Original
Explorer
Rail
Best of Switzerland
8 days • 4.6
4.5
Excellent
circle22 reviews
location_on 8 days
location_on
Start
Zurich, Switzerland
location_on
Finish
Bern, Switzerland
tour
Trip Code
AMSS
how_to_reg
Min Age
15
diversity_3
Trip Size
1 - 12
trending_up
Physical Rating
restaurant_menu
Meals
7 breakfasts
airport_shuttle
Transport
Train, Public bus, Boat, Cable car, Cog railway
bed
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
From £2,358(8 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
verified
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.
verified
Find out why the Swiss are known around the world for their cheese and chocolate, with opportunities to sample both in La Gruyere region.
verified
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.
verified
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.
verified
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?
verified
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.
verified
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.
verified
Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
verified
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
Get your nature (and cheese) fix – Swiss style
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.
- DAY 1Day 1 • Zurich
- DAY 2Day 2 • Lucerne
- DAY 3Day 3 • Lucerne / Mt Pilatus
- DAY 4Day 4-5 • Jungfrau region
- DAY 5Day 6 • Bulle
- DAY 6Day 7 • Bern
- DAY 7Day 8 • Bern
Inclusions
restaurant_menu Meals
7 breakfasts
airport_shuttle Transport
Train, Public bus, Boat, Cable car, Cog railway
bed Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
festival Included activities
circleZurich - Orientation walk
circleLucerne - Orientation Walk
circleLucerne - Boat Cruise & Mt Pilatus Golden Circle Tour
circleBulle - Cheese tasting in a local fromagerie
circleBulle - Chocolate tasting in local chocolate shop
circleBern: Orientation Walk
circleBern: Zytgoggle Guided Tour
museum Optional activities
circleLucerne - Spreuer Bridge - Free
circleLucerne - Church of St Leodegar - Free
circleLucerne - Swiss Museum of Transport - CHF62
circleLauterbrunnen - Jungfraujoch (The Top of Europe) - CHF250
circleLauterbrunnen - Schilthorn Mountain - CHF86
circleLauterbrunnen - Trummelbach Falls - CHF12
circleJungfrau region self-guided hike - Free
circleBern - Rose Garden - Free
circleBern - History and Einstein Museum - CHF18
circleBern - Minster (Cathedral) - Free
circleBern - Museum of Fine Arts - CHF10
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
Sunday Jun 08, 2025
Sunday Jun 15, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Sunday Jun 22, 2025
Sunday Jun 29, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 7 spaces left
£2,948£2,358
expand_more
Sunday Jul 13, 2025
Sunday Jul 20, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 2 spaces left
£3,399£2,719
expand_more
Sunday Jul 20, 2025
Sunday Jul 27, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 7 spaces left
£3,058£2,446
expand_more
Sunday Aug 03, 2025
Sunday Aug 10, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 1 space left
£3,058£2,446
expand_more
Sunday Aug 10, 2025
Sunday Aug 17, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£3,058
expand_more
Sunday Aug 24, 2025
Sunday Aug 31, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 7 spaces left
£3,058£2,446
expand_more
Sunday Sep 07, 2025
Sunday Sep 14, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 1 space left
£2,948£2,653
expand_more
Sunday Sep 21, 2025
Sunday Sep 28, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Sunday May 17, 2026
Sunday May 24, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£2,976
expand_more
Sunday May 24, 2026
Sunday May 31, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£2,976
expand_more
Sunday Jun 07, 2026
Sunday Jun 14, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£2,833
expand_more
Sunday Jun 21, 2026
Sunday Jun 28, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£2,954
expand_more
Sunday Jul 12, 2026
Sunday Jul 19, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left
£2,833
expand_more
Sunday Jul 26, 2026
Sunday Aug 02, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£2,954
expand_more
Important notes
verified
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.
Reviews (22)
5 stars
15
4 stars
6
2 stars
1
account_circle
Janice
Oct 07, 2024
The Intrepid trip was great because of the knowledgeable and fun Tour Guide. Everything was just as described in the brochure and the trip was particularly enjoyable because we travelled with a small group allowing us to get to know each member of the group better. I would definitely use Intrepid for my next tour group
account_circle
Nicole
Sep 29, 2024
We found the Best of Switzerland tour exceeded our expectations in every way. The scenery was stunning, the activities were excellent as was our tour leader Serena and we had a fantastic group from far and wide. I would highly recommend it!!
account_circle
Michael
Aug 26, 2024
Great trip , saw a lot of Swiss , Irene was a great tour leader
account_circle
yushan
Aug 25, 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.
account_circle
Alex Alfie
Aug 12, 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.
account_circle
Sofia
Jul 04, 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!
account_circle
Adam
Sep 12, 2023
account_circle
Raymond
Aug 17, 2023
Our first time to both Europe and Switzerland was excellent. Our tour guide Luisa was wonderful and brought a lot of enthusiasm to our group. The places we went too were spectacular. It’s a trip we will never forget.
account_circle
Neil
Jun 24, 2023
An excellent introduction to Switzerland and the Swiss people. We have experienced scenery which we will never forget. Well balanced in that the tour took in major cities and regional towns.
Thank you so much to our tour leader Simone who was very informative and extremely accommodating making the tour a very memorable experience.
account_circle
Emma
Jun 22, 2023
Really great way to see a lot of Switzerland in a short space of time. Big days, make sure you're well rested before the trip stats. The Bernese Oberland was a particular highlight. The day trip to Gruyere is a delight but if you're not into super touristy experiences maybe skip the chocolate factory and go for a swim instead. Simone our leader was a delight and Switzerland is truly impressive destination.