11-Day Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bern traveling north to Basel, Schaffhausen, and Zurich

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Photo of aerial view of the old city center of Bern, Switzerland.

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Escape the ordinary with this exciting 11-day road trip through Switzerland. Explore diverse landscapes, discover lively cities, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Switzerland. You will spend 3 nights in Bern, 3 nights in Basel, 1 night in Schaffhausen, and 3 nights in Zurich. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Switzerland. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Bern, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Switzerland on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Switzerland. Rhine Falls and Zürich Zoo are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Bern, Basel, Neuhausen, Schaffhausen, Winterthur, Kloten, and Zurich, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Switzerland. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Switzerland.

Throughout your road trip in Switzerland, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Switzerland.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Switzerland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Switzerland today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65

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Day 1

Bern - Arrival day
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Rosengarten Bern
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Welcome to Bern, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Switzerland! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights discovering what to see in Bern before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Bern 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.

Find your way to your hotel in Bern. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Switzerland. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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 Bern, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise a toast to the start of your 11-day road trip in Switzerland!

Day 2

Bern
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Drive 9 km, 38 min

Bernisches Historisches Museum / Einstein Museum
Museum of Communication
Natural History Museum of Bern
Zentrum Paul Klee
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You’ll stay in Bern for 1 night.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Switzerland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Bern is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Bern.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!

Day 3

Bern
Basel
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Drive 99 km, 1 hour 28 min

UNESCO - Bern Old Town
Zytglogge
Cathedral of Bern
bear pit
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On day 3 of your road trip in Switzerland, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Bern are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Basel, where you will stay for 3 nights.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Bern.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Basel, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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.

Head back to your accommodation in Basel and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Switzerland.

Day 4

Basel
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Drive 1 km, 24 min

Tinguely Fountain
Fine Arts Museum Basel
Basel Minster
Museum of Natural History Basel
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Day 4 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Bern. You’ll stay in Basel for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Switzerland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Basel's best restaurants.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Switzerland.

Day 5

Basel
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Drive 22 km, 1 hour 19 min

Dreiländereck
Museum Tinguely
Basel Paper Mill
Kannenfeld Park
Grand Casino Basel
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Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Switzerland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Basel's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Switzerland.

Day 6

Basel
Schaffhausen
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Drive 100 km, 2 hours 10 min

Mittlere Brücke
University of Basel Botanical Garden
Spalentorweg
Zoo Basel
Rhine Falls
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Switzerland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Basel and Neuhausen. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Schaffhausen, where will spend 1 night.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Schaffhausen. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

Schaffhausen is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Schaffhausen.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 7

Schaffhausen
Zurich
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Drive 141 km, 2 hours 17 min

Swiss Science Center Technorama
Aathal Dinosaur Museum
Observation Deck B
Üetliberg
Uetliberg Lookout Tower
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Your itinerary for day 7 of your road trip in Switzerland includes 4 stops and features some of the highlights of Winterthur, Aathal, Kloten, and Sellenbüren. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Zurich, where you'll spend 3 nights.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Zurich. Zurich offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Zurich. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Switzerland.

Day 8

Zurich
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Drive 10 km, 40 min

Zürich Zoo
Kunsthaus Zürich
Kronenhalle
Zürich Opera House
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You have 2 nights left in Zurich. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Switzerland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Zurich. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Switzerland!

Day 9

Zurich
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Drive 9 km, 50 min

FIFA Museum
Arboretum Zürich
Chinagarten Zürich
Zürichhorn
Botanical Garden
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You’ll stay in Zurich for 1 night.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Switzerland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Zurich. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Switzerland!

Day 10

Zurich
Bern
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Drive 123 km, 1 hour 55 min

Lindenhof
Fraumünster Church
Grossmünster
Swiss National Museum
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On day 10 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Zurich. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Bern, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bern, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bern. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Switzerland!

Day 11

Bern - Departure day
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Bundesplatz
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Day 11 of your road trip in Switzerland is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Switzerland!

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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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