Best Switzerland Tours from Zurich

Why Choose Zurich as Your Starting Point?

Zurich's strategic location makes it the ideal launchpad for your Swiss escapade. As Switzerland's largest city and a major transportation hub, Zurich offers excellent connectivity to the rest of the country and beyond. Its international airport is one of the busiest in Europe, with direct flights from all over the world. Once you've landed, you'll find that the Swiss Travel System is a dream come true for travelers. The country's efficient and punctual train network makes it incredibly easy to explore even the most remote corners of Switzerland.

From Zurich, you can hop on a train and be in the heart of the Swiss Alps in just a few hours. But it's not just about convenience. Zurich also offers a fantastic quality of life. The city is consistently ranked as one of the most livable in the world, and it's easy to see why. With its clean streets, safe environment, and abundance of green spaces, Zurich is a joy to explore on foot. Plus, the city's stunning lakeside setting and views of the distant Alps provide a constant reminder of the natural wonders that await you just beyond the city limits.

Highlights & Things to Do in Zurich

Before you venture out on your Swiss Alps from Zurich adventure, be sure to spend some time exploring the city itself. Zurich is packed with a wide array of attractions, from historical landmarks to modern art galleries. Here are a few of our top picks:

Explore the Old Town (Altstadt)

Zurich's charming Old Town is a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets, picturesque squares, and medieval buildings. Get lost in its winding alleyways, and you'll discover hidden courtyards, quirky boutiques, and cozy cafes. Don’t miss the Grossmünster, an iconic twin-towered cathedral that offers stunning views of the city from its towers. Other highlights include the Fraumünster, with its beautiful stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall, and St. Peter's Church, which boasts the largest clock face in Europe.

Take a Stroll Along Lake Zurich

On a sunny day, there's no better place to be than Lake Zurich. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, rent a paddleboat, or simply relax on a bench and soak up the sun. You can also take a boat cruise to explore the lake and its surrounding villages. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider a sunset cruise, where you can watch the sky erupt in a blaze of color as the sun dips below the horizon.

Indulge in some Retail Therapy on Bahnhofstrasse

If you're in the mood for some shopping, head to Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping streets. Here, you'll find everything from luxury brands and designer boutiques to department stores and Swiss chocolate shops. Even if you're not a big shopper, it's still worth taking a stroll down this famous street to do some window shopping and soak up the glamorous atmosphere.

Get Your Art and Culture Fix

Zurich is home to a number of world-class museums and art galleries. The Kunsthaus Zurich houses an impressive collection of European art, from the Middle Ages to the present day. The Swiss National Museum, located in a fairytale-like castle, offers a fascinating journey through Swiss history and culture. And for football fans, the FIFA World Football Museum is a must-visit.

Excursions & Vacations from Switzerland

While Zurich has plenty to keep you entertained, the real magic of Switzerland lies in its breathtaking natural landscapes. Thanks to the country's efficient train system, it's easy to take day trips from Zurich by train to explore the surrounding region. Here are a few of our favorite excursions from Zurich:

Lucerne & Mount Pilatus

Just a short train ride from Zurich, Lucerne is a picturesque city nestled on the shores of Lake Lucerne. With its medieval old town, covered chapel bridge, and stunning mountain backdrop, Lucerne is the quintessential Swiss city. For breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps, take a trip up to Mount Pilatus. You can reach the summit by taking the world's steepest cogwheel railway, and then descend by aerial cableway and gondola. For a hassle-free experience, consider a guided Lucerne & Mount Pilatus day tour from Zurich.

Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe

A trip to the Jungfraujoch is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. At an altitude of 3,454 meters, it's the highest railway station in Europe, and it offers stunning panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. The journey to the top is an adventure in itself, as you'll travel on a cogwheel train that winds its way through tunnels carved into the mountainside. This is a must-do for any Switzerland itinerary from Zurich.

Rhine Falls

Located near the town of Schaffhausen, the Rhine Falls is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. You can take a boat trip to get up close to the falls, or you can admire them from one of the many viewing platforms. For a truly unique experience, you can even take a lift to the top of the central rock in the middle of the falls.

Heidiland & Liechtenstein

A popular guided day tour includes stops in Rapperswil, Maienfeld (Heidi's village), and Vaduz in Liechtenstein-ideal for ticking off a new country.

Switzerland Itineraries from Zurich

With so much to see and do, planning a Switzerland itinerary from Zurich can be overwhelming. To help you out, we've put together a few sample itineraries:

3-Day Switzerland Itinerary from Zurich:

Day 1: Arrive in Zurich and explore the Old Town.

Day 2: Take a day trip to Lucerne and Mount Pilatus.

Day 3: Visit the Rhine Falls and the charming town of Stein am Rhein.

4-Day Switzerland Itinerary from Zurich:

Day 1: Arrive in Zurich and explore the city.

Day 2: Take a day trip to Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe.

Day 3: Explore the Bernese Oberland region, including Interlaken and Grindelwald.

Day 4: Take a boat cruise on Lake Thun before departing from Zurich.

5-Day Switzerland Itinerary from Zurich:

Day 1: Arrive in Zurich and explore the Old Town.

Day 2: Take a day trip to Lucerne and Mount Rigi.

Day 3: Travel to Interlaken and explore the Jungfrau region.

Day 4: Take the Glacier Express train from Zermatt to St. Moritz.

Day 5: Explore St. Moritz before departing from Zurich.

7-Day Switzerland Itinerary from Zurich:

Day 1: Arrive in Zurich and explore Old Town, Bahnhofstrasse, and Lake Zurich.

Day 2: Day trip to Lucerne and ride up Mount Rigi for lake and mountain views.

Day 3: Visit Engelberg and take the rotating cable car to snowy Titlis.

Day 4: Travel to Interlaken & Lauterbrunnen. Explore waterfalls, mountain villages, and hike around Mürren.

Day 5: Take the train to Jungfraujoch for glacier views and alpine activities.

Day 6: Visit Switzerland’s capital - Bern, or take a long scenic trip to see the Matterhorn.

Day 7: Enjoy a relaxing morning before departure-perfect for lakeside walks or last-minute shopping.

Vacations Combined with Other Countries

Thanks to its central location, Zurich is also a great starting point for a multi-country European vacation. You can easily combine your trip to Switzerland with a visit to neighboring countries like Germany, France, Italy, or Austria (Innsbruck is under 4 hours). For example, you could take a train from Zurich to Munich (Munich is around 4 hours) to experience the Bavarian culture, or you could head south to Milan (Milan is just 3.5 hours by train) for a taste of Italian fashion and cuisine.