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Switzerland's German and Italian Delights

11 Days / 10 Nights

Lucerne, Interlaken, Lugano, Zurich

from$4,400 per person

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Visit the natural wonders of Switzerland and indulge in its culinary delights. You'll visit lakes and mountains while enjoying fondue and grotto dinners. In Lucerne, you'll take the world's steepest railroad to the top of Mt. Pilatus. In Interlaken, you can climb even higher, up the Jungfrau. In Lugano, you can explore the surrounding lakes via ferries, stopping at grottos to dine while enjoying astounding views. Finally, in Zurich, you can enjoy some of the country's highest-rated restaurants, and take in views of the city from above.

The services we provide as part of our comprehensive packages include accommodations, private door-to-door long-distance transfers, train tickets, airport and train station transfers, city tours and day trips. In addition to the tours included, we can arrange a number of excursions based on your own interests. All of our tours are custom, and this is just a sample meant to give an idea of what our trips are like, and the opportunities our destinations provide.

One of our team members in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 2-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and spacious apartments. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.

Route for Lucerne, Interlaken, Lugano, Zurich tour

3 Nights in Lucerne

3 Nights in Lucerne

4 days in Lucerne
4 days in Lucerne

3 Nights in Lucerne

If you only have time for one spot in central Switzerland, make it Lucerne. This charming lakeside town offers a memorable mountain panorama. The town's standout landmark is the 12th century Chapel Bridge (Europe's oldest covered bridge), which runs past the unique octagonal Water Tower. Visitors also tend to make a beeline for the Lion Monument, carved into a cliff, which commemorates the Swiss Guards who sacrificed their lives for the royal family during the French Revolution. Make sure to stop by the lesser-known covered Spreuer Bridge, with its Danse Macabre plaques. If you're fond of classical music, you're more than in luck, as the city offers frequent performances.

If you only have time for one spot in central Switzerland, make it Lucerne. This charming lakeside town offers a memorable mountain panorama. The town's standout landmark is the 12th century Chapel Bridge (Europe's oldest covered bridge), which runs past the unique octagonal Water Tower. Visitors also tend to make a beeline for the Lion Monument, carved into a cliff, which commemorates the Swiss Guards who sacrificed their lives for the royal family during the French Revolution. Make sure to stop by the lesser-known covered Spreuer Bridge, with its Danse Macabre plaques. If you're fond of classical music, you're more than in luck, as the city offers frequent performances.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Lucerne

Upon your arrival at Zurich's airport, a driver will pick you up and take you to your accommodations in Lucerne, after an hour's drive.

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Lucerne

Lucerne Private Walking Tour

Lucerne Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Discover the fascinating abundant heritage of Lucerne. Simply being there gives the feeling of being trapped in time, but strolling the streets and hearing true medieval stories from a local guide will definitely take you back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Eager to hear some recent history, art and culture? Your private guide is on top of these topics as well.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 2 hours

Swiss Variety

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Lucerne's gastronomy is very diverse. Imaginatively presented traditional food, gourmet restaurants, excellent wine, cheese fondue, chocolate... and fish! Swiss cuisine thoughtfully combines dishes of neighboring countries in unique ways. Should you long for a good snack or a light lunch, make sure to drop by The Urban Farm behind the Musegg Wall or at the Rathaus Brauerei, a brewhouse offering traditional dishes. Seeburghof is a winery within the city limits, producing organic wines, offering tastings in an unparalleled ambience. A fine dinner along the lake is a great farewell from Lucerne.

City and Fondue Private Tuk-Tuk Tour

City and Fondue Private Tuk-Tuk Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Discover Lucerne by electric tuktuk and experience the city as the locals do, with one of them as your chauffeur and guide. Be taken from the charming Old Town to the shopping district, on to Switzerland’s most famous wooden bridge, the Chapel Bridge. Have your chauffeur let you in on Lucerne’s secrets, and discover Lucerne's diversity. This tour is not only about sightseeing, as you will also stop at the Falken Fondue House to try delicious fondue, with bread, potatoes and Swiss wine.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

Lake Lucerne Mix and Pick Private Tour

Lake Lucerne Mix and Pick Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Discover the beauty and history of the famous Vierwaldstättersee (Lake Lucerne) region and Lucerne itself. This tour will show you the heart of Switzerland and give you the opportunity to do some walking in the mountains around the lake, taking in stunning views of the area, visit Switzerland's prize gem and visit either a cheese, chocolate, or penknife factory.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 8-9 hours

Chocolate, Mountains, and Medieval Towns Private Tour

Chocolate, Mountains, and Medieval Towns Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Switzerland may seem to be small but it has seemingly countless great places to visit. This busy day will show you the spectacular highlights of the country's northern parts. From breathtaking mountain peaks to the grand, powerful waterfall, and a historical medieval Laufen Castle, among other places. This tour really is packed with excitement!


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 8-9 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Lucerne

Mt. Pilatus Is Golden

Suggestion to explore on your own

Experience five different modes of transport and one amazing mountain, all in one day! Take a boat from Lucerne, then conquer the amazing Mt. Pilatus via the steepest railroad in the world. After the breathtaking ascent, you will be rewarded by equally spectacular views from the top. Excellent leisure facilities await you at the summit, have some refreshments on the panoramic terrace or in one of the cozy restaurants. On your way back, descend with the "Dragon Ride" aerial cableway to Fräkmüntegg and finally take a gondola to Kriens. From Kriens, you can return to Lucerne on the modern trolleybus, thus completing the convenient circular journey.

Golden Mt. Pilatus

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Interlaken by Private Transfer

Today you will travel to Interlaken. Your driver will pick you up from your accommodations in Lucerne and take you to the home of the Jungfrau mountain. The drive itself takes about an hour, but en route we'll include a stop at Grandhotel Giessbach. There, you'll have a few hours, which you can enjoy by taking a cable car to see breathtaking waterfalls, and maybe having a lunch with a splendid view. Please note that this transfer does not include a guide, any entrance fees are not included.

Interlaken by Private Transfer With a Giessbach Stop
We also offer the following excursions in Lucerne

Bernese Oberland Pick and Mix Private Tour
Moderate10 hours
Bernese Oberland and Jungfrau Private Tour
Moderate10 hours
Lake Lucerne Group Cruise with Gourmet Lunch
Easy1 hour and 50 minutes
Lake Lucerne Panoramic Sightseeing Group Cruise
Easy1 hour

2 Nights in Interlaken

2 Nights in Interlaken

3 days in Interlaken
3 days in Interlaken

2 Nights in Interlaken

The gateway to the Bernese Highlands, Interlaken's name is fitting, as it straddles the scenic lakes of Brienz and Thun, linked by the turquoise River Aare. A tourist heaven, this hub offers a wide variety of active ways to explore the surrounding area, home to some of Switzerland's most famed peaks.

The gateway to the Bernese Highlands, Interlaken's name is fitting, as it straddles the scenic lakes of Brienz and Thun, linked by the turquoise River Aare. A tourist heaven, this hub offers a wide variety of active ways to explore the surrounding area, home to some of Switzerland's most famed peaks.

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Interlaken

Your driver will take you to your accommodations in Interlaken.

Cheese & Chocolate Private Tour

The Swiss Diet

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Once in Switzerland, make sure you treat yourself with some cheese, chocolate, beer, and wine, all of which you can find at their best in Interlaken. The variety of offers is so grand that you can actually dedicate a day to just going from cheese factory to chocolate shop, from wine shops to beer houses. Fine dining, rural cuisine and comfort food is as delicious and local as anywhere in Switzerland. Try the real Swiss diet!


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 9 hours

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Interlaken

The "Virgin" and Other Peaks

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

See the Top of Europe, the "Jungfraujoch" saddle between the Mönch ("Monk") and Jungfrau ("Maiden") by train. You can ride the Bernese Oberland Railroad from the Interlaken Ost station to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, then ride the Wengernalp rack railroad to Kleine Scheidegg, where you'll make one last transfer, taking the Jungfrau Railroad directly to the Jungfraujoch, a total journey of two amazingly scenic hours. The railroad stations along the way offer plenty of hiking routes, which can serve as alternatives to trains. Along the way, there are plenty of sights and highlights to see (like the Eismeer lookout, the Alpine Sensation, or the Ice Palace), to say nothing of the activities at the top. Be sure to set aside a full day for this route, or go with a private guide. Already conquered this peak? Take the top of Schilthorn!

Jungfraujoch Private Tour

Jungfraujoch Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Learn about alpine history and local legends and witness spectacular views along the way during this tour to the Jungfraujoch, the saddle between the Jungfrau and Monch, mountains over 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) high. After taking Europe's highest railroad, you'll get a tour of the "Top of Europe" complex, including one of the world's highest observatories. Along the way, you'll visit the beautiful village of Lauterbrunnen.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 7 hours

Schilthorn Private Tour

Schilthorn Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

On this tour, you'll head by train, bus, and cable car up to the mountaintop Schilthorn Station, where you'll take in the absolutely stunning views. The rotating restaurant atop this peak was named for, and used to film, the Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," so you'll naturally get to visit its James Bond exhibition.


Activity Level : Strenuous
Duration : 7 hours

Day 6

Day 6 - Traveling to Lugano by Train

Today you're off to Lugano. Your driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you to the local train station. As there are no direct trains, you will need to change trains at least once, likely in Lucerne. We have included second class train tickets, but you can upgrade to first class for an extra fee. The journey generally takes about four hours.

Lugano by Train

You can upgrade your transfer

Upgrade to Lugano by Private Transfer

Lugano by Private Transfer

Upgrade for an additional cost
We also offer the following excursions in Interlaken

Alpine Paragliding Excursion (Single Seat)
Moderate1 hour 30 minutes
Around the Lake Thun Private Tour
Strenuous9 hours
Bernese Oberland Pick and Mix Private Tour
Strenuous8-9 hours
Grimsel Canyoning Group Tour
Strenuous5 hours 30 minutes

3 Nights in Lugano

3 Nights in Lugano

4 days in Lugano
4 days in Lugano

3 Nights in Lugano

The largest Italian city outside Italy, Lugano has been rivals with pricier neighbor Como for centuries. This border city (1/3 of its eponymous lake is Italian) is a charming exemplar of the architecture its southern neighbor is known for. Its palm trees complete the illusion of being somewhere else. Stroll the picturesque boulevards, and enjoy this city's excellent shopping, then venture beyond. Staying at a hotel in Lugano gives you a pass good for free public transportation throughout the surrounding Italian-speaking Ticino canton, including the network of ferries crisscrossing Lake Lugano. A classic activity is to ride a boat (as part of a cruise, or on your own) to one of the "grottos" across the lake, then tuck into one of the authentic rural meals these picturesque restaurants specialize in.

The largest Italian city outside Italy, Lugano has been rivals with pricier neighbor Como for centuries. This border city (1/3 of its eponymous lake is Italian) is a charming exemplar of the architecture its southern neighbor is known for. Its palm trees complete the illusion of being somewhere else. Stroll the picturesque boulevards, and enjoy this city's excellent shopping, then venture beyond. Staying at a hotel in Lugano gives you a pass good for free public transportation throughout the surrounding Italian-speaking Ticino canton, including the network of ferries crisscrossing Lake Lugano. A classic activity is to ride a boat (as part of a cruise, or on your own) to one of the "grottos" across the lake, then tuck into one of the authentic rural meals these picturesque restaurants specialize in.

Day 6

Day 6 - Arrival in Lugano

Upon your arrival to Lugano's main train station, we'll arrange for a driver to pick you up and take you to your accommodations.

Stretch Your Legs By the Lake

Suggestion to explore on your own

Once you've checked in, enjoy a stroll along Lake Lugano, as the sun starts setting. See the shining orb rest atop a mountain, then sink below the horizon, perhaps from Parco Ciani, which offers great lakefront views. Then head for one of the lakeside bars, for a glass of wine or good cocktail, and a tasty local risotto at the restaurant of your choice.

Stretch Your Legs by the Lake

Day 7

Day 7 - Your First Full Day in Lugano

Lugano Private City Tour with Wine & Gelato Tasting

Private City Tour with Wine and Gelato Tasting

Included in your vacation package price.

Discover Lugano by strolling around its beautiful streets and squares, while hearing charming stories from your guide. You'll make stops along the way to taste famous local wines, snacks, and gelato.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 4 hours

Ferries, Ferries, Everywhere

Suggestion to explore on your own

Lugano's region is serviced by frequent public ferries, free for those staying in the town's hotels. Board a boat at Paradiso and cruise as far as Morcote, one of the most picturesque towns along the lake. Treat yourself with a good coffee and a local sweet discover the historical and architectural highlights of the place and continue to Gandria, the area's other pearl. Choose a grotto for your lunch, embrace the atmosphere, and enjoy fresh lake breezes.

Ferries, Ferries, Everywhere

Day 8

Day 8 - Your Second Full Day in Lugano

Three Castles of Bellinzona Private Half-Day Hike

Bellinzona Three Castles Private Half Day Hike

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the three magnificent castles of Bellinzona and their connecting walls are the only examples of defensive military architecture dating back to the Middle Ages that still exist in the area. Get ready for captivating castles, stunning views, interesting stories, and some hiking to conquer the constructions.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 4 hours

Seven Wonders Private Tasting Experience

A Delicacy Paradise

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Savor your stay in Lugano with local treats every day! Lugano and its surroundings are famed for their honey, chestnuts, and cold cuts, in addition to that celebrated Swiss staple, cheese. The best places to find culinary delights are the area's "grottos," where you can taste various cured meats, cheese, and wines, accompanied by fresh and grilled vegetables.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 4 hours

Day 9

Day 9 - Traveling to Zurich by Train

Today you're headed to Zurich. Your driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you to Lugano's train station. We have included second class train tickets, but you can upgrade to first class for an extra fee. Based on the schedule, you might need to change trains once, in Lucerne.

Zurich by Train

You can upgrade your transfer

Upgrade to Zurich by Private Transfer

Zurich by Private Transfer

Upgrade for an additional cost
We also offer the following excursions in Lugano

Castelgrande & Bellinzona Half-Day Private Day Trip
Easy4 hours
Food and Wine of Lugano Private Tour
Light4 hours
Group Lake Cruise and Cook in the Grotto Private Experience
Easy4 hours
Private Bike Tour and Cook in the Grotto Experience (E-bikes Included)
Moderate6 hours

2 Nights in Zurich

2 Nights in Zurich

3 days in Zurich
3 days in Zurich

2 Nights in Zurich

Switzerland's largest city and main hub, Zurich is where many of the nation's bankers and scholars bump shoulders. This cosmopolitan city ranks highly in terms of livability, but for all its wealth and global prestige, the Old Town remains charming, if almost spotless. The ridges flanking Zurich's river valley offer romantic views, but the best way to hit the ground running in Zurich is to follow the river itself as it cuts through the Old Town, then meets Lake Zurich. Along the way, indulge in detours, from upscale chocolatiers to low-stress beaches.

Switzerland's largest city and main hub, Zurich is where many of the nation's bankers and scholars bump shoulders. This cosmopolitan city ranks highly in terms of livability, but for all its wealth and global prestige, the Old Town remains charming, if almost spotless. The ridges flanking Zurich's river valley offer romantic views, but the best way to hit the ground running in Zurich is to follow the river itself as it cuts through the Old Town, then meets Lake Zurich. Along the way, indulge in detours, from upscale chocolatiers to low-stress beaches.

Day 9

Day 9 - Arrival in Zurich

Upon your arrival to Zurich's main train station, you'll be picked up by a driver and taken to your accommodations.

A Market in a Viaduct

Suggestion to explore on your own

Zurich has plenty of shopping on offer, from luxury design and haut couture through to local goods and vintage finds. For a truly local shopping experience, stroll on down to the "Viaduktstrasse," where you can find the Viaduct Market. This shopping spot has locally designed and produced clothing good for any outdoor activities you may be planning on, as well as a fashion workshop run by a community of designers devoted to supporting young talent. Beyond clothing, you can find excellent local and international cuisine, and plenty of memorable ways to decorate your home.

A Market Under a Viaduct

Day 10

Day 10 - Your First Full Day in Zurich

Zurich and Surroundings Private eTukTuk Tour

Zurich and Surroundings Private eTukTuk Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Zurich, with its captivating situation along the Limmat is a city worth discovering on foot, but even better on an e-tuktuk. Get your bearings on the surrounding hills and sights on the small e-vehicle in a smart and faster way so the rest of the day / night will be yours to be filedl with more experiences!


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

Hike the Hill

Suggestion to explore on your own

Zurich has its own hill, the Uetliberg, which offers great views amid green majesty. You can easily reach it by train from Zurich's main station, or by taking a streetcar from the Fifa World Football Museum. Choosing the latter option will let you add an easy 20-minute hike to the top, following the "Planetenweg" ("Planets Path") route, although there are several others to try. As the name implies, the route passes models of the planets (each meter equals one million kilometers), so you can get a feel for the solar system's true size. Once you're above the city, enjoy the hill's panorama, and refreshing air and nature.

Hike the Hill

Day 11

Day 11 - Departure Day

A driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you to Zurich's airport with plenty of time to spare before your departing flight.

We also offer the following excursions in Zurich

Bernese Oberland Pick and Mix Private Tour
Moderate10 hours
Bernese Oberland and Jungfrau Private Tour
Moderate10 hours
Chocolate, Mountains and Medieval Towns Private Tour
Moderate8-9 hours
Lake Lucerne Mix and Pick Private Tour
Moderate8-9 hours

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Lucerne

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Zurich Airport - Lucerne Private Transfer
Lucerne Private Walking Tour
Lucerne - Interlaken Private Transfer with Stop at Grandhotel Giessbach

Interlaken

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Interlaken Train Station Transfer
Interlaken - Lugano Train

Lugano

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Lugano Train Station Transfer
Private City Tour with Wine and Gelato Tasting
Lugano Train Station Transfer
Lugano - Zurich Train

Zurich

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Zurich Train Station Transfer
Zurich and Surroundings Private eTukTuk Tour
Zurich Airport Transfer

package excludes:


  • Flights to and from Europe.
  • Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
  • Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
  • Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
  • Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by  an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.
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