9-Night Switzerland Adventure: Zurich, Grindelwald, Zermatt & Lucerne Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Enjoy Swiss chocolates and fresh pastries at this iconic Zurich café, perfect to start your day with a local delight.
CHF15, 1h

9:30am

Zurich Old Town Walking Tour

Discover Altstadt's medieval streets, historic sites, and charming architecture on this self-guided walking tour. Highlights include Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and Bahnhofstrasse for shopping.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Savor traditional Swiss dishes like Zürcher Geschnetzeltes in this historic armory-turned-restaurant.
CHF30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Explore Switzerland’s premier art museum featuring works from Swiss and international artists, open until 6 PM on Tuesdays.
CHF23, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Kronenhalle

Dine amid fine art and enjoy classic Swiss cuisine in this elegant, historic restaurant.
CHF60, 2h

Day 2: Journey to Grindelwald

Grindelwald, Switzerland on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Zurich

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before the scenic train journey to Grindelwald.
Included in accommodation, 1h

9:00am

Train to Grindelwald

Take the picturesque 2.5-hour train ride from Zurich to Grindelwald through the Bernese Oberland region.
CHF50, 2.5h

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Barry's

Settle in at your hotel and enjoy light Swiss fare at this cozy local bistro.
CHF25, 1h

2:00pm

First Glimpse: Pfingstegg Toboggan Run

Experience thrilling summer tobogganing with stunning alpine views, open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.
CHF15, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant Grindelwaldblick

Relax with Swiss specialties and panoramic mountain views at this well-rated local restaurant.
CHF40, 2h

Day 3: Jungfrau Region Adventure

Grindelwald, Switzerland on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast with views of the Alps, preparing for a full day of mountain exploration.
Included in accommodation, 1h

8:30am

Excursion to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Take the cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, offering breathtaking glacier views and snow activities. Open 8 AM to 4 PM.
CHF120, 6h

3:00pm

Return and Rest

Head back to Grindelwald and relax after an adventurous day.
Included, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Barry's

Dine on delicious Swiss and international dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.
CHF45, 2h

Day 4: Hiking and Local Culture

Grindelwald, Switzerland on June 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café 3692

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee at this popular café named after Grindelwald’s altitude.
CHF15, 1h

9:00am

Hike to First Cliff Walk

Experience the exhilarating cliff walk with stunning views over Grindelwald and the surrounding mountains; open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
CHF5, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bergrestaurant First

Savor light alpine dishes at the mountain restaurant near First station.
CHF30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Grindelwald Museum

Learn about local history and culture at this quaint museum open until 5 PM.
CHF8, 1h

4:00pm

Free Time - Explore the village

Stroll through Grindelwald’s charming village streets, shops, and cafés.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Eiger Restaurant

Enjoy hearty Swiss fare in a cozy alpine setting with mountain views.
CHF50, 2h

Day 5: Travel to Zermatt

Zermatt, Switzerland on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Have breakfast before traveling south to Zermatt, gateway to the Matterhorn.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train from Grindelwald to Zermatt

Travel via Bern and Visp to Zermatt, enjoying beautiful Swiss countryside views; approximate travel time 4 hours.
CHF80, 4h

12:30pm

Check-in and Light Lunch at Restaurant Whymper-Stube

Try local Valais specialties like raclette in this traditional restaurant near the main square.
CHF35, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Zermatt Village

Walk the car-free village streets, visit shops, and admire Matterhorn views; free to explore any time.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Sunset at Sunnegga Paradise

Take the funicular up to Sunnegga for spectacular views of the Matterhorn at sunset, open until around 7 PM.
CHF30, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at After Seven

Experience innovative and gourmet Swiss cuisine in an intimate setting; reservation recommended.
CHF70, 2h

Day 6: Matterhorn Glacier Adventure

Zermatt, Switzerland on June 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare for a day in the mountains with a solid breakfast at your lodging.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Gornergrat Railway Excursion

Ride the cogwheel train to Gornergrat (3089m) for panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers. Open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM.
CHF100, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kulmhotel Gornergrat

Enjoy lunch with mountains all around at this historic alpine hotel.
CHF40, 1h

3:00pm

Return and Explore Matterhorn Museum

Learn about the history of mountaineering and local culture in Zermatt's engaging museum, open until 6 PM.
CHF10, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Schäferstube

Cozy mountain cabin atmosphere with classic Swiss dishes such as fondue and rosti.
CHF45, 2h

Day 7: Outdoor Activities and Relaxation

Zermatt, Switzerland on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café du Pont

Simple and tasty breakfast with great coffee to start the day.
CHF15, 1h

9:30am

Hiking the Five Lakes Trail

Enjoy an easy to moderate 2.5 to 3 hour hike showcasing stunning viewpoints of the Matterhorn and picturesque alpine lakes.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Alpenhof

Delight in regional specialties in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
CHF35, 1h

3:00pm

Spa and Wellness Time

Unwind with spa treatments or relax in the hotel wellness area after hiking.
Varies; approx CHF50+, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Schäferstube

Return for a cozy dinner of Swiss classics, perfect after a day of outdoor activities.
CHF45, 2h

Day 8: Transfer to Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for your train trip to Lucerne.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train from Zermatt to Lucerne

Enjoy a scenic 3.5-hour train trip with connections through Visp and Brig en route to Lucerne.
CHF70, 3.5h

12:30pm

Check-in and Lunch at Wirtshaus Taube

Taste traditional Lucerne fare in this historic tavern right in the city center.
CHF30, 1h

2:00pm

Walk the Chapel Bridge and Old Town

Explore Lucerne’s iconic wooden Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, and the charming Old Town with its painted facades.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport

Discover Switzerland’s extensive transport history through interactive exhibits; open daily until 5 PM.
CHF32, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Balances

Dine in style with a view over the Reuss River, offering fine Swiss and European cuisine.
CHF65, 2h

Day 9: Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus

Lucerne, Switzerland on June 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast with views before a day of natural exploration around Lucerne.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Boat Trip on Lake Lucerne

Cruise the scenic lake aboard a historic paddle steamer, taking in mountain vistas and serene waters, operating 9 AM to 6 PM.
CHF40, 2h

11:00am

Ascent to Mount Pilatus

Take the world's steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad or the cable car from Kriens for alpine hiking and panoramic views; open 8 AM to 6 PM.
CHF72 round trip, 4h

3:30pm

Return to Lucerne - Relax

Spend some leisure time in your hotel or stroll along the lakeshore promenade.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Old Swiss House

Savor the authentic Swiss experience with their famous Wiener schnitzel in a charming historic setting.
CHF60, 2h

Day 10: Departure Day

Zurich, Switzerland on June 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Lucerne

Final Swiss breakfast before your journey home.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train from Lucerne to Zurich Airport

Travel approximately 1 hour to Zurich Airport for your departure flight.
CHF30, 1h