11 nights/12 days
Prepare to discover unexpected levels of bliss as you embark on an immersive journey through some of Switzerland’s most exceptional and quaint locations. Revel in the esteemed essence of Basel, a city intent on spoiling you with its distinguished cultural offerings. Take a trip back in time while exploring Bern and marveling at its unspoiled historical charms. Step onto the shores of Lake Lucerne and bask in the mighty air of its surrounding mountains. Then hop aboard an unforgettable train ride to Lugano, where you shall experience the multi-cultural allure of Switzerland first-hand. What’s more, is that all of this awaits you against the backdrop of the country’s renowned, spell binding beauty, rounding out an itinerary that spells pure enjoyment.
- 2 Nights Basel
- 3 Nights Bern
- 3 Nights Lucerne
- 3 Night Lugano
Day 1 — Arrival in Basel
Welcome to Switzerland! Upon arriving at either Zurich or Basel airport, a private driver will be waiting to transfer you smoothly to your hotel of choice in Basel. Settle in and enjoy the cosmopolitan vibe of the city, then relax, and look forward to uncovering its remarkable character.
Day 2— Basel Private Walking Tour with Shared Boat Ride on the Rhine River
Nestled along the Rhine River on Switzerland’s northwest border with France and Germany, Basel is born to satisfy all of your cultural and aesthetic desires with its vibrant art scene, world-class museums and historical architecture. Explore its illustrious atmosphere on a guided walking tour that will introduce you to the iconic 14th-century red-sandstone Rathaus (Town Hall), the fashionable boutiques of the bustling Freie Strasse, and the fascinating streets of the Old Town (Altstadt). Finally, upon admiring the dynamic sculptures at theTinguely Fountain and the sky piercing spires of the Basel Minster, savour the city’s beauty in its entirety with a shared boat ride along the Rhine River.
Day 3 — Private Transfer to Hotel in Bern
Today, a private transfer will whisk you off to Bern, the capital of Switzerland. A medieval gem that boasts one of the longest shopping arcades in Europe, this city is your time machine, ready to unveil Switzerland’s essence at its most unadulterated and enchanting. Embrace its magic as you explore its narrow streets, historic towers, and sandstone facades, as it is a place that shall warm your heart for a while.
Day 4 — Bern Private Walking Tour with 1-hour Self-Guided Visit of the Zytglogge Clock Tower
Step back in time with a guided walking tour through the picturesque Old Town of Bern. View the Holy Ghost Church, make a diplomatic stop at the Swiss Parliament House, then head to the symbolic Zytglogge clock tower, where you can view the workings of one of Switzerland’s most cherished time pieces. If you’re up for some theoretical physics, drop by the Einstein House Museum before enjoying a gorgeous panoramic view from the Bern’s Cathedral. Conclude you day in nature, either by visiting the bears at the Bear Pit or by relaxing in the bloom of the Rose Garden.
Day 5 — Private Day Trip to Neuchatel or “Compose Your Own Watch” Experience in Biel
Escape the near-irresistible charms Bern for a tranquil getaway to the equally captivating, lake-front town of Neuchatel. Surrounded by the Jura mountains, this beautifully preserved city is the perfect place to experience Switzerland’s picturesque scenery and traditional allure at their fullest. Alternatively, you can head over to Biel, the watchmaking capital of the world. Time is on your side here, and those with a passion for clockwork are welcome to become an artisan for a day by partaking in a “Compose Your Own Watch” experience, where you will have the chance to create the ultimate souvenir that shall always keep you on Swiss time.
Day 6 — Private Transfer to Hotel in Lake Lucerne
When they tell you to “pause, and take it all in,” Lake Lucerne is the place to do it. Prepare to soak up some quintessential Swiss bliss as a private transfer takes you to Lucerne, a destination with a rare gift to both excite with its possibilities and bathe you in tranquility with its heavenly beauty. Take as many moments as you like to watch the sun dance on the polished surface of its glassy waters while indulging in the panorama of stoic mountains and rolling hills, as this is something no one should do in moderation.
Day 7 — Lucerne & Mt. Pilatus Private Tour with Golden Round Trip* Experience
Explore the warm heart and rich heritage of Lucerne on a guided walking tour through its lovely Old Town. Take an essential stroll past the Water Tower across the iconic14th-century Chapel Bridge, before venturing down narrow cobblestone streets and uncovering the city’s enthralling history through its most renowned landmarks. Complete you day with a Golden Round Trip experience to Mount Pilatus, a diverse journey via a boat ride, a cogwheel railway, a cable car, and a panoramic gondola, that brings you to scenic nirvana atop the region’s premiere peak.
(*Please note that the Golden Round Trip* experience only operates from late May until late October)
Day 8 — Private day trip to St. Gallen and Appenzell
Spend a day rejoicing in the most genuine aspects of Switzerland by discovering the esoteric appeal of the historical city of St. Gallen and the splendidly authentic character of Appenzell. Marvel at the knowledge housed at one of the oldest libraries in the world in the Abbey of St.Gall in St. Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with rare manuscripts and medieval treasures. Embody traditional Swiss lifestyle at Appenzell, a picturesque, rural village known for its colorful houses, time-honored customs, and rich heritage. Pure, scenic, and enlightening, this day trip is guaranteed to make you make you fall in love with everything Swiss.
Day 9 — Gotthard Express* to Lugano
Board the Gotthard Panorama Express and make your scenic journey from Lucerne to Lugano in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, traversing through 9.3 miles of Swiss Alps (via the renowned Gotthard Tunnel) along the way. Not only will this unique train journey open your horizons to the country’s multicultural spirit, but it also invites you to become a part of its history, as the route has acted as conduit between the North and South side of the Swiss Alps dating back to the 19th century, becoming a symbol of the country’s unique sense of solidarity.
(*Please note that the Gotthard Express only operates from late April until late October)
Day 10— Lugano Private Walking Tour (Art & Shopping Oriented) with Private Boat Ride
Indulge in the impressive landscapes, assorted culture, and dignified essence of Lugano in the most luxurious of ways. Through a combination of a walking tour and a private boat ride on the lake, you will get to view this splendid city via two different though equally opulent perspectives. On your lavish journey, you will see Lugano through its artistic heritage, get to know some of the classic villas of the European aristocracy, and embrace the Ticinise passion for shopping; all before topping off you day with a delightful aperitif at the fantastic Seven the Club.
Day 11 — Private Day Trip to Monte Generoso with Panoramic Lunch at Fiore di Pietra
Ready for the best views in the canton of Ticino? Even if you are, prepare to be amazed regardless. Standing at an impressive 5580 feet, Monte Generoso sits on the border between Switzerland and Italy, offering panoramic views of both countries and the Alps. Home to the oldest operational steam train in Switzerland, as well as trains from the 1950s, this day trip offer visitors an opportunity to take a nostalgic journey to the summit for some breathtaking vistas and an equally scenic lunch at Fiore di Pietra, a restaurant that takes your taste buds to the apex.
Day 12 — Transfer to the Airport for Departure
Now that you have discovered pure bliss, it is time to take your private transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport for you flight home, but remember, any time that you wish to return to a state of paradise, Switzerland will be waiting.