10 days in Switzerland Itinerary

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

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Old Town and Bahnhofstrasse. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Lucerne: Zurich (Landesmuseum & Lake Zurich). And it doesn't end there: explore the activities along Lake Lucerne, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Jesuitenkirche, appreciate the history behind Lion Monument, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Hofkirche.

For ratings, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Lucerne itinerary planner.

Washington, USA to Lucerne is an approximately 17.5-hour combination of flight and car. The time zone difference when traveling from Washington to Lucerne is 6 hours. Traveling from Washington in May, you will find days in Lucerne are a bit cooler (65°F), and nights are about the same (48°F). Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Geneva.

Geneva brings the world to one small city with a huge expat population and the highest number of international organizations in any one city.

On the 14th (Fri), ponder the world of politics at Palais des Nations, Genève, then examine the collection at International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, then ponder the design of The Geneva Water Fountain, and finally examine the collection at Patek Philippe Museum. On the 15th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the activities along Lake Geneva and then admire the striking features of Cathedrale de Saint-Pierre.

For photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Geneva attractions website.

Drive from Lucerne to Geneva in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 66°F in May, and nighttime lows around 47°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sat) so you can go by car to Montreux.

Mostly known for its world-renowned jazz festival, Montreux serves as a picturesque lakeside resort town on the Swiss Riviera.

On the 16th (Sun), step into the grandiose world of Chateau de Chillon, appreciate the history behind Freddie Mercury Statue, then have fun and explore at Chaplin's World, and finally go for a walk through Montreux Lakeside.

For photos, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Montreux attractions site.

Traveling by car from Geneva to Montreux takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Sun) early enough to drive to Bern.

The capital and political center of Switzerland, Bern sits on a peninsula formed by the U-shaped River Aare.

Start off your visit on the 17th (Mon): get great views at The Cathedral of Bern, shop like a local with UNESCO-Altstadt von Bern, then engage your brain at Einstein House (Einsteinhaus), then don't miss a visit to Child Eater Fountain (Kindlifresserbrunnen), and finally admire the natural beauty at Rose Garden (Rosengarten). On the 18th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in the dramatic scenery at Trümmelbachfälle, glide through the air with a parasailing or paragliding tour, and then look for all kinds of wild species at Barenpark.

To see maps, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Bern trip itinerary maker site.

You can drive from Montreux to Bern in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a daytime high around 66°F in May, and nighttime lows around 44°F. On the 19th (Wed), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.