The Heights and Highlights of Switzerland

15 Days / 14 Nights

Zurich, Lucerne, Lugano, Interlaken, Zermatt, Geneva

Flexible Booking Policy

Spend two weeks exploring Switzerland from top to bottom. You'll start in prosperous, beautiful Zurich, then take in the lakeside scenery of Lucerne. Practice your Italian amid Lugano's palm trees, then sleep beneath famous mountains like the Matterhorn in Zermatt and Interlaken, before wrapping your trip up at Geneva, the "Capital of Peace."
The services we provide as part of our comprehensive packages include accommodations, train tickets, airport and train station transfers, city tours and day trips. In addition to the tours included, we can arrange a number of excursions based on your own interests. All of our tours are custom, and this is just a sample meant to give an idea for what our trips are like, and the opportunities our destinations provide.

One of our team in the region will be available to you during and leading up to the trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local cell phone that you can use to contact our employee throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 2-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and spacious apartments. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.

2 Nights in Zurich

2 Nights in Zurich

Switzerland's largest city and main hub, Zurich is where many of the nation's bankers and scholars bump shoulders. This cosmopolitan city ranks highly in terms of livability, but for all its wealth and global prestige, the Old Town remains charming, if almost spotless. The ridges flanking Zurich's river valley offer romantic views, but the best way to hit the ground running in Zurich is to follow the river itself as it cuts through the Old Town, then meets Lake Zurich. Along the way, indulge in detours, from upscale chocolatiers to low-stress beaches.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Zurich

Upon your arrival to Zurich Airport, your driver will be waiting to take you to your accommodations.

A Market in a Viaduct

Suggestion to explore on your own

Zurich has plenty of shopping on offer, from luxury design and haut couture through to local goods and vintage finds. For a truly local shopping experience, stroll on down to the "Viaduktstrasse," where you can find the Viaduct Market. This shopping spot has locally designed and produced clothing good for any outdoor activities you may be planning on, as well as a fashion workshop run by a community of designers devoted to supporting young talent. Beyond clothing, you can find excellent local and international cuisine, and plenty of memorable ways to decorate your home.

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Zurich

Zurich and Surroundings Private eTukTuk Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Zurich, with its captivating situation along the Limmat is a city worth discovering on foot, but even better on an e-tuktuk. Get your bearings on the surrounding hills and sights on the small e-vehicle in a smart and faster way so the rest of the day / night will be yours to be filedl with more experiences!

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 90 minutes

Hike the Hill

Suggestion to explore on your own

Zurich has its own hill, the Uetliberg, which offers great views amid green majesty. You can easily reach it by train from Zurich's main station, or by taking a streetcar from the Fifa World Football Museum. Choosing the latter option will let you add an easy 20-minute hike to the top, following the "Planetenweg" ("Planets Path") route, although there are several others to try. As the name implies, the route passes models of the planets (each meter equals one million kilometers), so you can get a feel for the solar system's true size. Once you're above the city, enjoy the hill's panorama, and refreshing air and nature.

Day 3

Day 3 - Traveling to Lucerne by Private Transfer

Today a driver will pick you up at your accommodations and take you directly to Lucerne. The drive should take less than an hour.

2 Nights in Lucerne

2 Nights in Lucerne

If you only have time for one spot in central Switzerland, make it Lucerne. This charming lakeside town offers a memorable mountain panorama. The town's standout landmark is the 12th century Chapel Bridge (Europe's oldest covered bridge), which runs past the unique octagonal Water Tower. Visitors also tend to make a beeline for the Lion Monument, carved into a cliff, which commemorates the Swiss Guards who sacrificed their lives for the royal family during the French Revolution. Make sure to stop by the lesser-known covered Spreuer Bridge, with its Danse Macabre plaques. If you're fond of classical music, you're more than in luck, as the city offers frequent performances.

Day 3

Day 3 - Arrival in Lucerne

Your driver will take you to your accommodations in Lucerne.

Lucerne Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Discover the fascinating abundant heritage of Lucerne. Simply being there gives the feeling of being trapped in time, but strolling the streets and hearing true medieval stories from a local guide will definitely take you back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Eager to hear some recent history, art and culture? Your private guide is on top of these topics as well.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 2 hours

Day 4

Day 4 - Your First Full Day in Lucerne

Mt. Pilatus Is Golden

Suggestion to explore on your own

Experience five different modes of transport and one amazing mountain, all in one day! Take a boat from Lucerne, then conquer the amazing Mt. Pilatus via the steepest railroad in the world. After the breathtaking ascent, you will be rewarded by equally spectacular views from the top. Excellent leisure facilities await you at the summit, have some refreshments on the panoramic terrace or in one of the cozy restaurants. On your way back, descend with the "Dragon Ride" aerial cableway to Fräkmüntegg and finally take a gondola to Kriens. From Kriens, you can return to Lucerne on the modern trolleybus, thus completing the convenient circular journey.

Day 5

Day 5 - Traveling to Lugano by Train

Today you're off to Lugano, in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. Your driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you to the local train station. We have included second-class train tickets, but you can upgrade to first-class for an extra fee. The journey takes about 2.5 hours.

You can upgrade your transfer

Lugano by Private Transfer

Upgrade for an additional cost

3 Nights in Lugano

3 Nights in Lugano

The largest Italian city outside Italy, Lugano has been rivals with pricier neighbor Como for centuries. This border city (1/3 of its eponymous lake is Italian) is a charming exemplar of the architecture its southern neighbor is known for. Its palm trees complete the illusion of being somewhere else. Stroll the picturesque boulevards, and enjoy this city's excellent shopping, then venture beyond. Staying at a hotel in Lugano gives you a pass good for free public transportation throughout the surrounding Italian-speaking Ticino canton, including the network of ferries crisscrossing Lake Lugano. A classic activity is to ride a boat (as part of a cruise, or on your own) to one of the "grottos" across the lake, then tuck into one of the authentic rural meals these picturesque restaurants specialize in.

Day 5

Day 5 - Arrival in Lugano

Upon your arrival to Lugano's main train station, we'll arrange for a driver to pick you up and take you to your accommodations.

Stretch Your Legs By the Lake

Suggestion to explore on your own

Once you've checked in, enjoy a stroll along Lake Lugano, as the sun starts setting. See the shining orb rest atop a mountain, then sink below the horizon, perhaps from Parco Ciani, which offers great lakefront views. Then head for one of the lakeside bars, for a glass of wine or good cocktail, and a tasty local risotto at the restaurant of your choice.

Day 6

Day 6 - Your First Full Day in Lugano

Private City Tour with Wine and Gelato Tasting

Included in your vacation package price.

Discover Lugano by strolling around its beautiful streets and squares, while hearing charming stories from your guide. You'll make stops along the way to taste famous local wines, snacks, and gelato.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 3 hours

Ferries, Ferries, Everywhere

Suggestion to explore on your own

Lugano's region is serviced by frequent public ferries, free for those staying in the town's hotels. Board a boat at Paradiso and cruise as far as Morcote, one of the most picturesque towns along the lake. Treat yourself with a good coffee and a local sweet discover the historical and architectural highlights of the place and continue to Gandria, the area's other pearl. Choose a grotto for your lunch, embrace the atmosphere, and enjoy fresh lake breezes.

Day 7

Day 7 - Your Second Full Day in Lugano

Bellinzona Three Castles Private Half Day Hike

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the three magnificent castles of Bellinzona and their connecting walls are the only examples of defensive military architecture dating back to the Middle Ages that still exist in the area. Get ready for captivating castles, stunning views, interesting stories, and some hiking to conquer the constructions.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 4 hours

Seven Wonders Private Tasting Experience

A Delicacy Paradise

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Savor your stay in Lugano with local treats every day! Lugano and its surroundings are famed for their honey, chestnuts, and cold cuts, in addition to that celebrated Swiss staple, cheese. The best places to find culinary delights are the area's "grottos," where you can taste various cured meats, cheese, and wines, accompanied by fresh and grilled vegetables.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 4 hours

Day 8

Day 8 - Traveling to Interlaken by Train

Today you're off to Interlaken. Your driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you to the local train station. As there are no direct trains, you will need to change trains at least once, likely in Lucerne. We have included second class-train tickets, but you can upgrade to first-class for an extra fee. The journey generally takes about four hours.

You can upgrade your transfer

Interlaken by Private Transfer

Upgrade for an additional cost

2 Nights in Interlaken

2 Nights in Interlaken

The gateway to the Bernese Highlands, Interlaken's name is fitting, as it straddles the scenic lakes of Brienz and Thun, linked by the turquoise River Aare. A tourist heaven, this hub offers a wide variety of active ways to explore the surrounding area, home to some of Switzerland's most famed peaks.

Day 8

Day 8 - Arrival in Interlaken

Upon your arrival to the Interlaken Ost train station, we'll arrange for a driver to pick you up and take you to your accommodations.

Discover a Historic Gem

Suggestion to explore on your own

Getting around Interlaken after your arrival will take you to small riverside streets and bridges crisscrossing the Aare. A medieval environment embraces you if you walk further to the Unterseen district. Complete your first night in Interlaken with an Old Town dinner at Stadtkeller, with its delicious traditional food and folk music.

Day 9

Day 9 - Your First Full Day in Interlaken

The "Virgin" and Other Peaks

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

See the Top of Europe, the "Jungfraujoch" saddle between the Mönch ("Monk") and Jungfrau ("Maiden") by train. You can ride the Bernese Oberland Railroad from the Interlaken Ost station to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, then ride the Wengernalp rack railroad to Kleine Scheidegg, where you'll make one last transfer, taking the Jungfrau Railroad directly to the Jungfraujoch, a total journey of two amazingly scenic hours. The railroad stations along the way offer plenty of hiking routes, which can serve as alternatives to trains. Along the way, there are plenty of sights and highlights to see (like the Eismeer lookout, the Alpine Sensation, or the Ice Palace), to say nothing of the activities at the top. Be sure to set aside a full day for this route, or go with a private guide. Already conquered this peak? Take the top of Schilthorn!

Jungfraujoch Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Learn about alpine history and local legends and witness spectacular views along the way during this tour to the Jungfraujoch, the saddle between the Jungfrau and Monch, mountains over 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) high. After taking Europe's highest railroad, you'll get a tour of the "Top of Europe" complex, including one of the world's highest observatories. Along the way, you'll visit the beautiful village of Lauterbrunnen.

Activity Level : Strenuous

Duration : 7 hours

Schilthorn Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

On this tour, you'll head by train, bus, and cable car up to the mountaintop Schilthorn Station, where you'll take in the absolutely stunning views. The rotating restaurant atop this peak was named for, and used to film, the Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," so you'll naturally get to visit its James Bond exhibition.

Activity Level : Strenuous

Duration : 6 hours

Day 10

Day 10 - Traveling to Zermatt by Train

Today you're off to Zermatt. Your driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you to the local train station. As there are no direct trains, you will need to change trains, likely twice. We have included second-class train tickets, but you can upgrade to first-class for an extra fee. The journey generally takes about two hours.

You can upgrade your transfer

Zermatt by Private Transfer

Upgrade for an additional cost

2 Nights in Zermatt

2 Nights in Zermatt

The destiny of the obscure village of Zermatt changed in 1865 after the Matterhorn was first summited. Although most of the brave mountaineers who tacked it did not survive, they attracted a wave of copycats, who took a liking to the humble village sitting beneath the mountain. Now you can comfortably get close to the Matterhorn itself, by taking the riding a cable car to the Little Matterhorn, the highest place in Europe reachable by transportation (and thus the continent's highest observation platform). Zermatt itself is car-free, to prevent air pollution from smudging its famed view.

Day 10

Day 10 - Arrival in Zermatt

As Zermatt is a car-free zone, once you arrive at its train station, your hotel will arrange for you to be picked up by an electric cart and taken to your accommodations.

Day 11

Day 11 - Your First Full Day in Zermatt

Panoramas Abound

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

The possibilities are endless in Zermatt, which offers plenty of great views of the Matterhorn, whether by ascending up trails on your own, or after getting a boost from a cable car. For the absolute best views, ride the Gornergrat Railroad, Europe's highest open-air cog railroad, into the sky. En route to the summit of the Gornergrat, you'll traverse dramatic canyons, pass through galleries, tunnels, and forest, and go by mountain lakes. At the top, you'll see the Dufourspitze (Switzerland's highest peak), the second largest glacier in the Alps (the Gorner Glacier), and if the weather cooperates, 29 mountains towering over 4,000 meters, like the Rothorn or the Matterhorn in their full glory. If you'd rather stay closer to Zermatt, hike to the closest suspension bridge, a few miles away. You can find the trailhead next to the Furi gondola station, and hike back after crossing the bridge. Want to head a bit further? Enjoy an easy 20-minute walk from the Gorner Gorge. If you're an early riser, continue down the Kelle Trail, then follow the Gourmetweg towards Sunnegga. Save some room to stop by farms and restaurants for a meal or two. From Sunnegga, you can ride a cable car back down to Zermatt, or can hike the four miles back down. We also offer tours around the Gornergrat and Matterhorn Paradise.

Matterhorn Paradise Day Trip with a Private Guide

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Hop into a cable car, and ride up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Europe's highest ski area (one of its lifts is the country's fourth highest structure). This is the world's largest summer ski area, but has plenty of great opportunities for hiking, or even just taking in views from the continent's highest viewing platform (then heading to the Gorner Glacier's ice cave). This tour can also be offered without a guide.

Activity Level : Strenuous

Duration : 7 hours

Gornergrat by Rack Railroad & Short Hike with a Private Guide

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Ride Europe's second-highest railroad to the Gornergrat, a spectacular ridge overlooking the Gorner Glacier, and 29 mountains, including the Matterhorn. At 3,000 meters (10,100) feet up, the Gornergrat Railway is the continent's highest open-air line, and uses trains with cogs between their wheels to prevent slippage. Enjoy our private tour with an expert guide explain the vista and take you on a short hike.

Activity Level : Strenuous

Duration : 7 hours

Day 12

Day 12 - Traveling to Geneva by Train

Today you're off to Geneva. Your hotel will arrange a transfer in an electric car to the train station. As there are no direct trains, you will need to change trains, likely twice. We have included second-class train tickets, but you can upgrade to first-class for an extra fee. The journey generally takes three hours, including at least one stop.

You can upgrade your transfer

Geneva by Private Transfer with Stops in Montreux & Lavaux

Upgrade for an additional cost

3 Nights in Geneva

3 Nights in Geneva

Switzerland's second city and main French-speaking metropolis, this proud "Protestant Rome" was once John Calvin's capital, but is now famous as the eminently livable "Capital of Peace." A cosmopolitan center of global diplomacy from the Red Cross to much of the UN, Geneva is the scenic spot where the Rhone leaves Lake Geneva. The watchmaker's Mecca, Geneva offers impressive shopping and fine dining, but one of the best activities is free: walking through the Old Town and by the lake. Most of the city is reminiscent of France (which nearly surrounds it) although the more bohemian Carouge district draws plenty of locals thanks to its Mediterranean atmosphere. An hour's drive away, Mont Blanc (the Alps' highest peak) is easy to spot.

Day 12

Day 12 - Arrival in Geneva

Upon your arrival to Geneva's main train station, we'll arrange for a driver to pick you up and take you to your accommodations.

The French-Italian Touch

Suggestion to explore on your own

Today visit Carouge, part of Geneva modeled after Nice, which was once an independent trading town. Its Old Town, "Le Vieux Carouge" a special blend of French and Italian architecture, and cultural connections to the Mediterranean. The ambience is also unique, as this former trade hub is still home to diverse craftsmen and artisans who make traditional wares by hand. Filled with life, antique shops, bars, restaurants, and cafés, one after the other on streets reminiscent of Sardinia, the hours you spend in this most bohemian part of Geneva will be memorable, especially if you stop by for a dinner, or spend a night at the lively Chat Noir jazz club!

Day 13

Day 13 - Your First Full Day in Geneva

Geneva Old Town Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Once the "Protestant Rome," Geneva has long been known for its leading role in the Protestant Reformation, as marked by its impressive St. Peter's Cathedral. On this tour, you will have the chance to get an insight into Geneva's history and life there today.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 2 hours

Humanitarian Geneva

Suggestion to explore on your own

There's a reason Geneva is associated with human rights. You can find exhibitions devoted to humanitarian efforts at the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, and the Palace of Nations. The former has three modern exhibitions devoted to defending human dignity, reconstructing family links, and reducing natural risks. The Palace of Nations was built to host the League of Nations, and has housed much of the United Nations since 1946, although Switzerland itself didn't become a UN member until 2002. Welcoming more than 25,000 delegates for over 10,000 intergovernmental meetings annually, this important complex is also home to many works of art, including some of the meeting rooms themselves. Explore the palace via its daily guided tours.

Day 14

Day 14 - Your Second Full Day in Geneva

Hike and Bike the Mountain

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

For those who collect stunning views, we recommend to climbing Mont Saleve, on foot or by cable car. Arriving at the summit, you'll find yourself in the middle of an immense playground for sports lovers. You can go paragliding, climbing, mountain biking, and hiking (and naturally cross-country skiing in winter). You will enjoy the fresh air and stunning panorama of Geneva, and can stop at a restaurant for lunch and further views. Geneva's giant Jet d'Eau fountain is just a tiny speck from the Mont Saleve lookout point. On the southeast side, you can enjoy a view of the Alps with the Mont-Blanc massif.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 9 hours

A Cornucopia of a City

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

One more sophisticated activity for your stay in Geneva: dining. Add a chocolate workshop to your day, provided by many traditional local manufacturers like Du Rhone, or just pop in a flagship chocolate shop to gain extra energy from Teuscher's champagne chocolate egg truffles or at Favarger's chocolate tasting bar. Enjoy a homemade cheesy dish with a fondue or raclette workshop at the Edelweiss Hotel. If you're longing for fine dining at the end of the day, we can reserve a table for you. To accompany your dishes with Swiss wine, ask the waiter to pour you some Chasselas for some local taste, continue with a good old Chardonnay. If reds are more to your liking, try to local Gamay and Pinot Noir.

An evening off the coast - the Captain's Table Gastronomy Cruise

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Embark on the Belle-Époque Savoie boat with Chef Jean-Sébastien Pouch and let your taste buds enjoy marvels. As you enjoy a scenic cruise, you'll enjoy refined, subtle cuisine that reflects the best of the Belle-Époque period, over a century ago. This tour only includes a set three-course meal or the selections from the a la carte menu.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 3 hours

Gruyere Private Day Trip - Cheese & Chocolate Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Are you amazed by the picturesque view of Alps? Are you also a food lover? Join this tour and see more of Switzerland by visiting chocolate and a cheese factory. Explore the medieval town of Gruyere, which was unaffected by time and enjoy the stop on the wine terraces of Lavaux for a truly mesmerizing view

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 9 hours

Day 15

Day 15 - Departure Day

Your driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you to Geneva's airport with plenty of time to catch your departing flight.

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Zurich

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Zurich Airport Transfer

Zurich and Surroundings Private eTukTuk Tour

Zurich - Lucerne Private Transfer

Lucerne

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Lucerne Private Walking Tour

Lucerne Train Station Transfer

Lucerne - Lugano Train

Lugano

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Lugano Train Station Transfer

Private City Tour with Wine and Gelato Tasting

Lugano Train Station Transfer

Lugano - Interlaken Train

Interlaken

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Interlaken Train Station Transfer

Interlaken - Zermatt Train

Zermatt

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Zermatt Train Station Transfer with an Electric Car

Zermatt - Geneva Train

Geneva

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Geneva Train Station Transfer

Geneva Old Town Private Walking Tour

Geneva Airport Transfer

package excludes:

Flights to and from Europe.
Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website

Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.

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