Classic Switzerland Self-Drive: Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken & Bern
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ On Request
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Discover the nature, history, and culture of Switzerland on this weeklong self-drive tour through the country. Heading from the banking center of Zurich to tranquil Interlaken to the capital Bern, you’ll experience the best that Switzerland has to offer.
This 7-day Switzerland self-drive tour takes you to several of the country’s most famous sites, including Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Bern. It’s an ideal way to see the country at your own pace.
Your Swiss vacation begins in Zurich, one of the most liveable cities in the world and the centre of Switzerland’s financial industry. Situated next to a lake and river, Zurich is picturesque but it also has a trendy edge to it. Spend your time in the city seeing the most popular sights in the Old Town, including famous Grossmunster, an Evangelical Protestant Church that has been around for nearly a thousand years. Ride the cable car to Felsenegg for stunning views of the city and lake. After sundown, head to trendy Zuri-West to tap into the city’s burgeoning nightlife.
Pick up your car in Zurich and head south, stopping at Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in all of Europe. After gazing upon its mighty currents and taking an optional boat cruise along the waters, drive to Lucerne, a small city with massive style. Set on Lake Lucerne and boasting one of the country’s prettiest old towns, Lucerne is a seriously gorgeous town. Stroll through the town and cross Chapel Bridge, a famous covered bridge built in 1,333AD. In the midst of admiring the many landmarks within Lucerne and learning about its famous musical history, summit Mt. Pilatus, riding the gondola to its heights where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the lake. Then descend and head out onto the lake on a boat cruise.
From Lucerne, drive along the Aare River and reach Aare Gorge, where you’ll follow the walkway and gaze into the mighty gorge. Continue to Interlaken, a gorgeous town situated in a narrow valley surrounded by two cobalt lakes and towering peaks. Interlaken sits in the shadow of Mt. Jungfrau, which is one of the country’s most popular summits. Ride the funicular to the Harder Kulm Viewpoint to enjoy spectacular views from 1,321m above the city. The next day, descend into the Lauterbrunnen Valley to see Trummelbach Falls, which drains the glaciers of Jungrau, Eiger, and Monch. Tour Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe” and experience its year-round winter wonderland.
On the final leg of your Switzerland vacation, drive to Bern, stopping at the St. Beatus Caves to gaze upon their fascinating collection of stalactites and stalagmites. Take a boat out onto Thun Lake and then reach Bern, the nation’s capital and another of its breathtaking cities. You’ll have enough time to explore the gorgeous Old Town, see the clock tower, Zytglogge, with its mechanic astrolabe, and do some shopping along the promenade. After getting a taste of Bern, return to Zurich to drop off your vehicle and end your Swiss vacation.
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ On Request
Itinerary View Trip Map
Zurich
Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Visit this extraordinary city that won the award "The City with the Best Quality of Life", you may enjoy a sightseeing tour of Zurich and take in the fabulous views of the Alps and Lake Zurich from the Hohenstrasse. Then you'll continue to Adliswil where you may take the cable car to Felsenegg, where a great view over Zurich, the lake "Zürichsee" and the Alps with its white peaks is waiting for you.
Zurich-Lucerne
Today, you will make your way to Lucerne, which is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland, famous for its Chapel Bridge, or Kapellbrucke. Visit the old town with its colorful facades.
Lucerne - Mount Pilatus - Lucerne
After breakfast you may visit the impressive Mount Pilatus, where you can reach the top with the panorama gondola. Later you may descend with the world's steepest cogwheel railway which can be followed by an unforgettable boat tour on the Lake Lucerne.
Lucerne - Aare Gorge - Harder Kulm - Interlaken
Your day may start with a trip to the spectacular gorge of the Aare River. You can walk through the gorge on a safe walkway, this is without doubt a unique natural adventure! (not included). Then you'll continue to Interlaken at the foot of Mount Jungfrau which is located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Nowadays, Interlaken is considered one of the most visited tourist destinations in Switzerland. You may take a ride to the 1321 meter Harder Kulm viewpoint with the funicular that offers you a wonderful view overlooking the mountains and the lakes.
Interlaken - Trummelbach Waterfalls - Jungfraujoch - Interlaken
Your day may begin with a trip to the Lauterbrunnen Valley to visit the impressive Trummelbach Wateralls inside the mountains. The Trummelbach drains the water of the glaciers Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch. Later you have the possibility to do an exciting and unforgettable tour (optional, not incl.) to Jungfraujoch, which is considered "Top of Europe" that has been declared a natural world heritage site by the UNESCO.
Interlaken - St. Beatus Caves - Bern
After breakfast travel to Bern. There is a possibility on the way to visit the St. Beatus caves, discover the impressive caves of stalactites and stalagmites formed by nature itself (admission not included). Afterwards you can enjoy a boat ride along the Thun Lake (not included). Your drive continues to Bern, a city located alongside the Aare River. Bern is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. Its old town is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well preserved medieval architecture.
Bern - Zurich
After breakfast travel to Zurich. The tours ends at the airport in Zurich.
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 7-day Economy-category rental car. Unlimited mileage and A/C. Mandatory insurances (please ask for details) with airport pick-up and drop-off and unlimited mileage
- 6 nights in moderate or first-class accommodations
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1)
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
21 Mar 2022
