15-Day Comprehensive Switzerland Tour: From Zurich to Zermatt and Lucerne to Geneva

Day 1: Arrival and Zurich Exploration

Zurich, Switzerland on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Begin your day with traditional Swiss pastries and coffee at the iconic Café Sprüngli located on Bahnhofstrasse. It's renowned for its Luxemburgerli macarons and fresh breakfast options.
CHF15, 1h

9:30am

Explore Old Town (Altstadt)

Wander through Zurich's charming Old Town with its narrow alleys, historic buildings, and landmarks like Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, both open from 10:00am.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine including Rösti and Zürcher Geschnetzeltes in a lively 15th-century armory setting.
CHF30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Lake Zurich Promenade Walk

Take a relaxing walk along Lake Zurich’s promenade and optional boat ride if weather permits (boat tickets cost extra). Boats operate till early evening.
CHF10, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Kronenhalle

Dine on upscale Swiss and international dishes while admiring original artworks by Picasso and Chagall in this elegant restaurant.
CHF60, 2h

Day 2: Lucerne and Lake Experience

Lucerne, Switzerland on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Zurich to Lucerne

Take an efficient 1-hour train ride from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Lucerne station, offering scenic Swiss countryside views.
CHF25, 1h

9:00am

Breakfast at Confiserie Bachmann

Savor freshly baked bread, croissants, and coffee at Confiserie Bachmann, a local favourite near the train station.
CHF15, 1h

10:30am

Visit Chapel Bridge and Old Town

Explore the iconic 14th-century wooden Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and wander through the quaint streets of Lucerne’s Old Town.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Taste traditional Swiss dishes like Luzerner Chügelipastete in this family-run historic restaurant.
CHF25, 1.5h

3:00pm

Boat Cruise on Lake Lucerne

Enjoy a 1.5-hour scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne to appreciate mountain views and peaceful waters. Boats generally operate 9:00am to 6:00pm.
CHF32, 1.5h

6:00pm

Stroll along Lake Lucerne Promenade

Relax with a peaceful walk along the lake's promenade, perfect for sunset photography.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Balances

Dine by the river with contemporary Swiss-European cuisine at this stylish spot in Lucerne’s Old Town.
CHF55, 2h

Day 3: Interlaken Adventure

Interlaken, Switzerland on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Train from Lucerne to Interlaken

Travel through scenic landscapes via Bernese Oberland railway taking roughly 2 hours to reach Interlaken West station.
CHF40, 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at Café de Paris

Enjoy fresh Swiss pastries and coffee in a charming café close to Höhematte Park in Interlaken.
CHF15, 1h

10:30am

Harder Kulm Panorama

Take the funicular from Interlaken to Harder Kulm (open 8:30am-6:00pm) for spectacular views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks and Lake Thun.
CHF38, 2.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant

Savor traditional Swiss dishes with a panoramic backdrop at the top station restaurant.
CHF35, 1.5h

3:00pm

Explore Interlaken town

Stroll along Höheweg, visit boutique shops, and relax in Höhematte Park with views of the Jungfrau massif.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

Enjoy hearty Swiss alpine dishes such as fondue and rösti in a cozy, traditional setting.
CHF50, 2h

Day 4: Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Jungfrau Region, Switzerland on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Train to Jungfraujoch

Take early trains from Interlaken Ost to Jungfraujoch via Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg (train runs approx. 2.5 hours one way).
CHF150, 5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Jungfraujoch Restaurant

Relax and dine in the highest restaurants in Europe with breathtaking views of glaciers and peaks after touring the Ice Palace and Sphinx observatory.
CHF45, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Interlaken

Descend by train back to Interlaken and rest at your accommodation.
Included in ticket, 2.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Husi Bierhaus

Casual dining with Swiss comfort food and local beer selection in a laid-back atmosphere.
CHF35, 1.5h

Day 5: Travel to Zermatt & Matterhorn Views

Zermatt, Switzerland on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Train from Interlaken to Zermatt

Travel via Spiez and Visp to Zermatt for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Note: Zermatt is car-free; trains are the way to arrive.
CHF50, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Schäferstube

Dine on traditional Valais specialities such as raclette and wild game in cozy alpine surroundings.
CHF40, 1.5h

2:00pm

Explore Zermatt village

Stroll the pedestrian zone enjoying shops, historic chapel, and mountain views.
Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Gornergrat Railway Ride

Take the cogwheel train (open 8:00am-7:00pm) to Gornergrat summit for panoramic Matterhorn and glacier vistas.
CHF95 return, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Whymper-Stube

Enjoy hearty mountain cuisine including fondue and Valais specialties in a rustic, authentic setting.
CHF50, 2h

Day 6: More Zermatt & Hiking

Zermatt, Switzerland on July 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bäckerei Fuchs

Start early with fresh bread and pastries from this popular bakery in Zermatt’s center.
CHF12, 1h

8:30am

Hike to Five Lakes Trail

Enjoy a beautiful 2-3 hour hike featuring views of the Matterhorn reflected in crystal-clear mountain lakes.
Free, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Capri

Taste Italian-inspired dishes and pizzas in a vibrant atmosphere within Zermatt.
CHF25, 1h

2:00pm

Matterhorn Museum

Visit the Museum of the Matterhorn (open 9:00am-5:00pm), to learn about mountaineering history and Zermatt’s culture.
CHF10, 1.5h

5:00pm

Relax at your hotel or spa

Recharge with some downtime or wellness treatments available at many Zermatt hotels.
Varies, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Chez Vrony

Enjoy exquisite alpine dining with stunning Matterhorn views and organic mountain cuisine; reservations recommended.
CHF70, 2h

Day 7: Travel to Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Train from Zermatt to Geneva

Take a direct train via Visp and Lausanne for about 3.5 hours to reach Geneva.
CHF55, 3.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café du Centre

Enjoy fresh seafood and classic French-Swiss dishes in Geneva’s city center, near Place du Molard.
CHF40, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit Jet d'Eau and English Garden

Spend your afternoon visiting the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain and relaxing in the nearby English Garden famous for its flower clock.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Explore Old Town Geneva

Wander through the cobbled alleys, visit St. Pierre Cathedral, and browse boutique shops and cafés.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Les Armures

Try traditional Swiss fondue or raclette at this historic and atmospheric restaurant in Old Town.
CHF50, 2h

Day 8: Day Trip to Montreux & Chillon Castle

Montreux, Switzerland on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Train from Geneva to Montreux

Scenic train journey along Lake Geneva’s northern shore, around 1 hour.
CHF20, 1h

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Très

Delicious coffee and continental breakfast in a cozy Montreux setting.
CHF15, 1h

10:30am

Visit Chillon Castle

Explore the beautifully preserved medieval castle on the edge of Lake Geneva. Open 9:00am-7:00pm, entry ticket required.
CHF13, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Palais Oriental

Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine and beautiful lake views in Montreux.
CHF40, 1.5h

3:00pm

Stroll along Montreux Lakeside Promenade

Relax and admire flowers, sculptures, and panoramic views along this famous stretch.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Return to Geneva

Train ride back (approx. 1 hour).
CHF20, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Edelweiss

Swiss Alps-themed restaurant featuring live folk music and traditional dishes in Geneva.
CHF55, 2h

Day 9: Lausanne & Olympic Museum

Lausanne, Switzerland on July 4, 2025

8:30am

Train to Lausanne

Short 35-minute train ride from Geneva to Lausanne.
CHF15, 0.5h

9:30am

Breakfast at Maison du Café

Coffee lovers can enjoy a great start with specialty brews and fresh pastries.
CHF15, 1h

10:30am

Olympic Museum Visit

Explore sports history and Olympic heritage, interactive exhibits open from 9:30am to 6:00pm.
CHF18, 2.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Brasserie de Montbenon

Enjoy Swiss and French-inspired dishes with views over Lake Geneva.
CHF30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Lausanne Cathedral & Old Town

Visit the stunning Gothic cathedral and explore the charming Old Town on foot.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Return to Geneva

Train back to Geneva for overnight stay.
CHF15, 0.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Windows Restaurant

Enjoy fine dining with panoramic city views in Geneva’s Hotel d’Angleterre.
CHF80, 2h

Day 10: Bern City Tour

Bern, Switzerland on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Train to Bern

Take a 1-hour train ride from Geneva to the Swiss capital, Bern.
CHF40, 1h

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Fédéral

Classic European breakfast near Bern’s main train station.
CHF18, 1h

9:30am

Bern Old Town Walk

Explore medieval Old Town with UNESCO heritage sites like Zytglogge clock tower and Münster Cathedral.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Rosengarten

Dine with city views at this picturesque park restaurant overlooking Bern.
CHF40, 1.5h

2:30pm

Visit Bear Park and Einsteinhaus

Enjoy the outdoor Bear Park and Einstein's former residence museum highlighting his years in Bern.
CHF10, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Geneva

Train back to Geneva for your final evening in the city.
CHF40, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Bottega

A fine dining Italian restaurant offering fresh and creative dishes in Geneva center.
CHF65, 2h

Day 11: Zurich Departure and Last Minute Shopping

Zurich, Switzerland on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Train Geneva to Zurich

Return south-east to Zurich by train (approx. 3 hours).
CHF60, 3h

10:30am

Breakfast at Babu's Bakery & Coffeehouse

Enjoy hearty brunch style options and specialty coffee after arrival.
CHF20, 1h

11:30am

Shopping at Bahnhofstrasse

Explore one of the world's most exclusive shopping streets filled with international brands and Swiss watchmakers.
Varies, 3h

3:00pm

Visit Zurich Botanical Garden

Enjoy peaceful strolls among 15,000 plant species before departure.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Dinner at Hiltl

Experience the world's oldest vegetarian restaurant, serving diverse and healthy dishes.
CHF40, 1.5h

Day 12: Day Trip to Appenzell & Ebenalp

Appenzell, Switzerland on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Train from Zurich to Appenzell

Approximately 2.5 hours with scenic alpine rail routes.
CHF55, 2.5h

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Erni

A quaint café offering fresh Swiss breakfast specialties in Appenzell center.
CHF15, 1h

10:30am

Hike to Ebenalp and Wildkirchli Caves

Take cable car and walk trails at Ebenalp, exploring prehistoric caves and spectacular views. Cable car runs 8:30am-5:30pm.
CHF30, 4h

2:30pm

Lunch at Berggasthaus Aescher

Famous cliff-side guesthouse serving rustic fare with unforgettable views.
CHF35, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Appenzell Village

Explore local shops and colorful painted houses.
Free, 1h

5:30pm

Train back to Zurich

Return journey in the evening.
CHF55, 2.5h

8:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Die Waid

Upscale dinner overlooking Zurich, focusing on modern Swiss cuisine.
CHF70, 1.5h

Day 13: Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein

Schaffhausen and Stein am Rhein, Switzerland on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Train to Schaffhausen for Rhine Falls

Around 1.5 hours from Zurich to Schaffhausen, gateway to Rhine Falls.
CHF30, 1.5h

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Kessel

Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries in Schaffhausen's old town.
CHF12, 1h

10:30am

Visit Rhine Falls

Europe's largest waterfall with walking paths, viewing platforms and boat trips (tickets extra). Open 8:00am-8:00pm.
CHF5 to enter viewing areas, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall

Eat in castle restaurant overlooking the falls.
CHF35, 1h

2:30pm

Train to Stein am Rhein

Short 30-minute train ride to charming medieval town.
CHF15, 0.5h

3:00pm

Explore Stein am Rhein

Wander streets decorated with frescoed houses and visit small museums.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Zurich

Train back for overnight stay.
CHF30, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Sternen Grill

Casual dinner renowned for traditional Swiss sausages and Rösti.
CHF25, 1.5h

Day 14: Zurich Museums and Art

Zurich, Switzerland on July 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at ViCafe

Start with quality coffee and fresh bakery items from this popular local chain.
CHF12, 1h

9:30am

Kunsthaus Zurich

Visit one of Switzerland’s top art museums housing major works from Middle Ages to contemporary, open 10:00am-6:00pm.
CHF16, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Rosaly’s

Casual lunch spot offering seasonal, regional dishes in Zürich-West district.
CHF30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Swiss National Museum

Explore Swiss cultural history with exhibits on art, crafts, and traditions, open 10:00am-5:00pm.
CHF10, 2h

6:00pm

Evening Walk along the Limmat River

Relax with a scenic riverside walk to soak in the city atmosphere one last time.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Kronenhalle

Enjoy your final Swiss dinner with classic dishes and famed art displayed in this iconic Zurich restaurant.
CHF60, 2h

Day 15: Departure Day

Zurich, Switzerland on July 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early hotel breakfast before checking out for your onward journey.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Transfer to Zurich Airport

Take taxi or train to Zurich Airport for departure, depending on your flight schedule.
CHF30, 0.5h