How to spend 14 days in Switzerland — 5 unique itineraries

updated 25.09.2024

An adventure in Switzerland combines spectacular scenery with historic landmarks and vibrant cultural experiences for a memorable trip. Ready to make the most of your visit?  Here are five wonderful 14-day Switzerland itineraries that will help you make the most of your visit to this enchanting country, designed by our Switzerland travel experts.

Itinerary #1: Grand Tour of Switzerland

This two-week tour combines gorgeous countryside with city life. Start in the lively Old Town and Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich. Next is Lucerne, where you’ll get to see Mount Pilatus and the Chapel Bridge. Next, experience the legacy of Bern and have a look at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. After all of this, a little well-earned rest by the lake in Montreux is in order. Next up is Zermatt’s Matterhorn, an adventure in Interlaken, and finally, the rich cultural diversity of Geneva.

Itinerary Overview

An in-depth exploration of Switzerland’s iconic destinations awaits you. Begin your adventure in Zurich, get a feel for the Old Town, Bahnhofstrasse, and round it all off with dinner in a neighborhood restaurant. On day two, visit the Swiss National Museum, Zurich Zoo, and take a boat trip on Lake Zurich.

On the third day, go to Lucerne to see the Chapel Bridge and Old Town. After that, take a boat ride and see Mount Rigi or Pilatus. Explore the Historical Museum and the Zytglogge clock tower on your fifth day in Bern. On day six, take a drive to Lausanne, stop at the Olympic Museum, and then travel to Montreux for a walk around the lake. Day seven offers leisure by Lake Geneva, a visit to Chillon Castle, and the markets of Montreux.

On day eight, journey to Zermatt to marvel at all things Matterhorn-visit the Matterhorn Museum and round things off with a Matterhorn-view dinner. Take the Gornergrat Railway on day nine for panoramic views and a hike. Head to Interlaken on day ten for adventure at Höhematte Park and the Interlaken Monastery. Spend day eleven visiting Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe, to see the Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory.

Day twelve brings you to Geneva, and a visit to the United Nations Office, Jet d'Eau, and Jardin Anglais. Enjoy the city’s cultural offerings on day thirteen, including the International Red Cross Museum and Patek Philippe Museum. Conclude your trip on day fourteen with leisure time in Geneva and a relaxing departure.

Zermatt hiking © Swiss Tourism

Zermatt hiking © Swiss Tourism

Day 1: Welcome to Zurich

  • Introduction to the Old Town (Altstadt)
  • Wander along Bahnhofstrasse
  • Sample Swiss cuisine at a local restaurant

Day 2: Explore Zurich

  • Take in the Swiss National Museum
  • Meet the animals at Zurich Zoo
  • Boat ride on Lake Zurich

Day 3: Lucerne’s Charm

  • Drive to Lucerne
  • Stop by the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)
  • Explore the Old Town

Day 4: Lucerne and Mount Pilatus

  • Take a boat trip on Lake Lucerne
  • Visit Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi
  • After-dinner walk along the lakeside promenade

Day 5: Bern’s Heritage

  • Drive to Bern
  • See the Zytglogge clock tower
  • Tour the Bern Historical Museum

Day 6: Lausanne and Montreux

  • Drive to Lausanne
  • Visit the Olympic Museum
  • Continue to Montreux and take a walk by the lakeside

Day 7: Montreux and Chillon Castle

  • Visit Chillon Castle
  • Explore Montreux’s markets and cafes
  • Relax by Lake Geneva

Day 8: Zermatt and the Matterhorn

  • Drive to Zermatt
  • Visit the Matterhorn Museum
  • Enjoy dinner with a view of the Matterhorn

Day 9: Zermatt’s Natural Wonders

  • Take the Gornergrat Railway
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Matterhorn
  • Hike in the surrounding area

Day 10: Interlaken Adventure

  • Drive to Interlaken
  • Explore Höhematte Park
  • Visit the Interlaken Monastery

Day 11: Jungfrau Region

  • Take the train to Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe)
  • Explore the Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory
  • Return to Interlaken for dinner

Day 12: Geneva’s Culture

  • Drive to Geneva
  • Visit the United Nations Office
  • Explore the Jet d'Eau and Jardin Anglais

Day 13: More of Geneva

  • Visit the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
  • Explore the Patek Philippe Museum
  • Wander through the Old Town

Day 14: Departure

  • Morning at leisure in Geneva
  • Souvenir shopping
  • Head to the airport
Lake Lucerne and Mountain Pilatus © Shutterstock

Lake Lucerne and Mountain Pilatus © Shutterstock

Itinerary #2: Alpine Adventure and City Splendor

Get the best of both worlds with this blend of alpine wonder and city vibes. Start in Zurich, then explore Lucerne’s Chapel Bridge and Mount Rigi. Discover Interlaken, Jungfraujoch, Zermatt’s MatterhornGeneva’s cultural highlights, Montreux’s lakeside charm, and Lausanne’s Olympic spirit. Enjoy the great outdoors, cultural landmarks, and scenic vistas.

Itinerary Overview

Experience the perfect mix of alpine adventure and city life in this 14-day Switzerland itinerary. 

Begin in Zurich with visits to the Old Town, Bahnhofstrasse, and a local restaurant. Explore the Swiss National Museum, Fraumünster Church, and Lake Zurich the next day.

On day three, drive to Lucerne to see the Chapel Bridge and Old Town, then enjoy a boat trip on Lake Lucerne and Mount Rigi. Head to Interlaken on day five to explore Höhematte Park, the Interlaken Monastery, and dine in town. Day six features a scenic train ride to Jungfraujoch for the Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory before returning to Interlaken.

Drive to Zermatt on day seven to visit the Matterhorn Museum and dine with a Matterhorn view. On day eight, ride the Gornergrat Railway and hike in the Matterhorn area. On day nine, drive to Geneva to see the United Nations Office, Jet d'Eau, and Jardin Anglais. Visit Chillon Castle and enjoy lakeside dining on day ten.

Day eleven takes you to Lausanne for the Olympic Museum and Old Town exploration. On day twelve, travel to Neuchâtel for the Château de Neuchâtel and lakefront. Return to Zurich on day thirteen for the Zoo, Botanical Garden, and a farewell dinner. Conclude on day fourteen with a relaxed morning, some souvenir shopping, and your departure.

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Aerial view of Lucerne skyline and Lake Lucerne © Benny Marty/Shutterstock

Aerial view of Lucerne skyline and Lake Lucerne © Benny Marty/Shutterstock

Day 1: Welcome to Zurich

  • Visit the Old Town (Altstadt)
  • Stroll along Bahnhofstrasse
  • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Day 2: Zurich’s Highlights

  • Visit the Swiss National Museum
  • Explore Fraumünster Church
  • Take a boat trip on Lake Zurich

Day 3: Lucerne’s Beauty

  • Drive to Lucerne
  • Visit the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)
  • Explore the Old Town

Day 4: Mount Rigi Excursion

  • Take a boat trip on Lake Lucerne
  • Visit Mount Rigi
  • Evening stroll along the lakeside promenade

Day 5: Interlaken Adventure

  • Drive to Interlaken
  • Explore Höhematte Park
  • Visit the Interlaken Monastery

Day 6: Jungfrau Region

  • Take the train to Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe)
  • Explore the Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory
  • Return to Interlaken for dinner

Day 7: Zermatt and the Matterhorn

  • Drive to Zermatt
  • Visit the Matterhorn Museum
  • Enjoy dinner with a view of the Matterhorn

Day 8: Gornergrat Railway

  • Take the Gornergrat Railway
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Matterhorn
  • Hike in the surrounding area

Day 9: Geneva’s Culture

  • Drive to Geneva
  • Visit the United Nations Office
  • Explore the Jet d'Eau and Jardin Anglais

Day 10: Montreux’s Charm

  • Visit Chillon Castle
  • Wander along the lakeside promenade
  • Enjoy dinner by Lake Geneva

Day 11: Lausanne’s Highlights

  • Drive to Lausanne
  • Visit the Olympic Museum
  • Explore the Old Town

Day 12: Neuchâtel’s Beauty

  • Drive to Neuchâtel
  • Visit the Château de Neuchâtel
  • Explore the lakefront

Day 13: Return to Zurich

  • Drive back to Zurich
  • Visit the Zoo and Botanical Garden
  • Farewell dinner in the city

Day 14: Departure

  • Morning at leisure in Zurich
  • Souvenir shopping
  • Head to the airport
Basel Messe © Ververidis Vasilis/Shutterstock

Basel Messe © Ververidis Vasilis/Shutterstock

Itinerary #3: Northern Switzerland Highlights

Embark on a Northern Switzerland journey. Begin in Basel, explore Zurich, Schaffhausen’s Rhine Falls, and Stein am Rhein’s medieval charm. Conclude with Lake Constance’s beauty, including Mainau Island and the Zeppelin Museum. Enjoy cultural landmarks, natural beauty, and local experiences.

Itinerary Overview

Begin in Basel with the Basel Minster, Tinguely Museum, and dinner in the Old Town. On the second day, explore the Kunstmuseum Basel, Basel Paper Mill Museum, and the Rhine River.

On day three, drive to Zurich to see the Swiss National Museum and the Old Town. The fourth day includes Kunsthaus Zurich, a boat trip on Lake Zurich, and the Chinese Garden. On day five, visit Schaffhausen to see the Rhine Falls and Munot Fortress. The sixth day is for Stein am Rhein’s medieval charm and St. George’s Abbey.

Day seven explores Lake Constance with Mainau Island and lakeside towns. On the eighth day, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Constance and the Zeppelin Museum. On day nine, return to Zurich for sightseeing and a farewell dinner. Drive to Winterthur on day ten for the Technorama Science Center and Old Town.

On day eleven, visit St. Gallen’s Abbey Library and Botanical Garden. Spend day twelve in Appenzell for hiking and the local museum. On day thirteen, return to Zurich to explore the Lindenhof district. On the final day, relax in Zurich, shop for souvenirs, and head to the airport.

Charming colourful typical town square in Basel © Hungry_herbivore/Shutterstock

Charming colorful typical town square in Basel © Hungry_herbivore/Shutterstock

Day 1: Welcome to Basel

  • Visit the Basel Minster
  • Explore the Tinguely Museum
  • Dinner in the old town

Day 2: Basel’s Museums

  • Visit the Kunstmuseum Basel
  • Explore the Basel Paper Mill Museum
  • Stroll along the Rhine River

Day 3: Zurich’s Energy

  • Drive to Zurich
  • Visit the Swiss National Museum
  • Explore the Old Town

Day 4: Zurich’s Art and Nature

  • Visit Kunsthaus Zurich
  • Take a boat trip on Lake Zurich
  • Relax in the Chinese Garden

Day 5: Schaffhausen and the Rhine Falls

  • Drive to Schaffhausen
  • Visit the Rhine Falls
  • Explore the Munot Fortress

Day 6: Stein am Rhein

  • Explore the medieval town of Stein am Rhein
  • Visit the St. George’s Abbey
  • Stroll along the riverbank

Day 7: Lake Constance

  • Drive to Lake Constance
  • Visit Mainau Island
  • Explore the lakeside towns

Day 8: More of Lake Constance

  • Take a boat trip on Lake Constance
  • Visit the Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen
  • Relax by the lake

Day 9: Return to Zurich

  • Drive back to Zurich
  • Explore more of Zurich’s attractions
  • Farewell dinner in the city

Day 10: Winterthur’s Highlights

  • Drive to Winterthur
  • Visit the Technorama Science Center
  • Explore the Old Town

Day 11: St. Gallen’s Charm

  • Drive to St. Gallen
  • Visit the Abbey Library
  • Explore the Botanical Garden

Day 12: Appenzell Adventure

  • Drive to Appenzell
  • Visit the Appenzell Museum
  • Hike in the surrounding hills

Day 13: Return to Zurich

  • Drive back to Zurich
  • Visit the Museum of Art
  • Explore the Lindenhof district

Day 14: Departure

  • Morning at leisure in Zurich
  • Souvenir shopping
  • Head to the airport
Colorful traditional houses in the Old town of Ascona on Lago Maggiore lake, Locarno, Switzerland © Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock

Lago Maggiore lake, Locarno, Switzerland © Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock

Itinerary #4: Central and Eastern Switzerland Exploration

Set off on a journey through Central and Eastern Switzerland. Begin in Lucerne, explore St. Gallen, and Appenzell. Conclude with a visit to Liechtenstein. Experience cultural landmarks, Mount Titlis, and local experiences.

Itinerary Overview

This 14-day itinerary blends city exploration with natural beauty. Start in Lucerne with the Chapel Bridge, Old Town, and lakeside dinner. The second day features the Swiss Museum of Transport, the Rosengart Collection, and relaxation by Lake Lucerne. On day three, take a day trip to Mount Titlis and return to Lucerne for dinner.

On day four, drive to St. Gallen to visit the Abbey Library and Old Town. The next day, head to Appenzell for the Appenzell Museum and a hike. Day six includes exploring Ebenalp, Wildkirchli Caves, and Aescher Cliff Restaurant, before returning to St. Gallen.

Drive to Vaduz, Liechtenstein, on day seven to see Vaduz Castle and the National Museum. Spend day eight visiting the St. Gallen Botanical Garden and Drei Weieren ponds, then return to Lucerne. On day nine, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Lucerne, visit the Lion Monument, and stroll the lakeside promenade. Drive to Zurich on day ten for city exploration and a farewell dinner.

The eleventh day includes the Kunsthaus Zurich, Swiss National Museum, and Old Town. On day twelve, drive to the Swiss countryside to visit farms and enjoy local cuisine. Spend day thirteen at the Zurich Zoo and Botanical Garden, followed by a farewell dinner. On the final day, relax in Zurich, do some shopping, and head to the airport.

zurich-switzerland-shutterstock_161744546

Zurich Switzerland  © Shutterstock

Day 1: Welcome to Lucerne

  • Visit the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)
  • Explore the Old Town
  • Dinner by the lake

Day 2: Lucerne’s Museums

  • Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport
  • Explore the Rosengart Collection
  • Relax by Lake Lucerne

Day 3: Mount Titlis Excursion

  • Take a day trip to Mount Titlis
  • Enjoy the Titlis Cliff Walk
  • Return to Lucerne for dinner

Day 4: Discover St. Gallen

  • Drive to St. Gallen
  • Visit the Abbey Library
  • Explore the Old Town

Day 5: Appenzell Adventure

  • Drive to Appenzell
  • Visit the Appenzell Museum
  • Hike in the surrounding hills

Day 6: Appenzell’s Natural Beauty

  • Explore the Ebenalp and Wildkirchli Caves
  • Visit the Aescher Cliff Restaurant
  • Return to St. Gallen

Day 7: Liechtenstein Excursion

  • Drive to Vaduz, Liechtenstein
  • Visit the Vaduz Castle
  • Explore the Liechtenstein National Museum

Day 8: More of St. Gallen

  • Visit the St. Gallen Botanical Garden
  • Explore the Drei Weieren ponds
  • Return to Lucerne

Day 9: Lucerne’s Charm

  • Take a boat trip on Lake Lucerne
  • Visit the Lion Monument
  • Evening stroll along the lakeside promenade

Day 10: Lucerne to Zurich

  • Drive to Zurich
  • Explore more of Zurich’s attractions
  • Farewell dinner in the city

Day 11: Zurich’s Art and History

  • Visit the Kunsthaus Zurich
  • Explore the Swiss National Museum
  • Wander through the Old Town

Day 12: Swiss Countryside

  • Drive to the Swiss countryside
  • Visit traditional Swiss farms
  • Enjoy local Swiss cuisine

Day 13: More of Zurich

  • Visit the Zurich Zoo
  • Explore the Botanical Garden
  • Farewell dinner in the city

Day 14: Departure

  • Morning at leisure in Zurich
  • Souvenir shopping
  • Head to the airport
Things not to miss in Switzerland: Zurich city center with famous Fraumunster Church, Limmat river and Zurich lake from Grossmunster Church, Switzerland.

Zurich city center with the famous Fraumunster Church © Shutterstock

Itinerary #5: Swiss Riviera and Alpine Splendor

Begin an enchanting journey through the Swiss Riviera and Alpine region. Start in Montreux, visit Chillon Castle, explore Zermatt, and relax in Leukerbad. Experience Swiss beauty with stunning mountain views and charming villages.

Itinerary Overview

This 14-day itinerary blends the Swiss Riviera’s beauty with Alpine adventure. Start in Montreux with a lakeside promenade stroll and a visit to Chillon Castle. On day two, explore Montreux’s Queen Studio Experience, local markets, and relax by Lake Geneva

Day three features a day trip to Rochers-de-Naye for Alpine views. On day four, travel to Zermatt for Matterhorn views and the Matterhorn Museum. Enjoy the Gornergrat Railway on day five, with stunning views and hiking. Day six includes a visit to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Ice Palace. On day seven, relax in Leukerbad’s thermal baths and take in the alpine scenery. Spend day eight hiking and visiting the Leukerbad Historical Museum. 

Return to Montreux on day nine for more exploration, including a Lake Geneva boat trip and, if in season, the Montreux Jazz Festival. Drive to Lausanne on day ten to visit the Olympic Museum and Old Town. 

Day eleven is for Vevey’s Alimentarium and lakefront stroll. On day twelve, tour the Lavaux Vineyards for wine tasting before returning to Montreux. Drive to Zurich on day thirteen, visit the Zoo and Botanical Garden, and enjoy a farewell dinner. Spend the final day relaxing, shopping for souvenirs, and heading to the airport.

matterhorn switzerland beautiful sunsets

Zermatt and Matterhorn in Switzerland © Shutterstock

Day 1: Welcome to Montreux

  • Visit Chillon Castle
  • Stroll along the Montreux lakeside promenade
  • Dinner with a view of Lake Geneva

Day 2: Montreux’s Highlights

  • Visit the Queen Studio Experience
  • Explore Montreux’s markets and cafes
  • Relax by Lake Geneva

Day 3: Rochers-de-Naye Excursion

  • Take a day trip to Rochers-de-Naye
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Alps
  • Return to Montreux for dinner

Day 4: Zermatt Adventure

  • Drive to Zermatt
  • Visit the Matterhorn Museum
  • Enjoy dinner with a view of the Matterhorn

Day 5: Gornergrat Railway

  • Take the Gornergrat Railway
  • Enjoy glorious views of the Matterhorn
  • Hike in the surrounding area

Day 6: Zermatt’s Natural Beauty

  • Visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
  • Explore the Ice Palace
  • Relax in Zermatt

Day 7: Relax in Leukerbad

  • Drive to Leukerbad
  • Enjoy the thermal baths
  • Relax in the alpine scenery

Day 8: Leukerbad’s Charm

  • Hike in the surrounding hills
  • Visit the Leukerbad Historical Museum
  • Return to Montreux

Day 9: More of Montreux

  • Take a boat trip on Lake Geneva
  • Visit the Montreux Jazz Festival (if in season)
  • After-dinner stroll along the lakeside promenade

Day 10: Lausanne Exploration

  • Drive to Lausanne
  • Visit the Olympic Museum
  • Explore the Old Town

Day 11: Vevey Visit

  • Drive to Vevey
  • Explore the Alimentarium (Nestlé Museum)
  • Stroll along the lakefront

Day 12: Lavaux Vineyards

  • Visit the Lavaux Vineyards
  • Wine tasting at a local winery
  • Return to Montreux

Day 13: Return to Zurich

  • Drive back to Zurich
  • Visit the Zoo and Botanical Garden
  • Farewell dinner in the city

Day 14: Departure

  • Morning at leisure in Zurich
  • Souvenir shopping
  • Head to the airport

Allow our team of local Switzerland travel experts to curate your dream Swiss trip. When you're ready to embark on your adventure, reach out to us, and we'll craft a personalized itinerary just for you.

Magda Borzecka

written by
Magda Borzecka

updated 25.09.2024

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