One-Week Switzerland Road Trip from Bern traveling west to Lausanne, Geneva, and Basel

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 3 nights in Bern, 1 night in Lausanne, 2 nights in Geneva, and 1 night in Basel, 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, Lausanne, Geneva, Gruyères, and Basel. 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 L'horloge fleurie and Jardin Anglais.

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. From the magnificent The Geneva Water Fountain to the breathtaking Chillon Castle and Gruyères Castle, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. As you hit the open road and drive through Bern, Lausanne, Geneva, Gruyères, and Basel, 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!

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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 / 3 nights
View of the Old Town of Basel with red stone Munster cathedral and the Rhine river, Switzerland.Basel / 1 night
Geneva skyline cityscape, French-Swiss in Switzerland. Aerial view of Jet d'eau fountain, Lake Leman, bay and harbor from the bell tower of Saint-Pierre Cathedral. Sunny day blue sky.Geneva / 2 nights
Lausanne - city in SwitzerlandLausanne / 1 night
Photo of Castle Chillon one of the most visited castle in Montreux, Switzerland attracts more than 300,000 visitors every year.Montreux
Vevey - city in SwitzerlandVevey
Photo of aerial View of the Medieval Town of Gruyeres, Famous Castle of Gruyeres, Canton of Fribourg, Switzerland.Gruyères

Map

Attractions

Photo of Chillon Castle, Switzerland. Montreaux, Lake Geneve, one of the most visited castle in Swiss, attracts more than 300,000 visitors every year.Chillon Castle
Photo of flower clock or L'horloge fleurie is a symbol of the city watchmakers, located in Jardin Anglais park in Geneva city in Switzerland.Jardin Anglais
The Geneva Water Fountain, Geneva, Grand Genève, SwitzerlandThe Geneva Water Fountain
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 flower clock or L'horloge fleurie is a symbol of the city watchmakers, located in Jardin Anglais park in Geneva city in Switzerland.L'horloge fleurie
Gruyères Castle, Gruyères, Gruyère District, Fribourg, SwitzerlandCastle of the counts of Gruyères
Photo of the property on the bank of lake Geneva, where Charlie Chaplin spent the last 25 years of his life, now part of the Chaplin's World museum, Switzerland.Chaplin's World
The Olympic Museum, Lausanne, District de Lausanne, Vaud, SwitzerlandThe Olympic Museum
Photo of Bains des Paquis Public Baths at Lake Geneva, Switzerland.Bains des Pâquis
La Maison du Gruyère
Photo of Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the city of Geneva is a museum and an institution in Geneva city in Switzerland.Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva
Freddie Mercury statue, Montreux, District de la Riviera-Pays-d’Enhaut, Vaud, SwitzerlandFreddie Mercury statue
Broken ChairBroken Chair
Photo of the Basel Minster Cathedral in Switzerland.Basel Minster
St Pierre Cathedral, Cité, Geneva, Grand Genève, SwitzerlandSt Pierre Cathedral
Les Bains de Lavey, Lavey-Morcles, District d'Aigle, Vaud, SwitzerlandLes Bains de Lavey
photo of Middle bridge over Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland.Middle bridge
photo of Lausanne Cathedral with blue sky, Lausanne, Switzerland.Lausanne Cathedral
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
Regional Park Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut, Château-d'Oex, District de la Riviera-Pays-d’Enhaut, Vaud, SwitzerlandRegional Park Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Tinguely Fountain, Vorstädte, Basel, Basel-City, SwitzerlandTinguely Fountain
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
Golden Pass Railway, Montreux, District de la Riviera-Pays-d’Enhaut, Vaud, SwitzerlandGolden Pass Railway
Jardin Doret, Vevey, District de la Riviera-Pays-d’Enhaut, Vaud, SwitzerlandJardin Doret

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 3 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!

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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

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Bern has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Bern 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 Bern. 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 Bern, like the extraordinary Bern Minster. This attraction is a church building and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,755 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Bern is the spectacular UNESCO - Bern Old Town. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,711 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Zytglogge. This astronomical clock has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,318 visitors.

This is a popular destination among visitors in Bern.

Your discovery of Bern does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Bern 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 Kornhauskeller, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Bern. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,436 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Bern is the popular Luce. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,541 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Mr. Pickwick Pub Bern is one of the best bars in the city of Bern for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,069 customers.

Adrianos Bar & Café is another of the most popular bars in the city of Bern. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 865 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 3 – Lausanne

Day 3

Day 3 – Lausanne

  • Montreux
  • Vevey
  • Lausanne
  • More

Drive 174 km, 3 hours 10 min

  • Regional Park Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
  • Freddie Mercury statue
  • Golden Pass Railway
  • Chaplin's World
  • Jardin Doret
  • More

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Lausanne. You’ll stay in Lausanne for 1 night.

This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,878 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Freddie Mercury statue. This top-tier point of interest and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,710 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Golden Pass Railway to make the most of your road trip across Switzerland. The spectacular Golden Pass Railway is a top-tier point of interest that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,597 visitors.

The lovely Chaplin's World is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 8,239 visitors have left this museum average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Jardin Doret. This attraction is a park rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,638 reviews.

Lausanne offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Inglewood Saint-Laurent. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,195 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Lausanne, the fantastic The Great Escape. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,559 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful King Size Pub. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,356 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Switzerland!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Lausanne and Geneva

Day 4

Day 4 – Lausanne and Geneva

  • Lausanne
  • Geneva
  • More

Drive 193 km, 2 hours 42 min

  • Lausanne Cathedral
  • The Olympic Museum
  • Chillon Castle
  • Les Bains de Lavey
  • More

You’ll stay in Geneva for 2 nights.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Lausanne today is Lausanne Cathedral. This excellent attraction is a cathedral that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,709 visitors.

We also recommend you visit the amazing The Olympic Museum, an outstanding museum, in the city of Lausanne. Around 8,425 travelers rated this attraction with 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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 Lausanne Cathedral for some unforgettable sightseeing experience. This popular attraction is a cathedral and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,709 visitors.

This outstanding museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,425 travelers.

You can also stop at the popular Chillon Castle. This attraction, a stunning museum, has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,098 visitors.

If you’re interested in exploring even more, visit the fantastic Les Bains de Lavey. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,615 travelers, the magnificent Les Bains de Lavey is clearly one of the top sights in the area.

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

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Geneva, Auberge de Savièse. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,055 customers.

Locals recommend Café du Soleil as one of the best restaurants in the city of Geneva. Café du Soleil is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,890 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 5 – Geneva

Day 5

Day 5 – Geneva

  • Geneva
  • More

Drive 10 km, 51 min

  • St Pierre Cathedral
  • L'horloge fleurie
  • Jardin Anglais
  • Broken Chair
  • Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva
  • More

On day 5 of your road trip across Switzerland, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Geneva. You’ll stay in Geneva 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 Nash Suites Hotel, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Geneva. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 6,970 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Geneva is the 5-star de la Cigogne. The hotel is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,323 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Geneva is the 3-star Nash Pratik Hotel. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 4,803 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 Geneva, like the outstanding St Pierre Cathedral. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,301 visitors.

L'horloge fleurie is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Geneva. This incredible attraction is a floral clock and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 11,421 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Geneva is the extraordinary Jardin Anglais. This urban park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 17,964 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Broken Chair. Around 7,375 visitors have given this must-see tourist destination an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Today you'll also have the opportunity to spend some time at the fantastic Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva. Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva is a popular botanical garden, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,616 travelers.

Come to Geneva 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 Geneva.

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

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Restaurant Les Armures, after your day of exploring the city of Geneva. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,758 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 6 – Geneva, Gruyères, and Basel

Day 6

Day 6 – Geneva, Gruyères, and Basel

  • Geneva
  • Basel
  • Gruyères
  • More

Drive 286 km, 4 hours 4 min

  • The Geneva Water Fountain
  • Bains des Pâquis
  • Castle of the counts of Gruyères
  • La Maison du Gruyère
  • More

Rise and shine on day 6 of your road trip in Switzerland. Today, you'll wake up in Geneva and embark on a scenic drive to Basel, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Geneva before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Geneva. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful The Geneva Water Fountain. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,221 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Bains des Pâquis. This attraction, a beloved public bath, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,124 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Gruyères Castle. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,511 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible La Maison du Gruyère. This museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 8,220 reviews.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Restaurant Stucki - Tanja Grandits. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 520 customers.

After dinner, visit tibits to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Basel, with an average rating 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 is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. KLARA 13 AG has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,460 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Switzerland, and look forward to more great days to come!

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Experiences

Day 7 – Basel and Bern

Day 7

Day 7 – Basel and Bern

  • Basel
  • Bern
  • More

Drive 97 km, 1 hour 42 min

  • Middle bridge
  • Basel Minster
  • Tinguely Fountain
  • Basel Zoo
  • More

Day 7 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 Basel and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Bern. You will stay in Bern for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

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

You could also stop at the incredible cathedral, Basel Minster. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,367 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Basel is the outstanding Tinguely Fountain. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,054 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Basel 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 Bern, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Entrecôte Fédérale, one of the best restaurants in the city of Bern. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,171 customers.

Locals also recommend Ristorante Azzurro Terra e Mare as one of the best restaurants in the city of Bern. Ristorante Azzurro Terra e Mare is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,032 customers.

After dinner, visit The BEEF Steakhouse & Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Bern. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 826 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Lorenzini. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 779 customers.

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

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

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Experiences

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