5 days in Switzerland Itinerary

In north-central Switzerland, Lucerne represents a small city boasting a well-preserved old town.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Sun): make a trip to The Nine Towers, take an in-depth tour of Historisches Museum Luzern, take a leisurely stroll along Nadelwehr, take an in-depth tour of Richard Wagner Museum, then step into the grandiose world of Hallwyl Castle, and finally contemplate the long history of Muri Abbey. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, see the interesting displays at Fortress Furigen, steep yourself in history at Festung Vitznau, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Uferpromenade Weggis, then explore the historical opulence of Schloss Meggenhorn, and finally admire the masterpieces at Modern Art Museum.

For where to stay and other tourist information, read our Lucerne trip tool.

Zurich to Lucerne is an approximately 1-hour car ride. You can also take a train. In June, plan for daily highs up to 74°F, and evening lows to 56°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Zermatt.

Best known as home the Matterhorn mountain, Zermatt serves as a chic ski resort town of the Swiss Alps.

On the 23rd (Tue), take in panoramic vistas at Sunnegga, take in the dramatic natural features at Gorner Gorge, tour along fresh powder with Zermatt-Matterhorn Ski Paradise, then stroll the grounds of Mountaineers' Cemetery, and finally examine the collection at Matterhorn Museum - Zermatlantis.

For where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Zermatt trip itinerary maker site.

Getting from Lucerne to Zermatt by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or do a combination of bus and train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Tue) early enough to take a train to Basel.

Situated where the Swiss, German, and French borders meet, Basel is considered the hub of Dreilandereck, this "three countries corner." Its location makes Basel a center of culture and history, brimming with important theaters and museums.

Start off your visit on the 24th (Wed): wander the streets of Freie Strasse, take an in-depth tour of Basel Historical Museum - Barfuesserkirche, delve into the distant past at Augusta Raurica, then examine the collection at Pantheon Basel, then contemplate the long history of Ermitage, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Dom von Arlesheim.

For where to stay, other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, use the Basel planning tool.

You can take a train from Zermatt to Basel in 4 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of train and bus. In June in Basel, expect temperatures between 76°F during the day and 55°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Wed) to allow time to drive back home.