Relaxed 12-Day Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bern to Geneva and Zurich

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Set out on this 12-day relaxed road trip in Switzerland, where Bern, Yverdon Les Bains, Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, Neuhausen, and Lucerne offer rich culture, beautiful views, and memorable experiences at every stop!

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in Switzerland, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 4 nights in Bern, 3 nights in Geneva, and 4 nights in Zurich, 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 Bern, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 12-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 Chapel Bridge.

Enjoy each stop as you explore the history, architecture, and character of each destination on this Switzerland road trip itinerary for 12 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 12-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 11 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 12 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 12-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

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

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.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Bern. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

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.

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.

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

Day 2

Bern
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Drive 2 km, 28 min

Zytglogge
UNESCO - Bern Old Town
Münster-Plattform
Nydeggbrücke
bear pit
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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.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Switzerland by joining a traveler-approved tour in Bern. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Bern 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 Bern.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Switzerland!

Day 3

Bern
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Drive 4 km, 1 hour 2 min

Rosengarten Bern
Bernisches Historisches Museum / Einstein Museum
Museum of Communication
Natural History Museum of Bern
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Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Switzerland more special is by joining unique tours and activities.

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 Bern, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

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.

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

Day 4

Bern
Geneva
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Drive 261 km, 3 hours 38 min

Thermal Centre at Yverdon-les-Bains
Beach Yverdon
Chillon Castle
Servion Zoo
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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!

Continue your laid-back road trip in Switzerland as you make your way to Geneva. Here, you’ll find top hotels and accommodations in the city, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Geneva, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

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.

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

Day 5

Geneva
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Drive 3 km, 40 min

The Geneva Water Fountain
Jardin Anglais
The Flower Clock
St Pierre Cathedral
Rue du Rhône
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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, Geneva has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of 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.

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

Day 6

Geneva
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Drive 15 km, 1 hour 6 min

Conservatory and Botanical garden Geneva
Broken Chair
Bains des Pâquis
Parc de La Grange
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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.

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 Geneva. The bars in Geneva make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

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

Day 7

Geneva
Zurich
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Drive 302 km, 3 hours 44 min

The Olympic Museum
Lausanne Cathedral
AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium
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On day 7 of your laid-back road trip adventure in Switzerland, you can visit several remarkable places. With the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive tour, you decide how much time to spend in each, making the most of these memorable destinations.

You'll be staying in Zurich on this laid-back road trip through Switzerland. You'll stay here for 4 nights.

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.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Switzerland. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Switzerland tomorrow with new energy.

Day 8

Zurich
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Drive 111 km, 2 hours 24 min

Rhine Falls
Botanical Garden
Chinagarten Zürich
Arboretum Zürich
Museum Rietberg
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On day 8 of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland, you’ll explore the area around Zurich, where you’ll be staying for another 3 nights. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Zurich will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Switzerland.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Zurich and your accommodation.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Zurich and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

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

Day 9

Zurich
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Drive 1 km, 22 min

Lindenhof
Swiss National Museum
Old Town (Altstadt)
Bahnhofstrasse
Niederdorf
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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.

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

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Switzerland!

Day 10

Zurich
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Drive 10 km, 46 min

Zürich Zoo
Kunsthaus Zürich
Grossmünster
Zürich Opera House
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Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Switzerland more special is by joining unique tours and activities.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Zurich, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

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.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Switzerland. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Switzerland tomorrow with new energy.

Day 11

Zurich
Bern
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Drive 166 km, 2 hours 36 min

Swiss Museum of Transport
Lion Monument Lucerne
Chapel Bridge
Spreuerbrücke
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Day 11 of your self-drive tour in Switzerland offers a chance to experience the country’s diversity. You’ll stay in Bern for 1 night. Along the way, you’ll glimpse local life and explore some of the most remarkable places in Switzerland.

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

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Bern 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 Bern’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Switzerland.

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

Day 12

Bern - Departure day
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Bundesplatz
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Day 12 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 12 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 12-day relaxed road trip in Switzerland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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

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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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