10-Day Scenic Swiss Driving Tour: Alps, Lakes & Charming Towns

Day 1: Arrival & Zurich Highlights

Zurich, Switzerland on June 20, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Babu's Bakery & Coffeehouse

Start your Swiss adventure with delicious, freshly baked pastries and great coffee in a cosy setting, open from 7:30am.
CHF15, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Old Town (Altstadt)

Stroll through Zurich’s historical centre to admire medieval buildings and visit landmarks like Grossmünster. A perfect walk to get a feel for the city.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes in a lively, historic armory setting, open daily from 11:30am to 10:00pm.
CHF30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Lake Zurich Promenade

Take a leisurely drive and then walk along the lakeside promenade. Great views of the lake and Alps, perfect for photos.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Swiss National Museum

Discover Swiss cultural history and art in this impressive museum near the main station. Open until 6:00pm.
CHF10, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kronenhalle

Dine in an iconic Zurich restaurant famous for classic Swiss cuisine and a stunning art collection. Reservations recommended.
CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 2: Lucerne & Lake Views

Lucerne, Switzerland on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Lucerne (1h)

Drive from Zurich to Lucerne through scenic highways along Lake Zurich.
CHF0, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Heini

Sample fresh bakery items and coffee at this popular, highly rated Lucerne café.
CHF15, 1h0m

10:30am

Chapel Bridge & Water Tower

Explore the iconic wooden 14th century bridge and adjacent tower – emblematic of Lucerne.
Free, 1h0m

11:30am

Lion Monument

Visit the poignant sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards, a short walk from the centre.
Free, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Relish authentic Swiss dishes in a traditional atmosphere, open from 11:30am.
CHF35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Boat trip on Lake Lucerne

Take the 1.5-hour boat cruise to admire the lake’s spectacular alpine scenery. Operating daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
CHF25, 1h30m

4:00pm

Drive to Mount Pilatus Cable Car

Drive and take the cable car ascent to Mount Pilatus for panoramic views.
CHF72 return, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Pilatus Kulm

Enjoy dinner with breathtaking views at the summit restaurant (open until 9:00pm).
CHF45, 1h0m

8:30pm

Return to Lucerne town

Descend by cable car and drive to your accommodation.
Included, 1h0m
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Day 3: Interlaken & Jungfrau Region

Interlaken, Switzerland on June 22, 2025

7:30am

Drive to Interlaken (1h30m)

Drive south from Lucerne through scenic Swiss countryside to Interlaken.
CHF0, 1h30m

9:15am

Breakfast at Café de Paris

Enjoy a hearty breakfast in Interlaken’s charming café, open from 7:00am.
CHF20, 1h0m

10:30am

Harder Kulm Panoramic Viewpoint

Take the funicular to Harder Kulm for outstanding views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
CHF38 return, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Taverne

Traditional Swiss fare in a cosy setting near the Interlaken centre.
CHF30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Lake Thun

Drive and walk along Lake Thun shores, with photo stops and optional boat rides available.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Explore Interlaken town

Stroll through the quaint streets and do some local shopping.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Husi Bierhaus

Sample Swiss specialities and craft beers in a rustic pub atmosphere.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Zermatt & The Matterhorn

Zermatt, Switzerland on June 23, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Täsch and park (2h30m)

Drive towards Zermatt, parking at Täsch as Zermatt is car-free.
CHF10 parking, 2h30m

9:30am

Train shuttle to Zermatt

Take the shuttle train from Täsch to Zermatt (12 minutes), enjoying alpine scenery.
CHF8, 15m

10:00am

Breakfast at Café du Pont

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee in Zermatt’s lovely village centre.
CHF18, 1h0m

11:00am

Gornergrat Railway

Board the cogwheel train to Gornergrat for spectacular Matterhorn views. Runs daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
CHF95 return, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Blatten

Traditional Swiss mountain cuisine with welcoming atmosphere.
CHF40, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk around Zermatt

Explore the village’s shops, museums, and charming streets.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return shuttle train to Täsch and drive to Lugano (3h)

Head east to Lugano, crossing beautiful alpine passes.
CHF0, 3h0m

8:30pm

Dinner in Lugano at Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto

Enjoy elegant Italian-Swiss fusion cuisine in the city centre.
CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 5: Lugano & Swiss-Mediterranean Charm

Lugano, Switzerland on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Federale

Enjoy Italian-inspired coffee and pastries in a lively plaza, open from 7:30am.
CHF15, 1h0m

9:30am

Parco Ciani visit

Stroll in Lugano’s largest lakeside park with beautiful gardens and walking paths.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Monte Brè funicular and hike

Take the funicular (open 7:00am-7:00pm) to Monte Brè summit and enjoy panoramic views over Lugano and the lake, with optional short hiking trails.
CHF12 return, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Grotto Morchino

Taste local Ticino dishes in a traditional grotto, open daily from 12:00pm.
CHF35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Lugano city walking tour

Explore Piazza della Riforma, nearby shops, and the cathedral.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Drive to Andermatt (2h30m)

Head back north through the scenic Gotthard Pass toward Andermatt.
CHF0, 2h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at The Chedi Andermatt

Dine in style with Alpine and Asian-inspired dishes at this luxury hotel restaurant.
CHF70, 1h30m
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Day 6: Andermatt & Mountain Adventure

Andermatt, Switzerland on June 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Sonne restaurant

Enjoy a rich breakfast buffet at your hotel or nearby café.
CHF20, 1h0m

9:00am

Gemstock Cable Car

Ride the cable car for stunning views and alpine hiking routes. Operating 9:00am-5:00pm.
CHF40 return, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Glacier Restaurant on Gemstock

Panoramic dining at altitude with regional specialities.
CHF40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Andermatt village

Visit local shops, museums and relax in this quaint alpine town.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Drive to Engelberg (45 minutes)

Short scenic drive from Andermatt to Engelberg.
CHF0, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Brasserie Bärgkristall

A cozy place to enjoy Swiss and international dishes in Engelberg.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Engelberg & Titlis Excursion

Engelberg, Switzerland on June 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hildegard's Stube

Start the day with fresh breakfast and coffee in this popular local spot.
CHF15, 1h0m

8:30am

Titlis Rotair Cable Car

Take the world’s first revolving cable car (open 8:30am-5:00pm) up to Titlis glacier for breathtaking views and snow activities.
CHF92 return, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Panorama Restaurant on Titlis

Enjoy mountain views with your meal, featuring Swiss specialities.
CHF40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return and explore Engelberg Abbey

Visit the beautiful Benedictine monastery and its peaceful surroundings.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Walk in Engelberg village and local shops

Relax with a stroll through the village streets and visit local artisan shops.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gasthaus Bären

Traditional Swiss cuisine with friendly service in a cozy setting.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 8: Return to Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Drive back to Zurich (1h30m)

Enjoy the scenic route northward back to Zurich city.
CHF0, 1h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Savour luxurious Swiss chocolates and breakfast treats at this famous Zurich café.
CHF20, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Explore one of Switzerland’s most important art museums, open 10:00am-6:00pm; showcasing Swiss and international artworks.
CHF16, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Hiltl

Enjoy the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, offering a diverse buffet in the heart of Zurich.
CHF30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Lake Zurich boat ride

Relax on a 1-hour round trip boat on Lake Zurich, departing from Bürkliplatz (operates 12:30pm -6:30pm).
CHF12, 1h0m

5:00pm

Shopping on Bahnhofstrasse

Browse high-end shops along one of the world’s most exclusive shopping avenues.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Swiss Chuchi

Finish your trip with classic Swiss fondue in a warm and traditional restaurant.
CHF45, 1h30m
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Day 9: Day Trip to Rhine Falls

Schaffhausen, Switzerland on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Rhine Falls (1h15m)

Travel northeast to Europe’s largest waterfall near Schaffhausen.
CHF0, 1h15m

9:30am

Breakfast at Schlössli Wörth

Enjoy breakfast by the river with views of Rhine Falls, open from 8:00am.
CHF20, 1h0m

10:30am

Rhine Falls boat tour

Boat ride close to the tumble of the waterfall for a thrilling experience (operates 9:00am-6:00pm).
CHF15, 1h0m

12:00pm

Walk to Schloss Laufen

Visit the historic castle and viewing platforms of Rhine Falls.
CHF5 entrance, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Schloss Laufen Restaurant

Enjoy dining with spectacular views of the falls.
CHF35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive back to Zurich (1h15m)

Return to Zurich, relaxing after a nature-filled day.
CHF0, 1h15m

6:30pm

Light dinner or snacks at your hotel or local café

Keep it light after a full day, choose a local café near your accommodation.
CHF20, 1h0m
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Day 10: Departure & Farewell

Zurich, Switzerland on June 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or local café

Enjoy your final morning with a relaxing breakfast, preparing for departure.
CHF15, 1h0m

9:00am

Last-minute shopping or stroll

Use your last hours to explore Zurich’s parks or pick up souvenirs.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Drive to Zurich Airport

Allow ample time for your departure flight, return rental car at airport.
CHF0, 30m
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