One-Week Switzerland Road Trip from Bern traveling east to Basel and Zurich

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

Description

Summary

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

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 8-day road trip through Switzerland.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Switzerland. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Bern, 2 nights in Basel, and 3 nights in Zurich, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Switzerland. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Bern, Basel, Zurich, and Lucerne. We'll help you experience the best 8 days in Switzerland you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Bern, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Switzerland, including the stunning Rhine Falls and Lion Monument Lucerne.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Switzerland. Your discovery doesn't end there. As you hit the open road and drive through Bern, Basel, Zurich, and Lucerne, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Switzerland. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Switzerland.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Switzerland. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Switzerland.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Switzerland.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Switzerland has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Switzerland. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 7 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 7 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Switzerland extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in Switzerland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Switzerland today!

Read more

Included

Hotel, 7 nights
Rental car, 8 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 / 2 nights
View of the Old Town of Basel with red stone Munster cathedral and the Rhine river, Switzerland.Basel / 2 nights
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
Tinguely Fountain, Vorstädte, Basel, Basel-City, SwitzerlandTinguely Fountain
photo of Titlis Cliff Walk in Mount Titlis in the Swiss Alps in winter time.Titlis Cliff Walk
Fine Arts Museum Basel, Vorstädte, Basel, Basel-City, SwitzerlandFine Arts Museum Basel
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 Zürichhorn on a glorious autumn afternoon in Zurich, Switzerland.Zürichhorn
Kannenfeld Park, St. Johann, Basel, Basel-City, SwitzerlandKannenfeld Park
photo of Spalentor Gate in Basel, one of the most beautiful gates of Switzerland.Gate of Spalen
Dreiländereck FR/CH/DE, Kleinhüningen, Basel, Basel-City, SwitzerlandDreiländereck
Pfalz, Altstadt Grossbasel, Basel, Basel-City, SwitzerlandPalatinate (Pfalz) Viewing Platform

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 road trip adventure in Switzerland begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Bern. You’ll stay in Bern for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Bern has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Rose Garden Bern. This attraction is an architectural structure and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,288 visitors.

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. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Bern, Süder. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 519 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Bern is Restaurant Rosengarten. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,281 customers.

Bern also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Bern is Lötschberg. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,268 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 8-day vacation in Switzerland!

Read more

Experiences

Day 2 – Bern and Basel

Day 2

Day 2 – Bern and Basel

  • Bern
  • Basel
  • More

Drive 99 km, 1 hour 28 min

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

Day 2 of your road trip through Switzerland gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Bern and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Basel. You will stay in Basel for 2 nights. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Bern is the amazing UNESCO - Bern Old Town. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,711 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible astronomical clock, Zytglogge. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,318 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Bern is the outstanding Bern Minster. This popular church building and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,755 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Bern by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Switzerland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Basel, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restaurant Stucki - Tanja Grandits, one of the best restaurants in the city of Basel. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 520 customers.

After dinner, visit tibits, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Basel. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,794 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like KLARA 13 AG. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,460 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Switzerland!

Read more

Experiences

Day 3 – Basel

Day 3

Day 3 – Basel

  • Basel
  • More

Drive 16 km, 1 hour 15 min

  • Dreiländereck
  • Kannenfeld Park
  • Gate of Spalen
  • Tinguely Fountain
  • Basel Zoo
  • More

On day 3 of your road trip across Switzerland, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Basel. You’ll stay in Basel for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Gaia Hotel , one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Basel. This hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,002 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Basel is the 4-star Spalentor. The hotel is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,138 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Basel is the 3-star Rochat. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,331 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the city of Basel, like the outstanding Dreiländereck. This attraction has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,724 visitors.

Kannenfeldpark is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Basel. This incredible attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,474 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Basel is the extraordinary Gate of Spalen. This tower is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,435 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Tinguely Fountain. Around 4,054 visitors have given this park an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Come to Basel prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Basel.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Basel.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like WERK 8, after your day of exploring the city of Basel. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 996 customers.

Gifthüttli is another of the best restaurants in the city of Basel. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Basel is Za Zaa - Lebanese Soul Food. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 926 customers.

Locals recommend NOOHN, one of the best bars in the city of Basel, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 829 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Switzerland.

Read more

Experiences

Day 4 – Basel, Schaffhausen, and Zurich

Day 4

Day 4 – Basel, Schaffhausen, and Zurich

  • Basel
  • Zürich
  • More

Drive 145 km, 2 hours 28 min

  • Middle bridge
  • Palatinate (Pfalz) Viewing Platform
  • Basel Minster
  • Fine Arts Museum Basel
  • Rhine Falls
  • More

Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Basel is the amazing middle bridge. This attraction is a road bridge and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,992 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Palatinate (Pfalz) Viewing Platform. This must-see tourist destination and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 visitors.

Basel Minster is another popular attraction you can explore in the city of Basel. This well-known attraction, a spectacular cathedral, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 7,367 reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Basel is Fine Arts Museum Basel. This attraction is an amazing museum and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,982 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Basel is another excellent way to spend your new day in Switzerland. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Switzerland’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Switzerland’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Switzerland’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Rhine Falls for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a waterfall and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 69,929 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Zurich.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Weisses Rössli, one of the best restaurants in the city of Zurich. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 525 customers.

Locals also recommend Zeughauskeller as one of the best restaurants in the city of Zurich. Zeughauskeller is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,976 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Zurich is Swiss Chuchi Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,383 customers.

After dinner, visit Kennedy's Irish Pub, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Zurich. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,395 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Switzerland!

Read more

Experiences

Day 5 – Zurich

Day 5

Day 5 – Zurich

  • Zürich
  • More

Drive 14 km, 57 min

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

On day 5 of your road trip across Switzerland, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Zurich. You’ll stay in Zurich for 2 nights, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the H+ Hotel Zürich, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Zurich. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 7,185 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Zurich is the 5-star FIVE Zurich. The hotel is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,507 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Zurich is the 3-star Neufeld. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 2,299 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the city of Zurich, like the outstanding Botanical Garden. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,132 visitors.

Zürichhorn is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Zurich. This incredible attraction is a river delta and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,483 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Zurich is the extraordinary Chinagarten Zürich. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,297 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Zürich Opera House. Around 6,119 visitors have given this opera house an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Come to Zurich prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Zurich.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Zurich.

Locals recommend Markthalle, one of the best bars in the city of Zurich, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,771 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Zurich, Rimini Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,417 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Switzerland.

Read more

Experiences

Day 6 – Zurich

Day 6

Day 6 – Zurich

  • Zürich
  • More

Drive 3 km, 45 min

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

Day 6 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Zurich has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Zurich by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Zurich. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Zurich, like the extraordinary Swiss National Museum. This attraction is an organization and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,999 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Zurich is the spectacular Lindenhof. This attraction is a square and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,259 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Grossmünster. This church building has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,203 visitors.

Kunsthaus Zürich is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This art museum is a popular destination among visitors in Zurich. Rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,485 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit. In one single year, this attraction usually gets more than 382,603 visitors.

Your discovery of Zurich does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Zurich on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Switzerland, be sure to eat at Cantinetta Antinori, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Zurich. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,379 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Zurich!

Read more

Experiences

Day 7 – Lucerne and Bern

Day 7

Day 7 – Lucerne and Bern

  • Lucerne
  • Bern
  • More

Drive 240 km, 4 hours 11 min

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

You’ll stay in Bern for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Lucerne today is Lion Monument Lucerne. This excellent attraction is a sculpture that has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,987 visitors.

We also recommend you visit the amazing Swiss Museum of Transport, an outstanding technology museum, in the city of Lucerne. Around 11,371 travelers rated this attraction with 4.6 out of 5 stars. Given the incredible Swiss Museum of Transport's popularity, more than 562,605 people stop by Swiss Museum of Transport to explore it.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Lucerne is Chapel Bridge. This amazing attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,664 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of Switzerland, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the city, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Switzerland. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Titlis Cliff Walk for some unforgettable sightseeing experience. This popular attraction is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,452 visitors.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Bern.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Bern, Kornhauskeller. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,436 customers.

Locals recommend Luce as one of the best restaurants in the city of Bern. Luce is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,541 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Bern, Mr. Pickwick Pub Bern. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,069 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Adrianos Bar & Café. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 865 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Switzerland with a toast!

Read more

Experiences

Day 8 – Bern - departure day

Day 8

Day 8 – Bern - departure day

  • Bern - Departure day
  • More
  • Bundesplatz
  • More

Day 8 of your road trip in Switzerland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Bern before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Bundesplatz is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Bern. This square and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,050 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Bern and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Switzerland.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Bern at Entrecôte Fédérale before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,171 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Ristorante Azzurro Terra e Mare for your last chance at a meal in the city of Bern. The Ristorante Azzurro Terra e Mare restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,032 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Bern. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Switzerland!

Read more

Experiences

Similar travel packages

Link to appstore phone
Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.