2 Weeks in Switzerland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Switzerland's Scenic Highlights: Lugano to Montreux

Perfect for first-time travelers to Switzerland seeking quintessential Swiss experiences, this two-week highlights trip gets you out exploring tucked-away villages, dining on cheese fondue, and enjoying scenic cogwheel mountain train rides. With two nights each in Lugano, Zürich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Bern, and Montreux, you can look forward to a well-rounded itinerary packed with activities and new experiences. Plus, as you'll travel between destinations by train, there's plenty of time to relax and absorb the passing landscapes.

Your journey starts in Milan, Italy, but upon arriving, you'll board a train to Lugano, Switzerland. Spend your first afternoon tackling a self-guided food tour, then soak up the Italian Lake District's distinctive charm while embarking on day trips to Lake Como and Morcote. Next, zip north to Zürich by train, where a scenic Lake Zürich cruise and an indulgent cheese fondue experience await. The following stop, Lucerne, is equally as enticing, and here you'll embark on a tour through Old Town and savor jaw-dropping views from the summit of Rigi-Kulm, reachable by cogwheel mountain railway. 

The second week of your adventure begins with a scenic train journey to the Swiss Alps-surrounded town of Interlaken. While here, explore the nearby village of Thun and visit the Jungfraujoch Sphinx Observatory for unmatched views of the Alps. Then, continue to Bern for a two-day stay featuring a tour of Old Town and a full-day cheese and chocolate experience. Afterward, transfer to Montreux, where you'll visit the impressive Château de Chillon and unwind during a wine-tasting experience before wrapping up your adventure with a train ride to Geneva. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Ultimate Winter Adventure in Switzerland: Skiing, Sledding & Sightseeing

Crafted for travelers looking to embrace the magic of winter in Switzerland, this seasonal adventure is all about snowy activities and idyllic mountain resort towns. Throughout, you'll strap on your snowshoes for a scenic excursion near Lugano, hit the slopes in St. Moritz, savor a sunset fondue cruise on Lake Zürich, and unwind in the hot springs of Leukerbad. In between, there's time to relax during scenic train rides and explore independently, which ensures you'll leave feeling invigorated by Switzerland's pristine and crisp environment.

Your adventure kicks off with a train ride from Milan to Lugano, and upon arrival, you'll delve into wintry fun during a self-guided tour and a snowshoe adventure. Next, settle in for a scenic train journey to St. Moritz, an exclusive ski resort town, and spend an afternoon exploring before dedicating a whole day to downhill skiing. After another easy train journey, you'll find yourself in Zürich, where you'll be treated to a foodie boat cruise featuring (cheese) fondue. Then, collect your rental car, hit the road to Bern, and treat yourself to a rejuvenating afternoon at the Schweizerhof Wellness Spa.

Leaving Bern, you'll drive to Interlaken, setting the stage for three memorable days. Spend the first evening whizzing around Ice Magic on skates, then delve deeper into the surrounding landscapes during a cogwheel mountain train excursion to Jungfraujoch, followed by a laughter-inducing day of snowshoeing and sledding. Back on the road, your next destination is Zermatt, where a bucket-list-worthy gondola ride to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise awaits. While in Zermatt, you'll enjoy a fondue dinner party and visit the Leukerbad hot springs before rounding off your adventure with a drive to Geneva. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Lakes Tour of Switzerland & Northern Italy

Immerse yourself in Switzerland and Northern Italy's charming countryside and picturesque Lake District on this multicountry trip, brimming with memorable activities. Ideal for travelers who prefer keeping active, you'll explore by bike, kayak, and on foot and reward yourself with gourmet cheese and wine-tasting experiences. Other notable excursions include a hot-air balloon flight over Lugano, a boat tour on Lake Como, and a day trip up Mount Pilatus.

Your idyllic escape begins in the artsy city of Basel, the perfect place to shrug off travel fatigue over a guide-led city tour and a day spent e-biking through the region's vineyard-dotted countryside. You'll next travel to Lucerne via a scenic train journey and steamboat ride. Upon arrival, get your bearings in the city with the help of a local guide, then take in stunning vistas of the Swiss Alps from the summit of Mount Pilatus, reachable by a cable car. You'll also get a taste of Switzerland's famous cheese culture during a tour before continuing by train to Lugano. 

In this city, nestled near the Italian border, you'll be greeted with numerous excursions, including a walk across Switzerland's longest suspension bridge, a hot-air balloon ride over the pre-Alpine region, and a delightful e-biking and wine-tasting adventure. Afterward, cross the border to Italy's Lake Como and settle in for a four-day stay. A sampling of classic adventures awaits here, including a Venetian water taxi cruise and a bike tour through the sophisticated Tremezzina area. You'll also boat to Bellagio for a pasta-making class before catching a train to Milan, where your trip wraps up after a city tour. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Switzerland Festive Christmas Highlights

Experience Switzerland during the festive season with this highlights itinerary centered around Christmas markets. Created for those who'll happily take on Switzerland's crisp winter in return for mulled wine and cheesy delights, you'll taste your way through markets in Basel, Bern, Geneva, Montreux, Lucerne, and Zürich. Along the way, immerse yourself in beautiful landscapes while traveling by train and cable car and treat yourself to a spa day at Bürgenstock Resort.

Straight after refreshing at your accommodation in Basel, grab a glühwein (mulled wine) and spend the afternoon tasting your way through the festive Basler Weihnachtsmarkt (Basel Christmas Market). Then, transfer by train to Bern, where you'll delve even deeper into Switzerland's dedication to Christmas while hopping between the city's Christmas markets and detouring to Gruyères for a cheese-tasting experience. Next, stop by Lausanne for a cable car ride to Scex Rouge mountain station before catching a train to Geneva. Upon arrival, the evening and following day are yours to visit Christmas markets. 

The second half of your adventure unfolds with a scenic train ride to Montreux, where, after visiting the iconic Château de Chillon, you'll head to Vevey for a chef-led cooking class. Then, it's back to the station for a ride north to Lucerne, and upon arrival, indulge all your senses during a chocolatier-led workshop. Next, dedicate a day to relaxation and rejuvenation at the luxurious Bürgenstock Alpine Spa, followed by an exciting day atop Mount Titlis. Afterward, travel by train to Zürich and round off your festive adventure with a visit to one of Europe's largest indoor Christmas markets. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Epic Trekking Adventure in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland

Perfect for travelers eager to explore Switzerland's breathtaking landscapes on foot, this trekking adventure is all about the country's pristine trails and tucked-away villages. You'll spend three days exploring Chamonix's mountainous landscapes, tick off two half-day hikes based in Zermatt, and conquer an epic multiday trek in the Bernese Oberland region. In between, delight in rejuvenating experiences, including a fondue party in a private gondola and a spa day in Zermatt.

Your adventure begins with a transfer from Geneva to Chamonix, France, and upon arrival, you'll enjoy a leisurely bike ride through Chamonix Valley. Then, lace up your boots, as the next two days are filled with magnificent hikes, including along the dramatic Col des Montets Pass and up Mount Signal Forbes. Afterward, transfer by train to Zermatt and unwind during an indulgent spa treatment and an afternoon gondola ride to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Rejuvenated, it's time for another set of back-to-back hikes; these include the trail from Zermatt to Zmutt and the Europaweg Trail. 

From Zermatt, you'll catch a train to the Bernese Oberland town of Interlaken—the starting point of your upcoming four-day trek. Enjoy a leisurely evening first, then wake early for a cogwheel train ride to the Schynige Platte, where you'll hike to the Berghaus Faluhorn mountain hut. Over the following days, continue past Grindelwald, Jungfraujoch, and the hamlet of Wengen by gondola, train, and on foot until you reach the mountain town of Mürren. Here, you'll board a train back to Interlaken and enjoy two more leisurely days of activities before catching your onward flight. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Switzerland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Switzerland? Check out these other two-week Switzerland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.