Highlights of Switzerland Tour in Seven Days

What to expect on this itinerary
Straddle the fine line between history and contemporary culture with breathtaking mountaintops and shimmering glaciers. Walk alongside buildings erected in the Middle Ages and demarcating ancient Roman walls. Stroll through blossoming rose gardens connected to historic castles with views of the contemporary streets nearby. Stand beneath the looming shadow of the dramatic Matterhorn peak, well exceeding a height of 14,500 feet above sea level. Your customized Switzerland tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through the mountaintops to encompass the rivers and lakes, hills and valleys around Switzerland. When surrounded by the beauty of the Alps, every moment is extraordinary.
Customizable Itinerary
Zurich – Arrive in Zurich and Enjoy an Introductory Tour of the Vibrant City
Your flight arrives in Zurich, and you notice the sweep of the plains that surround the city. The red-tiled roofs of the nearby houses shine against lush grass and verdant trees. Your private transfer meets you at baggage claim to escort you into the heart of the city and your luxurious hotel. Zurich maintains a balance of contemporary lifestyle and historical culture as Switzerland’s largest city and reaches an average altitude of 1,339 feet. Artistic college students and chic cafes provide a modern ambiance to the streets. After you settle into the hotel, your guide will meet you in the lobby for an introductory tour of the exciting cityscape that begins in Old Town.
Cobblestone streets wind through the city to reach the banks of the Limmat River. The water rushes along the walls that frame the banks and lead to the mouth of Zurich Lake. Colorful facades line the walkways as church spires create a spiky skyline that imitates the mountain peaks in the distance. At Haus zum Napt, find a traditional house filled with Renaissance style, from the wall finishes to the furniture. Charlemagne originally constructed the twin-towered landmark of the Grossmunster in the 9th-century. The cathedral mirrors the blue spire of Farumunster from across the river.
Stained glass windows provide colorful light to the interior and tell stories taken from the Bible. Venture to the top of the southern tower for a spectacular view of the city then stroll along the pedestrianized main thoroughfare of Bahnhofstrasse as it stretches from the train station to the lakeshore. The street reaches a length of more than 3,900 feet as fountains trickle in the waning sunlight and trees shade the street and highlight the bright colors of public art that decorate the walls and walkways. The open windows create an artistic ambiance in and of themselves to provide elegant and colorful displays for passersby.
What's Included:
St. Moritz – Relish a Scenic Drive of Lake Zurich and the Rhine Valley
Lugano – Explore Lake Como and the Lake District en route to Lake Lugano
Zermatt – Tour Lake Maggiore and Taste Wines before Arriving in Zermatt
Lake Geneva – Scenic Tour around the Matterhorn en route to Lake Geneva
Lucerne – Visit the Berne and a Local Farm before reaching Interlaken
Lucerne – Half-Day Tour of Lucerne before Departing for Home
Trip Highlights
- Indulge in a chocolate tasting at a celebrated café and pastry shop in Zurich
- Explore a medieval castle that overlooks Liechtenstein’s capital city of Vaduz
- Relish a panoramic view of the famous Matterhorn Mountain from a distinct peak nearby to admire the Alps and the town of Zermatt
- Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine during a cultural dinner in the heart of Lucerne
- Delight scenic train and funicular rides around the steep slopes of the Alps
- Relish a short boat ride across Lake Maggiore in Italy’s Lake District to visit the galleries and gardens of the historic Palace on Isola Bella
- Traverse the preserved streets of Old Town in Zurich and Lucerne for a view of the historic architecture and magnificent artwork
- Walk the trails around Zermatt for a spectacular view of the surrounding glaciers
Detailed Description
Give in to the splendor of Switzerland and the beauty of its bordering countries during your 7-day highlights tour of the Alps. You will experience a sensation like never before when within view of the Matterhorn. Historic towns continue to shine with culture and embody the lifestyle of the mountains. Rivers reflect the towering church spires and the indulgent aroma of fresh chocolate seems to fill each city you visit. Your tour begins with your arrival in Zurich as your private transfer meets you at Zurich International Airport to escort you to a luxurious hotel in the heart of the city.
After you settle in, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for an introductory tour of Old Town and Zurich’s picturesque streets and enjoy a tasting of luscious chocolate concoctions at a famous cafe. The following day, you will be collected from the hotel for a remarkable scenic drive along Zurich and Walen Lakes. In Liechtenstein, visit the capital city and small towns for a view of the contemporary and historic architecture as they stand side-by-side. Continue to St. Moritz in the lush mountainside near the Italian Alps.
Continue for a visit to the stunning water and landscape of Lake Como as you cross into Italy and take advantage of the secluded region. In the afternoon, return to Switzerland at Lugano for a fabulous boat ride along the water. Next day, return to Italy once again to discover the charms of Lake Maggiore and the Stresa region. Relish the grandeur of the Palace on Isola Bella before your train ride to Zermatt, a beautiful town with views of the Matterhorn. Spend the first half of the next day exploring the trails around Zermatt.
Take the steep train up the mountain peak for a unique view of the Matterhorn as it rises above the massif. In the afternoon, your private transfer will escort you to Lake Geneva for a tour of Geneva and Interlaken with lunch on a local farm. Make your way to Lucerne to partake in a cultural dinner filled with traditional cuisine. Conclude your trip with a guided tour through the streets and architecture of Old Lucerne before turning to Zurich for your flight home.
Starting Price
$4,600 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Verified Traveler Reviews
Based on 142 reviews
My first solo trip was something I had dreamed about for years. I wanted it to be more than sightseeing. I wanted adventure, comfort, safety, and freedom without the stress of planning it all alone. Through Zicasso, I was connected to two specialists and Zicasso's travel consultant stood out immediately. She delivered an itinerary that gave me everything I asked for and more: maximum cities, maximum fun, and maximum value, all without compromise.
Before deciding, I researched and compared tours, packages, and individual prices online. The travel consultant’s proposal came out on top for value and content. While the other agent offered fewer cities and activities at a higher price, her plan was ambitious without being overwhelming. She booked my trains, arranged private transfers where needed, and selected boutique-style hotels that exceeded expectations. I was honestly surprised at how good they were. I stayed at hotels in Interlaken, Florence, and Sorrento. Each was clean, comfortable, and perfectly located for exploring. I had prepared myself for budget trade-offs, but instead, I found thoughtfully chosen hotels that balanced affordability with real quality.
Every document, train ticket, and activity confirmation was uploaded into the app. It became my lifeline throughout the trip, with every detail at my fingertips. The structure gave me confidence, while still leaving me free to explore.
Switzerland came first: Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt. Each city felt like stepping into a postcard. Interlaken gave me the adrenaline rush of skydiving, while Zermatt charmed me with its close-knit magic and alpine beauty. Italy unfolded with equal ease: Lake Como, Venice, Florence, Sorrento, Amalfi, and Rome. Every destination felt curated, yet natural, from gondola rides in Venice to boat tours on the Amalfi Coast.
What I loved most was the balance between structure and freedom. Pre-booked activities and restaurant reservations gave me a strong framework, but I could just as easily decide to spend an afternoon wandering Florence, eating gelato, or sitting in a piazza. The rhythm of the trip was perfect, structured enough to tick off bucket-list highlights, yet relaxed enough to feel like a real vacation.
Food was freestyle, but memorable. Highlights included a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant in Zurich with its elegant Japanese-Peruvian flavors, a different Japanese restaurant, a restaurant in Como with its modern fusion menu, an Indian restaurant for comforting classics, and international favorites like those in one of the restaurants in Rome. Between those meals and plenty of gelato and crepes, every stop added its own flavor to the journey.
As a solo traveler, safety mattered. I felt comfortable walking around in the evenings and was usually back in my hotel by 1am to stay rested for the next day. What really gave me peace of mind was the travel consultant’s constant support. Communication was fast and responsive. I never had to wait long for answers, whether through the app or email. There was a moment when I made a mistake with the trains and missed an activity. She immediately stepped in and worked to reschedule it or secure a refund that same day.
Earlier in the planning process, I also had a card issue due to an address error. Even though policy would not normally allow it, she and her team patiently waited until I received the refund before finalizing the booking, just weeks before my trip. That flexibility and care spoke volumes.
The difference was clear. She used my budget to its fullest potential, giving me more destinations, more experiences, and better hotels than the alternative option. She managed to combine the efficiency of a fully organized tour with the freedom of independent travel. Everything was planned, yet everything was still mine to shape.
This trip was everything I wanted: good food, beautiful views, safety, and absolute reliability. It was an organized journey with freestyle flexibility, which is exactly what solo travelers dream of. The travel consultant’s planning let me chase adventure while always knowing I had a safety net. Switzerland and Italy gave me memories I will never forget, but it was the behind-the-scenes planning that made it possible. If you want a trip that is your way, your budget, your pace, but without the endless hassle of managing it yourself, the travel consultant at this agency is the person who can make it happen. My first solo trip became my dream trip and that is the highest praise I can give.
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My trip through Switzerland in October was nothing short of magical. The combination of crisp mountain air, golden autumn leaves, and snow-capped peaks made every stop along the way feel like stepping into a postcard. Swiss chocolates lived up to expectations.
Zurich was the perfect starting point—modern, clean, and full of energy. I loved strolling along Bahnhofstrasse for shopping and ending the day by the peaceful shores of Lake Zurich. The Old Town’s cobblestone lanes were charming and the café culture was ideal for people-watching. I really enjoyed the chocolate factory tour and the tuk-tuk tour of the city, with traditional fondue. The walking tour was so educational. The trip to Rhine Falls and the quaint town of Stein am Rhein is not to be missed.
From there, I traveled to Lucerne, one of the most picturesque towns I’ve ever seen. The Chapel Bridge and its flower boxes were stunning against the backdrop of Mount Pilatus. A boat cruise on Lake Lucerne was the highlight—the reflections of autumn colors on the water were breathtaking. The Rigi Kulm and Mt. Titlis tours are fascinating. I went by boat, train, bus, and funicular.
Grindelwald and the Interlaken region were the heart of the trip. The scenery was absolutely unforgettable. The Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains dominated the skyline, and even though it was a bit chilly, the air was crisp and refreshing. The cable car rides and mountain hikes offered jaw-dropping views at every turn. Make sure you take the fondue class at the restaurant in Grindelwald and Interlaken. Come hungry!
Bern, the capital, surprised me with its warmth and old-world charm. The medieval architecture, clock tower, and bear park made for a fascinating visit. It felt quieter and more local compared to Zurich and Lucerne—a perfect stop to slow down and enjoy Swiss culture.
A visit to Gruyères added a delicious twist to the journey. The village looked like something out of a fairy tale and touring the Gruyère cheese factory was fun and tasty. Don’t miss the local chocolate factory tour.
Finally, I ended in Geneva, a sophisticated city by the lake. The Jet d’Eau was impressive and I enjoyed exploring the international district and strolling through the old town. The blend of French influence and Swiss precision made Geneva a wonderful final stop.
Overall, Switzerland in October is perfect for travelers who love scenic beauty without the summer crowds. The weather was cool but pleasant, and the autumn colors made the landscapes even more magical. Every train/gondola ride felt like a scenic tour through paradise.
Zicasso’s tour operator was excellent.
Highlights: Lucerne’s lakeside views, Grindelwald’s mountain trails, Gruyères fondue/chocolate, and Bern’s old-town charm.
Tip: Bring layers—mornings and evenings can get chilly, but the afternoons are perfect for exploring. Do not stay at the hotel near the Zurich airport. Stay in Zurich and take a taxi to the airport. In Grindelwald, avoid one of the hotels there.
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Wow! I cannot recommend this company enough for your international trips. We were blown away by the quick response times when planning, the detailed itineraries, and their ability to make our dream trip become a reality. We started planning late, and they were still able to create and book our dream trip in less than two months!
We knew we wanted to go to Switzerland and northern Italy, but honestly weren't sure what areas to visit or what activities to do. Our travel agent, through Zicasso, created a dream 10-day itinerary for us, starting in Zurich, then traveling to Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen Valley, Zermatt, Lucerne, Lake Como, and ending in Milan.
They gave us options of activities to do in those cities, with detailed descriptions and recommendations. We chose a lot of mountain expeditions, which we were well pleased with. They provided other suggestions for things to do in the areas we visited and even provided restaurant recommendations. We were so impressed by how quickly they adjusted the itinerary if we requested a change, and they were so accommodating.
They were able to book us a private guided tour of The Last Supper painting in Milan, which was a highlight of the trip! We loved every activity planned and had our tickets sent to us ahead of time to print out or download, which made everything so easy. The detailed itinerary had maps, photos of buildings, walking routes, etc, and was so easy to navigate. We had the smoothest trip because of that detailed itinerary. The trip planner reached out to us several times while we were abroad just to check in and make sure everything was going smoothly.
The hotels were also amazing! Every single one had an amazing breakfast and a beautiful view. We were upgraded twice! They only use four- or five-star hotels, and I think that is a huge bonus. We were so happy with our hotels and hotel rooms. We were also incredibly happy with the price of the trip and the ease of booking and payment.
Overall, I have been telling everyone to use this company for their trips and we will definitely be using Zicasso again! Thank you, Zicasso, for the trip of a lifetime!
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We had a wonderful trip to Switzerland and the Lake Como area. Zicasso's tour agency curated the perfect itinerary, combining some relaxing days with some active days. The e-bike tour through the Lavaux vineyards and kayaking in Bellagio were definite highlights. They chose beautiful hotels in perfect locations for easy access to the metro and local sights. Having them take care of all of our tickets and train passes ahead of time made for a stress-free trip!
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So disappointed with the Switzerland portion of our trip. The hotel was out in the middle of nowhere, and there were zero places to eat in the area. We had to take a train or a bus to get downtown for a meal. In addition, the train station that was booked for every trip was the downtown station and not the local station. So we had to take a bus or train to get to the proper train station for the details provided. This portion of the trip was a miserable three days when you combine these issues with 12-18 inches of snow while we were there.
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Zicasso’s travel company was great. Invariably, there are always hiccups on every trip, but the travel company worked very hard to rectify any issues. The itinerary they put together was perfect for our family and met everyone’s needs. The only thing I would recommend for future clients is that the timelines were pretty tight, so we were not always able to experience each place as much as we would have liked because transit times ended up being longer than what was listed in the itinerary.
For travelers, something to keep in mind when traveling in Switzerland in the winter is the shortened daylight hours and many shops and restaurants being closed throughout the holiday season.
One of the best decisions we made was to buy first-class rail passes, as the second-class cars were very busy, which would have been especially difficult on days when we were shuttling luggage from one city to the next. I would also recommend pre-booking seats on trains from Zermatt to Zurich after New Year’s, as we had to sit in a stairwell because there were no seats left.
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