Start this spectacular trip in Zurich soaking up cool urban vibes in Switzerland’s cosmopolitan commercial centre. You can use it as a base to explore Northern Switzerland’s highlights, such as the Rhine Falls and the medieval town of Stein am Rhein, or the lovely lake town of Lucerne. Head to Bern, the charming Swiss capital full of cultural treasures next, enroute to Lausanne on the sparkling Swiss Rivera. Spend a few days enjoying handsome castles, splendid vineyards and the dreamy views of Lake Geneva before journeying to Zermatt for the iconic look at the Matterhorn. Your last few days are spent in the lap of the Swiss alps and the Bernese Oberland, where you will experience stunning alpine scenery on walks and from scenic train and car journeys. Throughout the trip, let Swiss clockwork efficiency, fresh mountain air and the best chocolate and cheese be your companions.
This journey outline is by no means fixed. As the traveller takes centre stage in our planning – from the type of lodging to daily activities – your journey will be crafted to suit you.
Arrival in Zurich. Private transfer to the hotel in Zurich. Drop off luggage. E-tuktuk tour of Zurich with chocolate fondue lunch on board. Transfer back to the hotel and rest of the day at leisure.
Discover Zurich and its surroundings in a different way – onboard the fun-oriented rickshaw. Listen to the guide’s stories about the sights, the lives of the locals whole dipping into your chocolate fondue lunch as you zoom around the city.
Uetliberg with panoramic view of the entire city and Lake Zurich. Hiking for about 1 – 1.5hr. Then tour and chocolate workshop at Lindt Home of Chocolate. Rest of the day at leisure.
Being part of the Albis mountain range, Uetliberg offers the visitor a panoramic view of the city of Zurich, the Limmat Valley, Lake Zurich and the Alps. Take one amongst the several hiking trails available, varying in difficulty, leading you to the summit of Uetliberg. Take a chocolate tour at the Lindt Home of Chocolate, allowing you to experience the world of chocolate with all your senses: from chocolate-making process to tasting the various chocolate creations to exploring the history of chocolate.
Train ride from Zurich to Lausanne (1. class, direct, approx. 2 hours and 15 mins). Private transfer to the hotel. Food walking tour of Lausanne: with a private guide you will visit local shops and taste their food and wine. Savour the city’s culinary scene and discover local specialities; from appetizers to desserts while exploring the true spirit of the old town on foot.
Private boat cruise on Lake Geneva with a local guide. Lunch ata waterfront restaurant in Evian (France) and visit the towns Montreux and Vevey OR drop off at Castle Chillon. You can visit the castle on your own or with a guide. Lakeside walk to Montreux along the flower path (4 km, 45 minutes). Train from Montreux back to Lausanne(approx. 20 mins). The highlight of any stay in the Lake Geneva region is the boat cruise on the largest inland lake of Central Europe. You can make stops at either the Swiss side or the French side of the lake.
Renowned for its picturesque setting on the shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The lakeside promenade is perfect for as troll along the flower path (4km, 45mins). Located nearby is another charming town of on the shores of Lake Geneva, Vevey. It’s known for the Chaplin’s World Museum, dedicated to Charlie Chaplin, who spent his last years in the region. Be awed with the medieval buildings and charming architecture while exploring the narrow streets of Vevey’s Old Town. Before taking the train back to Lausanne, make a stop to visit Castle Chillon. A historic fortress which dates back to the 12th century charms the visitors with its setting, with the lake and mountains as a backdrop.
Private E-Biking tour in the terraced Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch with a view at a restaurant or picnic outside. Visit a local wine maker for a wine tasting.
Lavaux is a picturesque wine-producing region in Switzerland. Explore the famous terraced vineyards, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that cover the slopes along Lake Geneva in a different way – E-Bike. Pedal through quaint villages, narrow cobblestone streets and historic churches. Enroute, stop by a local wine maker to learn about the art of winemaking and wine tastings.
Private transfer from Lausanne to Zermatt (driving time approx.2 hours). Stops on the way e.g. Sion, St. Leonard Underground lake, visit a cheese maker and have a fondue or raclette lunch.
Enroute from Lausanne to Zermatt, make a stop at the historic town of Sion which is located in the Rhone valley, surrounded by vineyards, orchards and mountains. Some highlights of the town include the Valere Basilica and Tourbillon Castle, Old Town and the Cathedral. Take the opportunity to visit Saint-Leonard Lake and Caves after Sion. The highlight of the St. Leonard Caves is the underground lake, which is known for its clear, turquoise waters. Glide down the clear waters as you admire the surrounding rock formations of the cave with its chambers and passages. You get to meet up with one of our local heroes, a cheese maker with more than 20 years of experience and discover the insider stories of cheesemaking followed by a cheese fondue or raclette lunch (depends on seasonality).
Private guide for an excursion to Gornergrat and an easy hike. Not to be missed when visiting Zermatt is to the Gornergrat (3,089m) – with the backdrop of Monte Rosa with Switzerland’s highest peak, Dufourspitze, the Gorner Glacier and a total of 29 mountains above 4,000m which includes the Matterhorn. Whether you are here for the sunrise or sunset view, the mountain panorama and views are magnificent.
With your guide, embark on one of the many hiking trails in the mountain, taking in the glorious views and landscapes of the alpine.
Private guide to explore the Bernese Oberland and the Swiss Countryside including Blausee, Lauterbrunnen Valley and Grindelwald. End of the tour at the hotel in Grindelwald. Continue your journey to the Bernese Oberland,a picturesque region renowned for its stunning alpine landscapes, majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and charming villages. Be in the moment surrounded by azure-blue waters at Lake Blausee. You can see all the way to the bottom of the lake given the clarity of the water. Take a short stroll around the lake to take in the tranquil retreat in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Reaching the post-card village of Lauterbrunnen Valley, be awed with its stunning waterfalls, including the famous Staubbach Falls. Before checking in to the hotel, walk around the village of Grindelwald, surrounded by the majestic peaks of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, making it a perfect social media post. The village has retained its traditional Swiss charm with wooden chalets, alpine architecture and Swiss cuisine.
Private river rafting activity in the Lütschine and/or explore the Glacier Canyon OR visit Grindelwald First and hike to Bachalpsee.
Grindelwald is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Discuss with your travel specialist to partake in one or more from a wide range of activities, including river rafting, hiking, mountain biking, First flyer and many more.
Private transfer from Grindelwald to Zurich airport (approx. 2.5 hours)
Let’s plan your perfect escape. To start the conversation, contact us via our interactive form or drop us an email at ask@blueskyescapes.co.
Zurich, Lausanne, Zermatt and Grindelwald.
The best time to visit Switzerland is during spring / early summer and in the autumn, April through June or September and October.
Easy to Moderate
Pricing upon request. As we’ll customise your journey based on your preferences and needs, please note that this indicative price is just a rough estimate. Prices can fluctuate depending on season, type of accommodation and activities/experiences chosen (private vs. shared) etc.
This journey outline is by no means conclusive. It is just a guideline and can be tailored according to your comfort level, interests and preferences for every detail from accommodation to activities.