10-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Zurich traveling west to Lucerne, Bern, and Basel
Description
Summary
Description
Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 10-day road trip through Switzerland.
This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Switzerland. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 3 nights in Zurich, 2 nights in Lucerne, 2 nights in Bern, and 2 nights in Basel, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Switzerland. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, and Basel. We'll help you experience the best 10 days in Switzerland you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.
Upon arriving in Zurich, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Switzerland, including the stunning Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument Lucerne.
You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.
Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Switzerland. Your discovery doesn't end there. As you hit the open road and drive through Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, and Basel, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Switzerland. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Switzerland.
Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Switzerland. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Switzerland.
Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Switzerland.
You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Switzerland has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.
You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.
Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Switzerland. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 9 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 9 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.
You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Switzerland extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.
The best services in Switzerland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Switzerland today!
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Day 1 – Zurich - arrival day
Day 1 – Zurich - arrival day
- Zürich - Arrival day
- More
- Lindenhof
- More
Your road trip adventure in Switzerland begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Zurich. You’ll stay in Zurich for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.
Zurich has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Lindenhof. This attraction is a square and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,259 visitors.
When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.
When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Zurich, Weisses Rössli. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 525 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Zurich is Zeughauskeller. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,976 customers.
Locals recommend Swiss Chuchi Restaurant as one of the best restaurants in the city of Zurich. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,383 customers.
Zurich also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Zurich is Kennedy's Irish Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,395 customers.
Enjoy toasting the start of your 10-day vacation in Switzerland!
Experiences
Day 2 – Zurich
Day 2 – Zurich
- Zürich
- More
Drive 14 km, 57 min
- Botanical Garden
- Zürichhorn
- Chinagarten Zürich
- Zürich Opera House
- Zürich Zoo
- More
Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Zurich has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Zurich by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Zurich. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.
You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Zurich, like the extraordinary Botanical Garden. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,132 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations in Zurich is the spectacular Zürichhorn. This attraction is a river delta and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,483 visitors.
You could then travel to the amazing Chinagarten Zürich. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,297 visitors.
Zürich Opera House is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This opera house is a popular destination among visitors in Zurich. Rated at an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,119 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.
Your discovery of Zurich does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Zurich on this day of your trip.
When you’ve finished your meal, Markthalle is one of the best bars in the city of Zurich for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,771 customers.
Rimini Bar is another of the most popular bars in the city of Zurich. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,417 customers.
Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Zurich!
Experiences
Day 3 – Zurich and Lucerne
Day 3 – Zurich and Lucerne
- Zürich
- Lucerne
- More
Drive 54 km, 1 hour 33 min
- Swiss National Museum
- Kunsthaus Zürich
- Grossmünster
- FIFA Museum
- More
As you rise to greet the dawn on day 3 of your epic road trip in Switzerland, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Zurich. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Lucerne. You’ll stay in Lucerne for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Zurich’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.
If you’re curious to see more of Zurich, start your day with a visit to the amazing Swiss National Museum. This much-appreciated organization and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,999 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Kunsthaus Zürich. This art museum and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,485 visitors. As one of the top places to visit in the city, the incredible Kunsthaus Zürich welcomes 382,603 visitors annually.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Grossmünster to make the most of your road trip across Switzerland. The spectacular Grossmünster is a church building that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,203 visitors.
The lovely FIFA Museum is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 4,219 visitors have left this museum average ratings of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Zurich has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Lucerne. Lucerne offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.
After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Grottino 1313. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 624 reviews.
The remarkable Mill'Feuille is another top restaurant in Lucerne we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,538 customers.
If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous tibits Luzern is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,445 customers.
After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Lucerne, the fantastic Bierliebe & Friends. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 680 customers.
To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Suite small plates & cocktails. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,046 customers.
Another bar with a great atmosphere is Shamrock Irish Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 833 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Switzerland!
Experiences
Day 4 – Lucerne
Day 4 – Lucerne
- Lucerne
- More
Drive 9 km, 54 min
- Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne
- Chapel Bridge
- Church of St Leodegar
- Lion Monument
- Swiss Museum of Transport
- More
On day 4 of your road trip across Switzerland, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Lucerne. You’ll stay in Lucerne for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.
We recommend you stay at the AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Lucerne. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,338 guests.
The best luxury hotel option in the city of Lucerne is the 5-star Schweizerhof Luzern. The hotel is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,283 guests.
One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Lucerne is the 3-star Tourist. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,366 guests.
Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.
You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the city of Lucerne, like the outstanding Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,021 visitors.
Chapel Bridge is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Lucerne. This incredible attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,664 visitors.
One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Lucerne is the extraordinary Church of St. Leodegar. This church building is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,624 reviews.
As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Lion Monument Lucerne. Around 19,987 visitors have given this sculpture an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Today you'll also have the opportunity to spend some time at the fantastic Swiss Museum of Transport. Swiss Museum of Transport is a popular technology museum, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,371 travelers. Around 562,605 people visit this technology museum each year.
Come to Lucerne prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Lucerne.
After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Lucerne.
We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Bolero, after your day of exploring the city of Lucerne. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,089 customers.
Pastarazzi is another of the best restaurants in the city of Lucerne. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 797 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Lucerne is La Cucina. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 865 customers.
Locals recommend Zur Werkstatt, one of the best bars in the city of Lucerne, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 501 customers.
Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Lucerne, Bar bei Miguel. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 207 customers.
It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Switzerland.
Experiences
Day 5 – Bern
Day 5 – Bern
- Bern
- More
Drive 211 km, 3 hours 53 min
- Titlis Cliff Walk
- Aare Gorge - West Entrance
- Ballenberg, Swiss Open-Air Museum
- Harderkulm
- St Beatus Caves
- More
Day 5 of your road trip through Switzerland gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Bern for 2 nights. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!
This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,452 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible best-rated sightseeing destination, Aare Gorge - West Entrance. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,999 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.
This popular museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,813 visitors.
The spectacular Harderkulm is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating mountain and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,505 visitors.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic St. Beatus Caves. This attraction is a popular park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,805 visitors.
There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Switzerland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.
At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Bern, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.
After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Süder, one of the best restaurants in the city of Bern. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 519 customers.
Locals also recommend Restaurant Rosengarten as one of the best restaurants in the city of Bern. Restaurant Rosengarten is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,281 customers.
After dinner, visit Lötschberg, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Bern. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,268 customers.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Switzerland!
Experiences
Day 6 – Bern
Day 6 – Bern
- Bern
- More
Drive 1 km, 20 min
- Bern Minster
- UNESCO - Bern Old Town
- Zytglogge
- Bundesplatz
- Federal Palace of Switzerland
- More
On day 6 of your road trip across Switzerland, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Bern. You’ll stay in Bern for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.
We recommend you stay at the Best Western Plus Hotel Bern, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Bern. This hotel has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,030 guests.
The best luxury hotel option in the city of Bern is the 5-star Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa. The hotel is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,438 guests.
One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Bern is the 3-star Kreuz Bern. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 3,295 guests.
Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.
You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the city of Bern, like the outstanding Bern Minster. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,755 visitors.
UNESCO - Bern Old Town is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Bern. This incredible attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,711 visitors.
One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Bern is the extraordinary Zytglogge. This astronomical clock is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,318 reviews.
As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Bundesplatz. Around 3,050 visitors have given this square an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Today you'll also have the opportunity to spend some time at the fantastic Federal Palace of Switzerland. Federal Palace of Switzerland is a popular architectural structure, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,866 travelers.
Come to Bern prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Bern.
After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Bern.
We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Kornhauskeller, after your day of exploring the city of Bern. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,436 customers.
Luce is another of the best restaurants in the city of Bern. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,541 customers.
Locals recommend Mr. Pickwick Pub Bern, one of the best bars in the city of Bern, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,069 customers.
Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Bern, Adrianos Bar & Café. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 865 customers.
It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Switzerland.
Experiences
Day 7 – Bern and Basel
Day 7 – Bern and Basel
- Bern
- Basel
- More
Drive 101 km, 1 hour 59 min
- Bernisches Historisches Museum / Einstein Museum
- Museum of Communication
- Bear pit
- Rose Garden Bern
- More
As you rise to greet the dawn on day 7 of your epic road trip in Switzerland, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Bern. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Basel. You’ll stay in Basel for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Bern’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.
If you’re curious to see more of Bern, start your day with a visit to the amazing Bernisches Historisches Museum / Einstein Museum. This much-appreciated museum and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,839 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Museum of Communication. This museum and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,903 visitors.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Rose Garden Bern to make the most of your road trip across Switzerland. The spectacular Rose Garden Bern is an architectural structure that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,288 visitors.
After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Bern has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Basel. Basel offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.
After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Restaurant Stucki - Tanja Grandits. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 520 reviews.
After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Basel, the fantastic tibits. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,794 customers.
To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful KLARA 13 AG. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,460 customers.
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Switzerland!
Experiences
Day 8 – Basel
Day 8 – Basel
- Basel
- More
Drive 1 km, 24 min
- Tinguely Fountain
- Fine Arts Museum Basel
- Basel Minster
- Museum of Natural History Basel
- More
On day 8 of your road trip across Switzerland, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Basel. You’ll stay in Basel for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.
We recommend you stay at the Gaia Hotel , one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Basel. This hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,002 guests.
The best luxury hotel option in the city of Basel is the 4-star Spalentor. The hotel is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,138 guests.
One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Basel is the 3-star Rochat. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,331 guests.
Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.
You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the city of Basel, like the outstanding Tinguely Fountain. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,054 visitors.
Fine Arts Museum Basel is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Basel. This incredible attraction is a museum and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,982 visitors.
One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Basel is the extraordinary Basel Minster. This cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,367 reviews.
As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Museum of Natural History Basel. Around 2,071 visitors have given this museum an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Come to Basel prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Basel.
After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Basel.
We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like WERK 8, after your day of exploring the city of Basel. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 996 customers.
Gifthüttli is another of the best restaurants in the city of Basel. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Basel is Za Zaa - Lebanese Soul Food. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 926 customers.
Locals recommend NOOHN, one of the best bars in the city of Basel, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 829 customers.
It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Switzerland.
Experiences
Day 9 – Basel, Schaffhausen, and Zurich
Day 9 – Basel, Schaffhausen, and Zurich
- Basel
- Zürich
- More
Drive 148 km, 2 hours 50 min
- Middle bridge
- Gate of Spalen
- Kannenfeld Park
- Basel Zoo
- Rhine Falls
- More
Rise and shine on day 9 of your road trip in Switzerland. Today, you'll wake up in Basel and embark on a scenic drive to Zurich, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Basel before you reach your end destination for the day.
It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Basel. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful middle bridge. This attraction is a road bridge that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,992 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible Gate of Spalen. This attraction, a beloved tower, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,435 visitors.
If you have time, another site you could explore in Basel is the stunning Kannenfeldpark. This top-tier point of interest and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,474 visitors.
One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Rhine Falls. This attraction is a waterfall that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 69,929 visitors.
We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Cantinetta Antinori. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,379 customers.
This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation.
End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Switzerland, and look forward to more great days to come!
Experiences
Day 10 – Zurich - departure day
Day 10 – Zurich - departure day
- Zürich - Departure day
- More
- Old Botanical Garden, Zurich
- More
Day 10 of your road trip in Switzerland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Zurich before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.
Old Botanical Garden, Zurich is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Zurich. This botanical garden and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,633 visitors.
Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Zurich and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Switzerland.
You’ll then say farewell to Zurich. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Switzerland!
Experiences
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