9-Day Switzerland road trip from Zurich to Bern, Lausanne, and Basel
Description
Summary
Description
Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 9-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 Zurich, 2 nights in Bern, 2 nights in Lausanne, 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 Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, Gruyères, Lausanne, Geneva, and Basel. We'll help you experience the best 9 days in Switzerland you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.
Upon arriving in Zurich, 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 Lion Monument Lucerne and Chapel Bridge.
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 Titlis Cliff Walk to the breathtaking Chillon Castle and Jardin Anglais, 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 Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, Gruyères, Lausanne, Geneva, 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 8 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 8 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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Day 1 – Zurich - arrival day
Day 1 – Zurich - arrival day
- Zürich - Arrival day
- More
- Lindenhof
- More
Your road trip adventure in Switzerland begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Zurich. You’ll stay in Zurich for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.
Zurich has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Lindenhof. This attraction is a square and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,259 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 Zurich, Weisses Rössli. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 525 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Zurich is Zeughauskeller. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,976 customers.
Locals recommend Swiss Chuchi Restaurant as one of the best restaurants in the city of Zurich. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,383 customers.
Zurich also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Zurich is Kennedy's Irish Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,395 customers.
Enjoy toasting the start of your 9-day vacation in Switzerland!
Experiences
Day 2 – Zurich
Day 2 – Zurich
- Zürich
- More
Drive 10 km, 46 min
- Zürich Zoo
- Kunsthaus Zürich
- Grossmünster
- Zürich Opera House
- More
Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Zurich has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights 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 Kunsthaus Zürich. This attraction is an art museum and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,485 visitors. Kunsthaus Zürich gets around 382,603 visitors every year.
Another of the best travel destinations in Zurich is the spectacular Grossmünster. This attraction is a church building and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,203 visitors.
You could then travel to the amazing Zürich Opera House. This opera house has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,119 visitors.
This is a popular destination among visitors in Zurich.
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.
When you’ve finished your meal, Markthalle is one of the best bars in the city of Zurich for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,771 customers.
Rimini Bar is another of the most popular bars in the city of Zurich. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,417 customers.
Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Zurich!
Experiences
Day 3 – Lucerne and Bern
Day 3 – 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 2 nights.
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, Süder. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 519 customers.
Locals recommend Restaurant Rosengarten as one of the best restaurants in the city of Bern. Restaurant Rosengarten is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,281 customers.
After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Bern, Lötschberg. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,268 customers.
Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Switzerland with a toast!
Experiences
Day 4 – Bern
Day 4 – Bern
- Bern
- More
Drive 3 km, 45 min
- Rose Garden Bern
- Bear pit
- UNESCO - Bern Old Town
- Bern Minster
- More
On day 4 of your road trip across Switzerland, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Bern. You’ll stay in Bern 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 Best Western Plus Hotel Bern, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Bern. This hotel has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,030 guests.
The best luxury hotel option in the city of Bern is the 5-star Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa. The hotel is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,438 guests.
One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Bern is the 3-star Kreuz Bern. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 3,295 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 Bern, like the outstanding Rose Garden Bern. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,288 visitors.
UNESCO - Bern Old Town is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Bern. This incredible attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,711 visitors.
One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Bern is the extraordinary Bern Minster. This church building is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,755 reviews.
Come to Bern 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 Bern.
After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Bern.
We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Kornhauskeller, after your day of exploring the city of Bern. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,436 customers.
Luce is another of the best restaurants in the city of Bern. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,541 customers.
Locals recommend Mr. Pickwick Pub Bern, one of the best bars in the city of Bern, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,069 customers.
Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Bern, Adrianos Bar & Café. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 865 customers.
It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Switzerland.
Experiences
Day 5 – Gruyères and Lausanne
Day 5 – Gruyères and Lausanne
- Lausanne
- Gruyères
- More
Drive 205 km, 2 hours 54 min
- Castle of the counts of Gruyères
- La Maison du Gruyère
- Chillon Castle
- Les Bains de Lavey
- More
Rise and shine on day 5 of your road trip in Switzerland. Today, you'll wake up in Bern and embark on a scenic drive to Lausanne, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Bern 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 Bern. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Gruyères Castle. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,511 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible La Maison du Gruyère. This attraction, a beloved museum, has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 8,220 visitors.
One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Chillon Castle. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,098 visitors.
If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Les Bains de Lavey. This spa and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,615 reviews.
We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Inglewood Saint-Laurent. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,195 customers.
After dinner, visit The Great Escape to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Lausanne, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,559 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like King Size Pub. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. King Size Pub has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,356 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!
Experiences
Day 6 – Geneva and Lausanne
Day 6 – Geneva and Lausanne
- Geneva
- Lausanne
- More
Drive 129 km, 1 hour 53 min
- Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva
- Bains des Pâquis
- The Geneva Water Fountain
- Jardin Anglais
- L'horloge fleurie
- More
On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Lausanne, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Lausanne.
Today you'll explore the city of Geneva. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva. This incredible attraction is a botanical garden and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,616 visitors.
Bains des Pâquis is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Geneva. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,124 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Geneva is The Geneva Water Fountain. This amazing attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,221 visitors.
Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Jardin Anglais. This urban park and place of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 17,964 visitors.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic L'horloge fleurie. This floral clock is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11,421 visitors.
To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Switzerland to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Lausanne.
We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Lausanne, like Le Ticino - Restaurant Lausanne. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,086 customers.
After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Lausanne, Pub Les Gosses du Québec. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,279 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like McCarthy's Irish Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 863 customers.
Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Switzerland!
Experiences
Day 7 – Lausanne and Basel
Day 7 – Lausanne and Basel
- Lausanne
- Montreux
- Basel
- More
Drive 221 km, 2 hours 56 min
- Lausanne Cathedral
- The Olympic Museum
- Chaplin's World
- Freddie Mercury statue
- 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 Lausanne is the amazing Lausanne Cathedral. This attraction is a cathedral and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,709 visitors.
You could also go sightseeing at the incredible The Olympic Museum. This museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,425 visitors.
Joining a top-rated tour in Lausanne 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 Chaplin's World for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a museum and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,239 visitors.
Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Freddie Mercury statue. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,710 visitors, this must-see tourist destination deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.
You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Basel.
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!
Experiences
Day 8 – Basel, Schaffhausen, and Zurich
Day 8 – Basel, Schaffhausen, and Zurich
- Basel
- Zürich
- More
Drive 146 km, 2 hours 38 min
- Middle bridge
- Basel Minster
- Basel Zoo
- Rhine Falls
- More
You’ll stay in Zurich for 1 night.
One of the best places to explore in the city of Basel today is middle bridge. This excellent attraction is a road bridge that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,992 visitors.
We also recommend you visit the amazing Basel Minster, an outstanding cathedral, in the city of Basel. Around 7,367 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 Rhine Falls for some unforgettable sightseeing experience. This popular attraction is a waterfall and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 69,929 visitors.
You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Zurich.
After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Zurich, Cantinetta Antinori. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,379 customers.
Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Switzerland with a toast!
Experiences
Day 9 – Zurich - departure day
Day 9 – Zurich - departure day
- Zürich - Departure day
- More
- Botanical Garden
- More
Day 9 of your road trip in Switzerland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Zurich 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.
Botanical Garden is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Zurich. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,132 visitors.
Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Zurich and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Switzerland.
You’ll then say farewell to Zurich. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Switzerland!
Experiences
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