7-Day Switzerland Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Switzerland tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaSwitzerland travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Day Switzerland Itinerary, incl. Zurich and Geneva

  This comprehensive Swiss tour encompasses 16 destinations including Rhine Falls, Trummelbach mountain waterfall, and UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards. Visitors enjoy medieval Gruyères cheese tasting, Maison Cailler chocolate factory, and optional Jungfraujoch railway excursion.

  

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  • Day 1

    Zurich

    Arrive in Zurich and settle into your hotel in the afternoon. Keep in mind that August temperatures can reach 33°C/95°F and many places don't have air conditioning. Ask for a room fan if you need one. Most hotels are close to public transport, making it simple to explore the historic center in your free evening.

    
  • Day 2

    Zurich - Rhine Falls - Lucerne - Interlaken Region

    Take a morning walking tour of Zurich's old town before visiting the medieval Stein am Rhein. Next, see Europe's largest waterfall at Rhine Falls - go early to beat the crowds. In Lucerne, take a guided walk through the historic center. One visitor noted: "The amount you get to see really gives you a good intro to Switzerland, with an excellent balance of natural beauty and cultural gems." You'll spend the night in the Interlaken region.

    
  • Day 3

    Lauterbrunnen Valley & Jungfrau Region

    The Lauterbrunnen Valley, known as the "Valley of 72 Waterfalls" is your destination today. Visit Trümmelbach Falls inside the mountain and stop at the pretty village of Iseltwald on Lake Brienz. Want an adventure? Take an optional trip to Jungfraujoch. A recent visitor shares: "If you can handle the altitude, visiting Jungfraujoch is breathtaking - take the amazing cable car to 11,000+ feet for views of glaciers and the Ice Palace."

    
  • Day 4

    Bern - Gruyères - Montreux

    Begin in Bern with a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed old town. Visit Gruyères for its cheese factory and stop at the Maison Cailler chocolate factory. According to one traveler: "The chocolate and cheese factories weren't as impressive as the natural sites, but good for cultural appreciation." End your day in French-speaking Montreux.

    
  • Day 5

    Montreux Region & Lake Geneva

    Take this free day to discover the Swiss Riviera. Visit Charlie Chaplin's World museum and the Queen Studio Experience. Walk along Montreux's lakeside promenade and explore the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards. A helpful tip from a visitor: "Use the free public transport cards provided by hotels to explore - the SBB app is very helpful for planning routes."

    
  • Day 6

    Chillon Castle - Lausanne - Geneva

    Plan about 45 minutes to visit Chillon Castle. Move on to Lausanne to see the Olympic Museum and park. Finish your day in Geneva with a walking tour including the Jet d'Eau and Old Town. Smart advice from a traveler: "Book a hotel near Geneva's train station for easy access to everything."

    
  • Day 7

    Geneva

    Use your free morning in Geneva to visit the UN headquarters or take one last walk by the lake before departing.

    

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• 7 Day Switzerland Itinerary, incl. Zurich and Geneva

  A grand Swiss circuit connects 9 cities, from Zurich's Hotel Züri to Geneva's Hotel Cornavin. Highlights feature Europe's largest Rhine Falls, medieval Gruyères cheese-making, Chillon Castle, and optional Jungfraujoch excursion at 3,454 meters, with daily breakfast for approx. $320 per day.

  

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  • Day 1

    Zurich

    The Old Town (Altstadt) is your perfect starting point. Get there before noon to settle in and start exploring. Walk down Bahnhofstrasse, Switzerland's main shopping street. Most stores close at 6:30 PM on weekdays, so plan accordingly. Consider getting a 24-hour ZurichCARD ($28) for unlimited public transport and museum access.

    
  • Day 2

    Zurich to Interlaken

    Get an early start on Zurich's main sights before heading to Rhine Falls. Visit between 9-11 AM to see rainbows in the morning mist. Take the 1.5-hour drive to Lucerne and sit on the right side for the best lake views. Stop briefly at Lucerne's Chapel Bridge, then continue to Interlaken. You'll want to reach Interlaken by late afternoon to see Jungfrau in the golden light.

    
  • Day 3

    Interlaken Region

    Lauterbrunnen Valley offers Switzerland's most impressive landscapes. From April to November, visit Staubbach Falls before 10 AM for the best morning photos. Winter visitors should check out Trümmelbach Falls inside the mountain. Bring a waterproof jacket because you will get wet from the spray.

    
  • Day 4

    Bern and Gruyères

    Visit Bern's medieval center early to avoid the crowds. The Einstein House opens at 10 AM if you're interested in history. Plan your Maison Cailler chocolate factory visit for late afternoon when it's quieter. La Maison du Gruyère offers cheese demonstrations every hour until 5 PM.

    
  • Day 5

    Lake Geneva Region

    Stay in Montreux to explore the Swiss Riviera. Take the first lake steamer (usually 9:45 AM) for a peaceful ride. After sightseeing, unwind at Les Bains de Lavey thermal baths. Go after 7 PM when it's less crowded.

    
  • Day 6

    Swiss Riviera to Geneva

    Visit Chillon Castle at 9 AM opening time before the tour buses arrive. The Lake Geneva drive to Lausanne offers great photo opportunities. Book your UN tour in Geneva ahead of time. End your day watching the sunset at Bains des Pâquis, a favorite local swimming spot.

  • Day 7

    Geneva Departure

    If you have an afternoon flight, visit CERN in the morning (free but needs advance booking) or see the Flower Clock in the English Garden. Give yourself extra time for airport transfers during weekday rush hours (8-9:30 AM).

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• 7 Day Switzerland Itinerary, incl. Zurich and Lucerne

  

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  • Day 1

    Zurich Arrival & Orientation

    Arrive at Zurich International Airport and take transport to your city center hotel. Hotel check-in is at 2 PM but you can store your luggage earlier. Spend time walking around Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich's main shopping street. Get a ZürichCARD at the airport for free public transport and museum access.

    
  • Day 2

    Zurich City & Lake Exploration

    Visit the iconic Grossmünster cathedral early in the morning before the crowds. Join the 4.5-hour city tour at 1 PM from Zurich Central Bus Station. You'll cross Lake Zurich by ferry to reach the Felsenegg viewpoint. Bring a light jacket since afternoons can get cool at the viewing platform.

    
  • Day 3

    Grindelwald & Interlaken Day Trip

    Leave at 8 AM for a full-day trip through the Bernese Oberland. You'll have 6 hours to explore both Grindelwald and Interlaken. Wear layers and sturdy shoes for Grindelwald's steep paths. In Interlaken you can shop for Swiss chocolates or take the funicular to Harder Kulm to watch the sunset.

    
  • Day 4

    Zurich to Lucerne Transfer

    Take the 45-minute train ride to Lucerne and look for Lake Zug views along the way. After hotel check-in walk to the Chapel Bridge and Old Town. Stop at Rathausquai in late afternoon for the best photos of the bridge.

    
  • Day 5

    Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip

    Start by 11:30 AM for your Pilatus adventure. Take the modern Dragon Ride cable car up and explore the Dragon Trail at the summit. Return on the world's steepest cogwheel train at a 48-degree angle. Finish with a Lake Lucerne boat cruise. The alpine sun is strong so bring sunscreen and water.

    
  • Day 6

    Bern & Emmental Valley Tour

    Take a full-day trip to see the capital Bern and Emmental region. Visit the Kambly Experience to try Switzerland's famous biscuits. Learn about authentic Swiss cheese at the Emmentaler show dairy. Pack an extra layer for the cool cheese cellars.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Lucerne

    Allow 2 hours to reach Zurich Airport from Lucerne. Direct trains run every 30 minutes. If you have time visit the Lion Monument which Mark Twain called "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world."

    

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