12-Day Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zurich to St. Gallen, Chur, Bern, and Basel 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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Description

Explore the best of Switzerland on a remarkable 12-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Zurich, Winterthur, Ürikon, Thurgau, Thundorf, Kreuzlingen, Hagenwil, St. Gallen, Urnäsch, Rapperswil, Chur, Churwalden, Bern, Goldau, Lucerne, Geneva, Basel, and Neuhausen.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Switzerland. You will spend 5 nights in Zurich, 2 nights in St. Gallen, 1 night in Chur, 2 nights in Bern, and 1 night in Basel. 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, Ürikon, Thurgau, Thundorf, Kreuzlingen, Hagenwil, St. Gallen, Urnäsch, Rapperswil, Chur, Churwalden, Bern, Goldau, Lucerne, Geneva, Basel, and Neuhausen, 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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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day 1

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 4 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 12-day road trip in Switzerland!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Zurich
  • More

Drive 12 km, 42 min

  • Zürich Zoo
  • Kunsthaus Zürich
  • Grossmünster
  • Arboretum Zürich
  • More

You’ll stay in Zurich for 3 nights.

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!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Zurich
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Drive 9 km, 34 min

  • Botanical Garden
  • Zürichhorn
  • Chinagarten Zürich
  • Zürich Opera House
  • Swiss National Museum
  • More

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

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

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Zurich
  • More

Drive 162 km, 2 hours 36 min

  • Swiss Science Center Technorama
  • Aathal Dinosaur Museum
  • Lake Zurich
  • Üetliberg
  • Uetliberg Lookout Tower
  • More

On day 4 of your road trip in Switzerland, you’ll start and end your day in Zurich, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Zurich, there’s no need to rush. Experience Winterthur, Aathal, Ürikon, and Sellenbüren to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

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

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.

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

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Zurich
  • Sankt Gallen
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Drive 129 km, 2 hours 18 min

  • Murg Auen Park
  • Stählibuckturm
  • Napoleon museum Arenenberg
  • Seeburg Park
  • Hagenwil Castle
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Switzerland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 5 places, which are Thurgau, Thundorf, Salenstein, Kreuzlingen, and Hagenwil. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in St. Gallen, where will spend 2 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 Zurich.

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

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.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Switzerland!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Sankt Gallen
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Drive 11 km, 32 min

  • Wildlife Park Peter and Paul
  • St. Gallen Cathedral
  • Abbey of Saint Gall
  • Drei Weieren
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Day 6 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Zurich. You’ll stay in St. Gallen for 1 night 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.

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.

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

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Sankt Gallen
  • Chur
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Drive 177 km, 2 hours 53 min

  • Appenzell museum of popular traditions
  • Säntis - Schwebebahn
  • Atzmännig
  • Knie's Kinderzoo
  • More

Your itinerary for day 7 of your road trip in Switzerland includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Urnäsch, Hundwil, and Rapperswil. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Chur, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

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

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Chur
  • Bern
  • More

Drive 272 km, 3 hours 23 min

  • Bernina Express
  • Chur Bergbahnen (Brambrüesch)
  • Toboggan adventure mountain Pradaschier
  • Heididorf
  • More

On day 8 of your road trip in Switzerland, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Chur, Churwalden, and Heididorf are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bern, where you will stay for 2 nights.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Bern. Bern 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 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!

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Bern
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Drive 279 km, 3 hours 41 min

  • Nature and Animal Park Goldau
  • Swiss Museum of Transport
  • Chapel Bridge
  • Lion Monument Lucerne
  • More

On day 9 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Goldau and Lucerne. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Bern, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Bern.

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.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Switzerland!

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Day 10

Day 10

  • Bern
  • Basel
  • More

Drive 415 km, 4 hours 44 min

  • UNESCO - Bern Old Town
  • Jardin Anglais
  • The Geneva Water Fountain
  • The Flower Clock
  • More

On day 10 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Bern and Geneva. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Basel, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

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.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Switzerland.

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Day 11

Day 11

  • Basel
  • Zurich
  • More

Drive 154 km, 2 hours 43 min

  • Mittlere Brücke
  • Basel Minster
  • Zoo Basel
  • Rhine Falls
  • More

Dive into day 11 of your remarkable road trip in Switzerland. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Basel and Neuhausen. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Zurich, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

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

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

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Day 12

Day 12

  • Zurich - Departure day
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  • Old Botanical Garden
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Day 12 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.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation. Elevate your style with pieces from high-end retail stores.

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.

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

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