One-Week Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zurich traveling south to Lugano, Bern, and Lausanne

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Photo of beautiful view of historic city center of Zurich with famous Fraumunster Church, Switzerland.

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Explore the best of Switzerland on a remarkable 8-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Zurich, Lugano, Lucerne, Bern, Gruyères, Pringy, Corsier-sur-Vevey, Montreux, Lausanne, Geneva, and Basel.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Switzerland. You will spend 2 nights in Zurich, 1 night in Lugano, 2 nights in Bern, and 2 nights in Lausanne. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Switzerland. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Zurich, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Switzerland on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Switzerland. Chapel Bridge and Zürich Zoo are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Zurich, Lugano, Lucerne, Bern, Gruyères, Pringy, Corsier-sur-Vevey, Montreux, Lausanne, Geneva, and Basel, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Switzerland. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Switzerland.

Throughout your road trip in Switzerland, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Switzerland.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

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

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65

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Day 1

Zurich - Arrival day
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Bahnhofstrasse
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Your road trip adventure in Switzerland begins as soon as you reach Zurich and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 1 night and explore what to see in Zurich, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Zurich 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.

Find your way to your hotel in Zurich. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Switzerland. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Switzerland!

Day 2

Zurich
Lugano
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Drive 214 km, 3 hours 2 min

Lindenhof
Zürich Zoo
Arboretum Zürich
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Your itinerary for day 2 of your road trip in Switzerland includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Zurich. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Lugano, where you'll spend 1 night.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Lugano, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Lugano. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Switzerland.

Day 3

Lugano
Bern
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Drive 282 km, 3 hours 54 min

Ciani Parc
Lion Monument Lucerne
Chapel Bridge
Spreuerbrücke
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On day 3 of your road trip in Switzerland, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Lugano and Lucerne are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bern, where you will stay for 2 nights.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Bern. Bern offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Bern is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Bern.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Switzerland!

Day 4

Bern
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Drive 216 km, 3 hours 40 min

Titlis Cliff Walk
Rosengarten Bern
bear pit
UNESCO - Bern Old Town
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Day 4 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Zurich. You’ll stay in Bern for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Switzerland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bern. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Switzerland!

Day 5

Bern
Lausanne
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Drive 145 km, 2 hours 26 min

Castle of the counts of Gruyères
La Maison du Gruyère
Chaplin's World
Freddie Mercury statue
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Switzerland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 places, which are Gruyères, Pringy, Corsier-sur-Vevey, and Montreux. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Lausanne, where will spend 2 nights.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Lausanne. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

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

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Switzerland.

Day 6

Lausanne
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Drive 129 km, 2 hours 1 min

The Flower Clock
Jardin Anglais
The Geneva Water Fountain
Rue du Rhône
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Greet day 6 of your road trip in Switzerland with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Lausanne, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Geneva.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Lausanne.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Lausanne's best restaurants.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Switzerland!

Day 7

Lausanne
Zurich
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Drive 316 km, 4 hours

Chillon Castle
Mittlere Brücke
Zoo Basel
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On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Basel. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Zurich, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Zurich, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Zurich's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Head back to your accommodation in Zurich and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Switzerland.

Day 8

Zurich - Departure day
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Botanical Garden
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Day 8 of your road trip in Switzerland is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation. You can also browse through boutiques for stylish fashion choices.

Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Switzerland!

How it works

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Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

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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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