Switzerland Festive Christmas Highlights - 14 Days

Highlights

• Visit Christmas markets throughout Switzerland, from Bern to Geneva
• Learn to prepare classic fondue and participate in a chocolate workshop
• Tour medieval castles and historic landmarks in Old Town neighborhoods
• Ride cable cars to Alpine peaks and explore mountain glaciers
• Enjoy spa days at lakeside resorts near Lucerne

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Basel, Visit Christmas Market

Welcome to Switzerland! This scenic Alpine nation somehow looks just as good when the wildflowers are in bloom as it does when blanketed in snow. On this two-week tour, you'll take advantage of this nation's many festive winter highlights, beginning with your arrival in Basel. Located at the border with Germany and on the banks of the Rhine, this dynamic city is known for its rich cultural scene, historic architecture, and diverse attractions

After checking into your hotel, your first order of business will be to visit a Christmas market. You'll find this to be a running theme throughout your time in Switzerland, as few European countries are more enthusiastic about their Christmas marketplaces. They're found in almost every city and town, often outdoors, and feature dozens if not hundreds of vendor stalls selling everything from artisanal items to glühwein (mulled wine).

Like in most Swiss cities, Basel features more than one Christmas market. The Basler Weihnachtsmarkt (Basel Christmas Market) is one of the oldest and most famous. Located in Altstadt (Old Town), it dates to 1576 and features around 130 wooden chalets (stalls) where artisans sell their wares. While browsing for holiday gifts, you can also snack on famous Swiss Christmas treats like fresh-baked waffles, gingerbread, hot chocolate, grilled sausages, and raclette (melted Swiss cheese).

Day 2: Train to Bern, Explore Bern in Winter

Transfer to the station in the morning for the one-hour ride south to Bern. Switzerland's capital is a true wonderland (especially during the festive winter season), as it's a hub for culture and history. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel.

Then venture out and experience Bern's colorful history on a self-guided walking tour. The place to start is the famous Old Town, one of the most well-preserved medieval centers in Europe. All along the cobbled streets of this UNESCO-listed enclave are iconic landmarks, from the 13th-century Zytglogge clock tower to the Einstein House, where the German-born physicist lived from 1903 to 1905.

However, during Christmas, this area comes alive with holiday markets, which pop up at various locations. You'll visit some of the best in Old Town, including Waisenhausplatz, which features craft, gift, and food stalls to keep you busy for hours. At the end of the evening, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 3: Cheese Workshop & Bern Christmas Markets

The day kicks off with a perfectly Swiss-centric activity: a cheese workshop. During this one-hour experience, you'll discover the history of Emmentaler. Not only is this the quintessential "Swiss" cheese (complete with holes), it's one of the best cheeses anywhere in the world. Learn about its over 800 years of history as you visit production facilities and maturing cellars to see where 200-pound wheels are aged. And don't worry—samples are included.

At the end of the experience, you'll have the rest of the afternoon and evening to hit any Christmas markets you might have missed yesterday. One can't-miss option is the Berner Sternenmarkt (Bern Stars Market). Sitting at the Kleinen Schanze public park a stone's throw from Bern Train Station, it boasts more than 80 exquisitely adorned chalets. Besides the artisanal items, be sure to stop by the Gstaader Fondue Chalet to sample Switzerland's famous cheesy goodness.

Day 4: Day Trip to Gruyères: Cheesemaking & Chocolate

You guessed it—another cheese tour is in store. That's because Switzerland is proud of its cheesemaking heritage. You could spend months in this country sampling various regional cheeses and still not exhaust the delicious possibilities. Today's outing focuses on the famous Gruyere cheese combined with a countryside tour and a visit to a historic castle.

This full-day tour begins in the morning at your hotel, where you'll meet your driver/guide. Then, transfer through rural Alpine landscapes to the medieval village of Gruyères, known for the eponymous cheese. While here, you'll visit a cheesemaking factory to learn about Gruyères' hundreds of years of history, see the aging process, and enjoy free samples of this nutty, sweet, and salty delicacy.

Afterward, you'll have some time to wander the town's cobbled streets and tour its most famous landmark: the 13th-century Gruyères Castle. The excursion concludes at the Maison Cailler chocolate museum in the nearby village of Broc. Here, you'll enjoy a multisensory tasting experience and even create your own chocolate bar. Later, you'll return to Bern.

Day 5: Train to Lausanne, Mountain Cable Car & Christmas Market

Wake up early and board a train for the 1.5-hour ride southwest from Bern to Lausanne. Switzerland's fourth-largest city enjoys a scenic location on Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) and is famous as a hub for all things Olympics. It's home to the Olympic Museum, which celebrates the history and culture of The Games. The city is also surrounded by scenic vineyards and Alpine peaks.

Once you've checked into your hotel, you'll discover this natural beauty on a scenic ride east from Lausanne to the resort town of Gstaad. There, you'll board the Glacier 3000, a cable car that will take you on a journey up to the Scex Rouge mountain station at 9,650 feet (2,940 m). Here, you'll be treated to panoramic views of no fewer than 24 snowcapped peaks, including Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and the iconic Matterhorn in the distance.

After returning to Lausanne, get back in the holiday spirit with a trip to its Christmas market. Located in Old Town Lausanne, you'll stroll the colorful streets of its historic center, browsing market stalls offering everything from traditional arts and crafts to treats like roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. While here, you can lace up the skates for a ride on the ice.

Day 6: Fondue Workshop, Lake Geneva Cruise, Transfer to Geneva

This morning, transfer to a local kitchen to learn the art of Switzerland's national dish: fondue. A staple dish for hundreds of years, the classic recipe includes a blend of high-quality cheeses, typically Gruyère and Emmental, served with bite-sized cubes of crusty bread. But fondue is much more than melted cheese—it also includes ingredients like white wine, brandy, garlic, and nutmeg to create a unique and captivating flavor profile. During this 1.5-hour workshop, you'll learn the alchemy of creating the perfect fondue under the tutelage of a pro Swiss chef.

Afterward, head over to the pier and take to the water on a leisurely ride across the azure waters of Switzerland's largest lake. Not only can you relax on deck with refreshments and take in some sun, but the cruise will pass near some of the most beautiful waterfront estates and manor homes.

At the end of the Lake Geneva cruise, you'll return to the harbor and transfer to the station for the 45-minute train ride around the lake to the city of Geneva. Sitting on the shores of the eponymous lake and surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, this city is famous for its diplomatic heritage and international organizations—after all, it's home to the European headquarters of the UN. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel and will have the rest of the day free.

Day 7: Geneva Tour & Christmas Markets

Like many cities in Switzerland, Geneva also boasts a well-preserved Old Town. After breakfast, you can visit this area on a self-guided tour. Explore the maze of narrow streets and historic buildings, which include St. Peter's Cathedral, the 12th century Maison Tavel (Switzerland's oldest house), and Place du Bourg-de-Four, a lively square with cafés and shops.

Today is another opportunity to visit the enchanting markets that pop up in the city this time of year. There's a great Christmas market at Place de la Fusterie, near Old Town. Browse the vendor stalls as you snack on artisanal Swiss chocolates and other goodies. Also, be sure to hike down to Jardin Anglais, a waterfront park that hosts a Christmas market complete with a carousel and holiday-themed pub perfect to wet your whistle. 

Day 8: Train to Montreux, Château de Chillon Tour & Christmas Market

The morning begins with a 1.5-hour train ride from Geneva to Montreux. Located on the northeast end of Lake Geneva, this resort town is famous for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. All around Montreux are UNESCO-listed vineyards and historic castles.

Speaking of which, after checking into your hotel, you'll head out to visit the star of the show: Château de Chillon. Located just south of town, this medieval fortress dates to the 12th century and dominates the waterfront. On a private guided tour, you'll explore the imposing towers and fortified walls and even venture underground to hidden passageways and a prison.

You'll be pleased to learn that in a country with no shortage of gorgeous Christmas markets, Montreux has one of the prettiest. After the castle, you'll visit the market, which is located on the town's lakeside promenade. Later, you'll return to your hotel and will have the evening free.

Day 9: Day Trip to Vevey & Cooking Class

Take a day trip north along the lakeshore to the adjacent town of Vevey. Here, at a local culinary workshop, you'll learn to cook regional gourmet cuisine alongside an expert chef. It's an excellent opportunity to learn sophisticated culinary techniques as you prepare a multicourse meal. Once the cooking is complete, you and your instructor will sit down and feast on your creations.

You'll also have the option to visit the Alimentarium. This unique museum enjoys an idyllic lakeside location, but the real treat is what's inside: various interactive exhibits that cover a wide range of topics related to food, nutrition, and the cultural aspects of eating. Highlights include artifacts and an educational vegetable garden. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel in Montreux. 

Day 10: Train to Lucerne, Chocolate Workshop & Christmas Markets

Transfer to the station in the morning for the three-hour ride north from Montreux to Lucerne (known locally in this German-speaking region as Luzern). Sitting on the shores of the eponymous lake and backed by snowcapped peaks, this city is the perfect hub for nature excursions. It also contains many cultural attractions, which you'll discover during your stay.

It begins immediately with a visit to the workshop of a famous chocolatier. During this one-hour experience, you'll learn the secrets to creating the perfect praline. Not only will you get to make your own mouthwatering confections, but you can decorate them as you wish. Snacking is expressly permitted!

Then, it's a return to the streets to check out the joys that Lucerne's Christmas markets have in store. During this time of year, the Old Town area is transformed into a Christmas wonderland, complete with wooden cottages and the largest Advent wreath in central Switzerland. At this market, you can browse handcrafted items like art and jewelry as well as pop in at food stalls and a "fondue chalet," which abounds with cheesy delights.

Day 11: Spa Day at Bürgenstock Resort

Time for some pampering! Meet your driver in the morning for the short ride out of Lucerne to Bürgenstock Alpine Spa. Perched high on Bürgenberg mountain overlooking Lake Lucerne, this luxurious spa is part of the Bürgenstock Resort, which is renowned for its world-class amenities. You'll have the entire day to avail yourself of these facilities, which include a handful of pools and saunas. Also on offer are body treatments like massages as well as facials. At the end of the afternoon, you'll transfer back to Lucerne.

Day 12: Day Trip Up Mount Titlis & Glacier Activities

Get ready for another exhilarating mountain adventure, as this morning, you'll transfer south to the storybook town of Engelberg. There, you'll board a series of cable cars for the ride up to the top of Mount Titlis. A highlight of this scenic journey involves riding the Titlis Rotair, a revolving cable car that offers wraparound views of glaciers and mountain peaks.

Eventually, you'll arrive at the station atop Mount Titlis, which sits at 9,934 feet (3,028 m). Here, you can visit a restaurant and enjoy your meal amid magnificent views of the Swiss Alps. After eating, explore Glacier Cave, a fascinating ice cave with sculptures and tunnels carved into the Titlis Glacier. Other highlight attractions in this high-altitude wonderland include the Titlis Cliff Walk suspension bridge and a ride on the Ice Flyer open-air chairlift. Later, you'll return to Lucerne.

Day 13: Train to Zürich, Christmas Markets & Fondue Party

Day 14: Depart Zürich

You've packed as many festive Swiss adventures over two weeks as possible. You've undoubtedly picked up some great holiday gifts, too. Now it's time to pack up and depart. At the appropriate time, you'll meet your driver and transfer to the airport in time to catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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