11-Day Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zurich to Schaffhausen, St. Gallen, Lugano, Lucerne, and Bern and surrounding area

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Photo of beautiful view of historic city center of Zurich with famous Fraumunster Church, Switzerland.

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Experience the freedom of the open road on an unforgettable 11-day road trip in Switzerland! Embark on a self-drive tour that caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Zurich, Winterthur, Neuhausen, Schaffhausen, Kreuzlingen, Hagenwil, Bischofszell, St. Gallen, Rapperswil, Chur, Lugano, Melide, Lavertezzo, Lucerne, Bern, and Basel.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Switzerland. You will spend 4 nights in Zurich, 1 night in Schaffhausen, 2 nights in St. Gallen, 1 night in Lugano, 1 night in Lucerne, and 1 night in Bern. 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 Zurich, 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 Chapel Bridge are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Zurich, Winterthur, Neuhausen, Schaffhausen, Kreuzlingen, Hagenwil, Bischofszell, St. Gallen, Rapperswil, Chur, Lugano, Melide, Lavertezzo, Lucerne, Bern, and Basel, 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

Zurich - Arrival day
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Lindenhof
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Welcome to Zurich, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Switzerland! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 3 nights discovering what to see in Zurich before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Zurich 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 Zurich. 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 Zurich, 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

Zurich
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Drive 12 km, 44 min

Zürich Zoo
Fraumünster Church
Grossmünster
Zürich Opera House
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Day 2 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Zurich. You’ll stay in Zurich 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.

Zurich 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 Zurich.

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

Day 3

Zurich
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Drive 10 km, 36 min

Zürichhorn
Chinagarten Zürich
Botanical Garden
Kunsthaus Zürich
Swiss National Museum
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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 Zurich's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Switzerland!

Day 4

Zurich
Schaffhausen
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Drive 104 km, 2 hours 8 min

Uetliberg Lookout Tower
Wildpark Bruderhaus Winterthur
Swiss Science Center Technorama
Rhine Falls
Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen
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Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in Switzerland includes 4 stops and features some of the highlights of Sellenbüren, Winterthur, Neuhausen, and Schaffhausen. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Schaffhausen, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Schaffhausen. Schaffhausen 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 Schaffhausen. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Switzerland!

Day 5

Schaffhausen
Sankt Gallen
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Drive 144 km, 3 hours 2 min

Napoleon museum Arenenberg
Seeburg Park
Hagenwil Castle
Alte Thurbrücke (Bischofszell)
Säntis - Schwebebahn
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On day 5 of your road trip in Switzerland, your travel plans include 5 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Salenstein, Kreuzlingen, Hagenwil, Bischofszell, and Hundwil are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in St. Gallen, where you will stay for 2 nights.

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

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

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

Day 6

Sankt Gallen
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Drive 10 km, 32 min

Wildlife Park Peter and Paul
Abbey of Saint Gall
St. Gallen Cathedral
Drei Weieren
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You have 1 night left in St. Gallen. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the town.

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 St. Gallen. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 7

Sankt Gallen
Lugano
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Drive 311 km, 4 hours 37 min

Knie's Kinderzoo
Heididorf
Bernina Express
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in Switzerland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are Rapperswil, Heididorf, and Chur. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Lugano, where will spend 1 night.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Lugano, 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 Lugano, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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

Day 8

Lugano
Lucerne
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Drive 230 km, 3 hours 32 min

Ciani Parc
Lugano Arte e Cultura
Swissminiatur
Ponte dei Salti
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On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Lugano, Melide, and Lavertezzo. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Lucerne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

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

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

Say good night to Lucerne and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Switzerland!

Day 9

Lucerne
Bern
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Drive 119 km, 1 hour 51 min

Chapel Bridge
Swiss Museum of Transport
Lion Monument Lucerne
Hofkirche St. Leodegar
Spreuerbrücke
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Dive into day 9 of your remarkable road trip in Switzerland. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Lucerne. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Bern, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

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.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Switzerland!

Day 10

Bern
Zurich
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Drive 189 km, 2 hours 41 min

bear pit
Basel Minster
Zoo Basel
Mittlere Brücke
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Your itinerary for day 10 of your road trip in Switzerland includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Bern and Basel. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Zurich, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

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

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

Day 11

Zurich - Departure day
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Arboretum Zürich
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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.

You can also explore high-end shops for luxury items.

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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