9-Day Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zurich to St. Gallen, Lugano, and Bern and surrounding area

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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 9-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Zurich, Winterthur, Goldau, Neuhausen, Schaffhausen, Kreuzlingen, Hagenwil, St. Gallen, Rapperswil, Chur, Lugano, Lucerne, Bern, and Basel.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Switzerland. You will spend 4 nights in Zurich, 2 nights in St. Gallen, 1 night in Lugano, and 1 night in Bern. 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. Rhine Falls and Chapel Bridge are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Zurich, Winterthur, Goldau, Neuhausen, Schaffhausen, Kreuzlingen, Hagenwil, St. Gallen, Rapperswil, Chur, Lugano, Lucerne, Bern, 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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Lindenhof
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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 3 nights 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.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Zurich. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

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 9-day road trip in Switzerland!

Day 2

Zurich
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Drive 13 km, 50 min

Zürich Zoo
Grossmünster
Zürich Opera House
Swiss National Museum
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You’ll stay in Zurich for 2 nights.

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.

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.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Switzerland!

Day 3

Zurich
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Drive 216 km, 2 hours 55 min

Swiss Science Center Technorama
Aathal Dinosaur Museum
Uetliberg Lookout Tower
Nature and Animal Park Goldau
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On day 3 of your road trip in Switzerland, you’ll start and end your day in Zurich, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Zurich, there’s no need to rush. Experience Winterthur, Aathal, Sellenbüren, and Goldau to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

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

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.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 4

Zurich
Sankt Gallen
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Drive 164 km, 2 hours 30 min

Rhine Falls
Kloster Allerheiligen, Schaffhausen
Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen
Seeburg Park
Hagenwil Castle
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Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in Switzerland includes 4 stops and features some of the highlights of Neuhausen, Schaffhausen, Kreuzlingen, and Hagenwil. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in St. Gallen, where you'll spend 2 nights.

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

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

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Switzerland!

Day 5

Sankt Gallen
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Drive 64 km, 1 hour 26 min

Säntis - Schwebebahn
Lillyweg
Drei Weieren
St. Gallen Cathedral
Abbey of Saint Gall
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On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in St. Gallen, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate town, including Hundwil and St. Gallen.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to St. Gallen and your accommodation.

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!

Day 6

Sankt Gallen
Lugano
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Drive 311 km, 4 hours 37 min

Knie's Kinderzoo
Heididorf
Bernina Express
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Switzerland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are Rapperswil, Heididorf, and Chur. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Lugano, where will spend 1 night.

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

Lugano 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 Lugano.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Switzerland!

Day 7

Lugano
Bern
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Drive 288 km, 3 hours 44 min

Ciani Parc
Swiss Museum of Transport
Lion Monument Lucerne
Chapel Bridge
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On day 7 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 1 night.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bern. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!

Day 8

Bern
Zurich
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Drive 189 km, 2 hours 41 min

bear pit
Basel Minster
Zoo Basel
Mittlere Brücke
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On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Bern and Basel. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Zurich, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

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

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

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

Day 9

Zurich - Departure day
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Botanical Garden
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Day 9 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.

Browse boutiques to find unique and stylish fashion pieces.

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!

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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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