One-Week Relaxed Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Basel to Zurich

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Photo of riverside of Rhine in Basel dominated by majestic building of Munster church, Switzerland.
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Description

Set out on this 8-day relaxed road trip in Switzerland, where Basel, Lucerne, Zurich, Winterthur, and Neuhausen 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 Basel and 3 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 Basel, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 8-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 8 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 8-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 7 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 8 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 8-day relaxed self-drive road trip in Switzerland today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

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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

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

Basel 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 Basel. 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 Basel, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Basel and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

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

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Basel
  • More

Drive 5 km, 26 min

  • Spalentorweg
  • University of Basel Botanical Garden
  • Zoo Basel
  • More

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

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.

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 Basel, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

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.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Switzerland!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Basel
  • More

Drive 2 km, 34 min

  • Wettstein Bridge
  • Fine Arts Museum Basel
  • Tinguely Fountain
  • Basel Minster
  • Palatinate (Pfalz) Viewing Platform
  • More

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Switzerland by joining a traveler-approved tour in Basel. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Basel that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Switzerland more memorable.

Exploring the food culture in Basel 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.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Basel.

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

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Basel
  • Zurich
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Drive 154 km, 2 hours 33 min

  • Spreuerbrücke
  • Chapel Bridge
  • Lion Monument Lucerne
  • Swiss Museum of Transport
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Day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland offers a day of exciting discoveries. You’ll end your day in Zurich, where you’ll stay for 3 nights.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Zurich. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in Switzerland.

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

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Switzerland!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Zurich
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Drive 1 km, 23 min

  • Swiss National Museum
  • Lindenhof
  • Old Town (Altstadt)
  • Bahnhofstrasse
  • Niederdorf
  • More

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.

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, stop at some of Zurich’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Switzerland.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Switzerland.

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Zurich
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Drive 10 km, 46 min

  • Zürich Zoo
  • Kunsthaus Zürich
  • Grossmünster
  • Zürich Opera House
  • More

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Switzerland more special is by joining unique tours and activities.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Zurich has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

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.

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

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Zurich
  • Basel
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Drive 197 km, 3 hours 14 min

  • Üetliberg
  • Uetliberg Lookout Tower
  • Swiss Science Center Technorama
  • Rhine Falls
  • More

Day 7 of your self-drive tour in Switzerland offers a chance to experience the country’s diversity. You’ll stay in Basel 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 Basel. Here, you can choose from the best hotels and other accommodations as you get to know more about the culture in the city.

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.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Basel 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 Basel!

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Basel - Departure day
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  • Freie Strasse
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Day 8 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 8 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in Switzerland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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How it works

Book your journey with Europe’s biggest travel platform—expert itineraries, instant confirmation, and full flexibility with 24/7 support.

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.
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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