20 days in Switzerland Itinerary

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

Get some historical perspective at Cathedrale de Saint-Pierre and Cathedrale de Lausanne. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Geneva: Lausanne (The Olympic Museum Lausanne (Musee Olympique) & Place de la Palud) and Vieille ville (in Cossonay). Next up on the itinerary: see the interesting displays at Patek Philippe Museum, admire the natural beauty at Jardin Anglais, admire the local landmark of The Geneva Water Fountain, and ponder the world of politics at Palais des Nations, Genève.

To find photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Geneva trip itinerary builder site.

Washington DC, USA to Geneva is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. You'll lose 6 hours traveling from Washington DC to Geneva due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Washington DC in November, expect Geneva to be slightly colder, temps between 49°F and 37°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sat) so you can drive to Montreux.

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

On the 15th (Sun), explore the historical opulence of Chateau de Chillon, take in the pleasant sights at Montreux Lakeside, and then explore the historical opulence of Chateau d’Oron.

To see maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Montreux day trip tool.

Drive from Geneva to Montreux in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Bern.

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

Get some historical perspective at The Cathedral of Bern and Church of the Holy Ghost. Venture out of the city with trips to The Central Church Of Thun (in Thun) and Interlaken (Parasailing & Paragliding & Harderkulm). There's much more to do: get great views at Jungfraujoch, look for all kinds of wild species at Barenpark, contemplate the waterfront views at Aare River, and admire the natural beauty at Rose Garden (Rosengarten).

To find other places to visit, reviews, photos, and other tourist information, read Bern trip planning tool.

Traveling by car from Montreux to Bern takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. In November, daytime highs in Bern are 48°F, while nighttime lows are 34°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Fri) early enough to go by car 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.

Get some historical perspective at Basel Minster and Schloss Ebenrain. Change things up with these side-trips from Basel: Tour de Milandre (in Boncourt), Saint-Ursanne (Porte St-Pierre, Cloitre de St-Ursanne, &more) and Chateau de Porrentruy (in Porrentruy). Next up on the itinerary: make a trip to Town Hall, pause for some serene contemplation at Eglise de Courfaivre, take in the spiritual surroundings of Peterskirche, and indulge in some personalized pampering at Orachorn Thai Massage & Spa.

To find photos, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, read Basel journey planner.

You can drive from Bern to Basel in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. November in Basel sees daily highs of 51°F and lows of 37°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Appenzell.

Appenzell District is a district of the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden in Switzerland. Kick off your visit on the 25th (Wed): take in the awesome beauty at Santis der Berg, then get to know the fascinating history of Landsgemeindeplatz, then look for gifts at Flauderei, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of St Mauritius Church.

For ratings, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Appenzell trip planner.

You can drive from Basel to Appenzell in 2.5 hours. In November, daily temperatures in Appenzell can reach 48°F, while at night they dip to 37°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) so you can drive to Zurich.

The financial hub of Switzerland, Zurich is most often associated with money and banks.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Old Town and Hofkirche. Change things up with these side-trips from Zurich: Lucerne (Rigi, Lake Lucerne, &more), Turm in Regensberg (in Regensberg) and Kapuzinerkloster Rapperswil (in Rapperswil). Next up on the itinerary: contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Zurich, admire the masterpieces at Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich), get a taste of the local shopping with Bahnhofstrasse, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Basilica of St. Ulrich.

For more things to do, reviews, photos, and other tourist information, read Zurich online travel planner.

Traveling by car from Appenzell to Zurich takes 1.5 hours. In November, plan for daily highs up to 48°F, and evening lows to 37°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Mon) so you can fly back home.