7-Day Relaxed Switzerland Road Trip from Zurich to Bern

Photo of aerial view of Zurich city center and lake Zurich.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
7 days & 6 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
6 nights included
Car rental
7 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Sit back and enjoy a relaxed 7-day road trip in Switzerland with this laid-back self-drive vacation.

This self-drive package allows you to immerse in the local culture as you travel through the picture-perfect landscapes in Switzerland at a relaxed pace. Get a dose of comfort, fun, and recreation in Zurich, Basel, Bern, and Lucerne. Make yourself at home at top-rated hotels and stay 4 nights in Zurich and 2 nights in Bern. Finally, taste the local food and enjoy a refreshing drink at the most popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in Switzerland.

Experience an easy 7-day self-drive tour across Switzerland with this carefully arranged travel plan. We’ll help you from the beginning to the end of your vacation in Switzerland so you can leave with the best road trip memories.

Freedom of choice is key to a relaxing road trip in Switzerland. For your self-drive vacation, we’ll offer you a selection of the best rental vehicles with CDW insurance. Upon arrival in Zurich, you’ll collect your rental car of choice. From there, you’ll begin your 7-day journey across Switzerland and discover its unique culture, history, and diverse scenery.

You’ll choose among the best hotels and places to stay in Switzerland. Each stop offers top-notch comfort and unique charm, designed to help you unwind and enjoy your journey. Rest assured, we’ll always offer you accommodations that fit your budget and needs, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience throughout Switzerland.

We’ll introduce you to some of the best travel destinations in Switzerland. This relaxed road trip features the stunning Rhine Falls in Neuhausen am Rheinfall. Another highlight of this self-drive tour is the captivating Titlis Cliff Walk.

Traveling leisurely through Switzerland means you could spend as much time as you want at the magnificent Lion Monument Lucerne. With this travel plan, you could also soak in the atmosphere of the memorable Chapel Bridge. You’ll have plenty of time to take in each attraction's unique features, learn its unique history, and appreciate it to the fullest.

Between sightseeing, you can make the most of your downtime and join a popular tour in Switzerland. Tours offer a special way of discovering what else Switzerland has to offer.

This relaxed road trip also gives you plenty of time to stroll through Switzerland's shopping hotspots. Here you can visit shops, discover the locals’ way of life, or try various specialties. Check out all the souvenirs and gifts you can buy in the area and bring home a piece of the country that will remind you of your relaxing vacation in Switzerland.

By the end of your 7-day road trip through Switzerland, you’ll return home feeling refreshed and enriched by your experience. You’ll have many stories about your pleasant and relaxed road trip vacation in Switzerland and memories to cherish forever.

This self-drive vacation package includes everything you need for a stress-free, easy road trip through Switzerland. You’ll have a cozy place to stay for 6 nights, with a selection of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll also provide you with the best car rental you can use throughout the 7 days of your self-drive road trip in Switzerland. On top of all that, you also have the option to add flights to your travel plan and personalize each day of your itinerary by adding tours and tickets.

This self-drive package includes 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide. You can access the guide at any point of your journey through our mobile app, where you can also keep and organize your travel documents.

Spend an amazing 7-day vacation in Switzerland and get to know more about this fantastic destination. Choose your travel dates and plan a laid-back and relaxed road trip in Switzerland today!

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Included

Hotel, 6 nights
Rental car, 7 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

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 / 4 nights
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
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
photo of Titlis Cliff Walk in Mount Titlis in the Swiss Alps in winter time.Titlis Cliff Walk
photo of FIFA Museum in Zurich, Switzerland.FIFA Museum
Botanical Garden, Weinegg, Riesbach, Zurich, District Zurich, SwitzerlandBotanical Garden
photo of Arboretum Zürich in Switzerland.Arboretum Zürich
photo of Zürichhorn on a glorious autumn afternoon in Zurich, Switzerland.Zürichhorn

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 – Zurich - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Zurich - arrival day

  • Zürich - Arrival day
  • More
  • Lindenhof
  • More

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Switzerland begins when you reach Zurich, where you’ll stay for a total of 4 nights.

Zurich is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Lindenhof. Around 11,259 visitors have rated this fascinating square and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Zurich offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is Weisses Rössli. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 525 customers.

Zeughauskeller serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Zurich has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 7,976 reviews.

Swiss Chuchi Restaurant is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,383 customers, Swiss Chuchi Restaurant is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Zurich looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Kennedy's Irish Pub, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 2,395 reviews.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Switzerland! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Switzerland!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Zurich

Day 2

Day 2 – Zurich

  • Zürich
  • More

Drive 10 km, 46 min

  • Zürich Zoo
  • Kunsthaus Zürich
  • Grossmünster
  • Zürich Opera House
  • More

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland, you'll explore the best attractions in Zurich at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Zurich, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 3 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Kunsthaus Zürich. This incredible art museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,485 travelers, and is visited by 382,603 people every year.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Switzerland by seeing another popular site in Zurich, the wonderful Grossmünster. This church building is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,485 travelers and gets around 382,603 annual visits.

You can then move on to the incredible Zürich Opera House. This opera house has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,119 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Switzerland. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Zurich itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Switzerland extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Zurich.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Zurich and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Markthalle. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,771 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Rimini Bar. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,417 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Zurich

Day 3

Day 3 – Zurich

  • Zürich
  • More

Drive 9 km, 45 min

  • Zürichhorn
  • Chinagarten Zürich
  • Arboretum Zürich
  • FIFA Museum
  • Swiss National Museum
  • More

Day 3 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Switzerland gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Zurich and visit more of its attractions.

Zurich has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Switzerland. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Zürichhorn, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Zürichhorn has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,483 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Chinagarten Zürich. This city feature got an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from its 5,297 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Zurich is the notable Arboretum Zürich. The popular Arboretum Zürich is a highlight of many travel packages in Zurich. As a matter of fact, this remarkable arboretum has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 2,782 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Zurich, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous FIFA Museum. Take your time exploring this wonderful museum and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 from 4,219 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to the outstanding Swiss National Museum. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,999 travelers, a trip to the spectacular Swiss National Museum is something to look forward to in Zurich.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Zurich by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Zurich.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Zurich, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Cantinetta Antinori is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Zurich-based food place has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,379 guests.

This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from.

Toast to an amazing time in Zurich and end day 3 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Switzerland on a great note!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Schaffhausen, Basel, and Bern

Day 4

Day 4 – Schaffhausen, Basel, and Bern

  • Basel
  • Bern
  • More

Drive 248 km, 3 hours 40 min

  • Rhine Falls
  • Basel Minster
  • Basel Zoo
  • Middle bridge
  • More

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Switzerland will take you on a self-paced journey to two incredible places in one day. See some of the best attractions in Switzerland, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

You’ll begin your day and sightseeing in Schaffhausen, and continue your explorations in the city of Basel. The charming Bern is where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

This famous waterfall has an impressive 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 69,929 people.

Give yourself the opportunity to see more of Schaffhausen than meets the eye by joining a top-rated tour.

In Basel, you’ll find the magnificent Basel Minster. This popular cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,367 visitors.

Find out why many travelers love Basel by checking out another of its famous tourist destinations, the spectacular middle bridge. This popular site is a wonderful road bridge that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,992 travelers.

After exploring all these beautiful places, drive leisurely to the beautiful city of Bern for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Here you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best places to visit in Switzerland, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Bern.

We highly recommend going to Süder. This place is a popular restaurant with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 519 customers.

Another great restaurant option is Restaurant Rosengarten. This food place is often recommended by travelers and has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,281 customers.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Bern and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Check out Lötschberg for a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This incredible bar is highly recommended and has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,268 customers.

Let’s toast to day 4 of your laid-back self-drive in Basel! Celebrate this unique opportunity to enjoy a memorable road trip adventure across Switzerland!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Bern

Day 5

Day 5 – Bern

  • Bern
  • More

Drive 3 km, 45 min

  • Rose Garden Bern
  • Bear pit
  • UNESCO - Bern Old Town
  • Bern Minster
  • More

Day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Switzerland serves as your introduction to Bern. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Switzerland and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Bern, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,030 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,438 guests, Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Kreuz Bern offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Kreuz Bern is a top-rated budget hotel in Bern with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 3,295 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Bern. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Bern, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Rose Garden Bern. This architectural structure and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Bern. The fascinating Rose Garden Bern has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,288 travelers.

Bern is also home to the captivating UNESCO - Bern Old Town, a local must-see tourist destination and another popular attraction in the city. About 4,711 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.7 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Bern Minster is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Switzerland. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,755 travelers, Bern Minster proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you.

Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Bern, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Switzerland.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Switzerland. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Bern, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Bern is Kornhauskeller. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,436 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Luce for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Bern. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,541 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Bern. At Mr. Pickwick Pub Bern, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,069 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Adrianos Bar & Café, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 865 reviews.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Switzerland!

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Experiences

Day 6 – Lucerne and Zurich

Day 6

Day 6 – Lucerne and Zurich

  • Lucerne
  • Zürich
  • More

Drive 241 km, 4 hours 24 min

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

On day 6 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit two remarkable areas in Switzerland. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Switzerland.

As the day progresses, you’ll continue your in-depth tour of the country in the city of Lucerne. You’ll spend 1 night in Zurich.

This must-see tourist destination and popular sightseeing spot has an average rating of 4.7 over 5 stars from 16,452 visitors.

Joining a tour will allow you to better understand the local culture in Switzerland, meet new people, and create memorable experiences, while you comfortably enjoy.

This is your opportunity to create more unforgettable memories in Switzerland and discover the wonderful Lucerne.

While in Lucerne, take a break at one of its best attractions, the great Swiss Museum of Transport. This technology museum and popular site has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,371 reviews. Moreover, about 562,605 sightseers visit this place annually.

Another top location in the city is the fascinating Lion Monument Lucerne. Most travelers find that this sculpture and travel destination lives up to its rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 19,987 reviews.

If you’re interested in exploring more unique attractions, visit the fantastic Chapel Bridge. This travel spotis a go-to place in Lucerne. This stunning attraction and best-rated sightseeing destination has a 4.7 out of 5 star-rating from 29,664 visitors.

As this day of your laid-back exploration of the best attractions in Switzerland comes to a close, continue your relaxed road trip adventure in Zurich. Drive leisurely, enjoy the views, and listen to some good music. In Zurich, you’ll choose from the best hotels and places to stay in the city and restore your energy.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, take it easy and have a wonderful dinner at one of the best restaurants in Zurich.

After dinner, many travelers enjoy hanging out and unwinding at some of the top bars in Zurich. The popular Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 870 customers and is the perfect place to fully appreciate your unhurried and relaxed road trip vacation in Switzerland.

You could also relax with a drink at another popular bar like Rio Bar. This hang-out has an average rating of 4.3 from 992 individuals.

Celebrate another day of your relaxing road trip through Switzerland with a toast at a top-rated bar in Zurich!

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Experiences

Day 7 – Zurich - departure day

Day 7

Day 7 – Zurich - departure day

  • Zürich - Departure day
  • More
  • Botanical Garden
  • More

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in Switzerland is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Zurich.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Zurich once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Switzerland on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Botanical Garden is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Zurich. This top sight is a popular park, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,132 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Zurich or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Zurich and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Switzerland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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Experiences

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