13-Day Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zurich to Lucerne, Interlaken, Lausanne, Geneva, and Bern

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Zurich. You’ll stay in Zurich for 1 night.

Whether you decide to explore Zurich on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Make sure to visit Old Town (Altstadt), a popular neighborhood in Zurich. Spend some time wandering around the area and soak in its distinctive charm. You’ll also discover that several of the city’s must-see attractions are just around the corner.

Zürich Zoo is an ideal stop early in the day. This notable zoo is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Swiss National Museum, which may be one of the most photogenic places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Zurich on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Lindenhof, a popular historical landmark in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Grossmünster and Old Botanical Garden, Zurich.

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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Cantinetta Antinori, a top-rated dining spot in Zurich. If you're in the mood for something new, try El Lokal, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Aurora. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Zurich.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Eldorado, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Gotthard Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Zurich. La Stanza is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

Your itinerary for day 3 of your road trip in Switzerland includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Lucerne. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Lucerne, 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 Lucerne.

Savor the day by heading to Mount Pilatus, an increasingly popular mountain range that draws visitors from near and far.

When you arrive in Lucerne, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Church Of St. Leodegar, a locally appreciated church in Lucerne. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Lion Monument Lucerne. This well-known monument is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most romantic historical landmark in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the well-known Chapel Bridge and discover what makes this historical landmark unique.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Lucerne. 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 Lucerne's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Valentino, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Restaurant Weisses Schloss? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Bolero as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Lucerne.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Bar 58, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Blue Bar & Smokers Lounge, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Penthouse likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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

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 1 place, which are Lausanne. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Lausanne, where will spend 2 nights.

Set your GPS to Lausanne and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 43 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Lausanne beckons with new experiences!

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Aquatis Aquarium-vivarium, an often recommended aquarium that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Sauvabelin Tower and admire its enchanting features.

When you’re ready, continue to Collection De L'art Brut, an increasingly popular art gallery beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on The Olympic Museum, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit. Not far away, you’ll also find Lausanne Cathedral, an enchanting place to see that you won’t regret spending some extra time discovering.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Lausanne. Lausanne offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go 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 Lausanne, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Savor the flavors at Poesia, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Café Saint Pierre beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Lausanne Cocktail Club - LCC. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Lausanne tonight.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Captain Cook Pub. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to King Size Pub, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Pin Up Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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.

Greet day 7 of your road trip in Switzerland with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Lausanne, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Montreux and Sonzier.

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

Spend your afternoon discovering Chillon Castle, a locally renowned castle known for its visually striking features.

After soaking in Montreux’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Sonzier. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 7 min. When you arrive in Sonzier, it's time to take a break from the road.

Savor the day by heading to Freddie Mercury Statue, an increasingly popular monument that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Promenade Sur Les Quais De Montreux, where you can soak in the instagrammable surroundings.

Next, explore Golden Pass Railway, yet another up-and-coming place to see in the area.

After soaking in Montreux’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Sonzier. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 7 min. When you arrive in Sonzier, it's time to take a break from the road.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Gorges Du Chauderon, a worthwhile canyon that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Holy Cow!, a top-rated dining destination in Lausanne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Alpha Palmiers by Fassbind, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Brasserie Saint-Laurent. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Lausanne this evening.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Bulldog Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Nolf Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Barberousse Lausanne is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in Switzerland. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Geneva. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Geneva, where you'll spend 2 nights.

After soaking in Lausanne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Geneva. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 45 min. When you arrive in Geneva, it's time to take a break from the road.

Our first attraction recommendation in Geneva is Conservatory And Botanical Garden Of The City Of Geneva, an up-and-coming botanical garden that draws attention for its romantic features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Patek Philippe Museum, a historic museum that stands out in the city.

Time flies when you're having fun! But don't forget to stop for a bit to eat and drink between your adventures. When you're rested and recharged, head to St Pierre Cathedral, an intriguing church that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Jardin Anglais, a nearby park, highly recommended by other travelers. End your self-guided tour at L'horloge Fleurie, a visually striking art installation and the perfect final attraction in Geneva.

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

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

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Auberge de Savièse, a popular restaurant in Geneva. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Geneva at Le Rouge & Le Blanc Genève, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Osteria della Bottega. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Geneva tonight.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Coyote Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Roi Ubu is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Le Phare provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

Day 9 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Zurich. You’ll stay in Geneva for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

A top thing to do today is to explore Carouge, a must-see neighborhood in Geneva. It's the perfect starting point for touring the top attractions in the area.

Make time for United Nations Office At Geneva, an up-and-coming museum that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find International Museum Of The Red Cross And Red Crescent, enchanting visitors with its standout appeal. Continue your exploration at Broken Chair. This art installation is one of the city’s most intriguing spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Geneva at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Bains Des Pâquis. After exploring the swimming pool, head to the interesting The Geneva Water Fountain.

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 Geneva's best restaurants.

Enjoy a delicious meal at la Finestra Restaurant, a highly-rated dining destination in Geneva. If you're eager to try something different, consider Restaurant l'Atelier, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Chez ma Cousine. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Geneva this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Pub Lord Jim after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to La Bretelle Bar Associatif, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Le Bateau-lavoir also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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

On day 10 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 Bern, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Bern’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Geneva behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 55 min. Bern welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Rose Garden Bern, an increasingly popular botanical garden in Bern. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Bear Pit. This interesting zoo is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Bundesplatz is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most instagrammable public square in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the underrated Zytglogge and discover what makes this historical landmark unique. If you’re up for one more stop in the city, head to Unesco - Bern Old Town, a romantic historical landmark many travelers find the visit worthwhile.

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.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Brasserie Obstberg, an iconic dining spot in Bern. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Süder, a popular restaurant in Bern. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Leichtsinn, a hidden gem nestled in Bern. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Zum Kuckuck stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Piazza Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Die Taube is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

On day 11 of your road trip in Switzerland, you’ll start and end your day in Bern, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Bern, there’s no need to rush. Experience Gruyères and Pringy to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

As you explore Gruyères’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the village.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bern, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Gruyères. This drive usually takes around 54 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Gruyères is Château De Gruyères, a captivating castle that draws attention for its instagrammable features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Hr Giger Museum, a detailed museum that stands out in the village.

Set your GPS to Bern and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 46 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Bern beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering La Maison Du Gruyère, a frequently visited museum known for its heritage-rich features.

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

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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Volver BarTapasCafé, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Gourmanderie Moléson offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, McCarthy's Irish Pub Bern is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Bern.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Ebrietas Bern, known for its inviting atmosphere. Adrianos Bar & Café is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Les Amis / Wohnzimmer provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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