7-Day Germany and Switzerland Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Germany And Switzerland tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaGermany and Switzerland travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Western Europe, incl. Amsterdam and Paris

  The architectural treasures of Heidelberg's Renaissance period meet the Black Forest's clockmaking legacy. Natural wonders at Rhine Falls complement Lucerne's historic Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument.

  

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  • Day 1

    Amsterdam

    Start your day in Amsterdam at 9 AM to beat the crowds in the canal district. One traveler shares: "The early morning light on the canals is magical, and you'll get much better photos without the tourist boats in your shots." Wrap up your day with a canal cruise at sunset. Book your boat ticket in advance if you're visiting during peak season.

    
  • Day 2

    Rhine Valley & Heidelberg

    Leave early for Germany's Rhine Valley. Take the 90-minute cruise from Boppard to St. Goar and sit on the left side to see the castles. When you reach Heidelberg, take the funicular up to the castle, which sits 300 feet above the city. Check out the world's largest wine barrel in the castle cellar before exploring the Old Town's cobblestone streets.

    
  • Day 3

    Black Forest to Lucerne

    The morning drive through the Black Forest takes about 3 hours. Stop in Titisee-Neustadt to visit a traditional cuckoo clock workshop. Bring good walking shoes for the Rhine Falls viewing platforms. The 2-hour drive to Lucerne offers beautiful Alpine views.

    
  • Day 4

    Lucerne

    Visit Chapel Bridge before 10 AM to avoid crowds. A recent visitor suggests: "The best views of the lake and mountains are from the Musegg Wall. Climb up in the morning when the air is clearest." Do your souvenir shopping in the afternoon after tour groups leave. In the evening, photograph the beautifully lit covered bridges.

    
  • Day 5

    Journey to Paris

    Drive through France's wine country via Alsace and Burgundy. Stop for lunch in Beaune or Dijon but note that restaurants often close between 2-7 PM. You'll likely hit Paris during rush hour (4-7 PM). A good strategy is to drop your bags at the hotel and head to Montmartre for dinner.

    
  • Day 6

    Paris Exploration

    Start at the Eiffel Tower when it opens at 9:30 AM. Book your tickets online at least a month ahead. Visit the Louvre after 3 PM when lines are shorter. One visitor recommends: "Skip the Mona Lisa rush and head to the Richelieu wing first. It's usually empty and houses incredible French sculptures."

    
  • Day 7

    Final Morning in Paris

    Paris cafes open at 7 AM for fresh croissants. The Latin Quarter is peaceful and charming in the early morning. If you have a late departure, spend time in the Marais district, which stays open on Sundays when other areas are quiet.

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• 7 Days in Germany & Switzerland, incl. Munich and Zurich

  Split between Munich and Zurich, this week-long tour highlights Neuschwanstein Castle, Grindelwald's Alpine scenery, and Lake Zurich. Guided walks through Munich's Old Town pair with Swiss mountain excursions.

  

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  • Day 1

    Munich Arrival

    Land at Munich International Airport and make your way to your city center hotel. Skip the taxi and take the S-Bahn (S1 or S8) from the airport. It's faster during rush hours and costs €14, with a 40-minute ride to Munich's central station. Spend your first afternoon getting familiar with the historic center, starting at Karlsplatz with its medieval city gates.

    
  • Day 2

    Munich Walking Tour

    Get to the tour office at Dachauer Straße 4 by 9:55 AM. The 2.5-hour walking tour shows you the Old Town highlights like Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt food market. A previous visitor shared: "Don't skip the glockenspiel show at 11 AM, but watch it from the café at Hugendubel bookstore across the square. You'll get the best view and won't strain your neck looking up from below."

    
  • Day 3

    Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip

    Start your 10-hour trip at 9:15 AM from Munich. The bus ride takes 2.5 hours. Book your castle entry time right when you arrive. You can walk up to the castle in 30-40 minutes, or take the shuttle bus for €3 if needed. For the best photos, head to Mary's Bridge (Marienbrücke), but note it might be closed in winter due to ice.

    
  • Day 4

    Munich to Zurich

    Take a direct train from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Zurich (4 hours). Pick an afternoon train to avoid morning crowds. From Zurich HB station, use the tram to reach your hotel. Get a 24-hour transport pass for €8.80. You'll need it later to explore the vibrant Langstrasse area for dinner.

    
  • Day 5

    Grindelwald & Interlaken Adventure

    Leave Zurich's central bus station at 8 AM for a 2-hour drive to Interlaken. In Grindelwald, check out the First Cliff Walk. A recent visitor noted: "Wear proper walking shoes. The metal walkway gets slippery even in summer, and bring a light jacket as mountain weather changes quickly."

    
  • Day 6

    Zurich Exploration

    Join the 1 PM city tour to see main attractions and take a Lake Zurich ferry ride. Take the cable car to Felsenegg on a clear day for amazing city views. In the evening, visit Prime Tower's rooftop for drinks with a sunset view.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    Schedule your airport transfer 4 hours before flight time. Zurich Airport security takes time. The direct train from Zurich HB runs every 10 minutes and takes just 10 minutes to reach the airport.

    

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• 7 Day Lake Constance Cycling Itinerary, incl. Überlingen and St. Gallen

  Lake Constance's medieval towns and UNESCO sites unfold along 22-32 daily cycling miles. Premium stays at Parkhotel St. Leonhard and Hotel Einstein provide comfort between rides.

  

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  • Day 1

    Überlingen, Germany

    Your Lake Constance cycling adventure begins at the Parkhotel St. Leonhard overlooking Überlingen with beautiful lake views. Join your guide at 4 PM for a walking tour of this medieval imperial city. Wear comfortable walking shoes since the historic center features steep cobblestone streets that can be slippery in wet conditions.

    
  • Day 2

    Überlingen to Salem (35 km)

    Your first cycling day starts with an easy downhill ride from Überlingen toward Meersburg. Visit the beautiful Birnau Rococo church before 10 AM to avoid the crowds. The path to Salem Monastery takes you through drumlin hills and forests. Pack water and snacks as you won't find many cafes between Meersburg and Salem.

    
  • Day 3

    Markdorf to Lindau (51 km)

    After transferring to Markdorf in the morning cycle through peaceful countryside to Wasserburg peninsula. The route to Lindau is traffic-free and well-marked but gets busy with cyclists during summer. Ride single file and use your bell when passing. Your day ends at Lindau harbor where you'll see its famous lighthouse and lion statues.

    
  • Day 4

    Lindau to St. Gallen (32 km)

    Today you'll cross from Germany through Austria into Switzerland. The path along Bregenzer Ache includes some unpaved sections best suited for hybrid bikes. Remember your passport for the Swiss border crossing. Most riders take the train up to St. Gallen instead of tackling the steep climb. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The views of Lake Constance from the Rohrspitz nature reserve were incredible—worth taking an extra 30 minutes to explore the bird watching platforms."

    
  • Day 5

    St. Gallen to Gottlieben (37-44 km)

    Begin with a visit to St. Gallen's UNESCO World Heritage abbey library. You can choose between a challenging hill route or take a transfer. The lakeside path to Gottlieben is mostly flat but exposed. Bring sun protection and extra layers since lake breezes can be cool even on warm days.

    
  • Day 6

    Reichenau Island Loop (36 km)

    Take a morning boat to Reichenau Island and plan to arrive for the monastery's 9 AM opening. The island loop is easy but popular with tourists. Ride counterclockwise to avoid the busiest traffic. Leave time for Stein am Rhein's painted buildings which look best in late afternoon light.

    
  • Day 7

    Final Ride to Überlingen (22 km)

    This shorter final day gives you time to explore medieval Constance before cycling to Wallhausen. Make sure to catch the 1:42 PM ferry to Überlingen as it's the only afternoon option. Bring rain gear since weather can change quickly near the lake. The waterfront path offers stunning final views of the three-country Lake Constance region.

    

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