Relaxed 10-Day Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Basel to Zurich and Schaffhausen

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Photo of riverside of Rhine in Basel dominated by majestic building of Munster church, Switzerland.

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Enjoy this 10-day relaxed road trip in Switzerland, with Basel, Münchenstein, Zurich, Winterthur, Schaffhausen, Neuhausen, and Riehen showing you the beauty, culture, and peaceful moments that make this journey special!

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in Switzerland, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 4 nights in Basel, 4 nights in Zurich, and 1 night in Schaffhausen, staying at top-rated hotels near the heart of each city. Between drives, indulge in local cuisine, sip refreshing drinks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in Switzerland.

Your journey starts in Basel, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 10-day relaxed road trip in Switzerland to explore its rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes.

Every stop on this leisurely self-drive holiday comes with handpicked accommodations that make relaxation effortless. Choose from elegant 5-star hotels with breathtaking views or comfortable 3-star stays that offer excellent value, all providing a welcoming retreat after a day on the road.

With your self-drive itinerary in Switzerland already planned, you’ll enjoy the country’s most celebrated sights without the rush. Marvel at the stunning Rhine Falls and soak in the atmosphere of the magnificent Zürich Zoo.

Enjoy each stop as you explore the history, architecture, and character of each destination on this Switzerland road trip itinerary for 10 days.

As you travel between destinations, you’ll have plenty of time to explore local markets and boutique shops. These stops give you the chance to find unique souvenirs, taste regional specialties, and experience everyday life in Switzerland.

If you want to make your 10-day relaxed self-drive tour in Switzerland even more memorable, add optional tours or activities. Join a guided excursion, discover hidden neighborhoods, or spend an afternoon in your favorite market. Each choice deepens your connection to the places you visit.

Alongside these experiences, your laid-back self-drive package in Switzerland includes 9 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 10 days, and convenient access to nearby dining options. You can also add flights and entry tickets to shape the trip exactly how you want it. With 24/7 travel support and a mobile app keeping your itinerary and documents organized, you can enjoy a relaxed drive and savor every mile of the road ahead.

Turn your travel plans into reality. Book your 10-day relaxed self-drive road trip in Switzerland today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

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Day 1

Basel - Arrival day
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Mittlere Brücke
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Your relaxed road trip through Switzerland starts when you reach the incredible city of Basel, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Basel and begin your adventure in Switzerland.

Basel is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Basel. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Switzerland. We recommend staying at a central location for easy access to key areas in the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Basel, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Basel. The bars in Basel make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Raise a toast as you look back on the highlights of today’s relaxed road trip in Switzerland. Enjoy your first taste of Basel as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

Day 2

Basel
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Drive 14 km, 1 hour 5 min

Grand Casino Basel
Kannenfeld Park
Spalentorweg
University of Basel Botanical Garden
Zoo Basel
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Switzerland makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Switzerland also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Switzerland. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Basel, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Switzerland.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Switzerland!

Day 3

Basel
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Drive 12 km, 48 min

Dreiländereck
Museum Tinguely
Basel Paper Mill
Fine Arts Museum Basel
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Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Switzerland. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Switzerland and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Basel has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Basel’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Switzerland.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Basel as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday in Switzerland!

Day 4

Basel
Zurich
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Drive 85 km, 1 hour 27 min

Museum of Natural History Basel
Palatinate (Pfalz) Viewing Platform
Basel Minster
Wettstein Bridge
Merian Gärten
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Day 4 of your relaxed road trip in Switzerland will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Switzerland, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you can relax in Zurich. Here, you can choose from the best hotels and other accommodations as you get to know more about the culture in the city.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Switzerland. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Zurich, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Zurich.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible, relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Zurich!

Day 5

Zurich
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Drive 1 km, 23 min

Swiss National Museum
Lindenhof
Old Town (Altstadt)
Bahnhofstrasse
Niederdorf
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Set aside time today to explore Old Town (Altstadt), a standout neighborhood that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Switzerland more special is by joining unique tours and activities.

Exploring the food culture in Zurich offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Zurich and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Switzerland!

Day 6

Zurich
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Drive 14 km, 57 min

Botanical Garden
Zürichhorn
Chinagarten Zürich
Zürich Opera House
Zürich Zoo
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Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Switzerland by joining a traveler-approved tour in Basel. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Basel that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Switzerland more memorable.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Switzerland, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Zurich.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Zurich.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Switzerland!

Day 7

Zurich
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Drive 5 km, 48 min

Kunsthaus Zürich
Grossmünster
Fraumünster Church
FIFA Museum
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Switzerland makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Switzerland also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Switzerland.

Day 8

Zurich
Schaffhausen
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Drive 119 km, 2 hours 16 min

Üetliberg
Uetliberg Lookout Tower
Aathal Dinosaur Museum
Wildpark Bruderhaus Winterthur
Swiss Science Center Technorama
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Day 8 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Switzerland offers another chance for an in-depth travel experience. You’ll stay in Schaffhausen for 1 night.

In Schaffhausen, you’ll find plenty of places to unwind after a day on the road. Our top recommendations go perfectly with your laid-back road trip in Switzerland.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the town for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Schaffhausen and take the pulse of the town’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Switzerland!

Day 9

Schaffhausen
Basel
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Drive 109 km, 2 hours 11 min

Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen
Schwabentor
Rhine Falls
Beyeler Foundation
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Day 9 of your easy, relaxed road trip through Switzerland lets you travel at your own pace and visit multiple places in a single day. By evening, drive toward the Basel, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

You'll be staying in Basel on this laid-back road trip through Switzerland. You'll stay here for 1 night.

Exploring the food culture in Basel offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Basel as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday in Switzerland!

Day 10

Basel - Departure day
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Tinguely Fountain
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Day 10 of your relaxed road trip in Switzerland is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare.

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 10 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 10-day relaxed road trip in Switzerland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

Secure your spot

Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

Get instant confirmation

Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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