Grand Tour of Switzerland

Tanya Deans - (swissfamilyfun)
Itinerary created by
Tanya Deans
What you’ll do

This itinerary spends a few days in each of the most popular regions of Switzerland: Lucerne, Jungfrau Region, Bernese Oberland, Zermatt, and Zurich.

I've included our favorite activities in each location. I include options for different kinds of travelers: hikers, families, and non-hikers.

You can find more ideas on the interactive map and the longer itineraries for the specific locations. I've also included links to my website for more ideas.

Some days include a lot of activities. If you want a more relaxed pace, spread the activities over multiple days.

Customizing the itinerary

For a sampler tour, I suggest spending 2-3 days in each region. So if you have 4-7 days, I would choose just two regions.

Travel Pass

For this type of trip, visiting many destinations, it's best to get the Swiss Travel Pass, which covers public transportation for the whole trip and discounts on mountain excursions.

If you want a more relaxed pace, better to spend 4-6 days in a region. In this case, you may benefit from getting a local travel pass (like the Tell Pass or Berner Oberland Pass) instead of the Swiss Travel Pass.

If you have lots of questions or need help choosing what to do, book a video call with me to craft a personalized itinerary.

Day Total

72.5 km (45.1 mi)

1 hr 8 min

Arrive Zürich

Train from Zürich Flughafen (airport) to Luzern (1h).

Try to take direct train. Check schedule on SBB.ch

Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass is usually the best value for most travellers.

It gives you free unlimited public transport (trains, trams, buses, boats) across Switzerland. It also gives you a 50% discount on most mountain railways.

Make sure to include the children so you get the free Swiss Family Cards, which gives them free travel on everything.

➡️ Purchase Swiss Travel Pass via GetYourGuide (my affiliate link).

GetYourGuide allows cancellation up to 3 days before your trip. The pass can be bought shortly before your trip and does not sell out.

More info about the STP on SwissFamilyFun,com.

1

Zürich Airport - Train Connections
Zürich Airport - Train Connections
Travel times to popular destinations
Category
Public Transport
Est. Price
$$
Transport Type
train

67.1 km (41.7 mi)

46 min

Accommodations in Lucerne

➡️See more accommodations on the map.

2

Choose the option that fits you the best

Hotel des Balances
Hotel des Balances
Charming 4-star hotel along river in old Lucerne
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$$$
Boutique Hotel KARL
Boutique Hotel KARL
Great location on the the river
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$$
CASCADA Boutique Hotel
CASCADA Boutique Hotel
Trendy hotel in Lucerne
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$$
Neustadt Apartments managed by Hotel Central Luzern
Neustadt Apartments managed by Hotel Central Luzern
Convenient stay for families
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$$
Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern
Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern
Luxurious lakeside elegance
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$$$

2.3 km (1.4 mi)

9 min

If you have time in the afternoon, explore the Lucerne old town.

Or perhaps a boat tour or swimming in the lake.

3

Lucerne City Walking Tour
Lucerne City Walking Tour
Explore the historic old town
Category
Sightseeing

584 m (0.4 mi)

3 min

4

Lake Lucerne Boat Tours
Lake Lucerne Boat Tours
Amazing views from the water
Category
Sightseeing
Est. Price
$$

1.1 km (0.7 mi)

3 min

5

Choose the option that fits you the best

Seebad Luzern
Seebad Luzern
Swimming area near the old town
Category
Activity
Est. Price
$
Est. Duration
1-2h
Strandbad Lido Luzern
Strandbad Lido Luzern
Lake swimming and fun park
Category
Activity
Est. Price
$
Est. Duration
1-2h

1.5 km (0.9 mi)

6 min

Restaurants in Lucerne

6

Choose the option that fits you the best

Restaurant Bündnerland Luzern
Restaurant Bündnerland Luzern
Traditional Swiss dishes & fondue
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
Any
Stadtkeller Luzern
Stadtkeller Luzern
Dinner with a Swiss folklore show
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
local
Pastarazzi
Pastarazzi
Handmade ravioli
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
italian
La Bestia - Pizza Pizza
La Bestia - Pizza Pizza
Delicious award-winning pizza
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$
Restaurant Type
pizza
FED Restaurant & Bar
FED Restaurant & Bar
Fusion "soul food"
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
local
Ammos
Ammos
Greek cuisine with river view
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
mediterranean
Mill'Feuille
Mill'Feuille
Cozy urban cafe
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
mediterranean
Restaurant Scala
Restaurant Scala
Fine dining with panorama views
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$$
Restaurant Type
mediterranean

Want to see more?

I have created curated mapsand itineraries for travellers that want to travel like me.