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A Week of Swiss Food and History

8 Days / 7 Nights

Lugano, Lucerne, Zurich

from$3,150 per person

Travel and LeisureFodorsUSA TodayNew York TimesNational GeographicWashington PostVogue
Enjoy three diverse cities, and their diverse cuisines and medieval history over the course of eight memorable days. You'll visit Zurich, German-speaking Switzerland's prosperous capital, where everything runs as smoothly as a clock and memorable fondue is easy to find, to lakeside Lucerne, with its beautiful architecture. This tour ends at another lakeside city, laid-back Lugano, where you can take ferries to scenic grottos specializing in the region's Italian dishes.

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 of what our trips are like, and the opportunities our destinations provide.
One of our team members in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your 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 SIM that you can use to contact your JayWay tour manager 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.
Route for Lugano, Lucerne, Zurich tour

3 Nights in Lugano

3 Nights in Lugano

4 days in Lugano
4 days 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.

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 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Lugano

Upon your arrival at Milan Malpensa airport, a driver will pick you up and take you to your accommodations in Lugano, an hour away.

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.

Stretch Your Legs by the Lake

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Lugano

Lugano Private City Tour with Wine & Gelato Tasting

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 : 4 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.

Ferries, Ferries, Everywhere

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Lugano

Three Castles of Bellinzona Private Half-Day Hike

Bellinzona Three Castles Private Half Day Hike

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

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 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Lucerne by Train

Today you're off to Lucerne. Your driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you to Lugano's 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.

Lucerne by Train

You can upgrade your transfer

Upgrade to Lucerne by Private Transfer

Lucerne by Private Transfer

Upgrade for an additional cost
We also offer the following excursions in Lugano

Castelgrande & Bellinzona Half-Day Private Day Trip
Easy4 hours
Food and Wine of Lugano Private Tour
Light4 hours
Group Lake Cruise and Cook in the Grotto Private Experience
Easy4 hours
Private Bike Tour and Cook in the Grotto Experience (E-bikes Included)
Moderate6 hours

2 Nights in Lucerne

2 Nights in Lucerne

3 days in Lucerne
3 days 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.

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 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Lucerne

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

Lucerne Private Walking Tour

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 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Lucerne

Golden Mt. Pilatus

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. More information here.

Golden Mt. Pilatus

Day 6

Day 6 - Traveling to Zurich by Train

Today you'll head to Zurich. Your driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you to Lucerne's train station. We have included second class train tickets, but you can upgrade to first class for an extra fee. The journey takes about an hour.

Zurich by Train

You can upgrade your transfer

Upgrade to Zurich by Private Transfer

Zurich by Private Transfer

Upgrade for an additional cost
We also offer the following excursions in Lucerne

Bernese Oberland Pick and Mix Private Tour
Moderate10 hours
Bernese Oberland and Jungfrau Private Tour
Moderate10 hours
Chocolate, Mountains, and Medieval Towns Private Tour
Moderate8-9 hours
City and Fondue Private Tuk-Tuk Tour
Easy1 hour 30 minutes

2 Nights in Zurich

2 Nights in Zurich

3 days in Zurich
3 days 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.

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 6

Day 6 - Arrival in Zurich

Upon your arrival to Zurich's main train station, you'll be picked up by a driver and taken to your accommodations.

Zurich Private Walking Tour

Zurich Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Grab the opportunity to discover Zurich with a private guide, exploring the city and your related interests at your preferred pace. Visit the major sights or ask for special route and sights so you can get a glimpse behind the scenes, or just rely on your professional local guide, who will undoubtedly ease your appetite for history tidbits, spoil your eyes with architectural highlights, and answer all your questions about Zurich.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 2 hours

Day 7

Day 7 - Your First Full Day in Zurich

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.

Hike the Hill
eTuk-Tuk Private Tour with Fondue Experience

Tasty Zurich

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

Zurich's diverse dining scene varies from from rustic taverns to haute cuisine and culinary delicacies from around the world. If there is just one local dish you should taste, make it "Züri Gschnätzlets," thinly sliced stripes of a veal with sauce and rösti, the Swiss classic reminiscent of hash browns. Zurich also happens to be the birthplace of muesli, which makes for a great way to start your day. Finally, don't forget to take the time for some fondue, whether on your own, or as part of a tour.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

Day 8

Day 8 - Departure Day

A driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you to Zurich's airport with plenty of time to spare before your departing flight.

We also offer the following excursions in Zurich

Bernese Oberland Pick and Mix Private Tour
Moderate10 hours
Bernese Oberland and Jungfrau Private Tour
Moderate10 hours
Chocolate, Mountains and Medieval Towns Private Tour
Moderate8-9 hours
Lake Lucerne Private Tour
Moderate8-9 hours

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.

Lugano

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Lugano - Milan Malpensa Airport Transfer
Private City Tour with Wine and Gelato Tasting
Lugano Train Station Transfer
Lugano - Lucerne Train

Lucerne

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Lucerne Train Station Transfer
Lucerne Private Walking Tour
Lucerne Train Station Transfer
Lucerne - Zurich Train

Zurich

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Zurich Train Station Transfer
Zurich Private Walking Tour
Zurich 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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