby café, reflecting on your Swiss adventure.
CHF20, 1h0m

10:00am

Leisurely Morning Walk along Lake Zurich

Take a gentle stroll along the lakeshore or visit nearby parks to soak in the last moments of Switzerland's natural beauty.
CHF0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Check-out and Transfer to Airport

Head to Zurich Airport for your departure, allowing ample time for check-in and security.
Varies, 1h30m
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