Bern, Switzerland - 9 Days Itinerary

Arrive in Bern

Arrive at Zurich Airport (ZRH), then take a scenic train journey to Bern.

Check into your hotel and relax before beginning your Swiss adventure.

Bern Private Walking Tour

Discover Bern's enchanting Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with an expert local guide.

See highlights like the Zytglogge (Clock Tower), the Parliament Building, and charming fountains.

Your guide will meet you at a central location.

Visit the Bear Park

Observe Bern's iconic brown bears playing and relaxing in their spacious, natural habitat by the Aare River.

A symbol of the city for centuries.

Free admission. Enjoy the river views and walk along the Aare.

Traditional Swiss Dinner

Enjoy a traditional Swiss dinner at a local restaurant in Bern's Old Town, perhaps trying classics like cheese fondue or Rösti.

Jungfraujoch Alpine Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey to 'The Top of Europe,' the highest railway station on the continent.

Enjoy panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding peaks, explore the Ice Palace, and marvel at the Sphinx Observatory.

Dress warmly, even in spring/summer, as temperatures at the top are always cold. Remember to bring sunglasses.

Relaxing Dinner in Bern

After a long day in the Alps, enjoy a relaxing dinner back in Bern.

Choose a cozy spot to recount your day's breathtaking experiences.

Travel to Interlaken

Take a scenic train ride from Bern to Interlaken, the adventure capital of Switzerland, nestled between two stunning lakes.

Tandem Paragliding Interlaken

Experience the thrill of flying like an eagle with a tandem paragliding flight over Interlaken.

Soar above the lakes and mountains for breathtaking views and an unforgettable adrenaline rush.

Booking highly recommended as slots fill up quickly. Price varies based on provider and package. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g188081-d1841736-Reviews-Paragliding_Interlaken-Interlaken_Bernese_Oberland_Canton_of_Bern.html?m=66827

Lauterbrunnen Waterfall Tour

Embark on a private tour to the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley, home to 72 waterfalls.

Witness vertical rock walls, verdant fields, and the spectacular Trümmelbach Falls.

Höhematte Photo Point

Capture the iconic 'Grand Tour of Switzerland' photo moment at Höhematte, offering stunning views of the Jungfrau mountain range and Interlaken.

Great spot for memorable pictures.

Return to Bern

Take the train back to Bern after a day full of adventure in Interlaken.

Zermatt & Mt. Gornergrat Day Trip

Embark on a small-group tour from Bern to the car-free village of Zermatt, home to the iconic Matterhorn.

Enjoy a scenic train ride, explore the charming village, and take the Gornergrat mountain railway for unparalleled views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers.

This is a full-day excursion. Wear comfortable shoes and layers of clothing. The tour includes all train tickets and guide services.

Evening Dinner in Bern

After returning from your day trip, enjoy a well-deserved dinner at one of Bern's excellent restaurants.

Premium Panoramic Train & Lucerne Tour

Experience Switzerland's stunning landscapes on a panoramic train journey.

This tour takes you from Bern to Interlaken for a guided walk, then continues to Lucerne where you'll have free time to explore the beautiful city and its lake, before returning to Bern.

All tickets are included. This tour provides an excellent overview of diverse Swiss scenery and a taste of Lucerne, setting the stage for your next destination.

Leisure Time in Bern

Enjoy some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping, a leisurely stroll along the Aare river, or visit a local cafe to soak in the atmosphere of Bern.

Farewell Dinner in Bern

Indulge in a final delicious dinner in Bern, reflecting on the incredible experiences of the past five days.

Travel to Lucerne

Enjoy a scenic train journey from Interlaken Ost to Lucerne.

The route offers beautiful views of Swiss lakes and mountains.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your accommodation in Lucerne and drop off your luggage.

Many hotels are within walking distance of the train station or easily accessible by local bus.

Chapel Bridge & Water Tower

Walk across the iconic Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), Europe's oldest wooden covered bridge, and admire the Wasserturm (Water Tower).

Take time to observe the interior paintings depicting Lucerne's history.

Lunch in Old Town

Savor traditional Swiss cuisine at one of the charming restaurants in Lucerne's Old Town.

Look for restaurants near Rathausquai for views of the Reuss River.

Explore Old Town

Wander through the picturesque alleys, admire the beautifully frescoed buildings, and discover hidden squares.

Don't miss the Weinmarkt and Hirschenplatz squares.

Lake Lucerne Short Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing short boat trip on Lake Lucerne, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Boats depart frequently. Check schedule at the pier.

Dinner & Relaxation

Dine at a restaurant offering lakeside views or traditional Swiss ambiance.

Try 'Chäschüechli' (cheese tart) or 'Älplermagronen' (Swiss macaroni and cheese).

Boat to Alpnachstad

Embark on a scenic boat journey across Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, the starting point for the world's steepest cogwheel railway.

Cogwheel Train to Pilatus Kulm

Experience the thrill of ascending Mount Pilatus on the world's steepest cogwheel railway (max gradient 48%).

Operates from May to November. Check opening dates.

Explore Pilatus Kulm

Enjoy panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne.

Explore the summit, visit the panorama gallery, and take short hikes.

Several restaurants are available at the summit for lunch with a view. Bring warm clothing as it can be windy.

Aerial Cableway to Kriens

Descend from Pilatus Kulm via the 'Dragon Ride' aerial cableway to Fräkmüntegg, then transfer to a panoramic gondola to Kriens.

The cableway offers stunning 360-degree views.

Bus to Lucerne

Take a local bus from Kriens back to Lucerne city center.

Leisure & Dinner

Relax after your mountain excursion.

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Consider trying a traditional 'Fondue' in the evening.

Boat to Vitznau

Enjoy another beautiful boat ride on Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, where the first cogwheel railway in Europe begins its ascent to Mount Rigi.

Cogwheel Train to Rigi Kulm

Ascend Mount Rigi, known as the 'Queen of the Mountains', on the historic cogwheel railway, enjoying breathtaking views along the way.

This was Europe's first mountain railway, opened in 1871.

Rigi Kulm Exploration

At the summit of Rigi Kulm, soak in the 360-degree panoramic views of Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, and the Alps.

Take a short walk around the peak.

There are several viewing platforms and walking paths. Grab lunch at a summit restaurant.

Cable Car to Weggis

Descend from Rigi Kaltbad (a short cogwheel ride from Rigi Kulm) to Weggis by panoramic cable car, offering spectacular lake views.

This descent offers a different perspective and adds variety to the journey.

Boat back to Lucerne

Take a relaxing boat trip from the charming lakeside village of Weggis back to Lucerne.

Free Time & Dinner

Enjoy some free time for souvenir shopping or simply relaxing by the lake before a final dinner in Lucerne.

Consider a leisurely walk along the promenade or explore the Hofkirche.

Lion Monument & Glacier Garden

Visit the poignant Lion Monument, a memorial for the Swiss Guards massacred in 1792.

Afterwards, explore the nearby Glacier Garden with its glacial potholes and a mirror labyrinth.

The Glacier Garden (Gletschergarten) is a short walk from the Lion Monument.

Bourbaki Panorama

Discover one of the world's few surviving large-scale panoramas, depicting the French Bourbaki army crossing the border into Switzerland in 1871.

Located close to the Lion Monument and Glacier Garden.

Farewell Lunch

Enjoy a final Swiss lunch in Lucerne before heading to the airport.

Consider trying a 'Rösti' before you leave.

Private Transfer to Zurich Airport

Arrange a comfortable private transfer from your hotel in Lucerne to Zurich Airport (ZRH) for your departure.