The Best of Switzerland Zurich to Zurich September 7-18, 2027

Day 1

Your Journey Begins in Zurich

Country Overview

Currency
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) rather than the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted, but small shops, mountain restaurants, or local markets may prefer cash.

Population & Demographics
Switzerland has a population of about 8.7 million people. The country is unique because it has four official languages:

• German (spoken by about 60% of the population)

• French

• Italian

• Romansh

Because of its central location in Europe, Switzerland is culturally influenced by neighboring countries including Germany, France, Italy, and Austria.

Government & Neutrality
Switzerland is famous for its long-standing political neutrality, having stayed neutral in both World Wars. The country is also home to many international organizations.

Fun Facts About Switzerland

• Switzerland has over 1,500 lakes.

• The country is home to the Alps, which cover about 60% of its land area.

• Swiss trains are considered some of the most punctual and efficient in the world.

• Switzerland produces over 450 varieties of cheese.

• The country consistently ranks among the safest and highest quality of life destinations in the world.

• The famous Swiss Army Knife was first produced in Switzerland in 1891.

• Switzerland has more than 300 ski resorts.

Major Destinations

Zurich

Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city and financial center, yet it retains a charming historic heart. The city sits on the shores of Lake Zurich with the Limmat River flowing through its picturesque Old Town.

Highlights include:

• Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most famous luxury shopping streets

• Medieval Altstadt (Old Town) with narrow cobblestone lanes

• Beautiful lake promenades and cafés

• Excellent museums and galleries

Zurich is often the gateway to Switzerland and offers a lively mix of history, culture, and modern Swiss life.

Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city and financial center, yet it retains a charming historic heart. The city sits on the shores of Lake Zurich with the Limmat River flowing through its picturesque Old Town.

Highlights include:

• •

  Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most famous luxury shopping streets

• •

  Medieval Altstadt (Old Town) with narrow cobblestone lanes

• •

  Beautiful lake promenades and cafés

• •

  Excellent museums and galleries

Zurich is often the gateway to Switzerland and offers a lively mix of history, culture, and modern Swiss life.

Lucerne

Nestled beside a shimmering lake and surrounded by mountains, Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities.

Known for:

• •

  The iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) covered wooden bridge

• •

  Historic medieval towers and town squares

• •

  Lake Lucerne cruises

• •

  Excursions to Mount Pilatus and Mount Titlis

Lucerne is often considered the quintessential Swiss postcard destination.

Interlaken

Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, surrounded by towering Alpine peaks. Its name literally means “between lakes.”

Interlaken is the adventure capital of Switzerland and a gateway to the Bernese Oberland.

Popular activities include:

Scenic train rides to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Paragliding and hiking

Boat cruises on turquoise alpine lakes

Exploring charming nearby villages such as Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen

Zermatt

The mountain village of Zermatt is famous for its breathtaking setting at the base of the Matterhorn, one of the most recognizable mountains in the world.

Unique features include:

A car-free village where transportation is mainly electric taxis and trains

World-class skiing and hiking

The Gornergrat Railway, offering spectacular Alpine views

Luxury mountain lodges and traditional Swiss chalets

Zermatt combines dramatic mountain scenery with upscale Alpine charm.

St. Mortiz

St. Moritz is one of the world’s most famous luxury mountain resorts and helped establish the concept of winter tourism in the Alps.

Highlights include:

Glamorous hotels and upscale boutiques

Stunning views of the Engadin Valley

Winter events like polo on the frozen lake

Excellent skiing and hiking

St. Moritz has hosted the Winter Olympics twice and remains synonymous with Alpine luxury and glamour.

Travel Tip:
Switzerland’s excellent rail system makes it incredibly easy to travel between these destinations. Scenic trains connect the cities with mountain villages, allowing travelers to enjoy some of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world.

Double Occupancy- $6600.00 

Single Occupancy- $8900.10 

 

Deposit is $250 per person and is non-refundable

 

What's Included

• Rail travel as per itinerary
• Transfers to and from the airport
• Breakfast Daily
• 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
• 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne
• 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Interlaken
• 1-night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Montreux
• 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
• 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in St Moritz
• 15-Day Swiss Pass
• Seat Reservations on the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, GoldenPass Express
• Apero Plate Food Package on the GoldenPass Express
• Gourmet Dinner Cruise on Lake Lucerne
• Day Trip to Mount Pilatus from Lucerne
• Harder Kulm Funicular Excursion from Interlaken
• Day Trip to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken
• Return Boat Journey from Montreux to Château de Chillon with Admission
• Day Trip to the Gornergrat from Zermatt

What's Not Included

• Airfare
• Travel Protection (This can be purchased with your package or we can quote you a policy with Allianz.
• Meals other than those included in the itinerary
• Spending money, Ubers, Taxis used during free time.

 

If you plan on adding trip protection with our tour company, it must be added within 14 days of booking in order to cover any pre-existing conditions. 

Other policies may have other options. 

Arrival And Departure Information

For a 12-day trip to Switzerland in May, the key is still packing smart layers and planning to rewear items. Switzerland is very casual, and most hotels offer laundry services or you can easily wash a few items midway through the trip. This keeps luggage manageable while still having everything you need for changing mountain weather.

Here’s a 12-Day Switzerland Packing List for May that balances comfort, practicality, and style.

Clothing

Tops

• 6–7 casual tops or shirts

• 3 long-sleeve shirts

• 2 lightweight sweaters or cardigans

• 1 fleece or warm mid-layer

Outerwear

• Lightweight waterproof rain jacket

• Packable down or insulated jacket (essential for mountain excursions)

• Light scarf or wrap

Bottoms

• 3 pairs comfortable pants or jeans

• 1 pair travel pants or leggings

• 1 casual dress or skirt (optional)

Sleepwear

• 2 sets of pajamas

Undergarments

• 12 pairs underwear

• 3–4 bras

• 10–12 pairs socks (include a few warmer pairs)

Shoes

Switzerland involves a lot of walking and cobblestones, so comfortable footwear is essential.

• Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers

• Water-resistant hiking shoes (for mountain towns or trails)

• Casual flats or evening shoes

• Flip flops or slippers for the hotel

Weather Essentials

May weather can range from 50°F–70°F in cities, but much cooler in the mountains.

• Compact umbrella

• Sunglasses

• Hat or cap

• Light gloves (optional for high elevations)

• Lightweight scarf

Day Bag Essentials

A small backpack or crossbody bag is perfect for train travel and day trips.

• Refillable water bottle

• Portable phone charger

• Camera

• Travel umbrella

• Snacks for train rides

• Sunglasses

• Lip balm

Toiletries & Personal Items

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Travel-size shampoo/conditioner

• Deodorant

• Moisturizer

• Sunscreen (important in the mountains)

• Personal medications

• Motion sickness medication (for mountain trains or cable cars)

Travel Documents

Keep these in an easily accessible travel wallet.

• Passport

• Travel insurance details

• Credit cards

• Printed or digital travel documents

• Rail passes or train tickets

• Emergency contacts

Helpful Extras

• European plug adapter (Type C or J)

• Packing cubes

• Laundry detergent sheets

• Reusable shopping bag

• Small binoculars for mountain views

• Travel journal

• Ziploc bags for wet or dirty items

✈️ Packing Tip:
For a 12-day Switzerland trip, a carry-on suitcase and personal item are usually enough if you pack versatile layers and plan one small laundry day halfway through the trip.

Citizens of the United States need ETIAS to travel to Europe. ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System, will be operational from 2026. On this page you can find out which European countries require ETIAS, and what you need to apply from the U.S. Currently this is not up and running yet as it is slated for the end of 2026.

ETIAS Application

If you are traveling through the United Kingdom (England, Whales & Scotland or Northern Ireland) you will need to apply for you ETA. An ETA costs £20.  Although the website says you do not need an ETA if you are changing flights in the airport, I have had clients that experienced something different. 

It is better to have the ETA for $27USD than to pay $60 in the airport.

The ETA is valid for 2 years. 

ETA Application-United Kingdom