3 Days in Switzerland Itinerary

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Private Tours of Zurich, Lucerne & Interlaken

Our three-day Switzerland tour itinerary has been designed to reveal as many highlights as possible in just three short days.

Starting from the vibrant streets of Zurich, moving through the majestic Rhine Falls, and delving into the heart of Lucerne’s medieval charm. Ascend to the breathtaking peaks of Mount Pilatus for unparalleled Alpine vistas, then journey to Interlaken, nestled between pristine lakes, setting the stage for the ultimate adventure to Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe.”

Highlights of Our 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Zurich and Rhine Falls

Guided walking tour of Zurich’s Old Town

Private boat trip at Rhine Falls for close-up waterfall experiences

Evening return to Zurich 

Day 2: Lucerne and Mount Pilatus

Lucerne walking tour

Cogwheel train ride to Mount Pilatus

Evening in Lucerne

Day 3: Interlaken and Jungfraujoch

Transfer to Interlaken and take a guided walking tour of the town

Journey to Jungfraujoch

Visits to the Ice Palace, Sphinx Observatory, and views of the Aletsch Glacier

Day 1: Zurich Exploration and Rhine Falls Adventure

Zurich, Switzerland

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your private driver-guide at Zurich Airport, setting the tone for a day of exclusive exploration. 

As you are delivered into the center of Zurich, a city that seamlessly blends its medieval heritage with a contemporary pulse, our three-day itinerary really gets underway with a guided walking tour of Zurich’s Old Town with destinations including:

Bahnhofstrasse Shopping Street

The tour commences at Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets, blending luxury and history. 

As guests stroll along this bustling thoroughfare, they’re enveloped in a world where high-end fashion meets century-old traditions, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey through Zurich’s heart.

Paradeplatz Square

Arriving at Paradeplatz, your guide will reveal the stories behind one of Zurich’s main squares, known for its global banking giants. This spot offers a unique glimpse into the city’s financial prowess, juxtaposed against the backdrop of historical and architectural grandeur.

Lindenhof Hill Views

Just a five-minute walk from the square, you will ascend to Lindenhof, offering sweeping views of the Old Town, the Limmat River, and distant alpine peaks. This ancient Roman fort site now serves as a peaceful retreat, inviting guests to pause and soak in the panoramic beauty.

Grossmünster: An Iconic Twin-Towered Church

Grossmünster Church, Zurich, Switzerland

Our walking tour continues to Interlaken, an emblematic church that dominates Zurich’s skyline with its distinctive twin towers, where your guide will reveal its history, from its origins as a monastic church to its role in the Swiss Reformation, enriching the visit with tales of its past.

Fraumünster: Stained Glass Artistry

Next, the Fraumünster Church beckons, famed for its stunning stained glass windows created by artists like Marc Chagall. 

Within these hallowed walls, the guide unveils the church’s rich history, intertwined with tales of its founding by a king’s daughter, making each window’s story come alive.

Peter’s Church: A Timekeeper’s Tale

Conclude your walking tour at St. Peter’s Church, which has the largest clock face in Europe.

Rhine Falls Waterfall and Boat Trip

Rhine Falls, Switzerland

The adventure continues after your walking tour as you join your driver for a scenic drive to the Rhine Falls, near Schaffhausen. 

Step onto the boat for your private journey with your captain for exhilarating close-up views as you come face-to-face with the raw power and majesty of Europe’s largest waterfall. 

Glide towards the heart of the cascading waters, where you’re enveloped in the mist and majesty of the falls. 

This intimate excursion offers unparalleled views and a profound sense of the natural forces at play, making it a highlight of any visit to the region. 

Return to Zurich for the Evening

After an adventure-filled day, your driver will return you to Zurich for a serene evening at your own pace. 

We can provide you with recommendations to explore Zurich’s culinary landscape, inviting you to indulge in an array of gastronomic experiences. From traditional Swiss cuisine to international gourmet dishes, Zurich’s vibrant dining scene caters to all tastes. 

After your meal, top the day off with a walk along the shores of Lake Zurich for some serene relaxation. The gentle lapping of the water and the picturesque views provide a perfect backdrop to unwind and reflect on your first day in Switzerland.

We were so delighted to use Private Tours Switzerland for our vacation to Switzerland. Private Tours Switzerland provided a wonderful customized 5 day tour of Switzerland, including trips to Appenzell, Zermatt, Zurich, Lucerne, and tremendous hiking trips in the Swiss Alps. Marc and his team arranged great hotels, transportation, shared hidden gems of Switzerland, and authentic Swiss picnics. If you would like a fantastic tour which lets you have a genuine experience of the culture, the beautiful scenery of the Swiss Aps, waterfalls and glacier lakes, this tour is for you. They went out of their way to customize the tour to meet our interests, abilities, special preferences and were flexible and eager to provide outstanding information and customer service. We highly recommend Private Tours Switzerland for an unforgettable vacation and you should feel confident in booking them for your Switzerland adventure.
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Andrea
★★★★★

Day 2: Lucerne and Mount Pilatus

The Chapel Bridge, Lucerne, Switzerland

Begin the day with a leisurely drive from Zurich to Lucerne, which will take approximately an hour with your private driver. 

As you approach Lucerne, the landscape transitions into a picturesque tableau of Switzerland’s heartland, setting the stage for a day of exploration.

Lucerne Walking Tour

Join your guide as you set off on a walking tour – the best way to orientate yourself in Lucerne!

Chapel Bridge and Water Tower

Start with the iconic Chapel Bridge, the city’s symbol and one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. 

Admire its intricate interior paintings that depict Lucerne’s history, with the Water Tower standing guard, a relic of the city’s medieval fortifications.

Lion Monument

Continue to the poignant Lion Monument, a masterful sculpture carved into a rock face commemorating the Swiss Guards who were massacred during the French Revolution. 

This powerful monument captures the bravery and sorrow of the soldiers, making it a must-visit site.

Old Town Exploration

Conclude the morning by wandering through Lucerne’s enchanting Old Town. 

Allow your guide to reveal the city’s history and culture as you navigate the narrow cobblestone streets lined with medieval buildings adorned with vibrant murals, showcasing the city’s rich heritage and artistic flair.

Mount Pilatus Adventure

Cable Car to Mount Pilatus, Switzerland

In the afternoon, we arrive at the iconic Swiss Alps via a thrilling ascent to Mount Pilatus aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel train, climbing through picturesque landscapes to reach the summit. 

At the peak, you’ll be greeted by awe-inspiring panoramic views that span across the Swiss Alps and the city of Lucerne nestled below. Our team will consult with you beforehand to ascertain if you’d prefer a short guided hike on the mountain or simply unwind at one of the summit’s cozy restaurants, soaking in the majestic scenery. 

The adventure concludes with a descent via panoramic gondolas and an aerial cableway, ensuring a memorable round-trip journey filled with stunning vistas and exhilarating experiences.

Return to Lucerne for the evening, with dinner at a local restaurant recommended by your guide.

Our tour with Mark was unforgettable and I am grateful he was our tour guide. He was very knowledgeable of switzerland and showed us hidden gems untouched by tourism. Overall, I will never forget the sights we saw and the natural beauty we discovered. It was simply unforgetable and was the highlight of my summer.
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Mark
★★★★★

Day 3: Interlaken and Jungfraujoch

Interlaken, Switzerland

Kickstart your day with an early one-hour transfer to Interlaken, a gem cradled by the pristine waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

Exploring Interlaken

Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a walking tour of Interlaken, getting acquainted with its vibrant streets and lush surroundings. The town, a haven for adrenaline enthusiasts, also offers peaceful moments by the lakeside. 

Seize the opportunity for some leisure time, whether you’re inclined to explore local boutiques for unique finds or simply savor a coffee with picturesque lake views as your backdrop. 

Interlaken’s harmonious blend of excitement and tranquility sets the perfect tone for the adventures that await.

Journey to Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch, Sphinx Observatory, Switzerland

Proceed to Lauterbrunnen to board the cogwheel train to Kleine Scheidegg, then transfer to the Jungfrau Railway, ascending to Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe.”

Explore the Ice Palace, Sphinx Observatory, and the breathtaking views of the Aletsch Glacier.

After descending, return to Zurich in the evening for your final night, or opt for an additional night in Interlaken to further enjoy the Alpine surroundings.

Your driver will return you to Interlaken for the night.

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Find A Personal Swiss Tour Planner, Perfectly suited to your group

Our founders, Marc and Joshua, have been helping our guests realize their dream vacation in Switzerland for over six years. Wherever you wish to explore in Switzerland, contact our local specialists today, and they will start hand-crafting a complimentary bespoke itinerary just for you.