The Grand Tour Of Switzerland

Welcome to Switzerland! Upon arrival, pick-up your car at Zurich’s airport and drive to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.  As a «metropolis of experiences» by the water, with a magnificent view of the snow-capped Alps on the horizon, Zürich offers a unique mixture of attractions – over 50 museums and more than 100 art galleries, international fashion labels and Zurich designs, and the most flamboyant and lively nightlife in Switzerland. Recreational activities range from a visit to the riverside and lakeside bathing areas in the very heart of the city to a spectacular hike on the Uetliberg mountain. One of the recommended Grand Tour attractions is the Grossmünster, which is an Evangelical Protestant church in the Old Town of Zürich and is one of Zürich's most famous landmarks. Construction of this Romanesque church was begun in 1100 and it has since been rebuilt and renovated several times.

Overnight in Zürich

After breakfast drive to St. Gallen with a stopover at the Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall to feel the roar and vibration of the water over one's entire body. Continue to St. Gallen, the compact metropolis of eastern Switzerland between Lake Constance and Appenzellerland has a charming, traffic-free old town. Colourfully painted oriel windows are a town feature. The Abbey precinct with the cathedral and Abbey Library has been accorded UNESCO World Heritage listing and belongs to the top attractions along the Grand Tour of Switzerland.

Overnight in St. Gallen

Approximate travel distance: 95 miles/ 150 km

Today you will drive from St. Gallen to Davos. On your way, you will pass the village of Appenzell that is situated in a singularly beautiful landscape of rolling hills. The Appenzell region is known for rural customs and traditions such as the ceremonial descent of the cattle in autumn and cultural events such as folk music and rustic dances, as well as hiking tours in the Alpstein region. Continue your drive and have a stopover at “Heidi`s Village” in Maienfeld. The town lies in the distinctive Bündner Herrschaft region of Graubünden and inspired the poetess Johanna Spyri to write her novel Heidi. In the Heidi village, the story of this cheerful, nature-loving little orphan girl comes to life at the original locales of the story. Continue your drive to Davos.

Overnight in Davos

Approximate travel distance: 100 miles/ 160 km

On your way to Lugano in the south of Switzerland, you have several possibilities to experience the Grand Tour attractions. Today you can relax on a train ride on the most beautiful Alpine train, the Bernina Express. The cross-border Albula and Bernina Lines between Thusis and Tirano owe their 2008 inscription into the UNESCO World Heritage list to stunning scenery such as the Schyn Gorge, Morteratsch Glacier and Brusio spiral viaduct. If you prefer to be active do the hike on Mount Muottas Muragl near Pontresina. The entire Upper Engadine region lies at your feet when you are perched on the hiking mountain high above the Inn River Valley. The breathtaking views of the four lakes and the world-famous resort town of St. Moritz extend far beyond the mountain ranges into the distant horizon. Continue to Lugano.

Overnight in Lugano

Approximate travel distance: 180 miles/ 290 km

Leaving Lugano for Zermatt, one visit that’s a must is Monte Brè. On your way lies Ascona, the city is famous for its mild climate, its Old Town and a lake promenade which is dot- ted with street cafés. Continue your journey and arrive in the region Valais. Here lies the Aletsch Glacier – the biggest glacier in the Alps. Today you will some of the most famous landmarks in Switzerland, from the vast Aletsch Glacier to the Matterhorn towering over Zermatt. Continue moving down to Täsch which is your last stop by car before you continue by train on to Zermatt (car will be collected the next day in Täsch- overnight parking not included).

Overnight in Zermatt

Approximate travel distance: 135 miles/ 215 km

A morning trip up the exhilarating open-air Gornergrat railway is not to be missed, for unrivalled views over the 4000 m peaks surrounding Zermatt. We also recommend stopping off at the impressive three UNESCO protected castles of Bellinzona, if not simply enjoy this world-famous high-altitude resort and explore the stunning mountain scenery – always dominated by the Matterhorn. After making your way back down to Täsch to collect your car, your route begins with a stunning drive up through the Valais, heading through Sierre, Sion, Mar- tigny and Aigle. After this you will drive along the shores of Lake Geneva to Montreux where you can visit the Chillon Castle.

Overnight in Montreux

Approximate travel distance: 95 miles/ 150 km

Drive through the orchards and terraced vineyards of the Lavaux and further to Lausanne, the second-largest city on Lake Geneva and make sure you visit the Olympic Museum. Continue your drive to Freiburg, the largest medieval town in Üechtland. Further on your way, you will pass the Greyerzer region, with its rolling green landscape before you reach Gstaad. With its top hotels, gourmet restaurants, luxury chalets and nearby Saanen airport, Gstaad is a popular destination for international celebrities. 

Overnight in Gstaad

Approximate travel distance: 205 miles/ 330 km

Before you continue to Lucerne, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the chalet village Gstaad. Continue your drive to Interlaken. From Interlaken, you can experience the majestic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau summits. Interlaken is another world-famous resort with an idyllic setting between two lakes and surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks and alpine meadows. A relaxing lake cruise on one of the crystal blue lakes or an exciting mountain excursion is a ‘must’ in Interlaken. If you have some time left before you head to Lucerne, Berne is the place to spend it, the old town of Berne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue your journey to Lucerne.

Overnight in Lucerne

Approximate travel distance: 195 miles/ 315 km

You will spend your last day in one of the nicest cities in Switzerland. Lucerne is the gateway to central Switzerland at Lake Lucerne and it is embedded within an impressive mountainous panorama. Thanks to its attractions, its souvenir and watch shops, the beautiful lakeside setting and the nearby excursion mountains of Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn, the town is a destination for many travel groups and individuals on their journey through central Switzerland. One of the highlights along the Grand Tour lies in Lucerne - the Chapel Bridge. The covered, wooden pedestrian walkway on the Chapel Bridge was built in the 14th century. In 1993 the bridge burned down but it was reconstructed true to the original. This large fire hit the international headlines. Do visit this landmark bridge. Drive back to Zurich for rental car drop-off at the airport in time for your return flight back home.

Approximate travel distance: 85 miles/ 140 km