Switzerland's Scenic Highlights: Lugano to Montreux - 14 Days

Highlights

• Sample fine cheese and chocolate on food tours in Switzerland
• Tour medieval castles and stroll the Old Town streets of famous cities
• Enjoy leisurely boat rides on Switzerland's most scenic lakes
• Ride cable cars up to mountain peaks and go wine tasting at vineyards

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Milan, Transfer to Lugano, Self-Guided Food Tour

Welcome to Italy! That's right, your two weeks of European fun kicks off in the fashionable northern Italian city of Milan, as it's the main hub for trips into southern Switzerland. Speaking of which, upon arrival at the airport, you'll transfer to the train station for the two-hour ride north across the border to Lugano. Sitting in the Italian-speaking Ticino region of Switzerland, this charming lakeside city is renowned for its fusion of cultures, most famously represented in its cuisine.

After checking into your hotel, you'll embark on a self-guided tour to discover Lugano's culinary scene one bite at a time. Begin in the historic center, where you can stop at a few eateries specializing in Ticino cuisine. Sample traditional dishes, like minestrone (vegetable soup) and squid ink risotto, all paired with delicious local wine. Save room for dessert because afterward, you can visit a local gelateria to enjoy the Swiss interpretation of this tasty treat. Conclude the culinary journey at Vanini, one of the city's oldest cafés, located at the renowned Piazza Riforma.

Day 2: Day Trip to the Italian Lakes: Como & Maggiore

In the morning, board a train for the two-hour ride back into northern Italy's Lombardy region and Lake Maggiore, which lies on the southern side of the Alps. Surrounded by forest-covered mountains, Maggiore is famous for its Borromean Islands—three isles named after the aristocratic Borromean family who owned the land in the 16th and 17th centuries. The islands of Bella and Madre were transformed into luxurious resorts with villas and gardens, while the third island—Isola dei Pescatori—kept its traditional way of life. You'll visit these locales on a morning boat tour around Maggiore.

In the afternoon, transfer about 1.5 hours east to Lake Como, a chic tourist destination and the third largest lake in Italy. On a boat tour, you'll pass by opulent lakeside villas (including one owned by George Clooney). More than that, the lake abounds in rich history. All around Como are well-preserved remains of historic fortifications, as this area was prized by the ancient Romans as well. You might even make it to the town of Bellagio. Known as the "Pearl of Lake Como," it enjoys a strategic location on a peninsula offering panoramic views. At the end of the day, you'll return to Lugano.

Day 3: Day Trip to Morcote, Hike Monte San Salvatore

After breakfast, meet your driver for the quick 20-minute ride south to Morcote, an idyllic Swiss lakeside town on a peninsula. Once there, you'll have the morning free to relax. Besides kicking back in a waterfront café, you might want to visit the 15th-century Morcote Castle. Tour the castle itself, or walk the surrounding terraced vineyards, learning about organic grape cultivation, visiting the wine cellar, and, of course, sampling some world-class wines.

Afterward, continue exploring historic Morcote. The town mostly grew around its iconic Church of Saint Maria del Sasso, a Romanesque-Baroque cathedral dating to the 15th century. On a self-guided tour, you can also wander the cobbled streets of Morcote's Old Town, stroll the waterfront promenade, stop at Swiss chocolate shops, and visit the lush botanical garden. Don't miss a visit to the famous church, known for its beautiful frescoes and prime lake views.

Later, meet a guide for a hike up nearby Monte San Salvatore. The two-hour hike will take you along well-marked trails up to the summit 2,992 feet (912 m) above sea level. Once there, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Lake Lugano, the surrounding mountains, and Morcote below. Afterward, you'll return to Lugano by public transport or ferry.

Day 4: Train to Zürich, Boat Cruise on Lake Zürich 

Say goodbye to the south because this morning, you're off to Switzerland's north! Transfer to the station in the morning for a scenic three-hour train ride to Zürich, passing Alpine peaks, waterfalls, and green valleys along the way. This city, which sits on its eponymous lake, is famous as the center of Swiss finance. However, there's plenty of culture and history lying just beneath the surface. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel.

A little while later, head down to the port and board a boat for a leisurely 1.5-hour cruise along the lake. Besides relaxing on deck, the boat will make stops and some fun landmarks and attractions. For example, you'll stop at the waterfront village of Kilchberg to visit a famous chocolate factory and take a break at Zürihorn, an iconic restaurant and beer garden overlooking the water. At the end of the ride, you'll return to the port in Zürich.

Day 5: Chocolate Workshop & Sunset Fondue Party

Today, you'll enjoy more of that most quintessential of Swiss delicacies: chocolate. In the morning, transfer to the workshop of a renowned chocolatier for a two-hour masterclass in preparing this decadent treat. It's a group activity where you'll learn to create dozens of handmade pralines and truffles. There will be several delicious chocolate fillings, all made from the finest Swiss ingredients. After putting the finishing decorations on your tasty confections, you can snack away to your heart's content.

After the chocolate workshop, the food theme continues when you meet your guide/driver for a sunset cheese and chocolate tour. This half-day excursion will take you along the lakeshore to the small town of Kilchberg, home to the world-famous Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate factory. Enter its vast atrium, where you can marvel at the world's highest free-standing chocolate fountain, which stands nearly 30 feet (9 m).

Continue to the town of Adliswil and take a fun cable car ride up to the Felsenegg hilltop station. There, amid panoramic views, you'll enjoy a four-course meal featuring the star of the show: cheesy fondue! Later, you'll transfer back to Zürich.

Day 6: Train to Lucerne, Night Watchman Tour

Wake up early for the one-hour train ride south to Lucerne (known locally in this German-speaking region as Luzern). Sitting on the shores of Lake Lucerne and backed by snowcapped peaks, this city is the perfect hub for nature excursions. However, the town has plenty going for it as well. After checking into your hotel, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the city on your own.

When the sun goes down, however, you'll really discover the ample charms of Lucerne. It boasts a rich medieval history, and you'll see the highlights on a fun guided walk that's not your typical city tour. Meet a local "night watchman" who will take you back in time on a stroll down the cobbled streets and across stone bridges in the Old Town district. During this 1.5-hour group tour, your guide will point out historic architectural landmarks dating back hundreds of years. 

Day 7: Day Trip Up Mount Rigi

Get ready for a mountaineering adventure in the Swiss Alps! In the morning, meet your guide/driver for a short ride around the lake to the resort town of Weggis. There, you'll board an aerial cable car for the 10-minute ride up forested mountain slopes to the village of Rigi Kaltbad. Leave the cable car and continue riding on Europe's first-ever cogwheel mountain railway up to the summit of Rigi-Kulm, the highest peak in the Rigi massif at 5,905 feet (1,800 m). At the top, relish amazing views of a dozen lakes and the surrounding Alpine peaks.

After a snack at a summit restaurant, take the train down to the waterfront town of Vitznau. There, you'll board a boat and enjoy a scenic one-hour cruise across the lake back to Lucerne. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a self-guided walk around Lucerne's Old Town. Visit historic highlights like the Musegg Wall medieval ramparts, the 17th-century Baroque Jesuit Church, and the 14th-century Chapel Bridge. 

Day 8: Train to Interlaken, Visit Thun Village

Wake up early for another travel day. In the morning, transfer to the station for the two-hour ride southwest to Interlaken. Located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland between two turquoise lakes (Thun and Brienz), this picture-postcard town offers a breathtaking backdrop with the towering Swiss Alps peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Speaking of which, after checking into your hotel, you'll transfer to the nearby village of Thun, which sits on the eponymous lake. This colorful town has a lot going for it, which you'll see on a walk down the cobbled streets of its historic Old Town. There are plenty of medieval buildings centered around the Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square), as well as charming shops and inviting cafés. After some time enjoying the sights, you'll transfer back to Interlaken.

Day 9: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe"

The mountain adventures continue this morning with a 15-minute cable car ride up to the Eiger Glacier Station, an access point to the mountain of the same name. Located in the Jungfraujoch region of the Swiss Alps and known as the "Top of Europe," this high mountain pass in the Bernese Alps sits at 11,371 feet (3,466 m).

From there, you'll ride a cogwheel mountain train to the top and enjoy incredible views of Mount Eiger's north face. However, for truly epic vistas, head to the Jungfraujoch Sphinx Observatory. Here, you'll look out to the majestic Aletsch glacier (the longest glacier in the Alps), a vast ice flow laid out like an enormous freeway running between mountain peaks.

While here, you can admire views of the glacier and surrounding mountains, plus tour the glimmering tunnels of the Ice Palace attraction. Then, after lunch at a mountaintop restaurant, descend by cogwheel train to the resort town of Wengen, in the verdant Lauterbrunnen Valley. From there, transfer by car back to Interlaken. 

Day 10: Train to Bern, Guided Old Town Tour

Leave in the morning on a one-hour train ride north to Bern. Not many cities anywhere in the world have managed to preserve their historic features quite as successfully as Switzerland's capital. Bern's Old Town enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status, and the city also features 3.7 miles (6 km) of arcades (known locally as the Lauben)—one of the longest shopping promenades in Europe.

After checking into your hotel, you'll meet your guide and venture out to discover Bern's highlights and history. It starts on the cobbled streets of the famous Old Town. You'll see many iconic landmarks throughout this enclave, like the 13th-century Zytglogge clock tower and the Einstein House, where the German-born physicist lived from 1903 to 1905. Other historical landmarks include the neo-Renaissance Parliament Building, the Kornhaus (Granary), and the Käfigturm (Prison Tower).

Day 11: Day Trip to Gruyères: Cheese & Chocolate Tours

You've visited some of Switzerland's best mountains; now it's time to enjoy its finest cheeses. This country is proud of its cheesemaking heritage, and you could spend months here sampling various regional cheeses and still not exhaust the delicious possibilities. Today's outing focuses on the famous Gruyère 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 the cheese's hundreds of years of history, see the aging process, and enjoy free samples of this nutty, sweet, and salty delicacy.

Afterward, there will be 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 12: Train to Montreux, Guided Tour & Château de Chillon

Leave after breakfast on a two-hour train ride south to Montreux. This resort town sits on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) and is renowned for its scenic beauty, cultural events, and pleasant climate. All around Montreux are UNESCO-listed vineyards and historic castles. The area here is so charming that it's known as the Montreux Riviera. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to the hotel, where you'll spend the next couple of nights.

Then, you'll get to explore in and around town on a guided tour. One highlight is a visit to 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.

Day 13: Lavaux Vineyards Half-Day Tour

How better to spend your penultimate day in Switzerland than on a wine tour? This morning, you'll transfer to the nearby Lavaux wine region, which consists of terraced vineyards on hillside slopes running down to the lakeshore. The history of these vines can be traced back to the area's 11th-century Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries—and there's some evidence grapes were planted here in Roman times. Because of this rich history, the region was bestowed UNESCO World Heritage status.

During a half-day tour accompanied by local experts, you'll travel to different vineyards as well as a family-run winery. Here, you'll dive deep into the terroir, sampling the region's high-quality chasselas and pinot noirs. The former is the most common grape variety cultivated here, producing crisp and refreshing white wines. Of course, today's trip includes plenty of sommelier-led tastings. Afterward, you'll return to Montreux.

Day 14: Train to Geneva, Depart

Just like summer itself, eventually, the adventure must end. In the morning, you'll transfer to the train station for the one-hour ride around the lake to Geneva. Then continue to the international airport, where you'll catch your flight home. Adieu!

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