How to spend 10 days in Switzerland — 3 unique itineraries

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is a mesmerising tapestry of pristine landscapes, charming villages, and cultural richness that beckons travellers from around the globe. Read on for our guide on how to plan a 10-day Switzerland itinerary. 

Is 10 days enough for Switzerland?

Whether you're drawn to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, the serene beauty of its lakes, or the vibrant cities pulsating with history and innovation, Switzerland offers a fantastic destination to spend 10 days. 

This amount of time will allow you to explore several key destinations and experience the country's diverse attractions. With a well-planned itinerary, you can cover a mix of urban and natural attractions. consider the time of year you plan to visit, as seasons can influence the availability of certain activities and the 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

Begin your Swiss journey in Zurich, a city that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern sophistication. Roam the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, explore cultural institutions like the Kunsthaus Zurich, and take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque shores of Lake Zurich.

Bern

Next on your itinerary is Bern, the capital city of Switzerland. Immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, marvel at the Zytglogge clock tower, and make sure to pay a visit to the iconic Bear Park.

Mt. Pilatus

Embark on an adventure to Mt. Pilatus, a majestic peak in the Swiss Alps. Ascend via the cogwheel railway or the scenic cable car for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Once at the summit, savour the panoramic vistas and perhaps indulge in some local Swiss cuisine.

Zermatt

Explore the car-free village of Zermatt, nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. Whether you're a skiing enthusiast, a hiking aficionado, or simply seeking unparalleled alpine beauty, Zermatt has something for every nature lover.

Grindelwald

Conclude your Swiss odyssey in the charming village of Grindelwald, a gateway to the Jungfrau region. Surrounded by stunning peaks, it offers an array of outdoor activities, from hiking and skiing to taking in the views of the Eiger North Face. Grindelwald serves as the perfect farewell to the diverse wonders of Switzerland.

Itinerary #1: Grand Circle of Switzerland

Embark on a 10-day Gran Circle of Switzerland itinerary, starting in Zurich with highlights like Bahnhofstrasse and Lake Zurich. Explore Rhine Falls, visit St. Gallen's Abbey Library, and then journey to Interlaken for a day at Jungfraujoch. 

Discover Bern's UNESCO World Heritage site, continue to Lausanne and visit Montreux with Chillon Castle. Ascend Matterhorn glacier in Zermatt, experience the Glacier Express to St. Moritz, and conclude in Lucerne. 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 centre &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

Embark on an 10-day Unforgettable Switzerland trip to discover genuine natural paradise. Relish picturesque scenery, romantic towns, and historic buildings, all against a backdrop of eternal ice and snow. 

Begin in Zurich with city exploration and a romantic train tour to Rhine Falls. Travel to Lucerne for cityscape discovery and a Golden Pilatus round trip. 

Cruise Lake Thun, explore Interlaken and experience Jungfraujoch's high-Alpine wonder. Scenic trains lead to Zermatt for Matterhorn views, followed by a visit to Montreux and Geneva. Conclude your adventure with Geneva exploration before departing from the airport. 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 centre & 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

Embark on an adventure amidst Switzerland's majestic mountains, immersing yourself in invigorating hikes and scenic cable car rides. On this Golden Route Swiss trip, starting with a guided walking tour of Zurich and a romantic train tour to Rhine Falls.

Explore Lucerne with a Mt. Pilatus Golden Round Trip, venture to Grindelwald for the Top of Europe experience, and hike the First Cliff Walk. Continue to Zermatt for Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, then visit Montreux and Chillon Castle. Enjoy wine tasting in Lavaux, a culinary day in La Gruyere, and explore Geneva's landmarks before departing. Read more.

Itinerary overview

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

Day 1

• Meet our representative at the arrivals hall at the airport
• Transfer to Zurich hotel, check-in, and leisure time
• Afternoon: Zürich city guided walking tour (up to 2 hours)
• 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

• Private transfer to Lucerne
• Golden round trip to Mt. Pilatus with cogwheel train and cable car
• Private 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 private transfer to Montreux
• Explore Montreux and visit Chillon Castle
• Guided tour of Montreux
• Private 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

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 personalised itinerary just for you.

Feel free to browse our pre-designed Switzerland itineraries for ideas, and remember that all can be tailored to meet your specific needs. For more inspiration, discover some of the best things to do in Switzerland.

Want to explore Europe even more? We have prepared the most convenient European itineraries for you to explore the continent.