Switzerland Highlights: The Ultimate 10-Day Grand Tour by Train

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Charming old towns, turquoise lakes, mountain passes that twist through the Alps and long, lazy dinners with excellent wine and cheese. This 10-day Grand Tour through Switzerland reveals every side of the country: from Zurich’s cultural buzz and lakeside cafés to Ticino’s Mediterranean flair. These are my favourite Switzerland highlights and travel tips for your next adventure!

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Days 1–3: Zurich — Badi Hopping, Foodie Finds and Old-Town Wandering

Zurich is a city built for wandering. Jump from one of the eighteen badis (outdoor swimming spots) into the cool Limmat River, browse vintage treasures at flea markets, or lose yourself in the cobbled alleys of Niederdorf, the old quarter.

In the north of the city, you’ll find a food hall packed with Swiss delicacies, a surf pool, and perhaps the friendliest urban garden in the country. Spend the night at CitizenM Hotel: compact rooms, super-soft beds, and mood lighting you can control from a tablet. The living-room lobby downstairs is perfect for late-night chats over a glass of wine. Rooms from €120 per night.

ROOMS AND RATES CITIZEN M HOTEL

Culinary Hotspots in Zurich

Restaurant Gül – Ottoman-inspired dishes in a romantic courtyard. Fantastic cocktails and a surprise menu worth every bite.
Restaurant Kle – A Michelin-starred, plant-based gem focused on seasonality and sustainability.
Milchbar – Brunch heaven with homemade banana bread and a lush courtyard.
Café Henrici – The go-to for serious coffee and people-watching in Niederdorf.
Ombak Coffee – Freshly baked pastries and matcha; if mango sticky rice is on the menu, you’ve hit the jackpot.
Roten Delfin – Colourful décor and local produce, including homemade kimchi and an unforgettable apricot Mimosa.
Nooch Asian Kitchen – Casual noodles and sushi surrounded by jungle-like greenery.

BUY YOUR SWISS TRAVEL PASS HERE

Cosy Cafés and Bars in Zürich

Il Tappo – A relaxed wine bar that makes you forget your plans for the evening.
Cocktailbar Elisaburg – Disco balls, neon lights and one of Zurich’s best summer terraces.
Barfussbar – Open only in summer, on a historic bridge over the Limmat; drink in hand, feet in the water.
Storchen Zürich – A glamorous five-star terrace overlooking the river and church towers. Perfect for an aperitif — check the minimum spend….

What to See and Do in Zurich

Stroll through the old town’s narrow streets and admire the elegant façades flying Swiss flags. Visit Le Labo, ba&sh, and the century-old grocer H. Schwarzenbach for fragrant souvenirs. Cross the Münsterbrücke, climb the tower of Grossmünster for sweeping views, and don’t miss St. Peter’s Church, home to Europe’s largest clock face.

On Lindenhof Square, locals play pétanque under the trees. Zurich has an incredible 1,283 drinking fountains, all with crystal-clear water — better than bottled, truly.

For something different: try Pilates with a lake view at Samigo, hop between riverside badis, or browse the lively flea markets. Lunch at Markthalle im Viadukt, then head to Frau Gerolds Garten, a creative urban oasis filled with plants, art, and excellent cocktails/ mocktails. Try the Paloma!

THE BEST ACTIVITIES IN ZURICH

With the Swiss Travel Pass, you can move effortlessly across the country — trains, buses, and even boats are included. Panoramic routes like the Gotthard line are part of the deal. Grüezi, easy travel!

Days 4–5: Vitznau & Mount Rigi

From Zurich, take the train and boat (both covered by your Swiss Travel Pass) via Lucerne to the postcard-perfect village of Vitznau, on Lake Lucerne. Swiss schedules are famously precise, so sit back and enjoy the ride.

Stay at the Vitznauerhof Hotel, a lakeside dream that’s also a favourite wedding venue. There’s a pool, paddleboards, wellness facilities, and two fine-dining restaurants. Dinner on the Panoramaterrasse is a must; chef Ruud Oostdijk turns every plate into art.

When you’re ready to explore, take the cogwheel train up Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains”. The view stretches across the Alps and the lake below. Hike partway down, breathe in the crisp alpine air, and feel your city stress melt away.

For lunch back in Vitznau, try Restaurant Rütli, Brüh Hafenrösterei (great vegan dishes), or Nostalgie Bar right by the water.

ROOMS AND RATES VITZNAUERHOF HOTEL

Day 6: Boat Trip to Brunnen

Sail from Vitznau to Brunnen, surrounded by dramatic peaks and tiny lakeside villages where groceries arrive by helicopter. It’s like gliding through a Bob Ross painting.

Dine at Birdy’s by Achtien, run by Dutch chef Jasper Achtien. The menu is fully vegetarian, but you can order fish or meat dishes if you like.

BUY YOUR SWISS TRAVEL PASS HERE

Days 7–8: Ticino — Switzerland with an Italian Heart

Time to head south to Ticino, Switzerland’s sun-kissed, Italian-speaking region. Take the panoramic train through the Gotthard Base Tunnel to Locarno, where palm trees and pastel houses welcome you.

Stay in Ascona, a picturesque village on Lake Maggiore, at the inviting Seven Boutique Hotel. The town feels straight out of a Mediterranean movie: flower-covered terraces, colorful houses, and irresistible gelato.

ROOMS AND RATES SEVEN BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Favourite spots in Ascona

Restaurant Riva – Possibly the prettiest terrace by the lake.
Osteria Nostrano – Great prices, delicious pasta and Italian charm.
Seven Pelago – Ideal for a pre-dinner aperitif (music can get a bit clubby).
Gelateria Pinocchio – Order the pistachio crumble ice cream; it’s divine.

In Locarno, try Ristorante Fiorentina or Osteria Reginetta, and browse homeware treasures at a&b Living Culture.

BUY YOUR SWISS TRAVEL PASS HERE

Stay Connected

Switzerland isn’t part of the EU, so watch your data plan. I recommend Saily eSIM — install it in minutes and stay online from the moment you land. Perfect for route planning, quick café searches and sharing those mountain views.

Bonus Tip: Visit Dagro

If you have time, venture up to Dagro, one of Switzerland’s oldest mountain villages. Have lunch at Ristoro Sass Malt, where nonna’s recipes and views over the valley leave you speechless. The final leg of the journey — by bus and a very steep cable car — is not for the faint-hearted, but worth every gasp.

The mountain village Dagro | Ticino, Switzerland

Whether you come for nature, wellness, or city breaks, Switzerland never disappoints. This Grand Tour is a collection of unforgettable Switzerland highlights: from riverside swims in Zurich to sunsets over Mount Rigi and the Italian romance of Ticino. So pack your bag, bring your appetite, and get ready to fall for Switzerland — one train ride at a time.

BUY YOUR SWISS TRAVEL PASS HERE