Swiss Christmas Highlights: Zürich, Lucerne, Montreux & Geneva - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Zürich, Visit Markets, Fondue Cruise

Grüezi! Welcome to Zürich, Switzerland's largest city. Hop on a 15-minute train from the airport and refresh at your hotel before exploring the Christmas markets in the Altstadt's (Old Town's) winding streets and medieval squares. Indulge in glühwein (mulled wine), treats, and gift shopping at Weihnachtsmarkt Dörfli, then head to Werdmühleplatz for the singing Christmas tree of carolers. Finally, marvel at the train station's 50-foot-high (15 m) tree sparkling with Swarovski crystals.

Once you're all stocked up with Christmas goodies, escape the chill on a cozy three-hour cheese fondue cruise on Lake Zürich. Indulge in gooey fondue or savory raclette (grilled cheese) paired with fine wines and tasty teas, then venture up on deck for some fresh air and the serene beauty of one of Switzerland's largest lakes. 

Day 2: Train to Lucerne, Lake Lucerne Cruise

Get ready for a morning of festive Christmas market magic. Catch a 45-minute train today to Lucerne (Luzern), check into your hotel, and set off across the covered medieval Chapel Bridge to the historic Altstadt. Sip on glühwein and sample fondue as you browse the miniature village of twinkling wooden chalets with its giant Advent wreath. Nearby, check out the artisanal Craft Market, then head to Rudolf's Christmas Extravaganza in Inseli Park.

Stop for a lunch of chügelipastete (veal and creamy mushrooms in puff pastry) before hopping aboard a beautifully restored vintage motor yacht from 1926 for a one-hour private cruise on Lake Lucerne. Order a convenient hotel pickup, then relax with drinks and snacks while listening to your guide's captivating tales of Lucerne's history and admiring the surrounding Alpine views featuring iconic Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi. 

Day 3: Day Trip to Mount Titlis

After breakfast, dress warm for a day of snow and ice. You'll join a guided coach tour to Engelberg for a full day on Mount Titlis. Soar to the 9,908-foot (3,020 m) summit on the Xpress gondola and the Rotair—a revolving cable car with 360-degree views of the Alpine winter wonderland, and take in the spectacular sight of the glacier's deep crevasses and gigantic ice boulders below.

Once you reach the summit, tuck into a dish of älplermagronen (mac and cheese with potatoes and onion) at one of the restaurants and enjoy a magnificent view of the Swiss Alps from the panoramic terrace. Explore the Glacier Cave, brave the Cliff Walk (Europe's highest suspension bridge), and ride the Ice Flyer chairlift to Glacier Park for snow tubing fun before returning to Lucerne for the evening.

Day 4: Train to Montreux, Visit Market & Château de Chillon 

Rise early today and catch a three-hour train to Montreux on Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). Drop your bags at your hotel, then grab the cog railway to Santa Claus's grotto atop Rochers-de-Naye mountain. Follow with a stroll along the traditional Montreux Noël market, exploring charming chalets filled with crafts, food stalls, and gifts on the festively-lit lakeside promenade.

Afterward, step back in time on a one-hour tour of the medieval Château de Chillon on the lake's shoreline. Follow your period-attired guide, uncovering tales of old, hidden passageways, stone-vaulted Gothic cellars, and the prison of the monk Bonivard. Imagine life as a servant, a Bernese castellan, or even the Duchess of Savoy as you immerse yourself in this fun-filled castle tour. In the evening, head back to the lake to witness the "magic" spectacle of Santa's sleigh flying over Market Square.

Day 5: Train Excursion to Gruyères & Broc

Today's full-day adventure begins with a scenic train ride (snacking on chocolate bread and coffee along the way) to Montbovon. If you like, choose the historic Belle Époque carriage, then change to a comfy bus to Gruyères. Here, you'll unlock the secrets of producing the world-famous Gruyère cheese at La Maison du Gruyère before exploring the pretty medieval town and its 13th-century château.

Then, in the mountainside village of Broc, shove your gloves into your pockets as you dip into the sweet world of La Maison Cailler (the Cailler chocolate factory). Following a fun guided tour, finish with an irresistible finger-licking tasting of delicious chocolate—crafted from local milk in the Cailler factory since 1898 and worthy of a space in your suitcase.

Day 6: Train to Geneva, Visit Markets

Day 7: Explore Geneva, Depart

Check out of your hotel this morning and wander through the Vieille Ville's (Old Town's) cobbled streets adorned with festive decorations. Discover winter delights in quaint shops, then stroll along Lac Léman's snow-kissed shores, marveling at the Jet d'Eau fountain's icy veil. Play giant chess at Parc des Bastions and flex your culture muscle at the Museum of Art and History and the Red Cross Museum.

For lunch, savor a hearty soup at one of the charming lakeside restaurants while staying warm and cozy, then excite your taste buds at a Swiss chocolaterie (chocolate shop). Finally, indulge in seasonal treats and find artisanal treasures at the Plainpalais Christmas Market. As afternoon rolls around, it's time to say farewell! Catch a train or bus to the airport, only 2.5 miles (4 km) from downtown Geneva. Safe travels!

More Great Switzerland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Switzerland? Check out these other Switzerland itineraries, explore different ways to spend a week in Switzerland, or discover the best time to visit Switzerland.