Switzerland Road Trip: Lakes, Alps & Castles

Journey from Zurich to Montreux, stopping in Gruyères for cheese making and chocolate tasting in Cailler.
Ride up to Rochers-de-Naye for sweeping views of the Alps, then explore Chillon Castle and Lausanne.
Travel through the Rhône Valley’s vineyards to Zermatt, the charming Alpine village beneath the Matterhorn.
Ascend to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise for breathtaking summit views and a visit to the world’s highest ice palace.
Cross into Ticino to discover Lugano, Bellinzona’s medieval castles, and the serene lakeside towns of Ascona and Giornico.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,245 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,245 Reviews

Trip Features

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Family Friendly

Fun, safe adventures to delight travellers of all ages.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Road Trips

Independent, self-driving road trips that offer extra freedom.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Family Friendly

Fun, safe adventures to delight travellers of all ages.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Road Trips

Independent, self-driving road trips that offer extra freedom.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Zurich to Gruyeres and Montreux

DAY

Excursion to Lausanne

DAY

Montreaux to Zermatt

DAY

Exploring Zermatt

DAY

Zermatt to Lugano

DAY

Exploring the Verzasca Valley & Ascona

DAY

Lugano to Bellinzona, Giornico & Zurich

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Zurich to Gruyeres and Montreux

Travel from Zurich to Montreux. On the way you'll stop to visit a local cheese maker in Gruyeres where you'll learn more about the cheese production. Then visit the Cailler Chocolate Factory with a chocolate tasting. Arrival in Montreux, a lovely city located on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Multi Day Tour

Zurich - Gruyeres - Montreux

Your Accommodation

Golf Hotel Rene Capt

Great value for money at a 4* Hotel right on Lake Geneva. Elegance from the Belle Epoque with views of Lake Geneva. Right on the shores of the lake is where you will spend you wonderful holiday in Montreux - and value for money is guaranteed! Plus the René Capt Hotel is located right near the centre of Montreux, only a 6 minute walk away. A Hotel between lake and mountains: The majority of the rooms at Golf Hotel René Capt have lake views and a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains and surrounding area. You'll be able to see Lake Geneva, Château Chillon, Montreux and the snow-covered peaks of the Savoy Alps.

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DAY

Excursion to Lausanne

In the morning, take the railway up to Rochers-de-Naye (2.000 m). A singular panoramic view awaits: over the Swiss and French Alps from Eiger to Mont-Blanc and further to Lake Geneva. Later continue to visit the wonderful Chillon Castle whose photos are present in almost each of Switzerland’s calendars. Next go to Lausanne. Lausanne is a picturesque city located on the shores of Lake Geneva surrounded by vineyards. Panoramic city tour and return to Montreux.

Multi Day Tour

Montreux - Lausanne - Montreux

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Golf Hotel Rene Capt

Show on Map

DAY

Montreaux to Zermatt

Travel to Zermatt. On your way you'll pass through the wine area of Sion. Then you'll continue through the valley of the Rodano River to Täsch. Here you'll board a train to Zermatt, which is located at the foot of the impressive Mount Cervin.

Multi Day Tour

Montreaux - Zermatt

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Ambassador Zermatt

This 4 star hotel is located in the city centre of Zermatt and was established in 1979. It is a short drive away from the Gornergrat and the nearest station is Zermatt. The Hotel has a restaurant, a bar, a coffee shop and an indoor swimming pool. All 85 rooms are equipped with minibar, hairdryer and safe.

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DAY

Exploring Zermatt

Today, you have a free day to take an optional tour to the 'Matterhorn Glacier Paradise', board the cable car to the top of the 3883 meter 'little' Matterhorn to enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Cervin which is located just on the opposite side. A visit to the highest ice palace of the world is going to make this tour an extraordinary experience.

Multi Day Tour

Zermatt

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Ambassador Zermatt

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DAY

Zermatt to Lugano

After breakfast return to Tasch by train. Today the route takes you over the Nufenenpass to later arrive in Lugano, which is located in Ticino, the Italian speaking part of Switzerland. On a walking city tour, you can discover this beautiful city and its historic center. Relax at the Mediterranean squares or take a stroll along the boardwalk on the shores of Lake Lugano.

Multi Day Tour

Zermatt - Lugano

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

LUGANODANTE Hotel

LUGANODANTE Hotel is located on the quiet Piazza Cioccaro, in the historical heart of the city and financial district, surrounded by shops, cafes and restaurants. The lake is just a 3 minutes stroll away! They offer 5 different types of rooms, with either modern or classical furnishings. All are air-conditioned and guarantee an excellent night's sleep, thanks to extraordinarily efficient soundproofing and the use of the best mattresses on the market.

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DAY

Exploring the Verzasca Valley & Ascona

Tour to the impressive Verzasca Valley, located in the mountains above Lugano. It highlights the dam of Verzasca and the picturesque bridge of 'Ponte de Salti' that crosses the magical jade green waters of the river. Continue to Ascona. Stroll through the narrow streets with its old houses, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries. In the afternoon, return to Lugano.

Multi Day Tour

Lugano - Verzasca Valley - Ascona - Lugano

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

LUGANODANTE Hotel

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DAY

Lugano to Bellinzona, Giornico & Zurich

After breakfast travel to Bellinzona, Ticino's capital. This historic city is well known for its impressive medieval castles that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Visit the castle Castel Grande one of the biggest ones you can find in Bellinzona. The castle stands on a rocky promontory in a strategic position that allowed control over the Ticino valley and thus over the transit routes through the Alpine passes. Continue to Giornico which was one of the most important villages regarding stopover for pilgrims and travelers on the historic Gotthard Trail. The tour ends in Zurich.

Multi Day Tour

Lugano - Bellinzona - Giornico - Zurich

Meal

Breakfast

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Montreux

Gruyeres

Stellisee Lake

Lausanne

Lake Lugano

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Athul Ajay was our travel agent and he was excellent from the beginning to the end of planning our trip. Great at communicating and replying back too. Sabrina Gaffoglio

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Isabella Luu made the arrangements for our trip to Scotland and all aspects of the trip and stay were excellent. Our assistance at the airports were very good as all were alerted to our needs. Our ride services were excellent. Isabella was always available to answer any questions that we had in a knowledgable and prompt manner, which is always very important to me.Audrey Henry

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Had an excellent tour of Australia, thanks to our travel specialist Katie Stephenson. She was patient as we kept modifying our plans. Got support from Goway and Katie when there was a need to rebook a tour midway through, all handled easily by Goway.Ron Preston

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We went on a highly customized comprehensive (though quick tour) of England and a bit of Scotland through Goway. Ingrid Aird did an amazing job of planning and arranging every detail with her deep experience, insight, thoughtfulness and creativity, tuning into the needs of each traveler; and she did so even though our decision to travel was rather spontaneous and last minute! Our family had the best time! We look forward to working with Ingrid and Goway again!Vilja Breiling

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We used Goway to put together an itinerary for East Africa , and Zanzibar . Everything was great and went smoothly Dawn

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I can't tell you enough how much I love to work with Callie. She is a life saver and I love how attentive she is. Every time I give her an itinerary for a client- she really knocks it out of the park with the proposal. If there are any issues- she is on it right away. Her work ethic is outstanding.Michelle Labarca

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I had the pleasure of working with Amelia on a booking for a family of 4 to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. She executed everything perfectly, was attentive to needs and the family was over the top happy with their vacation. She was quick to answer questions and provide helpful feedback. Highly recommended!Jessie Williams

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We were trying to navigate Swiss Travel Center to book a 10 day train trip through Switzerland. It was exactly what we wanted but navigating their site was extremely difficult for us. Goway Travel picked up on our plight and put us in contact with Jacqueline Fagooli, one of their agents. From there on everything was so smooth. Their efficiency, communication, and thoroughness were beyond our expectations. The trip was fabulous and kudos to Jacqueline and Goway for their help in making it so.Carolyn McCormack

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The destination specialist I've worked with (Kim Rawlings) has provided exceptional service. She is very knowledgeable of her region and everything they have to offer. She is very prompt in her communication and follow-up. She listens and is very attentive to my client's needs and wants. Kim's personality makes one feel like they've known each other for years. If GoWay had a customer service model, Kim is it.T. Jackson, Tribe Trek Travel

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We had a wonderful and amazing two weeks in North-West Scotland. Shoutout to Jacqueline at Goway Toronto and the driver/guides with Rabbie's minibus tours (Stefan and Willie). Well-chosen hotels and no worries with dietary requirements; every detail was taken care of. Thank you! Ben Daube

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What do the experts say?

Samantha Buckley

Destination Specialist

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To make your trip that little bit more special, Goway can upgrade Swiss Travel Passes just for a day so guests can experience the panoramic trains in a higher class of service without paying the increase for their entire trip

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Samantha Buckley

Destination Specialist

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Winter and Summer are the best time to visit. Winter provides arguably the best scenic pictures, world-class skiing, and unique winter experiences. Summer provides some of the best hiking, and comfortable summer temperatures for touring.

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Mike Keon

Destination Specialist

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If you are looking for somewhere off the beaten track, then make sure you visit Bachalpsee. This stunning mountain lake located in the Bernese Oberland is one of the most picturesque locations in Switzerland

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Mike Keon

Destination Specialist

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Switzerland experiences four distinct seasons, with generally mild summers and cold, snowy winters, but be prepared for unpredictable weather, especially in the mountains, where conditions can change rapidly.

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