20-Day Comprehensive Switzerland Itinerary: Explore Scenic Cities, Alpine Adventures, and Cultural Treasures

Day 1: Arrival & Explore Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on June 2, 2025

9:45am

Arrive and Check-in

Arrive at Zurich Airport and make your way to the hotel in the city centre for check-in and to freshen up before exploring.
CHF0, 1h0m

11:00am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Enjoy a luxurious Swiss breakfast with fresh pastries and their famous Luxemburgerli macarons. Café is open from 7am to 7pm.
Approx. CHF25, 1h0m

12:15pm

Bahnhofstrasse Shopping Walk

Stroll along Zurich's famous Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping avenues, perfect for window shopping and people watching.
Free, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Dine in a traditional Swiss armory building, enjoying hearty local dishes such as sausages and Rösti. Open 11:30am to 11:00pm.
Approx. CHF30, 1h15m

3:30pm

Visit the Kunsthaus Zurich

Discover an impressive collection of modern and classical art in Switzerland’s foremost art museum, open until 6pm on weekdays.
CHF16, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Kronenhalle

Enjoy gourmet Swiss cuisine in an elegant setting renowned for its art collection and classic dishes. Open from 6pm.
Approx. CHF60, 2h0m
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Day 2: Zurich Lake and Old Town

Zurich, Switzerland on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse

Start your day with artisanal breads and speciality coffee in this quirky local favourite open from 7:30am.
Approx. CHF20, 1h0m

9:30am

Lake Zurich Boat Tour

Take a scenic one-hour boat cruise on Lake Zurich for stunning views of the Alps and the city skyline, tours run daily from 9am to 6pm.
CHF22, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Old Town (Altstadt)

Wander through the medieval streets lined with historic buildings, shops and the famous Grossmünster church. Free public access.
Free, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Hiltl

Enjoy Switzerland’s oldest vegetarian restaurant with a diverse buffet of fresh, healthy dishes. Open from 11:30am to 10:00pm.
Approx. CHF30, 1h15m

2:15pm

Visit Swiss National Museum

Dive into Swiss cultural history with exhibits including medieval weapons, folk art and contemporary design. Open 10am to 5pm.
CHF10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Lindenhof Hill

Enjoy panoramic views over the Old Town and Limmat River from this peaceful historic park.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Maison Manesse

Michelin-starred restaurant offering creative Swiss cuisine in an intimate setting. Reservations recommended, open from 6pm.
Approx. CHF80, 2h0m
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Day 3: Day Trip to Rhine Falls

Zurich - Schaffhausen, Switzerland on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hotel breakfast buffet to fuel your day trip to Rhine Falls, opening at 8am.
Included (hotel stay), 1h0m

8:30am

Train to Schaffhausen

Take a direct 1h20m train ride from Zurich to Schaffhausen, the gateway to the Rhine Falls.
CHF25, 1h20m

10:00am

Visit Rhine Falls

Explore Europe’s largest waterfall by walking trails, viewing platforms and boat trips up close. Open daily from 8am to 8pm in summer.
CHF5 for walking area; CHF15 for boat trip, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Schloss Laufen Restaurant

Eat with an incredible view of the falls from this historic castle restaurant open 11am to 7pm.
Approx. CHF35, 1h0m

2:45pm

Return to Zurich

Train back to Zurich to relax after a day immersed in natural beauty and history.
CHF25, 1h20m

5:00pm

Evening Leisure

Free time to rest or explore more of Zurich at your own pace.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Swiss Chuchi

Famous for traditional cheese fondue in a cozy ambience open until 10:30pm.
Approx. CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel to Lucerne & Old Town

Lucerne, Switzerland on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hiltl (Zurich)

Enjoy a quick healthy breakfast before travelling. Open from 7:30am.
Approx. CHF20, 1h0m

9:30am

Train to Lucerne

Scenic one-hour train ride from Zurich to Lucerne, arriving mid-morning.
CHF25, 1h0m

10:45am

Hotel Check-in & Drop Bags

Settle into your Lucerne accommodation near the Old Town for easy exploration.
CHF0, 0h45m

11:30am

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Traditional Swiss cuisine with family recipes, open 11am to 2:30pm.
Approx. CHF30, 1h15m

12:45pm

Explore Chapel Bridge and Old Town

Walk across the iconic wooden Chapel Bridge and enjoy Lucerne’s medieval streets rich in history and charm.
Free, 2h0m

3:00pm

Visit the Lion Monument

See the poignant rock relief dedicated to Swiss Guards who died in the French Revolution, open 24/7.
Free, 0h30m

4:00pm

Lake Lucerne Waterfront Walk

Relax with a stroll along the picturesque lakeshore with views of Mt Pilatus.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Balances

Dine on upscale Swiss and Mediterranean dishes with river views, open from 6pm.
Approx. CHF50, 2h0m
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Day 5: Mount Pilatus Adventure

Lucerne, Switzerland on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early hotel breakfast to prepare for a day trip to Mt Pilatus.
Included (hotel stay), 1h0m

8:30am

Boat to Alpnachstad

Take a scenic 1-hour paddle steamer across Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, the base of the Pilatus cogwheel railway.
CHF35, 1h0m

9:45am

Cogwheel Railway to Mt Pilatus Summit

Ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the summit (open from May to November), enjoying breathtaking alpine views.
CHF72 return, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Mt Pilatus Summit

Hike short trails, take in panoramic views of the Alps and Lake Lucerne, and visit the mountain restaurants and observation decks.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pilatus Kulm Hotel

Enjoy lunch at the summit with spectacular scenery and traditional Swiss fare.
Approx. CHF40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Cable Car Descent to Kriens

Descend via panoramic aerial cable car to Kriens and then bus back to Lucerne.
Included in ticket, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax by Lake Lucerne

Spend your late afternoon relaxing at a lakeside café or in the hotel.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Old Swiss House

Experience classic Swiss dishes in a charming historic setting, open until 10pm.
Approx. CHF50, 2h0m
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Day 6: Travel to Interlaken & City Walk

Interlaken, Switzerland on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before train departure to Interlaken.
Included (hotel stay), 1h0m

9:30am

Train to Interlaken

Scenic 2-hour train ride from Lucerne to Interlaken via Bernese Oberland.
CHF50, 2h0m

11:45am

Hotel Check-in & Lunch Near Interlaken Ost

Check in then lunch at Husi Bierhaus, serving Swiss and international dishes, open from 11:30am.
Approx. CHF30, 1h0m

1:00pm

Walk Along Höhematte Park

Explore Interlaken’s famous open park with mountain views and watch paragliders landing nearby.
Free, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Harder Kulm

Take the funicular to Interlaken’s local mountain (open 8am-8pm), offering breathtaking views of Jungfrau and the valley below.
CHF38 return, 2h30m

5:00pm

Return and Rest

Relax at your hotel or explore local shops.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

Traditional Swiss dishes including fondue in a cosy atmosphere, open till 9.30pm.
Approx. CHF45, 1h30m
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Day 7: Jungfrau Region Excursion

Interlaken, Switzerland on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for a full day in the Jungfrau region.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Train to Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe

Ride the scenic Jungfrau railway to Europe’s highest train station at 3454m. Open all year, trains depart regularly from 7am.
CHF100 approx., 2h30m

10:30am

Explore Jungfraujoch Attractions

Visit the Ice Palace, Sphinx Observatory, and enjoy breathtaking views of Aletsch Glacier.
Included in ticket, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Jungfraujoch Restaurant

Enjoy alpine cuisine and snacks at the mountain top dining facilities.
Approx. CHF40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Interlaken

Descend by train back to Interlaken for afternoon rest or light exploration.
Included, 2h0m

4:30pm

Explore Interlaken Markets

Browse local artisan markets or relax at a café in the town centre.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sherpa Restaurant

Enjoy Nepalese cuisine in a warm welcoming atmosphere open until 9.30pm.
Approx. CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Travel to Zermatt & Village Walk

Zermatt, Switzerland on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before your journey to Zermatt.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Train to Zermatt

Travel by train to Zermatt via Visp (approx. 2h45m). Zermatt is car-free, so expect a short walk from the station to accommodation.
CHF60, 2h45m

12:30pm

Check-in and Lunch at Restaurant Julen

Settle in then savour traditional Valais cuisine in this well-rated local eatery open until 9pm.
Approx. CHF40, 1h15m

1:45pm

Explore Zermatt Village

Walk through the picturesque Zermatt village streets, viewing local shops and the Matterhorn Museum (open 10am to 5pm).
CHF15 (museum entry), 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax or Early Hike

If weather allows, take a gentle hike on trails near the village with great Matterhorn views.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Schäferstube

Famous for Walliser specialties including raclette and lamb dishes, open until 9:30pm.
Approx. CHF45, 1h30m
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Day 9: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Zermatt, Switzerland on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before an alpine adventure day.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Cable Car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Take the highest cable car station in Europe to enjoy panoramic views and snow activities, open daily 8am to 5pm.
CHF100 return, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Ice Palace & Viewing Platforms

Walk through the ice tunnels and outdoor platforms with views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.
Included in ticket, 2h0m

11:30am

Snow Activities & Photos

Try snow tubing or simply enjoy the snowy landscape, with rental options available onsite.
Varies approx CHF20-40, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bergrestaurant Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Dine with spectacular views of the glacier and peaks, open 11:30am to 2pm.
Approx. CHF40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Zermatt & Rest

Descend via cable car, then relax at your hotel or in town.
Included, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Local Shops and Cafés

Discover local artisan shops and enjoy coffee or cake.
Free/variable, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Findlerhof

Enjoy rustic restaurant dining with speciality game and mountain cuisine, reservations recommended.
Approx. CHF55, 2h0m
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Day 10: Gornergrat Railway & Glacier Views

Zermatt, Switzerland on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare with a wholesome breakfast before heading out to Gornergrat.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Gornergrat Railway Ride

Take the cogwheel train (open daily) for one of the best views of the Matterhorn and Gorner Glacier.
CHF90 return, 1h15m

9:45am

Explore Gornergrat Summit

Hike easy trails, visit the observatory, or have coffee with alpine views.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kulmhotel Gornergrat

Savour traditional Swiss fare with panoramic views, open until 3pm.
Approx. CHF45, 1h0m

1:00pm

Return to Zermatt and Leisure

Descend and enjoy leisure time exploring more of the village or relaxing.
Included, 1h15m

3:00pm

Visit Matterhorn Museum if missed

Revisit or visit for the first time the local museum covering alpine history, open until 5pm.
CHF15, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Omnia

Upscale dining with international cuisine, perfect for a memorable final dinner in Zermatt.
Approx. CHF75, 2h0m
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Day 11: Travel to Montreux & Lakeside Walk

Montreux, Switzerland on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Train to Montreux

Travel via Visp and Lausanne to Montreux, approximately 3h00m journey.
CHF70, 3h0m

12:30pm

Check-in & Lunch at Le Museum

Local Swiss and Mediterranean dishes in a charming lakeside brasserie open 12pm-2:30pm.
Approx. CHF35, 1h15m

1:45pm

Stroll Along Montreux Lakeside Promenade

Walk the beautiful flower-lined promenade with views of Lake Geneva and the Alps, free access.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Château de Chillon

Explore this stunning medieval castle on Lake Geneva, open 9am to 7pm daily.
CHF15, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Le Pont de Brent

Michelin-starred creative Swiss cuisine about 10mins drive (taxi recommended), reservations needed.
Approx. CHF90, 2h0m
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Day 12: Explore Vevey & Lavaux Vineyards

Montreux/Vevey, Switzerland on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast included in your accommodation.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Train to Vevey

Short 10-minute train journey from Montreux to Vevey, birthplace of Chaplin.
CHF5, 0h10m

10:00am

Visit Chaplin’s World

Explore the museum dedicated to Charlie Chaplin’s life and work, open 9am to 6pm.
CHF27, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Café de la Poste

Traditional Swiss and French cuisine in a historic setting, open from 11:30am.
Approx. CHF30, 1h0m

1:45pm

Lavaux Vineyard Terraces Hike

Spend the afternoon hiking and wine tasting in the UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva. Many vineyards open until 5pm or later.
Wine tasting approx. CHF10-20, 3h0m

5:00pm

Return to Montreux

Return train ride to Montreux for evening.
CHF5, 0h15m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le 45

Enjoy French-inspired dishes in a modern setting with lake views, open from 6:30pm.
Approx. CHF50, 2h0m
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Day 13: Travel to Lausanne & Museums

Lausanne, Switzerland on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before checking out and travelling to Lausanne.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Train to Lausanne

Short 30-minute train journey to Lausanne, famous for its Olympic Museum.
CHF15, 0h30m

10:15am

Hotel Check-in

Settle into your accommodation in Lausanne city centre.
0 CHF, 0h45m

11:00am

Visit Olympic Museum

Explore the interactive museum dedicated to the Olympic Games, open 9am to 6pm.
CHF18, 2h0m

1:15pm

Lunch at Brasserie de Montbenon

Lunch in a classic brasserie overlooking the park and lake, open 11:30am to 2:30pm.
Approx. CHF30, 1h15m

2:30pm

Lausanne Cathedral & Old Town Walk

Visit the stunning Gothic cathedral and wander the charming streets nearby, both free to visit.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Anne-Sophie Pic

Gourmet dining with Michelin-starred French cuisine inside the Beau-Rivage Palace, reservations advised.
Approx. CHF85, 2h0m
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Day 14: Day Trip to Lavaux & Wine Tasting

Lausanne, Switzerland on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with hotel breakfast before setting out to the Lavaux region.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Train to Lutry

Take a short 10-minute train ride to Lutry as a starting point for vineyard hikes.
CHF6, 0h10m

9:30am

Lavaux Vineyard Hike & Tastings

Enjoy hiking through terraced vineyards and visit cellar doors for wine tasting sessions open 10am to 5pm.
Wine tastings approx. CHF10-25, 5h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Vineyard Restaurant Le Deck

Lunch with lake views and local wines, open 11:30am to 3pm.
Approx. CHF40, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Lausanne

Train ride back to Lausanne for rest and evening plans.
CHF6, 0h15m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Saint Pierre

Casual dining with fondue options, open until 11pm.
Approx. CHF30, 1h30m
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Day 15: Travel to Bern & City Exploration

Bern, Switzerland on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last hotel breakfast in Lausanne before travelling to Bern.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Train to Bern

1-hour train journey to Switzerland’s capital city Bern.
CHF30, 1h0m

10:45am

Hotel Check-in

Check-in to your centrally located Bern hotel.
0 CHF, 0h30m

11:15am

Bern Old Town Walking Tour

Wander Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town featuring arcades, fountains and medieval architecture. Free self-guided or with small group tours available.
Free, 2h0m

1:15pm

Lunch at Restaurant Kornhauskeller

Dine in a historic vaulted cellar with Swiss specialties, open 11:30am to 9pm.
Approx. CHF40, 1h15m

2:45pm

Visit Bern Historical Museum & Einstein Museum

Explore Swiss cultural history and Albert Einstein’s life. Open 10am to 5pm, closed Mondays, so plan accordingly.
CHF15, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Rosengarten Park

Enjoy fantastic views over Bern and its old town from this beautiful rose garden.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Della Casa

A cosy restaurant known for its homemade pastas and Italian fare, open until 10pm.
Approx. CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 16: Emmental Valley Day Trip

Bern, Switzerland on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare for a countryside excursion with an early breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Train to Emmental

Travel east of Bern to Emmental valley, famous for cheese production (approx 1h).
CHF25, 1h0m

9:45am

Visit Emmental Cheese Dairy

Watch traditional cheese-making and sample fresh Emmental cheeses, dairies open 9am to 5pm.
CHF10, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Local Emmental Inn

Enjoy rustic Swiss dishes in a picturesque setting.
Approx. CHF35, 1h0m

1:15pm

Countryside Walk

Relax with a scenic walk through rolling hills and farms of Emmental.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Return to Bern

Train back for afternoon relaxation.
CHF25, 1h0m

5:00pm

Free Time in Bern

Optional last minute shopping or café visits.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Altes Tramdepot

Enjoy local beers brewed onsite and Swiss dishes in this lively brewery restaurant close to the Bear Park.
Approx. CHF40, 2h0m
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Day 17: Travel to Geneva & City Introduction

Geneva, Switzerland on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast and pack for travel to Geneva.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Train to Geneva

Approximately 2-hour train from Bern to Geneva.
CHF50, 2h0m

11:45am

Hotel Check-in

Check into central Geneva hotel to prepare for afternoon exploration.
0 CHF, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Café du Centre

Popular spot for seafood and Swiss classics, open until 2:30pm for lunch.
Approx. CHF35, 1h15m

1:45pm

Walk Lakeside to Jet d’Eau

Stroll along Lake Geneva’s edge to the famous Jet d’Eau fountain, ideal for photos and relaxation.
Free, 1h15m

3:00pm

Visit United Nations Office (Palais des Nations)

Take a guided tour (1h) of the UN headquarters, open weekdays with pre-booking required.
CHF15, 1h0m

5:00pm

Explore Old Town

Wander through Geneva’s old town streets with cathedral visits and cafes.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Armures

Famous for traditional Swiss fondue and cozy atmosphere, open until 10pm.
Approx. CHF45, 1h30m
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Day 18: Day Trip to Chamonix, France

Geneva, Switzerland / Chamonix, France on June 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for an international day trip.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Bus to Chamonix

Around 1h15m bus ride from Geneva to Chamonix, French Alps.
CHF25 approx., 1h15m

9:30am

Aiguille du Midi Cable Car

Gain spectacular views of Mont Blanc at 3842m via cable car, open 8am to 5pm.
EUR63 (CHF70 approx.), 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Calèche

Traditional Savoyard cuisine including tartiflette, open 12pm - 2:30pm.
EUR30 (CHF33 approx.), 1h0m

1:45pm

Explore Chamonix Town

Wander the alpine town, shops and cafés before returning to Geneva.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Bus back to Geneva

Return journey to Geneva for evening.
CHF25, 1h15m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

Famous for steak-frites served with secret sauce, open until 11pm.
Approx. CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 19: Geneva Museums & Parks

Geneva, Switzerland on June 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before museum visits.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Patek Philippe Museum

Explore exquisite watchmaking history with fine craftsmanship exhibits. Open 10am to 6pm, closed Mondays.
CHF10, 2h0m

11:45am

Walk through Parc des Bastions

Relax in this beautiful park with giant chess sets and monuments in the city centre.
Free, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Buvette des Bains

Casual café by the lake serving fresh seasonal dishes, open 11:45am to 3pm.
Approx. CHF30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Museum of Natural History

Large natural science collections with engaging displays, open 10am to 5pm.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Relax by Lake Geneva

Enjoy your afternoon resting by the lake or visiting local shops.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bayview by Michel Roth

Gourmet dining with Michelin-starred French cuisine and lake views, reservations essential.
Approx. CHF100, 2h0m
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Day 20: Departure Day

Geneva, Switzerland on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final Swiss breakfast and pack up for departure.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Check-out and Transfer to Geneva Airport

Arrange taxi or shuttle to Geneva airport for flight home.
Approx. CHF40, 0h45m
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