Discover Switzerland: 8-Day Road Trip to Zurich, Bern, Geneva and Basel

Day By Day Itinerary

1. Day 1 Welcome to Switzerland!

   

   Welcome to Switzerland! Begin your Swiss adventure by arriving in Zurich, where you'll pick up your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel. Check-in and refresh. 

   Suggestion for the day: 

   If you arrive early enough you might have time to start your exploration with a visit to the Swiss National Museum, located in a castle-like building near the main train station, offering a fascinating insight into Swiss cultural history. Then,  head to Zurich's charming Old Town (Altstadt) and enjoy a meal at a local café. After,  take a leisurely stroll down Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets, before visiting the iconic Grossmünster, a Romanesque-style Protestant church. Climb its towers for panoramic views of the city and Lake Zurich. Spend the late afternoon by Lake Zurich, taking a relaxing walk along the promenade or a scenic boat ride to enjoy stunning views of the city and the Alps. In the evening, dine at the Michelin-starred Widder Restaurant, known for its modern French and contemporary cuisine, or at IGNIV Zürich by Andreas Caminada, celebrated for its innovative sharing concept. After dinner, unwind at Tibits, a popular bar offering a variety of excellent drinks, or visit Kennedy’s Irish Pub or El Lokal, both highly rated by locals and travelers alike. End your first day by soaking in the vibrant yet serene atmosphere of Zurich, ready for more adventures in the days to come.

2. Day 2 Zurich

   

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Start your second day in Zurich with a delightful breakfast at your hotel, then set off to explore more of the city's highlights. Begin your morning at the Zurich Zoo, one of the finest in Europe, where you can admire a wide variety of animals in naturalistic habitats. Next, head to the nearby Kunsthaus Zurich, the city’s premier art museum, which houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary artworks.
   • For lunch, visit the vibrant Niederdorf area, known for its charming streets and excellent dining options, where you can enjoy a meal at one of the many local bistros. After lunch, visit the iconic Fraumünster Church, famous for its stunning stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall. Spend the afternoon at the Zurich Opera House, an architectural marvel and cultural hub.
   • If you have time, take a leisurely walk through the nearby Sechseläutenplatz, Zurich’s largest town square. End your day with a peaceful stroll along the Limmat River, reflecting on the day's adventures and looking forward to more discoveries in Switzerland​
3. Day 3 Zurich

   

   Suggestion for the day: Day Trip to Lucerne

   • Today,  set off on a day trip to the nearby town of Lucerne. Begin your journey with a scenic drive to Lucerne, which takes approximately an hour. Upon arrival, start your exploration at the stunning Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), a historic wooden bridge adorned with beautiful paintings. Continue your morning by visiting the nearby Water Tower and strolling through Lucerne’s charming old town, filled with medieval buildings and picturesque squares. For lunch, choose a lakeside restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine while taking in the breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne.
   • After lunch, head to the Swiss Museum of Transport, one of the most visited museums in Switzerland, showcasing a fascinating collection of vehicles and interactive exhibits. In the afternoon, consider taking a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. The boat ride offers a unique perspective of the region's beauty and is a perfect way to unwind.
   • Alternatively, if you prefer a more active adventure, consider taking the world’s steepest cogwheel railway up to Mount Pilatus, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. In the evening return to Zurich, where you will spend another night.
4. Day 4 Drive to Bern

   

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Begin your fourth day in Zurich with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, then check out and set off towards Bern, Switzerland's charming capital city. The drive to Bern takes approximately 1.5 hours, offering scenic views of the Swiss countryside. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take a moment to refresh. Start your exploration of Bern with a visit to the Bundesplatz (Federal Square), where you can admire the Swiss Parliament Building (Bundeshaus).
   • From here, stroll to the nearby Zytglogge, Bern’s iconic medieval clock tower, where you can watch the fascinating clockwork show that occurs every hour. For lunch, head to the historic old town (Altstadt), a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can enjoy a meal at one of the many charming cafés and restaurants.
   • After lunch, visit the Bern Munster (Bern Cathedral), the tallest cathedral in Switzerland, offering breathtaking views of the city from its tower. In the afternoon, explore Bear Park, home to the city’s symbol, the Bernese bears, located along the picturesque banks of the Aare River. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the Rosengarten (Rose Garden), a beautiful park offering stunning panoramic views of Bern’s old town.
   • As evening approaches, enjoy dinner at one of Bern’s renowned restaurants. After dinner, take a stroll along the illuminated streets of Bern, soaking in the city's serene nighttime ambiance. Conclude your day with a relaxing drink at one of the city’s cozy bars, reflecting on the day's discoveries before returning to your hotel for a restful night's sleep
5. Day 5 Drive to Geneva

   

   Suggestion for the day: 

   • On the morning of day 5 of your road trip, get back into your car and begin the journey to Geneva, a scenic drive of approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to relax and refresh. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Jet d'Eau, Geneva's iconic fountain that shoots water 140 meters into the air, located on Lake Geneva. From there, head to the St. Pierre Cathedral in the Old Town, where you can climb to the top of the tower for stunning panoramic views of the city and the lake.
   • For lunch, enjoy a meal in a cozy bistro or café in the charming Vieille Ville (Old Town), known for its narrow, winding streets and beautiful historic buildings. In the afternoon, visit the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, which offers a deep insight into the humanitarian efforts and history of these organizations.
   • Afterward, take a relaxing walk through the Parc des Bastions, home to the Reformation Wall, a monument honoring the leaders of the Protestant Reformation. End your day with a peaceful evening stroll along the shores of Lake Geneva, taking in the beautiful night views of the city.
6. Day 6 Geneva

   

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Begin your sixth day in Geneva with a delightful breakfast at your hotel before setting off to explore more of the city’s attractions. Start your morning at the Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva, where you can wander through beautifully landscaped gardens and greenhouses filled with exotic plants. Next, head to the Bains des Pâquis, a popular public bathing spot on Lake Geneva, for a relaxing dip or a scenic walk along the lake.
   • For lunch, choose a lakeside restaurant to enjoy a meal with stunning views of the water and mountains. After lunch, visit the Museum of Art and History, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts and artworks spanning various periods and cultures.
   • In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to the nearby town of Montreux, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. Montreux is famous for its beautiful lakeside promenade and its connection to Freddie Mercury, commemorated by a statue on the lakefront. Stroll along the promenade, visit the statue, and take in the serene views.
   • Return to Geneva in the early evening and prepare for a memorable dining experience at one of the city’s renowned restaurants, such as L'Atelier Robuchon, which offers exquisite French cuisine and holds two Michelin stars. After dinner, enjoy a drink at Beau-Rivage Genève, known for its sophisticated atmosphere and extensive drink menu, or visit the lively Demi Lune Café.
7. Day 7 Drive to Basel

   

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Today,  journey to Basel, which is approximately a 2.5-hour drive away. Upon arrival in Basel, check into your hotel and take some time to relax and refresh. Begin your exploration of Basel with a visit to the Basel Minster, a stunning Gothic cathedral that offers breathtaking views of the Rhine River from its towers. After admiring the cathedral, take a stroll through the Old Town (Altstadt), known for its charming narrow streets and medieval buildings.
   • For lunch, choose a restaurant in the Old Town. After lunch, visit the Kunstmuseum Basel, one of the oldest and most important art museums in Switzerland, housing an impressive collection of works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art. In the afternoon, take a walk along the Rhine River, crossing the iconic Middle Bridge (Mittlere Brücke) and enjoying the scenic views of the river and the city. Consider visiting the Tinguely Museum, dedicated to the works of the Swiss painter and sculptor Jean Tinguely, known for his kinetic art.
   • As evening approaches, enjoy dinner at one of Basel’s top restaurants, such as Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its exquisite French cuisine and elegant ambiance.  End your day with a leisurely evening stroll along the illuminated Rhine River, taking in the serene ambiance before heading back to your hotel for a restful night’s sleep, ready for your departure the next day​
8. Day 8 Farewell Switzerland!

   

   Suggestion for the day:

   • On the morning of the 8th day in Switzerland take some time to enjoy the city one last time. Based on when your flight is, you can squeeze in some last-minute visits. Begin your morning with Museum Tinguely, dedicated to the works of Jean Tinguely, known for his fascinating kinetic sculptures. Spend some time exploring the interactive exhibits and learning about the artist's innovative creations. Next, head to the beautiful Basel Zoo, one of the oldest and most popular zoos in Switzerland. Wander through the well-maintained grounds and see a variety of animals from around the world. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for a final meal in Basel.
   • Finally, drive to Zurich Airport (a little over an hour's drive from Basel) to return your rental car and check-in for your flight, reflecting on the wonderful memories made during your 8-day Swiss road trip​