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Panoramic view of Geneva lake, Switzerland

Complete Journey from Geneva to Zurich

(12 days / 11 nights)

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Dazzling lakes, towering mountains and vibrant cities

Immerse yourself in the best of Switzerland on this enchanting 12-day tour. You’ll begin in Geneva, then travel along the idyllic shores of Lake Geneva to Lausanne and Montreux. Discover the delights of Thunersee lake, then travel through winding mountain towns to Zermatt and the mighty Matterhorn. Explore scenic Grindelwald before discovering colourful Lucerne and the Italian-speaking Lugano. Finish up in Zurich, a bustling city on the shores of Lake Zurich. It’s a magical Swiss experience from start to finish!

Want to explore even more? Why not add extra nights in Geneva at the beginning of your trip and in Zurich to close it off? You can do so easily in the booking steps.

12 days / 11 nights

Price p.p. from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 2804 EUR

Find your price
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— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Seamless travel experience
  • Handpicked hotels and routes designed by local experts
  • Reliable rental cars with trusted partner
  • Comprehensive itinerary, personalised map & travel guide
  • 24/7 helpline during your tour
  • Service from local travel experts
  • Great customer reviews
  • Carbon offsetting included

Read more

— Cancellation Protection

  • Rebook your tour on one occasion, or
  • Cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund and travel credit

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the glorious scenery of the Swiss Alps
  • Soak up the beauty of the Swiss Riviera with a visit to Lake Geneva, Lausanne and Montreux
  • Roam the historic streets of Bern, Switzerland’s capital
  • Visit Zermatt and see the famous Matterhorn, the symbol of Switzerland
  • Take in the great outdoors and go hiking in Grindelwald
  • Stroll around Lucerne and cross the historic Chapel Bridge
  • Reach the summit of Jungfraujoch to see the “Top of Europe”
  • Discover history, culture and natural beauty in Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich
  • Admire sweeping Alpine panoramas from the towering peak of Mount Pilatus
  • Explore the grand lakeside fortress, Chateau de Chillon

Travel style

Self-Drive i

Interest

Alps i, Classic i, Countryside and natural scenery i, Culture and History i, Slow Paced i

Season

May - Oct

Departure

Daily

Interest

Alps i, Classic i, Countryside and natural scenery i, Culture and History i, Slow Paced i

Driving distance

1239/768 km/mi

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

  • Day 1: Welcome to Geneva

    Welcome to Switzerland! After landing in Geneva Airport, collect your luggage and head into the city centre. Drop your bags at your accommodation then set off to explore.

    Geneva is a hub of vibrant culture and world-class shopping, set against a spectacular backdrop of lake and mountains.

    Kick off your journey through Swiss history by discovering the ancient Old Town, the grand Palais des Nations, and the elegant Saint Pierre Cathedral.

    Then, head down to the dreamy shores of Lake Geneva. Relax in the lush lakeside park, Jardin Anglais, where you can admire the towering Jet d’Eau water fountain and search for the charming Flower Clock.

    Spend the night in Geneva.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 2: Alpine Lakes, Vineyards and Castles

    After breakfast, collect your rental car and hit the road.

    Your first stop is the elegant city of Lausanne. Stop to explore its maze-like Old Town, then drive a little further on to the idyllic Lavaux Vineyards.

    Next up is Montreux, famous for its connection to the iconic rock band Queen. Keep an eye out for the larger-than-life statue of Freddie Mercury on the town’s shoreline. You won’t miss the Château de Chillon, a grand castle that juts out into Lake Geneva.

    Continue to Gruyéres, a medieval town known for its cheese. Then make your way to your destination of the day and Switzerland’s compact capital city: Bern.

    Spend the night in Bern.

    Average driving distance: 200 km / 124 miles

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 3: Swiss Charm on your way to the Matterhorn

    Today will be full of classic Swiss charm. You’ll head south into the mountains, with plenty of stops along the way.

    On the shores of the breathtaking Thunersee lake you’ll find the idyllic settlements of Thun, Spiez and Sigriswill. Then, climbing altitude, you’ll pass through enchanting mountain towns like Visp and Brig.

    Your destination is Zermatt, a car-free town. To get there, head to the town of Täsch and park in the overnight car park.

    Hop on a short shuttle train journey to the centre of Zermatt. Look out for your first glimpse of the awe-inspiring Matterhorn mountain.

    Spend the night in the Zermatt area.

    Average driving distance: 154 km / 96 miles

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 4: Exploring Zermatt

    Spend today exploring the incredible sights of Zermatt. You could take a gondola ride through the clouds and enjoy unbeatable views of the immense natural landscape from a mountaintop.

    You could also take a cogwheel train to the top of Gornergrat station, located almost 3,000 metres (10,000 feet) above sea level!

    From the mountaintops, you can explore a huge range of hiking trails, and you’ll even find ski slopes that are open year-round.

    And after a day of adventuring, you can unwind in one of Zermatt’s many mouth-watering restaurants.

    Spend another night in the Zermatt area.

    Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 5: Journey from Zermatt to Grindelwald

    After breakfast, you’ll continue your travels through the Swiss Alps. Stop at Interlaken to relax by the serene blue lake, with views of towering mountain peaks.

    As you journey deeper into the heart of the Alps, you’ll reach the chalet-style village of Grindelwald. Wander along its charming streets and gaze upon the immense Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains.

    You can take your pick from the many hiking trails that weave through these mountains, or you could simply relax in the town instead.

    Spend the night in Grindelwald.

    Average driving distance: 132 km / 82 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 6: Majestic peaks and deep valleys

    Wake up in breathtaking Grindelwald with a whole day of exploration ahead of you.

    You could take a hike through the mysterious Rosenlaui glacier gorge with its narrow pathways and hidden waterfalls. Venture up to the Jungfraujoch railway station for panoramic views of the breathtaking landscape and the incredible Aletsch Glacier.

    Or check out the nearby Lauterbrunnen valley and the mesmerising Staubbach Falls, where water tumbles down a 300-metre (1,000-foot) drop.

    Spend another night in Grindelwald.

    Average driving distance: 34 km / 21 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 7: From Mountain Peaks to Lake Lucerne

    Today, you’ll drive to Lucerne. Nestled on the shores of Lake Lucerne, there’s plenty of incredible sights to explore when you arrive.

    As you stroll around Lucerne’s picturesque streets, make sure you look up to admire the majestic Mount Pilatus. You could also visit Chapel Bridge (“Kapellbrücke”), a historic wooden walkway.

    Don’t miss the majestic Lion Monument. Carved into a low cliff-face and surrounded by still waters, this monument is powerfully emotive.

    Make sure you try some Swiss delicacies while you’re here – rösti and fondue are firm local favourites.

    Spend the night in Lucerne.

    Average driving distance: 86 km / 53 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 8: From Lake to Lake via Gotthard Pass

    After breakfast, you’ll jump back in the car and travel towards Lugano, an Italian-speaking town in southern Switzerland.

    You’ll drive the jaw-dropping Gotthard Pass, nicknamed the “King of Mountain Passes”. The route is home to a historic military fortress, Sasso San Gottardo, where you can explore rooms and corridors built deep into the mountainside.

    Later, you’ll reach Lugano. This Mediterranean-influenced city sits on the shores of the magnificent Lake Lugano. Enjoy an evening spent wandering the charming streets and dining in a local restaurant.

    Spend the night in Lugano.

    Average driving distance: 212 km / 131 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 9: Exploring Lake Maggiore or Lake Como

    You have a couple of options for today’s adventure.

    You could head north to Locarno, a charming town nestled on the northern shores of Lake Maggiore. The town features a peaceful lakefront promenade, breathtaking views, and plenty of lush green spaces.

    Or you could drive south to the spectacular Lake Como, crossing the border into Italy. Stroll past the pastel-coloured buildings of Menaggio, indulge in some shopping and visit Villa Melzi in Bellagio, or soak up the serene ambience of Varenna, visiting the Villa Monastero.

    Spend another night in Lugano.

    Average driving distance (round trip) from Lugano to Locarno: 84 km / 52 mi.

    Average driving distance (round trip) from Lugano to Menaggio: 56 km / 34 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 10: San Bernardino Pass & Medieval castles

    If you’re up bright and early, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade of Lake Lugano before beginning your drive towards Chur.

    Once you’re on the road you’ll pass the charming town of Bellinzona, known for its 3 medieval castles. From here, you’ll journey across the impressive 17-kilometre-long (10-mile-long) San Bernardino Pass.

    Along this route, you’ll reach an altitude of over 2,000 metres (6,562 feet), with incredible views of lakes below and the Alps all around.

    You can spend some time in the charming city of Chur before heading to your accommodation.

    Spend the night in the Chur/Davos area.

    Average driving distance: 163 km / 101 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 11: Liechtenstein & route to Zurich

    You’ll head back to Zurich to complete your road trip today. You’ll drive through scenic mountain valleys and picturesque villages, including Bad Ragaz. This area, called “Heidiland” after the beloved children’s book Heidi, perfectly captures the Swiss lifestyle.

    Cross the border into the charming microstate of Liechtenstein. The cultural capital city of Vaduz is well worth a visit, with its views of Vaduz Castle.

    Then you continue your drive towards Appenzell, a picturesque Swiss town with colourful houses and a historic village square. Upon arrival in Zurich, the rest of the day if yours to spend at your leisure.

    Spend the night in Zurich.

    Driving distance: 174 km / 108 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 12: Departure from Switzerland

    Today your adventure in Switzerland comes to an end. If your flight is scheduled for later in the day, spend the morning enjoying some more of Zurich. You could buy some last-minute souvenirs or relax in a traditional coffee house.

    Later, make your way to the airport in time for your departure flight.

    Attractions See Activities for this day
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Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

Included

Not included

Optional Extras

12 days / 11 nights

Price p.p. from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 2804 EUR

Find your price
Request info

Essential information

Everything you need to know about this tour before you book

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this self-drive tour in Switzerland. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here, so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online Alps Travel Guide.

On a self-drive tour, Nordic Visitor supplies you with a quality rental car and a detailed personal itinerary. You act as your own tour guide and driver, and you get to pick the road trip music!

All your services will be pre-booked by your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor. This includes your rental car and accommodation in Switzerland, along with planned activities, as specified in the itinerary.

And rest assured that we’re with you every step of the way. Upon your arrival, you’ll receive personalised information including an itinerary, map and Switzerland Travel Guide.

You’ll also have access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip should you need to contact us.

During your self-drive tour, you’ll stay in accommodation hand-picked by our local Switzerland travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and our personal experience.

In Switzerland you can choose from single, double and triple rooms. Please note that in Switzerland room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America.

For example, a double bed often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. Twin rooms are 2 separate single beds. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra bed, rollaway or sofa bed. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

If you're travelling with children and need multiple rooms, please note that we can't guarantee family rooms or interconnecting rooms at all accommodation. You may even have rooms on different floors.

If you have anything specific in mind, please contact us to discuss customising your accommodation options.

You must be at least 20 years old and have held a valid licence for at least one year to hire a rental car in Switzerland. There may be a small additional fee for drivers under 25 years old.

Travelling with your kids? No problem! You'll be able to enter your children's ages during the booking process. This lets us know whether to arrange either a baby cot or roll-away bed for your trip.

If you'd like us to arrange for a car seat to be provided for your trip, please let us know ahead of time. It's also possible to book this directly with the car rental agency. This will incur a small, extra cost.

The roads across Switzerland are usually in good condition year-round and are renowned for their beauty.

You’ll be driving on the right side of the road and the left side of the car. Most rural roads in Switzerland are 2-lane, but they can be narrow and winding. This is especially true when navigating mountain passes.

Due to the altitude of some roads, the risk of storms, rain, snow and ice can cause adverse conditions. We recommend checking weather forecasts daily and not taking any risks when it comes to driving.

It’s also a good idea to plan how you will navigate around Switzerland ahead of time. Your travel consultant will prepare a detailed hand-annotated map of your route to help you stay on track.

We also recommend using navigation apps on your phone, such as Google Maps. Make sure to download the route ahead of time, in case you don’t have signal in the more rural areas.

During your tour of Switzerland, you’ll be travelling through both lowland and high-altitude regions. As you might expect, the temperatures can differ between these regions.

In the city of Zürich, the average temperature in summer is around 19°C (66°F). While in the mountain region of Zermatt, the average temperatures are closer to 15°C (59°F). It’s worth noting that these are average temperatures, and the highs can reach mid-20s in some regions.

Many regions of Switzerland are famed for their many days of sunshine, especially Visp and the Rhône valley. But that doesn’t guarantee there won’t be any rain on your trip! And you’ll need to be prepared for chillier weather when you’re boarding mountain gondolas.

As you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors exploring the mountains, it’s a good idea to come prepared for a combination of weather conditions.

Here is a recommended packing list for a summer trip:

  • A warm jumper or fleece
  • A waterproof jacket
  • Hiking clothes and good walking shoes or boots
  • Light scarf or thin jumper
  • An umbrella
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Lip balm and moisturiser
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and a sunhat

On your Swiss road trip, you should budget for petrol costs of around ₣1.40–1.80 per litre.

As for meals, your breakfast is included at all your accommodation in Switzerland. For the rest of your food, your spending money will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to.

Budget between ₣20–30 per person for each day’s lunch. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between ₣25–35. Meanwhile at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay ₣45-65 or more. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades. 

If you have something specific in mind, get in touch with your travel consultant and they’ll create your dream trip.

If you are planning on arriving in Geneva, let us know. You could add on an extra night in Geneva to visit Switzerland’s second largest city. Or you could book a direct train from Geneva to Zürich to start your road trip.

Please contact your travel consultant for further details.

Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF, ₣) as its currency. The neighbouring country of Liechtenstein also uses the Swiss franc, while other surrounding countries use the Euro.

In Switzerland tipping is not mandatory but welcomed. It’s usually based on the quality of service. Locals often add around 10% or simply round up their bill.

In hotels it’s common to tip concierges for hiring a taxi or making dinner reservations. As for porters, about ₣2 per bag is standard.

There are limited laundry facilities in rural areas, but you’ll find launderettes in major cities such as Zürich. Some hotels offer dry cleaning for an additional cost.

While Switzerland is not part of the European Union (EU), it is part of the Schengen area. This means that if you’re visiting from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or an EU state, you won’t need a visa to enter.

If you’re visiting from another country, you can find the complete list of countries whose nationals require visas to enter Switzerland via the State Secretariat for Migration website.

Your passport needs to be valid for the entirety of your stay in Switzerland, and for at least 6 months after your departure date. It’s a good idea to check your passport expiry date early, in case you need to renew it.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline.

During your tour, there will always be a regional travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

Nordic Visitor offers 10–20% deposits so you can reserve your trip as early as it’s convenient for you. The remaining balance is due 30 days before you travel. 

Many tours are also open for the following year if you like to plan well ahead. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us. 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.

After you have booked your tour, it will only take a few days to confirm its availability. But it may take a few weeks to create your itinerary and book everything. Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll email you copies of your travel documents.

Upon your arrival in Zürich, you’ll receive a welcome package with hard copies of your itinerary, accommodation and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Switzerland Travel Guide, and more.

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in Zürich?

After picking up your luggage, make your way to your accommodation in the city centre. The airport has excellent public transportation connections operated by SBB (Swiss Federal Railways). Or if you’d prefer, we can arrange a private transfer for an additional fee.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2–4 PM. You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel if you have to wait.

Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will need to check out from your room, but will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before catching public transport or a taxi to the airport.

All bookings are billed in Euro (EUR).

Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

Accommodation

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

Standard rooms in good quality and comfortable 3-star hotels in combination with well-appointed guesthouses or...

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Superior

Standard rooms in 4-star hotels or boutique guesthouses in combination with superior rooms in...

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Rental car

Enjoy your road trip with a free GPS and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) to reduce liability.

VW Polo (automatic)
or similar

  • x4
  • x5
  • x2
  • A
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VW Polo (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Economy
  • Passengers: 4
  • Suitcases: 2
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Manual
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Ford Focus (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x2
  • A
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Ford Focus (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Compact
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 2
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
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BMW 3 Series (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x4
  • A
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BMW 3 Series (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Saloon
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Jeep Compass (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x3
  • A
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Jeep Compass (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Crossover SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 3
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
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BMW X5 (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x5
  • A
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BMW X5 (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Luxury SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 5
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar

  • x9
  • x3
  • x5
  • A
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Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Premium Passenger Van
  • Passengers: 9
  • Luggage: 5
  • Doors: 3
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Price per person from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 2804 EUR

Request info

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