Most travelers initially wonder why a country as small as Switzerland deserves more than a quick weekend visit. But once you discover the sheer diversity of landscapes, mountain peaks, alpine villages, world-class trains, lakeside cities, and culinary experiences compressed within its borders, even 10 days in Switzerland feels short.
Switzerland offers a kaleidoscope of experiences: charming medieval towns, luxury ski resorts, scenic rail journeys that are attractions in themselves, pristine lakes, and the mighty Alps, buzzing with adventure in both summer and winter. While you might not be able to cover everything in one go, this curated Swiss itinerary ensures you get the absolute best of 10 Days in Switzerland.
Day 1: Lucerne — Arrive Zurich → Transfer to Lucerne + Old Town.
Day 2: Lucerne — Mt. Titlis + Engelberg.
Day 3: Interlaken — Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe).
Day 4: Interlaken — GoldenPass Line to Gstaad + Montreux.
Day 5: Zermatt — Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
Day 6: Zermatt — Sunnegga Paradise + Gorner Gorge + Hinterdorf.
Day 7: St. Moritz — Glacier Express.
Day 8: Lugano — Bernina Express Route via Tirano.
Day 9: Lugano — Day Trip to Lake Como and Bellagio (Italy).
Day 10: Depart — Zurich/Milan.
Before diving in, a quick note: Buying a Swiss Travel Pass before arrival makes life simpler.
Before diving in, a quick note: Buying a Swiss Travel Pass before arrival makes life simpler. It covers almost all trains, buses, boats, and museums, and gives discounts on mountain excursions — plus, it’s completely free for kids under 16 in 2026. With transport being expensive in Switzerland, the pass significantly reduces costs and time spent at ticket machines.
Now let’s dive into your day-by-day itinerary. It includes nearly all kinds of trains, buses, boats, and museums, and also provides discounts on mountain excursions - not to mention that it is entirely free to children below the age of 16 in 2026. Public transport is very costly in Switzerland and includes hidden charges as well, so it is suggested to book a premium Zurich airport transfer to be safe and secure (you just have to pay what you see).
Get your day-by-day 10 days Swiss itinerary.
Once you have landed in Zurich, skip the city and get a direct train to Lucerne (around 1 hour). Relax in the lakeside town with the medieval flair and mountainous scenery.
What to do:
1. Wander through Lucerne Old Town.
2. Cross the iconic Chapel Bridge.
3. See the Lion Monument.
4. Enjoy lakeside cafés and promenades.
Evening Suggestion:
Take a relaxed cruise to get rid of the jet lag and have a panoramic evening view. If you're thinking of a travel companion, no worries, a private Zurich chauffeur service will be best for you.
Today you’ll venture into the Alps with a day trip to Engelberg and Mount Titlis.
Highlights:
1. Ride the Titlis Rotair (revolving cable car).
2. Visit the glacier cave.
3. Try snow tubing & adventure activities (year-round).
4. Cross the Titlis Cliff Walk suspension bridge.
Optional Add-On:
Visit the monastery town of Engelberg and head back to Lucerne.
Transfer to Interlaken, the adventure capital of Switzerland. Here take the train to Jungfraujoch, the liftest railway station in Europe.
Must Experience:
1. Sphinx Observatory Terrace.
2. Aletsch Glacier viewpoints.
3. Ice Palace sculptures.
4. Snow fun area (summer + winter).
Get back to Interlaken in the afternoon and either walk in Hohenmatte Park or buy Swiss chocolates and souvenirs.
Ride through the picturesque GoldenPass Line, through the chalet villages, the alpine meadows and breathtaking valleys.
Stops & Highlights:
1. Gstaad — chic boutiques and alpine elegance
2. Montreux — a cosmopolitan town on Lake Geneva.
Don’t Miss:
Stroll on the lakeside promenade, admire vineyards in Lavaux (UNESCO), and see the Freddie Mercury statue.
Go to Zermatt, a car-free village as picturesque as a postcard, at the foot of the Matterhorn.
Ride the cableway up Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (3,883m) to get:
1. 360° viewing platform.
2. Glacier Palace.
3. Views into Italy & France.
4. Snow sports and activities.
During the nighttime, have a nice Swiss dinner and enjoy regional cheese or fondue.
Dedicate a full day to Zermatt’s charms.
Suggested Route:
1. Matterhorn views the Funicular to Sunnegga Paradise.
2. Walk/Visit Gorner Gorge.
3. Hinterdorf is the oldest area of the village, with centuries-old wooden barns.
Seasonal Extras:
1. Summer: Hiking, biking, lakes, wildflowers.
2. Winter: Skiing, snowboarding, après-ski culture.
Experience the spectacular panoramic ride in Switzerland by boarding the popular Glacier Express, which is famed as the slowest express in the world.
Look forward to profound deep valleys, snowy mountains, old viaducts, and clear rivers.
Arrive in St. Moritz, from Zurich to St. Moritz transfer.
Evening Idea:
Walk around Lake St. Moritz or indulge in Michelin dining.
Another masterpiece of the scenery is the Bernina Express (UNESCO heritage line).
Route Highlights:
1. Morteratsch Glacier
2. Bernina Pass
3. Brusio Circular Viaduct
Take the train to reach Tirano (Italy) and thence on to Lugano by bus, to the Italian-speaking south of Switzerland.
Palm trees, warmer climate, restaurants on the lakes, and a Mediterranean feel are to be expected.
Cross into Italy to spend a luxurious yet relaxing day trip at Lake Como. Board a ferry to Bellagio, whose villas, gardens, and romantic vistas attract sightseeing.
Spend the evening again in Lugano, have gelato or the Swiss-Italian cuisine.
Finish off your trip and fly to Zurich or Milan (whichever you prefer to fly); both cities are also reachable via Swiss Rail.
1. Swiss Travel Pass simplifies movement & saves cost.
2. Luggage forwarding services make multi-city travel stress-free.
3. Book scenic trains early (Glacier & Bernina).
4. Summer & shoulder seasons (May-Oct) are best for outdoor views.
5. Winter (Dec-Mar) offers skiing + festive charm.
Despite its size, Switzerland is among the most geographically and culturally differentiated destinations in Europe, and 10 days in Switzerland will only make you want to go back. The iconic mountains of the world, stunning rail journeys, quaint towns on the lakeside, and the perfect transportation system all make this 10-day Swiss itinerary a glimpse of the most distinguished sights in the country, as well as regional flavors.
| Street address | |||
| City | |||
| State | Zip code | ||
| Country | |||
| Street address | |||
| City | |||
| State | Zip code | ||
| Country | |||
| Street address | |||
| City | |||
| State | Zip code | ||
| Country | |||