7-Day Relaxed Switzerland Road Trip from Bern to Zurich

Photo of Schloss Oberhofen on the Lake Thun in Bern Canton of Switzerland.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
7 days & 6 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
6 nights included
Car rental
7 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Sit back and enjoy a relaxed 7-day road trip in Switzerland with this laid-back self-drive vacation.

This self-drive package allows you to immerse in the local culture as you travel through the picture-perfect landscapes in Switzerland at a relaxed pace. Get a dose of comfort, fun, and recreation in Bern, Lucerne, Zurich, and Basel. Make yourself at home at top-rated hotels and stay 3 nights in Bern and 3 nights in Zurich. Finally, taste the local food and enjoy a refreshing drink at the most popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in Switzerland.

Experience an easy 7-day self-drive tour across Switzerland with this carefully arranged travel plan. We’ll help you from the beginning to the end of your vacation in Switzerland so you can leave with the best road trip memories.

Freedom of choice is key to a relaxing road trip in Switzerland. For your self-drive vacation, we’ll offer you a selection of the best rental vehicles with CDW insurance. Upon arrival in Bern, you’ll collect your rental car of choice. From there, you’ll begin your 7-day journey across Switzerland and discover its unique culture, history, and diverse scenery.

You’ll choose among the best hotels and places to stay in Switzerland. Each stop offers top-notch comfort and unique charm, designed to help you unwind and enjoy your journey. Rest assured, we’ll always offer you accommodations that fit your budget and needs, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience throughout Switzerland.

We’ll introduce you to some of the best travel destinations in Switzerland. This relaxed road trip features the stunning Titlis Cliff Walk in Innertkirchen. Another highlight of this self-drive tour is the captivating Lion Monument Lucerne.

Traveling leisurely through Switzerland means you could spend as much time as you want at the magnificent Chapel Bridge. With this travel plan, you could also soak in the atmosphere of the memorable Rhine Falls. You’ll have plenty of time to take in each attraction's unique features, learn its unique history, and appreciate it to the fullest.

Between sightseeing, you can make the most of your downtime and join a popular tour in Switzerland. Tours offer a special way of discovering what else Switzerland has to offer.

This relaxed road trip also gives you plenty of time to stroll through Switzerland's shopping hotspots. Here you can visit shops, discover the locals’ way of life, or try various specialties. Check out all the souvenirs and gifts you can buy in the area and bring home a piece of the country that will remind you of your relaxing vacation in Switzerland.

By the end of your 7-day road trip through Switzerland, you’ll return home feeling refreshed and enriched by your experience. You’ll have many stories about your pleasant and relaxed road trip vacation in Switzerland and memories to cherish forever.

This self-drive vacation package includes everything you need for a stress-free, easy road trip through Switzerland. You’ll have a cozy place to stay for 6 nights, with a selection of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll also provide you with the best car rental you can use throughout the 7 days of your self-drive road trip in Switzerland. On top of all that, you also have the option to add flights to your travel plan and personalize each day of your itinerary by adding tours and tickets.

This self-drive package includes 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide. You can access the guide at any point of your journey through our mobile app, where you can also keep and organize your travel documents.

Spend an amazing 7-day vacation in Switzerland and get to know more about this fantastic destination. Choose your travel dates and plan a laid-back and relaxed road trip in Switzerland today!

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Included

Hotel, 6 nights
Rental car, 7 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Bern, Switzerland. View of the old city center and Nydeggbrucke bridge over river Aare.Bern / 3 nights
View of the Old Town of Basel with red stone Munster cathedral and the Rhine river, Switzerland.Basel
Panoramic view of historic Zurich city center with famous Fraumunster, Grossmunster and St. Peter and river Limmat at Lake Zurich on a sunny day with clouds in summer, Canton of Zurich, SwitzerlandZürich / 3 nights
Lucerne - town in SwitzerlandLucerne

Map

Attractions

Photo of Rhine Falls or Rheinfall, Switzerland panoramic aerial view.Rhine Falls
Chapel Bridge, Lucerne, Luzern, SwitzerlandChapel Bridge
Photo of the landscape of the Zurich zoo, Switzerland.Zürich Zoo
Photo of Lucerne dying lion monument, Switzerland.Lion Monument
Photo of Pink flamingos in the water in the zoo of Basel, Switzerland.Basel Zoo
Photo of a Bear is walking along edge of pool in Bern Bear Pit (Barengraben) in Bern Bear Park, Berne, Switzerland.Bear pit
Photo of bridge at Limmatquai in the city center of Zurich, Switzerland. People on the background. Seen from Lindenhof hill.Lindenhof
Photo of Swiss Transport Museum, lucerne, Switzerland.Swiss Museum of Transport
Photo of Grossmünster Romanesque-style Protestant church in Zürich, Switzerland.Grossmünster
Photo of Swiss National Museum or Landesmuseum in Zurich, Switzerland.Swiss National Museum
Photo of the Basel Minster Cathedral in Switzerland.Basel Minster
photo of Zurich Kunsthaus, Switzerland. The Kunsthaus Zurich houses one of the most important art museums in Switzerland and Europe.Kunsthaus Zürich
photo of Middle bridge over Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland.Middle bridge
Photo of Zurich opera house and Sechselautenplatz town square view, largest city in Switzerland.Zürich Opera House
China Garden, Seefeld, Riesbach, Zurich, District Zurich, SwitzerlandChinagarten Zürich
photo of aerial view of scenic Bern old town cityscape with old buildings Bern Minster cathedral tower and Aare River view in Bern SwitzerlandBern Minster
UNESCO- Von Bern, Grünes Quartier, Stadtteil I, Bern, Bern-Mittelland administrative district, Bernese Mittelland administrative region, SwitzerlandUNESCO - Bern Old Town
photo of a beautiful sky with green trees and beautiful roses in Rose Garden Bern in Switzerland.Rose Garden Bern
photo of Titlis Cliff Walk in Mount Titlis in the Swiss Alps in winter time.Titlis Cliff Walk
Botanical Garden, Weinegg, Riesbach, Zurich, District Zurich, SwitzerlandBotanical Garden
photo of astronomical clock on the medieval Zytglogge clock tower in Kramgasse street in old city center of Bern, Switzerland.Zytglogge
photo of Bundesplatz the Swiss Capital Building in Bern, Switzerland.Bundesplatz
photo of Arboretum Zürich in Switzerland.Arboretum Zürich

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Bern - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Bern - arrival day

  • Bern - Arrival day
  • More
  • Rose Garden Bern
  • More

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Switzerland begins when you reach Bern, where you’ll stay for a total of 3 nights.

Bern is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Rose Garden Bern. Around 4,288 visitors have rated this fascinating architectural structure and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Bern 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.

An excellent example is Süder. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 519 customers.

Restaurant Rosengarten serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Bern has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,281 reviews.

If you’re curious about what Bern looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Lötschberg, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,268 reviews.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Switzerland! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Switzerland!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Bern

Day 2

Day 2 – Bern

  • Bern
  • More

Drive 1 km, 25 min

  • Bear pit
  • Bern Minster
  • UNESCO - Bern Old Town
  • Zytglogge
  • More

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland, you'll explore the best attractions in Bern at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Bern, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Bern Minster. This incredible church building has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,755 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Switzerland by seeing another popular site in Bern, the wonderful UNESCO - Bern Old Town. This top-tier point of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,755 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Zytglogge. This astronomical clock has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,318 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Switzerland. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Bern itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Switzerland extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Bern. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Kornhauskeller. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,436 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Luce, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Luce is rated 4.4 stars out of 5 by 1,541 customers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Bern and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Mr. Pickwick Pub Bern. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,069 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Adrianos Bar & Café. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 865 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Lucerne and Zurich

Day 3

Day 3 – Lucerne and Zurich

  • Lucerne
  • Zürich
  • More

Drive 241 km, 4 hours 24 min

  • Titlis Cliff Walk
  • Swiss Museum of Transport
  • Lion Monument
  • Chapel Bridge
  • More

On day 3 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit two remarkable areas in Switzerland. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Switzerland.

As the day progresses, you’ll continue your in-depth tour of the country in the city of Lucerne. You’ll spend 3 nights in Zurich.

This best-rated sightseeing destination and popular sightseeing spot has an average rating of 4.7 over 5 stars from 16,452 visitors.

Joining a tour will allow you to better understand the local culture in Switzerland, meet new people, and create memorable experiences, while you comfortably enjoy.

This is your opportunity to create more unforgettable memories in Switzerland and discover the wonderful Lucerne.

While in Lucerne, take a break at one of its best attractions, the great Swiss Museum of Transport. This technology museum and popular site has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,371 reviews. Moreover, about 562,605 sightseers visit this place annually.

Another top location in the city is the fascinating Lion Monument Lucerne. Most travelers find that this sculpture and travel destination lives up to its rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 19,987 reviews.

If you’re interested in exploring more unique attractions, visit the fantastic Chapel Bridge. This travel spotis a go-to place in Lucerne. This stunning attraction and must-see tourist destination has a 4.7 out of 5 star-rating from 29,664 visitors.

As this day of your laid-back exploration of the best attractions in Switzerland comes to a close, continue your relaxed road trip adventure in Zurich. Drive leisurely, enjoy the views, and listen to some good music. In Zurich, you’ll choose from the best hotels and places to stay in the city and restore your energy.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, take it easy and have a wonderful dinner at one of the best restaurants in Zurich. Check out Weisses Rössli, a top choice in Switzerland due to its excellent meals and service.

Another Zurich restaurant to try is a local favorite, Zeughauskeller.

If you’re looking for another must-visit option, Swiss Chuchi Restaurant is a perfect choice. This popular restaurant in Zurich has a score of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,383 people.

After dinner, many travelers enjoy hanging out and unwinding at some of the top bars in Zurich. The popular Kennedy's Irish Pub has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,395 customers and is the perfect place to fully appreciate your unhurried and relaxed road trip vacation in Switzerland.

Celebrate another day of your relaxing road trip through Switzerland with a toast at a top-rated bar in Zurich!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Zurich

Day 4

Day 4 – Zurich

  • Zürich
  • More

Drive 15 km, 58 min

  • Botanical Garden
  • Chinagarten Zürich
  • Zürich Opera House
  • Arboretum Zürich
  • Zürich Zoo
  • More

Day 4 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Switzerland serves as your introduction to Zurich. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Switzerland and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Zurich, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 7,185 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star FIVE Zurich. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,507 guests, FIVE Zurich is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Neufeld offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Neufeld is a top-rated budget hotel in Zurich with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 2,299 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Zurich. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Zurich, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Botanical Garden. This park and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Zurich. The fascinating Botanical Garden has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,132 travelers.

Zurich is also home to the captivating Chinagarten Zürich, a local park and another popular attraction in the city. About 5,297 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Zürich Opera House is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Switzerland. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,119 travelers, Zürich Opera House proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Arboretum Zürich. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing arboretum and attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,782 reviews.

Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Zurich, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Switzerland. After a day of 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. At Markthalle, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,771 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Rimini Bar, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,417 reviews.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Switzerland!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Zurich

Day 5

Day 5 – Zurich

  • Zürich
  • More

Drive 3 km, 45 min

  • Swiss National Museum
  • Lindenhof
  • Grossmünster
  • Kunsthaus Zürich
  • More

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland, you'll explore the best attractions in Zurich at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Zurich, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 1 night will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Swiss National Museum. This incredible organization has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,999 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Switzerland by seeing another popular site in Zurich, the wonderful Lindenhof. This square is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,999 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Grossmünster. This church building has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,203 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Kunsthaus Zürich. This art museum is sought after by many travelers from around the world, or more than 382,603 people annually. The popular attraction has received 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,485 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Switzerland. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Zurich itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Switzerland extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Zurich. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Cantinetta Antinori. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,379 customers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Zurich and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

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Experiences

Day 6 – Schaffhausen, Basel, and Bern

Day 6

Day 6 – Schaffhausen, Basel, and Bern

  • Basel
  • Bern
  • More

Drive 248 km, 3 hours 40 min

  • Rhine Falls
  • Basel Minster
  • Basel Zoo
  • Middle bridge
  • More

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Switzerland will take you on a self-paced journey to two incredible places 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!

You’ll begin your day and sightseeing in Schaffhausen, and continue your explorations in the city of Basel. The charming Bern is where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

This famous waterfall has an impressive 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 69,929 people.

Give yourself the opportunity to see more of Schaffhausen than meets the eye by joining a top-rated tour.

In Basel, you’ll find the magnificent Basel Minster. This popular cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,367 visitors.

Find out why many travelers love Basel by checking out another of its famous tourist destinations, the spectacular middle bridge. This popular site is a wonderful road bridge that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,992 travelers.

After exploring all these beautiful places, drive leisurely to the beautiful city of Bern for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Here you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best places to visit 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.

We highly recommend going to Entrecôte Fédérale. This place is a popular restaurant with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,171 customers.

Another great restaurant option is Ristorante Azzurro Terra e Mare. This food place is often recommended by travelers and has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,032 customers.

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

Check out The BEEF Steakhouse & Bar for a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This incredible bar is highly recommended and has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 826 customers.

Another amazing bar that serves many kinds of beverages and cocktails is Lorenzini. This bar has a wonderful rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 779 customers.

Let’s toast to day 6 of your laid-back self-drive in Basel! Celebrate this unique opportunity to enjoy a memorable road trip adventure across Switzerland!

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Experiences

Day 7 – Bern - departure day

Day 7

Day 7 – Bern - departure day

  • Bern - Departure day
  • More
  • Bundesplatz
  • More

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in Switzerland is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Bern.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Bern once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Switzerland on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Bundesplatz is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Bern. This top sight is a popular square, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,050 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Bern or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Bern and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Switzerland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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Experiences

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