One-Week Relaxed Switzerland Road Trip from Bern to Zurich
Description
Summary
Description
Sit back and enjoy a relaxed 8-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, and Zurich. Make yourself at home at top-rated hotels and stay 3 nights in Bern and 4 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 8-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 8-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 Grossmünster in Zurich. Another highlight of this self-drive tour is the captivating Lindenhof.
Traveling leisurely through Switzerland means you could spend as much time as you want at the magnificent Swiss Museum of Transport. With this travel plan, you could also soak in the atmosphere of the memorable Lion Monument Lucerne. 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 8-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 7 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 8 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 8-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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Day 1 – Bern - arrival day
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!
Experiences
Day 2 – Bern
Day 2 – Bern
- Bern
- More
Drive 2 km, 27 min
- Zytglogge
- UNESCO - Bern Old Town
- Bern Minster
- Bear pit
- 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 Zytglogge. This incredible astronomical clock has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,318 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 best-rated sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,318 travelers.
You can then move on to the incredible Bern Minster. This church building has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,755 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!
Experiences
Day 3 – Lucerne and Zurich
Day 3 – Lucerne and Zurich
- Lucerne
- Zürich
- More
Drive 168 km, 2 hours 42 min
- Swiss Museum of Transport
- Lion Monument
- Church of St Leodegar
- Chapel Bridge
- Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne
- More
Day 3 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Switzerland gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Lucerne. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Zurich, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 4 nights.
When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Swiss Museum of Transport is waiting for you. This technology museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,371 visitors. It’s estimated that around 562,605 people visit this attraction every year.
The next stop on your road trip vacation is Lion Monument Lucerne. This unique sculpture is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,987 visitors.
Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Church of St. Leodegar. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,624 visitors, this church building is one of the top sights to visit in the area.
Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Chapel Bridge. This popular must-see tourist destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,664 people.
If you’re keen to continue your discovery, make your way to Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne. This attraction is a valued wooden bridge in the area that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,021 visitors.
Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Lucerne has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Switzerland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.
Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Zurich. In Zurich, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Switzerland.
With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 525 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Weisses Rössli.
Locals also recommend Zeughauskeller as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Zeughauskeller as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,976 customers.
If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Swiss Chuchi Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,383 customers.
If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Kennedy's Irish Pub. Kennedy's Irish Pub is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,395 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.
This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations.
This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night.
Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Switzerland!
Experiences
Day 4 – Zurich
Day 4 – Zurich
- Zürich
- More
Drive 7 km, 51 min
- Fraumünster
- Grossmünster
- Chinagarten Zürich
- Zürichhorn
- Botanical Garden
- 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 Fraumünster. This church building and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Zurich. The fascinating Fraumünster has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,365 travelers.
Zurich is also home to the captivating Grossmünster, a local church building and another popular attraction in the city. About 8,203 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The extraordinary Chinagarten Zürich is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Switzerland. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,297 travelers, Chinagarten Zürich proves to be one of the top sights in the area.
You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Zürichhorn. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing river delta and attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,483 reviews.
When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic Botanical Garden. Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating park and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 3,132 visitors have rated the famous Botanical Garden an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
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!
Experiences
Day 5 – Zurich
Day 5 – Zurich
- Zürich
- More
Drive 10 km, 40 min
- Zürich Zoo
- Kunsthaus Zürich
- Kronenhalle
- Zürich Opera House
- 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 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Kunsthaus Zürich. This incredible art museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,485 travelers, and is visited by 382,603 people every year.
Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Switzerland by seeing another popular site in Zurich, the wonderful Kronenhalle. This architectural structure is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,485 travelers and gets around 382,603 annual visits.
You can then move on to the incredible Zürich Opera House. This opera house has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,119 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!
Experiences
Day 6 – Zurich
Day 6 – Zurich
- Zürich
- More
Drive 15 km, 1 hour 11 min
- MFO-Park
- Swiss National Museum
- Lindenhof
- FIFA Museum
- Arboretum Zürich
- More
Day 6 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Switzerland gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Zurich and visit more of its attractions.
Zurich has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Switzerland. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 1 night more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.
One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular MFO-Park, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible MFO-Park has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,417 visitors.
You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Swiss National Museum. This city feature got an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from its 7,999 guests.
Another place of interest in the city of Zurich is the notable Lindenhof. The popular Lindenhof is a highlight of many travel packages in Zurich. As a matter of fact, this remarkable square has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 11,259 travelers.
Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Zurich, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous FIFA Museum. Take your time exploring this wonderful museum and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 from 4,219 visitors.
If you’re keen to explore more, head to the outstanding Arboretum Zürich. With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,782 travelers, a trip to the spectacular Arboretum Zürich is something to look forward to in Zurich.
Get a more in-depth understanding of Zurich by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Zurich.
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 below and treat yourself to a nice meal.
After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Zurich, Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.5 over 5 stars given by 870 customers.
Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Rio Bar. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.3 over 5 stars by 992 customers.
This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from.
Toast to an amazing time in Zurich and end day 6 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Switzerland on a great note!
Experiences
Day 7 – Aarau and Bern
Day 7 – Aarau and Bern
- Aargau
- Zofingen
- Bern
- More
Drive 155 km, 2 hours 40 min
- Habsburg Castle
- Aargau Jura Park
- Wildpark Roggenhausen
- Heiternplatz
- More
Day 7 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Switzerland gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Bern, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.
When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Habsburg Castle is waiting for you. This castle ruin has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,515 visitors.
The next stop on your road trip vacation is Jurapark Aargau. This unique must-see tourist destination is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,121 visitors.
Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Heiternplatz. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 757 visitors, this architectural structure is one of the top sights to visit in the area.
Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Aarau has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Switzerland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.
Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Bern. In Bern, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Switzerland.
With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,171 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Entrecôte Fédérale.
Locals also recommend Ristorante Azzurro Terra e Mare as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Ristorante Azzurro Terra e Mare as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,032 customers.
If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like The BEEF Steakhouse & Bar. The BEEF Steakhouse & Bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 826 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.
Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Lorenzini. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 779 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.
This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night.
Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Switzerland!
Experiences
Day 8 – Bern - departure day
Day 8 – Bern - departure day
- Bern - Departure day
- More
- Bundesplatz
- More
Day 8 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 8 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 8-day relaxed road trip in Switzerland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.
Experiences
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