Best of Switzerland

8 Days | Get your nature (and cheese) fix – Swiss style

4.5 out of 5 based on 20 reviews submitted.
Explorer
Rail
From
EUR €2,995
View dates and book

An eight-day jaunt through the countryside and cuisine of Switzerland is the ideal way to see (and taste) all things Swiss. This small nation packs a punch with its mountainous landscapes, glacial lakes, picturesque cities and food staples that are so tough to beat. Beginning in Zurich, travel in comfort by train to lakeside Lucerne, the stunning Swiss Alps and cheese-obsessed and chocolate-stuffed Bulle before finishing in the nation's quaint capital, Bern. Here, the outdoors has never looked so good and the chocolate has never tasted so smooth, so it’s time to sample it all yourself.

Trip overview

Map of Best Of Switzerland including Switzerland
Start
Zurich, Switzerland
Finish
Bern, Switzerland
Theme
Explorer, Rail
Destinations
Switzerland
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
AMSS
This trip generates 16 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Choose your own adventure with two free days in the Jungfrau Region of the Swiss Alps. You can take these days as relaxed or as thrill-seeking as you want from your hotel homebase surrounded by mountain views.
  • Find out why the Swiss are known around the world for their cheese and chocolate, with opportunities to sample both in La Gruyere region.
  • Your locally based group leader will provide expert advice on how to make the most of your free time, as well as giving you orientation walks around each place so you can get your bearings.
  • Take in the breathtaking alpine views from the summit of Mt Pilatus with your small group, reached via the steepest cogwheel railway in the world.
  • With plenty of free time to explore at your own pace in Bern, you’ll discover why this city is considered one of the most beautiful and laidback capital cities in the world.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Some of Switzerland’s best scenery is found on walks, which can be quite steep and long. While this trip itself doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to take part in all activities. During the trip, you have the option to hike the trails in the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau region.
  • The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Swiss trains are a fast (and punctual) way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. They are comfortable and all have toilets, however, can sometimes be quite busy. You may need to make exchanges in between to reach your destination. Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train and storage space for luggage on trains can be quite limited, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential Trip Information’ section.
  • Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
  • On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Best Of Switzerland including Switzerland

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transport

Train, Public bus, Boat, Cable car, Cog railway

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Activities
  • Lucerne - Boat Cruise & Mt Pilatus Golden Circle Tour
  • Bulle - Cheese tasting in a local fromagerie
  • Bulle - Chocolate tasting in local chocolate shop
  • Bern - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Bern - Zytglogge (Clock tower) tour
Add on activities
  • Lucerne - Spreuer Bridge - Free
  • Lucerne - Church of St Leodegar - Free
  • Lucerne - Swiss Museum of Transport - CHF35
  • Lauterbrunnen - Jungfraujoch (The Top of Europe) - CHF250
  • Lauterbrunnen - Schilthorn Mountain - CHF86
  • Lauterbrunnen - Trummelbach Falls - CHF12
  • Jungfrau region self-guided hike - Free
  • Bern - Rose Garden - Free
  • Bern - History and Einstein Museum - CHF18
  • Bern - Minster (Cathedral) - Free
  • Bern - Museum of Fine Arts - CHF10

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip. Availability is limited due to small properties we use. Please speak to your agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 based on 20 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

yushan · Traveled August 2024
I feel very fortunate to have joined this journey. Everything was unexpected and full of new experiences. This was my first time coming to Switzerland with Intrepid, and also my first time joining an English-speaking tour group. I felt that everyone was very accepting of me. We went to restaurants together, danced, and drank. Everything was full of life. I shared a room with Eva, and we had many conversations. The different cultural backgrounds and life experiences made our exchange incredibly interesting. In addition, there was a lot of free time, and we had plenty of time to do what we wanted. I think this is the essence of Intrepid: it leads us into a new world and allows us to explore it on our own.
Review submitted 25 Aug 2024

Michael · Traveled August 2024
Great trip , saw a lot of Swiss , Irene was a great tour leader
Review submitted 26 Aug 2024

Alex Alfie · Traveled August 2024
A really enjoyable trip getting to know the different regions of Switzerland and its local history. The towns and cities are beautiful and the natural landscape outstanding.
Review submitted 12 Aug 2024

Sofia · Traveled May 2024
This was a trip to remember for several reasons. Firstly, our guide Silvia was very pleasant and organized. The views in Switzerland were unparalleled. My favorite activities include Mt. Pilatus (impeccable views and a fun slide down the mountain), Jungfraujoch - top of Europe (great views, ice museum, other activities at the top), roaming the charming town of Grindelwald, and Trummelbach falls (more amazing views and you're able to get up close to the waterfalls). Additionally, the train rides to our destinations were also enjoyable due to the amazing views. Our group got along very well which only added to the experience. A few things to note: I went during the end of May to the beginning of June and we had some rainy and cloudy days. It was raining during a few days of our trip and our scheduled picnic was cancelled, but it was accomodated with chocolate and cheese tasting. Unfortunately, we had zero visibility at the very top of Mt. Pilatus. Luckily, we still got amazing views as we made our way down. The last two days were my least favorite on the itinerary, although I still had a great time. Also, the food scene was expensive and not all that exciting for me. Overall, I would 10/10 recommend this trip!
Review submitted 04 Jul 2024

Adam · Traveled September 2023
Review submitted 12 Sep 2023
Best of Switzerland
From
EUR €2,995