How to spend 10 days in Switzerland — 3 unique itineraries

Forget clichés of chocolate and banks — Switzerland is a country that is more than stunning. Here's our guide to creating the perfect 10-day Switzerland itinerary, with tips from our local travel experts. From sparkling lakes to historic city centers, we'll explore this charming nation at an easy pace, taking in in the Swiss way of life.

Is 10 days enough for Switzerland?

Absolutely, 10 days in Switzerland is enough to give you a great taste of it all.

With a good plan, you can explore a mix of Switzerland’s highlights — whether it's hiking in the Alps, cruising on Lake Geneva, or strolling through Zurich’s old town. The key is knowing what you want to see and factoring in the season, since activities can vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions. 

Want to make the most of your 10 days in Switzerland? Consider hiring a professional to plan your trip. Our Switzerland travel experts will craft a perfect itinerary for you.

Places to visit on a 10-day Switzerland itinerary

Here's our pick of the best places to visit in Switzerland on your 10-day trip:

Zurich

Switzerland's largest city is certainly worth visiting. In the Altstadt, streets wind between guild houses and churches. The Grossmünster dominates the skyline, while the Fraumünster features Chagall windows. Explore Zürich-West, where factories now house bars and galleries. Visit the Kunsthaus Zurich for Swiss and international art. End with a boat trip on Lake Zurich, offering views of the city and Alps.

Bern

Next on your itinerary should be the capital city of Bern. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is a great spot to explore, especially under the arcades, known as ‘Lauben,’ which are full of shops and cafés. Be sure to visit the Zytglogge, a medieval clock tower, and the Einstein Museum, located in the apartment where the famous physicist once lived. If you're visiting in the summer, take a dip in the Aare River, and for an unbeatable view, head to the Rose Garden

Mt. Pilatus

For an authentic Alpine experience, head to Mt. Pilatus near Lucerne. You can reach the top by either cogwheel railway or cableway, and once you're there, enjoy hiking or just taking in the panoramic views, which stretch all the way to the Black Forest in Germany. If you’re feeling adventurous, the toboggan run halfway up is a lot of fun. The "Golden Round Trip" is a perfect way to experience it all, combining a rail ride, a cable car, and a scenic boat trip on Lake Lucerne.

Zermatt

beneath the Matterhorn, car-free Zermatt epitomizes Alpine charm. Chalets line streets, while boutiques and restaurants cater to visitors. The Matterhorn Museum covers climbing history, or take the Gornergrat railway for views of the peaks. Whether you visit in winter for skiing or in summer for hiking, don't leave without trying some local raclette in a cozy mountain hut.

Grindelwald

Itinerary #1: Grand Circle of Switzerland

Itinerary overview

Here's our pick of the best places to visit on your 10-day trip to Switzerland:

Day 1

• Train transfer from Zurich Airport to Zurich city center and check-in at your hotel
• Free time to enjoy Zurich on your own and rest after a long flight
• Discover the spectacular sights of Zurich, including Bahnhofstrasse, Lake Zurich, St Peter’s Church, and the Old Town
• Ride the Dolderbahn railway to the Zurichberg district

Day 2

• Enjoy a one-day romantic train tour from Zurich to Rhine Falls
• Stroll through romantic towns: Stein am Rhein, Schaffhausen
• Visit the famous Abbey Library in St. Gallen

Day 3

• Train transfer to Interlaken
• Check-in at your hotel in Interlaken
• Leisure time in Interlaken

Day 4

• Cogwheel train ride and Eiger Express gondola ride to Jungfraujoch
• Experience Europe’s highest railway station at 11,333 ft
• Marvel at the Aletsch Glacier, Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau massif
• Return to Interlaken in the afternoon with an evening at leisure

Day 5

• Explore the historical part of Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Visit Switzerland’s tallest cathedral and other historical buildings
• Continue to Lausanne in the afternoon
• Check-in at your hotel and explore Lausanne on your own

Day 6

• Visit Chillon Castle in Montreux, located on the banks of Lake Geneva
• Scenic train ride to the car-free village of Zermatt
• Check-in at your hotel in Zermatt
• Leisure time in Zermatt with views of the Matterhorn

Day 7

• Ascend by cable car to the top of Matterhorn Glacier
• Enjoy the highest viewing platform in Europe
• Explore Zermatt on your own

Day 8

• Full day on the Glacier Express, the most renowned Panoramic Train
• Enjoy the Alpine scenery and a delicious lunch served at your seat
• Optional: Excellence class on Glacier Express Train
• Arrival and check-in at your hotel in St. Moritz 

Day 9

• Enjoy the Pontresina area or continue directly to Lucerne
• Train transfer from St. Moritz to Lucerne
• Check-in at your hotel in Lucerne
• Afternoon exploration of Lucerne

Day 10

• Train transfer to Zurich Airport
• Flight back home

Create lasting memories in Switzerland - book your trip with us.

Itinerary #2: Unforgettable Switzerland

This  Unforgettable Switzerland trip is a fantastic way to spend 10 days in Switzerland On the first day, take some time to settle in and relax. The next day, explore Zurich before hopping on a train to see the Rhine Falls and some charming medieval towns. On the third day, you'll head to Lucerne.

On day four you'll ascend Pilatus for some panoramic views. By day five, you'll find yourself in Interlaken to take a cruise on Lake Thun. The sixth day features a trip to Jungfraujoch, where you can take in mountain scenery.

On day seven, you'll arrive in car-free Zermatt, and day eight is dedicated to exploring the Matterhorn Glacier. The ninth day takes you through Montreux, where you’ll visit the Chillon Castle before making your way to Geneva. Your final day is spent leisurely exploring Geneva's landmarks at your own pace. Read more.

Itinerary overview

Here's our pick of the best places to visit on your 10-day trip to Switzerland:

Day 1

• Train transfer from Zurich Airport to Zurich city center & check-in at your hotel
• Free time to relax and explore Zurich

Day 2

• Morning exploration of Zurich, including Bahnhofstrasse and Lake Zurich
• Afternoon one-day romantic train tour to Rhine Falls
• Stroll through Stein am Rhein and Schaffhausen, and visit the Abbey Library in St. Gallen

Day 3

• Morning train transfer to Lucerne
• Free time to explore Lucerne's cityscape, including Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, and more

Day 4

• Golden Pilatus round trip for panoramic views
• Options for gondola lift, aerial cable car, and cogwheel train
• Afternoon at leisure in Lucerne

Day 5

• Train transfer to Interlaken
• Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Thun in the afternoon
• Explore Interlaken at leisure

Day 6

• Cogwheel train and Eiger Express gondola to Jungfraujoch
• Explore the high-Alpine wonderland
• Return to Interlaken in the evening

Day 7

• Scenic train ride to the car-free village of Zermatt
• Leisure time in Zermatt with views of the Matterhorn

Day 8

• Ascend by cable car to the top of Matterhorn Glacier
• Enjoy the highest viewing platform in Europe
• Explore Zermatt on your own

Day 9

• Morning train to Geneva with a short stop in Montreux
• Visit Chillon Castle in Montreux
• Afternoon arrival in Geneva, check-in, and leisure time

Day 10

• Explore Geneva's landmarks, including the "Jet d’eau" and St. Peter’s Cathedral
• Day at leisure for personal exploration
• Transfer to the airport for your departure

Ready for a paradise holiday? Book your Switzerland trip now.

Itinerary #3: Special Golden Round Trip to Switzerland

 This Golden Route Swiss trip begins in Zurich. Start with a day trip to the Rhine Falls on day two. On the third day, you'll head to Lucerne for an ascent of Mt. Pilatus and some lakeside strolls. The fourth and fifth days take you to the heart of the Alps; you’ll scale the legendary Jungfraujoch and experience the local ziplines and gliders.

Day six brings the dramatic views of the Matterhorn in Zermatt, followed by two days enjoying the Swiss Riviera in Montreux and Lausanne, topped off with a Lavaux wine tasting. The ninth day is for foodies —enjoy Gruyère cheese and Cailler chocolate before making your way to Geneva. Your final day is a chance to take in the city before you say goodbye. Read more.

Itinerary overview

Here's our pick of the best places to visit on your 10-day trip to Switzerland:

Day 1

• Transfer to Zurich hotel, check-in, and leisure time
• Afternoon: Zürich city guided walking tour
• Evening free time to discover the city on your own

Day 2

• Morning exploration of Zurich landmarks
• Afternoon one-day romantic train tour to Rhine Falls
• Stroll through Stein am Rhein, Schaffhausen, and visit the Abbey Library in St. Gallen

Day 3

• Transfer to Lucerne
• Golden round trip to Mt. Pilatus with cogwheel train and cable car
• Guided Tour of Lucerne
• Evening at leisure in Lucerne

Day 4

• Private transfer to Grindelwald, passing by Interlaken
• Check-in at your hotel in Grindelwald
• Top of Europe trip to Jungfraujoch
• Evening at leisure in Grindelwald

Day 5

• Hike to Bachalpsee and First Cliff Walk
• Descend with FIRST FLYER and FIRST GLIDER experiences
• Check-out and private transfer to Zermatt
• Evening leisure time in Zermatt

Day 6

• Cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
• Leisure time in Zermatt or optional activities
• Check-out and transfer to Montreux
• Explore Montreux and visit Chillon Castle
• Guided tour of Montreux
• Transfer further to Lausanne
• Check-in at your hotel and leisure time

Day 7

• Late afternoon wine tasting in Vinorama in Lavaux
• Accommodation in Lausanne

Day 8

• Morning visit to Cailler for a chocolate factory tour
• Cheese production visit in Pringy
• Afternoon visit to Gruyeres with castle exploration
• Return back to Lausanne
• Farewell Swiss Dinner with dinner in Geneva

Day 9

• Explore Geneva's landmarks, including the "Jet d’eau" and St. Peter’s Cathedral
• Day at leisure for personal exploration

Day 10

• Transfer to the airport for your departure

Excited to discover? Waste no time and book this trip now.

Prepare for your 10-day Switzerland itinerary

Are you preparing for your trip to Switzerland and feeling bogged down by the hours of research? We can help! Our tailor-made trip service takes care of the hassle of planning and booking. Our trips are designed by local travel experts and are completely customizable. Plus, you can travel knowing you'll have support 24/7. See our trip ideas gallery for inspiration. Or see our guide to the most convenient European itineraries.