Grand Tour of Switzerland in 8 days with Driver Local guide

Day 1: Zurich - Appenzell

1. Zurich
   1h
   You will be seduced by the beauty of Zurich, the most populated city in Switzerland, economic and financial center.
   
   You can walk along the banks of the Limmat, which separates the districts from the old town, on one side the Niederdorf, with the Grossmünster Cathedral and on the other side the Fraumünster.
   
   You will cross the Münsterbrücke, the most important bridge that connects the two banks, an ideal place to take pictures. A walk through the famous Bahnhofstrasse to Lake Zurich completes the city centre tour.
2. 30m · Admission ticket included
   The Cathedral "Grossmünster" is an evangelical Reformed church, the emblem of Zurich, located on the banks of the Limmat River in the city centre.
   
   Visit this church, and don’t forget your cameras as you climb the towers for spectacular views of the city and Lake Zurich.
3. Lake Zurich
   Pass by
   Lake Zurich was once essentially a means of communication and transport.
   
   Today it is a popular tourist destination and several cruises allow you to discover the pretty shores populated by style houses.
4. Rhine Falls
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Get ready to discover Europe's biggest waterfalls, the Rhine Falls.
   
   The short walks to the water masses will make you feel the power of nature.
   
   If you wish you can take a boat that takes visitors to the castles in the waterfalls basin and up to the imposing rock that is in the middle of the waters.
5. Schaffhausen
   30m
   Schaffhausen is located in the far north of Switzerland, and borders Germany.
   
   Take a walk through the old town to the Munot Fortress.
   
   Admire historic buildings like the Knight’s House and stop at Herrenacker Square, the largest square in town for a relaxing moment on a café terrace.
6. Stein am Rhein
   30m
   Stroll through the old town and admire the colourful half-timbered houses, some dating from the fifteenth or sixteenth century, beautifully decorated and preserved.
   
   We will walk along the promenade of Stein am Rhein watching the boats sail along the Rhine and contemplating the panorama with the surrounding hills.
7. Abbey of Saint Gall
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Here we will visit the Abbey of St. Gallen located in the district of the former convent and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
   
   The convent library currently contains some 50,000 books on display in the Baroque Hall, where the 2,700-year-old Egyptian mummy of Schepenese can also be seen.
8. Napoleon Museum
   30m · Admission ticket not included
   We will visit the museum which is located in a large park and overlooks Lake Constance.
   
   Napoleon I, the last emperor of the French lived in this beautifully appointed castle.

Day 2: Appenzell - St. Moritz

1. Appenzell
   1h
   In Appenzell you will find the most beautiful Swiss traditions such as yodeling, cheese, dalps and dances in traditional costume.
   
   Enjoy the view of beautifully decorated houses and the richness of craftsmanship.
2. Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona
   30m
   Here we can observe the geological phenomenon of the thrust of ancient rocks on younger rocks.
   
   The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site between Murgsee, Pizol and Martinsloch in Elm.
3. Heididorf
   30m · Admission ticket included
   At the village of Heidi, the path of Heidi leads to the house of Heidi. It is here that writer Johanna Spyri had the idea to write her novels about the story of the happy little orphan.
   
   With her books the writer created a romantic image and close to the nature of Switzerland, which is still very widespread.
4. Chur
   30m
   Visit Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, to discover the old town and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, dating back to the 12th century.
   
   Chur is also a popular destination as it is the origin of the Bernina and Glacier Express railway lines.
5. Guarda
   30m
   Guarda is located at an altitude of 1,650 m, a peaceful place for those seeking peace and quiet.
   
   Stroll through the narrow streets and admire the graffiti on the historic facades.
6. Swiss National Park (Parc Naziunal Svizzer)
   30m · Admission ticket included
   The Swiss National Park was established in 1914, giving it the honour of being the oldest national park in the Alps.
   
   Visit the Zernez Visitors Centre, which offers a permanent interactive exhibition on the National Park.
7. Convent of Saint John Mustair
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Visit this jewel and discover its millennia-old remains.
   
   This internationally renowned convent is also listed as a UNESCO cultural heritage site and owes its existence and particularity to Charlemagne.
   
   According to legend, the Val Müstair convent was founded in the eighth century by Charlemagne and was never completely destroyed.
8. Muottas Muragl
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   This 2456 m high mountain offers spectacular views of the four lakes

Day 3: St. Moritz - Bellinzona

1. St. Moritz
   1h
   St. Moritz is located in Engadine in the canton of Graubünden (in the local language) and can be considered the birthplace of Alpine winter sports.
   
   St. Moritz is known worldwide for the luxury of its iconic hotels and upscale boutiques.
2. Parc Ela
   1h
   One third of the park is unspoilt landscape, characterized by historic communication routes, imposing castles and six authentic villages that have preserved their former charm.
3. Viamala Gorge
   1h
   Visit this spectacular gorge that has been shaped over time by the eternal ice and the waters of the later Rhine that pass through these rocky massifs.
   
   The gorges of the name Viamala which comes from the Romansh "via mala" translated "wrong way" was once feared by mule drivers who considered them dangerous. Since the late 19th century and until today, travelers have been fascinated by this spectacle offered by nature.
4. Splugen
   30m
   Splügen is located at the foot of the pass of the same name. This small village has lived for centuries at the pace of transalpine mule traffic.
   
   For more than 200 years, the Splügen Pass was the most important passage between Graubünden and Italy.
5. Parco Val Calanca
   1h
   The park is inhabited by ibex, deer, chamois, golden eagles, as well as grouse and wood grouse.

Day 4: Bellinzona - Zermatt

1. Fortress of Bellinzona
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Three medieval castles, examples of medieval fortified architecture of the Alps.
   
   The three castles of Bellinzona (Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro) with their ramparts and walls have entered the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage.
   
   Thanks to the restoration works these three historical monuments have regained their splendour and are today the main tourist attraction of Bellinzona.
2. Rhone Glacier
   1h
   Opposite the emblematic Hotel Belvedere, you can see the imposing Rhone glacier, about eight kilometers long.
3. Aletsch Glacier
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   The Jungfrau-Aletsch region was the first site in the Alps to be included on UNESCO's list of natural world heritage sites.
   
   This region is made up of the huge rocky massif of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau with the glacial landscape all around the great Aletsch glacier.
4. Ernen
   1h
   Ernen, an idyllic mountain village located on the left side of the Conches valley, well exposed on a natural terrace above the Fiesch bowl.
   
   The central square, in the heart of the village, is exceptional and is among the most beautiful in Switzerland.
5. Gotthardpass
   1h
   The Gotthard Pass is the most important north-south link in the Alps. The descent on the southern slopes of the Gotthard Pass along the paved Tremola road is dizzying and impressive.
   
   The cobblestone road with the Gotthard Pass forms the longest road monument in Switzerland.
6. Andermatt
   1h
   Visit this village with its small historical center that is a bit banal, but which is important to be located on the road leading to the Gotthard Pass.
   
   You can discover the world-renowned Swiss brand Victorinox, the store is located in the new spa resort Andermatt Reuss, directly on Piazza Gottardo in the Wolf house.

Day 5: Zermatt - Lausanne

1. Zermatt
   1h
   Zermatt is a charming alpine village known all over the world for its iconic mountain which is the Matterhorn or "Matterhorn" in the local language, famous all over the world for its pyramid shape.
2. The Matterhorn
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   Pyramid-shaped Matterhorn Mountain is the symbol of Switzerland, which is world famous, probably the most photographed mountain in the world.
   
   If the weather is favorable and you want you can take the highest cog train in Europe to reach Gornergrat Peak at 3,089 meters altitude, from where you have the best view of the Matterhorn.
3. Gornergrat
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   The Gornergrat, the mountain from which you will have the most beautiful view of the Matterhorn is reachable by an open-air rack train at 3089 meters altitude.
4. Glacier 3000
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   The highest point is the Peak Walk by Tissot which leads from one summit to another at a height of three thousand meters.
   
   Various sports activities such as the Alpine Coaster summer tobogganing, or a walk on a safe walking trail through the glacier to the "Devil's Key" are offered.
   
   You can also simply stay in the mountain restaurant Botta, to enjoy the superb view of the panorama.
5. Chateau de Chillon
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Chillon Castle is supposed to be the most visited historical monument in Switzerland. It was built in the thirteenth century to control the passage along Lake Geneva. It served in times as an arsenal, prison and residence of the Counts of Savoy.
   
   You will visit the castle with an audio guide available in several languages.
   
   The outside of the castle also deserves the attention of visitors who take pictures of it, walking around and enjoying the view. Three years ago the castle completed its outdoor redevelopment program and inaugurated its cafeteria pavilion the Café Byron, where you can drink or have a small snack.
6. Vineyard Road (Route du Vignoble)
   1h
   A road much appreciated for its beauty, passes through the small villages among the vineyards of Lavaux, a region listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while offering visitors a unique panorama of the terraced vineyards, the shores of Lake Geneva and at the bottom the view of the Alps with Mont Blanc (if the weather is favorable).
   
   To immortalize in images these memories there will be stops at the permitted places, for your photos and videos.

Day 6: Lausanne - Neuchâtel

1. Lausanne
   30m
   Lausanne, named the Olympic Capital awaits its visitors with Notre-Dame Cathedral in the old town and the Olympic Museum in the Ouchy district.
   
   You will also admire the Château d'Ouchy, which currently houses a prestigious hotel and restaurant.
2. The Olympic Museum
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Not far from the Château d'Ouchy is the Olympic Museum, one of the most famous attractions of the Olympic Capital, the city of Lausanne.
   
   Here you will learn everything related to the Olympic Games, its history, from its creation in Greece to the present day.
   
   Our Driver Guide will accompany you to the entrance of the museum, will transmit the entrance tickets as well as the audio guides (or access to the audio guide on your smartphone) the planned visit is audio-guided.
   
   At the end of the tour, he will drive you back to the car for the rest of the day's program.
3. Basilique Notre-Dame de Lausanne
   30m
   Located in Lausanne’s Old Town, the famous cathedral offers splendid views of the city and Lake Geneva, especially if you climb the towers.
   
   Notre-Dame Cathedral is undoubtedly the queen of Lausanne’s old town. Inside you will find a beautiful rosette dating from the thirteenth century.
4. Yverdon-les-Bains
   1h
   The town of Yverdon-les-bains is best known as an important spa resort in French-speaking Switzerland. Its sources rich in sulphur and magnesium have a great experience as a spa, as evidenced by the ruins of the Roman baths.
   
   The city also offers some exceptional museums such as the "House of Elsewhere", which hosts the first museum in Europe devoted to science fiction.
5. Creux du Van
   1h
   Le Creux du Van is a huge rock circus located on the border between the cantons of Neuchâtel and Vaud.
   At the bottom of the circus flows a spring, the Cold Fountain, whose temperature does not exceed 4 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
   
   We will reach this beautiful place by a paved road, then by an asphalt path to the Restaurant du Soliat, then walking about three hundred meters.
6. Ville Medievale d'Estavayer-le-Lac
   1h
   Walk the streets of the charming old town, with the Château de Chenaux and street art facades.
   
   The castle, built in the twelfth century, is well located at the top of a coast, and offers magnificent views of Lake Neuchâtel and the surrounding area.

Day 7: Neuchâtel - Bern

1. Neuchatel
   1h
   Here you will visit the old town with its castle and the collegiate church; this collection of 12th century buildings with remarkable architecture sits on a rocky outcrop above the town.
   
   Then we will take a short walk along the shores of Lake Neuchâtel.
2. Murten
   1h
   Discover the charming little town of Morat by strolling through the picturesque streets and under the elegant arcades in the main street of its old town.
   
   You can then take a break and taste a local specialty, the "Niedelkuchen", a cream cake.
3. Fribourg
   1h
   Fribourg is considered one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe.
   
   Visit St. Nicholas Cathedral in the Old Town and climb the 365 steps of the tower, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
4. Gruyeres
   1h
   Gruyères is the home of the world-renowned cheese of the same name, but not only that, it is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in Switzerland.
   
   It is a medieval village where you will find interesting museums, traditional restaurants serving the cheese specialties of the region: fondue and raclette.
5. Gstaad
   1h
   Gstaad, a small town much appreciated by many personalities, is charming and easily deserving of the honor attributed to it by any visitor.
   
   Stroll down the central pedestrian street, you may come across an actor or artist you have seen at the cinema or know.
   
   Drink hot chocolate at the Gstaad Palace and marvel at the beauty of this unique castle.
6. Interlaken
   1h
   Located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Interlaken is a small modern town that offers summer and winter sports, the most popular of which is tandem paragliding.
   
   Try a safe flight with an official instructor. It is the experience of a lifetime, a few steps down the gentle starting slope and here you are in the air, like a bird, with a heart full of emotion during the 10 to 20 minutes that lasts the flight.
7. St. Beatus-Hohlen, Swiss Caves
   1h · Admission ticket included
   The caves are located above Lake Thun, well appointed and illuminated for the comfort of visitors.
   Fourteen kilometres of the underground network have been explored to date, one kilometre of which is accessible to the public.
   
   It is recommended to dress warmly, the constant annual temperature in the caves varies between 8 and 10 degrees celsius.

Day 8: Bern - Zurich

1. Bern
   1h
   Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is a city full of charm and tourist attractions, the main ones being:
   
   - The Federal Palace, seat of government
   - Bear pit, symbol of Bern
   -The Zytglogge
   The house where Einstein lived
   
   It should be noted that the old town of Bern is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Emmentaler Schaukaeserei
   1h · Admission ticket included
   In this demonstration cheese factory you will discover everything you need to know about the making of Emmental PDO cheese, world famous.
   
   If you are motivated you can get your hands on the dough and make your own "Stöcklikäse" or fresh cheese.
   
   There is also a pleasant restaurant serving freshly prepared regional specialities and a cheese shop offering the original Emmentaler PDO at various stages of maturity as well as a hundred other kinds of cheese and specialities from the Emmental.
3. Lucerne
   1h
   The city of Lucerne is one of the favorite destinations of tourists who visit Switzerland.
   
   With its emblematic Pont de la Chapelle and the Water Tower the visit of Lucerne enchants all tourists. The Pont de la Chapelle was built in the fourteenth century and was part of the fortifications.
   
   Admire the painted panels that were added in the 17th century and depict scenes from the history of Switzerland and the city of Lucerne.
4. Pilatus Luzern
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   On the shores of Lake Lucerne, in the heart of Switzerland, the Pilate mountain leaves a majestic impression. Lucerne is one of the most popular excursion sites in the region.
   
   Climb to the top with the world’s steepest rack and pinion mountain train, making the journey from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm slowly, passing through flowering alpine meadows and impressive rock formations. At the top enjoy the panoramic views and experiences on offer, there is something for everyone.
5. Tellskapelle
   1h
   Tradition has it that in this part of Lake Uri, Guillaume Tell escaped by jumping off the boat of bailiff Gessler.
   
   The present chapel was built between 1879 and 1880 and houses four splendid frescoes by the Basel painter Ernst Stückelberg describing the "Oath of the Grütli", "crossbow shooting", "Tell's leap" and "Gessler's death in the hollow path".
6. Rigi Kaltbad
   1h
   The Rigi-Kaltbad Mineral Baths & Spa at the top of Rigi Mountain was built by the famous architect Mario Botta.
   
   Relax in a meditative atmosphere that benefits both body and mind, while admiring the magnificent panorama of Lake Lucerne that unfolds before your eyes.

Pickup details

If your location is not displayed for pickup selection, simply enter an accepted position near yours, and enter your exact address in the comments. WE PICK YOU UP FROM ANY ADDRESS IN SWITZERLAND. YOU CAN START THE TOUR AT ANY OF THE STEPS, THE TOUR WILL END WHERE IT STARTED.

• Service animals allowed
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Child seats available only on prior request.