Switzerland Sample Itinerary

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Where to Stay

Zurich:

Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich

Refined rooms, a destination spa, and one of Zurich’s most celebrated dining programs make it a refined choice in the heart of the city.

Baur au Lac

Zurich’s most storied luxury address, set in a private park on the lake since 1844. Discreet, impeccably maintained, and favored by those who prefer understated luxury.

The Dolder Grand

Landmark hotel with sweeping views over Zurich and the lake, whose alpine setting and grand architecture makes it unlike any other property in the city.

Park Hyatt Zurich

Sleek, design-forward option in the financial district, built around contemporary art, clean-lined interiors, and a well-regarded restaurant.

La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich

Lakeside boutique hotel with a distinct Parisian sensibility that’s intimate and stylish, with a loyal following among creative travelers.

AMERON Zürich Bellerive au Lac

Lakefront retreat with clean, contemporary design, and a relaxed atmosphere that sits a step apart from the city’s busier hotel corridor.

Geneva:

The Woodward, Auberge Collection

Beautifully restored Belle Époque property on the Rhône, where Auberge’s signature warmth meets understated elegance.

Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues Geneva

Geneva’s oldest hotel, set directly on the lake with views of the Jet d’Eau, it balances historic gravitas with contemporary comfort.

​​Mandarin Oriental, Geneva

Sleek, contemporary retreat known for impeccable service, refined interiors, and a spa that ranks among Geneva’s best.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva

Landmark property with a storied past, grand architecture, and well-regarded service that make it one of Geneva’s most impressive stays.

Hotel Metropole Geneve

Classic Geneva address steps from the lake and the Old Town, offering traditional Swiss hospitality with a well-located, unpretentious ease.

Lucerne:

Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa

Dramatic clifftop resort above Lake Lucerne, where panoramic Alpine views meet an expansive spa complex. 

Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern

Beautifully restored Belle Époque landmark on the lakefront, combining the brand’s signature service with a polished hotel address.

Park Hotel Vitznau

Secluded retreat that’s intimate and unpretentious, set on the quieter eastern shores of Lake Lucerne for an unhurried, deeply comfortable stay. 

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

Classic grand hotel in the heart of Lucerne, steps from the Chapel Bridge, that’s warm and traditionally Swiss in character.

Zermatt:

CERVO Mountain Resort

Chalet-style retreat above Zermatt with a distinctly alpine soul—rough-hewn timber, cozy interiors, and direct Matterhorn views.

Mont Cervin Palace

An institution with over 150 years of history at the foot of the Matterhorn, whose traditional Swiss grandeur has kept guests returning for generations.

The Omnia

Design-forward retreat built into the rocks, accessible by private elevator. It’s sleek, intimate, and architecturally striking, with Matterhorn views from nearly every room.

Schweizerhof Zermatt

Well-established address combining classic Alpine hospitality with modern comfort steps from the village center and ski lifts.

Hotel Chesa Valese

Charming and intimate St. Moritz retreat with the feel of a private chalet, complete with warm interiors, personalized service, and a quiet residential setting.

 
 

Arrive in Zurich

Day 1

🏙️ Morning
 

Arrive in Zurich and transfer to your hotel. Settle in and take your first look at Switzerland’s largest city, where medieval streets meet a polished, modern edge.


 
🚶‍♀️ Afternoon
 

Wander through Old Town (Altstadt), exploring cobblestone streets, independent boutiques, and cafés lining the Limmat River.


 
🌙 Evening
 

Enjoy a relaxed dinner and ease into Zurich’s calm, cosmopolitan rhythm.

Where to stay:

Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich

Baur au Lac

The Dolder Grand

Park Hyatt Zurich

La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich

AMERON Zürich Bellerive au Lac

Zurich, cont

Day 2

🎨 Morning
 

Visit the Kunsthaus Zürich or Swiss National Museum for a deeper look into Swiss art and history.


 
🍫 Afternoon
 

Head to the Lindt Home of Chocolate for tastings and interactive exhibits.


 
🌙 Evening
 

Enjoy a final Zurich dinner or lakeside evening stroll.

Zurich, cont.

Day 3

🎨 Morning

 

Visit the Kunsthaus Zürich or Swiss National Museum for a deeper look into Swiss art and history.


 
🍫 Afternoon
 

Head to the Lindt Home of Chocolate for tastings and interactive exhibits.


 
🌙 Evening
 

Enjoy a final Zurich dinner or lakeside evening stroll.

Zurich → Lucerne

Day 4

🚄 Morning
 

Travel by train to Lucerne, a short and scenic journey into the heart of central Switzerland.


 
🏞️ Afternoon
 

Explore Lucerne’s Old Town (Altstadt), with painted facades and cobblestone squares.


 
🌉 Evening
 

Walk across Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), especially beautiful at sunset.

Where to stay:

Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa

Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern

Park Hotel Vitznau

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

Lucerne, cont.

Day 5

🚤 Morning
 

Take a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne, with sweeping Alpine views and charming lakeside villages.


 
🏔️ Afternoon
 

Ride the rack railway up Mount Rigi, then enjoy a relaxed alpine walk and lunch with panoramic views.


 
🌙 Evening
 

Return to Lucerne for a cozy dinner.

Where to eat:

Old Swiss House

Restaurant Balances

Wirtshaus Galliker

Restaurant La Cucina

Restaurant Seeblick

Lucerne, cont.

Day 6

🏰 Morning
 

Climb the Musegg Wall and towers for panoramic views over the city.


 
🦁 Afternoon
 

Visit the Lion Monument, then enjoy free time exploring the lakefront or shops.


 
🌙 Evening
 

Unwind with a relaxed lakeside evening.

Lucerne → Zermatt

Day 7

🚄 Morning
 

Depart for Zermatt via train, one of Switzerland’s most scenic routes into the high Alps.


 
🏔️ Afternoon
 

Arrive in the car-free village of Zermatt, surrounded by dramatic mountain views.


 
🌙 Evening
 

Settle in and enjoy a cozy alpine dinner.

Where to stay:

CERVO Mountain Resort

Mont Cervin Palace

The Omnia

Schweizerhof Zermatt

Hotel Chesa Valese

Zermatt, cont.

Day 8

🚠 Morning
 

Take the cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Europe’s highest mountain station.


 
🏔️ Afternoon
 

Explore the glacier, visit the ice palace, or simply take in the panoramic views.


 
🌙 Evening
 

Return to town for a relaxed evening.

Where to eat:

Whymper-Stube

Restaurant Schäferstube

Chez Vrony

Findlerhof

Harry’s Ski Bar

Zermatt, cont.

Day 9

🥾 Morning
 

Hike one of Zermatt’s iconic trails, such as the 5-Lakes Walk or Gorner Gorge.


 
🍝 Afternoon
 

Optional: Take the cable car across the border into Italy for lunch with a view.


 
🌙 Evening
 

Enjoy a final alpine evening.

Zermatt → Geneva (via Glacier Express)

Day 10

🚞 Morning
 

Board the Glacier Express, one of the world’s great train journeys, passing through valleys, viaducts, and mountain landscapes.


 
🏙️ Afternoon
 

Arrive in Geneva and check into your hotel.


 
🌙 Evening
 

Take an evening stroll along Lake Geneva.

Where to stay:

The Woodward, Auberge Collection

Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues Geneva

Mandarin Oriental, Geneva

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva

Hotel Metropole Geneve

Geneva, cont.

Day 11

🏛️ Morning
 

Explore Old Town (Vieille Ville), including St. Peter’s Cathedral and Maison Tavel.


 
🌸 Afternoon
 

Walk along Lake Geneva, stopping at the Flower Clock and enjoying the lakeside parks.


 
🌙 Evening
 

Dinner in the city center.

Where to eat:

Café du Centre

Chez Philippe

Bayview by Michel Roth

Cottage Café

The Foundry Restaurant, Bar and Terrace

Geneva, cont.

Day 12

⌚ Morning
 

Dive into Switzerland’s watchmaking heritage—visit the Patek Philippe Museum or browse Rue du Rhône.


 
🔧 Afternoon
 

Participate in a Swiss Army Knife workshop or visit CERN for a unique scientific experience.


 
🌙 Evening
 

Optional dinner cruise on Lake Geneva at sunset.

Geneva, cont.

Day 13

🌍 Morning
 

Visit the International District, including the Palace of Nations and the Red Cross Museum.


 
🛍️ Afternoon
 

Enjoy free time for shopping, cafés, or revisiting favorite neighborhoods.


 
🌙 Evening
 

Final celebratory dinner.

Depart Switzerland

Day 14

☀️ Morning
 

Enjoy a final breakfast and lakeside walk.


 
✈️ Afternoon
 

Transfer to the airport for departure.

Switzerland Summary

Hotel Recommendations

Zurich:

  • Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich
  • Baur au Lac
  • The Dolder Grand
  • Park Hyatt Zurich
  • La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich
  • AMERON Zürich Bellerive au Lac

Geneva:

  • The Woodward, Auberge Collection
  • Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues Geneva
  • Mandarin Oriental, Geneva
  • The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva
  • Hotel Metropole Geneve

Lucerne:

  • Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa
  • Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern
  • Park Hotel Vitznau
  • Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

Zermatt:

  • CERVO Mountain Resort
  • Mont Cervin Palace
  • The Omnia
  • Schweizerhof Zermatt
  • Hotel Chesa Valese

 
Activity Recommendations
 

Zurich:

  • Old Town (Altstadt)
  • Lake Zurich
  • Lindt Home of Chocolate
  • Kunsthaus Zürich
  • Swiss National Museum
  • Bahnhofstrasse
  • Viadukt District
  • Langstrasse

Geneva:

  • Old Town (Vieille Ville)
  • St. Peter’s Cathedral
  • Maison Tavel
  • Lake Geneva
  • Flower Clock (Jardin des Anglais)
  • Patek Philippe Museum
  • Rue du Rhône
  • Watchmaking Workshop
  • Swiss Army Knife Workshop
  • Palace of Nations
  • International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
  • CERN

Lucerne:

  • Lake Lucerne Cruise
  • Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)
  • Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal)
  • Old Town (Altstadt)
  • Musegg Wall and Towers
  • Mount Rigi Railway & Summit

Zermatt:

  • Glacier Express
  • Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
  • Glacier Palace
  • 5-Lakes Walk
  • Gorner Gorge
  • Italy Border Crossing (Cable Car)
  • Skiing

 
Dining Recommendations
 

Zurich:

  • Hiltl
  • Café Bar ODEON
  • Kronenhalle
  • Zeughauskeller
  • Restaurant Razzia
  • Mesa Madrid

Geneva:

  • Café du Centre
  • Chez Philippe
  • Bayview by Michel Roth
  • Cottage Café
  • The Foundry Restaurant, Bar and Terrace

Lucerne:

  • Old Swiss House
  • Restaurant Balances
  • Wirtshaus Galliker
  • Restaurant La Cucina
  • Restaurant Seeblick

Zermatt:

  • Whymper-Stube at Hotel Monte Rosa
  • Harry’s Ski Bar
  • Restaurant Schäferstube
  • Chez Vrony
  • Findlerhof