20 days in Switzerland Itinerary

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

Your inner history buff will appreciate Old Town and Jesuitenkirche. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Lucerne: Interlaken (Schlosskirche & Parasailing & Paragliding), Lake Brienz (in Brienz) and Zurich (Bahnhofstrasse & Lake Zurich). There's still lots to do: look for all kinds of wild species at Mt Pilatus, contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Lucerne, take in the spiritual surroundings of Hofkirche, and appreciate the history behind Lion Monument.

To see photos, where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Lucerne attractions planning tool.

Washington DC, USA to Lucerne is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Central European Standard Time (CET) is 6 hours. Traveling from Washington DC in September, expect Lucerne to be little chillier, temps between 67°F and 51°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Mon) early enough to drive to Lauterbrunnen.

A small village in a valley, Lauterbrunnen showcases an abundance of awe-inspiring waterfalls.

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Tue): take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Jungfraujoch and then admire the sheer force of Staubbach Waterfall. On the 7th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: don't miss a visit to 007 Walk of fame - Schilthorn, take in the dramatic scenery at Trümmelbachfälle, and then glide through the air with Airtime Paragliding.

For reviews, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Lauterbrunnen travel route builder site.

You can drive from Lucerne to Lauterbrunnen in 1.5 hours. Another option is to take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Wed) early enough to travel to Brusino Arsizio.

Brusino Arsizio is a municipality in the district of Lugano in the canton of Ticino in Switzerland on the Lake of Lugano.HistoryThe village has been inhabited since the Roman era. On the 8th (Thu), delve into the distant past at Parco Archeologico di Tremona-Castello, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Baptisterium Riva San Vitale, delve into the distant past at Monte San Giorgio, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Chiesa dei Santi Fedele e Simone, and finally explore the different monuments and memorials at Cimitero Monumentale.

To see ratings, photos, and more tourist information, read our Brusino Arsizio travel route planning website.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Lauterbrunnen to Brusino Arsizio. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Thu) 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.

Visit Mountaineers' Cemetery and Intercontinental Church Society for their historical value. And it doesn't end there: take in panoramic vistas at Gornergrat, go for a walk through Hinterdorfstrasse, take in the dramatic natural features at Gorner Gorge, and take in the awesome beauty at The Matterhorn.

For where to stay, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Zermatt trip itinerary maker website.

Drive from Brusino Arsizio to Zermatt in 3.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Brig.

Brig, officially Brig-Glis is a historic town and a municipality in the district of Brig in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.The current municipality was formed in 1972 through the merger of Brig, Brigerbad and Glis.Together with other Alpine towns Brig-Glis engages in the Alpine Town of the Year Association for the implementation of the Alpine Convention to achieve sustainable development in the Alpine Arc.Brig-Glis was awarded Alpine Town of the Year 2008.The official language of Brig is German, but the main spoken language is the local variant of the Alemannic Swiss German dialect.HistoryThe name Brig is derived from Briva, or "bridge." Its older houses are very Italian in appearance, while its most prominent buildings (Stockalper Palace, former Jesuits' college and Ursuline convent) all date from the 17th century, and are due to the generosity of a single member of the local Stockalper family, the baron Kaspar Stockalper.The prosperity of Brig is bound up with the Simplon Pass, so that it gradually supplanted the more ancient village of Naters opposite, becoming a separate parish (the church is at Glis, a few minutes from the town) in 1517. On the 13th (Tue), get to know the fascinating history of Kleine Scheidegg, then take in the awesome beauty at The Eiger, and then explore the striking landscape at Aletsch Glacier. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: hike along Maennlichen Romantic Trail, then take a memorable ride with Luftseilbahn Wengen-Mannlichen, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Burgkirche Raron.

To find photos, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, read Brig route builder app.

Drive from Zermatt to Brig in an hour. Alternatively, you can ride a tram; or take a train. In October, plan for daily highs up to 57°F, and evening lows to 42°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Wed) early enough to drive to Montreux.

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

Kick off your visit on the 15th (Thu): have fun and explore at Chaplin's World, then appreciate the history behind Freddie Mercury Statue, then see the interesting displays at Queen Studio Experience, and finally admire the striking features of Chateau de Chillon. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 16th (Fri): savor the flavors at Swiss Riviera Wine Tours and then take an in-depth tour of Gruyeres Castle.

To find reviews, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, use the Montreux route planning tool.

Traveling by car from Brig to Montreux takes 1.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Fri) to allow 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.

Geneva is known for sightseeing, nature, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: explore the activities along Lake Geneva, appreciate the history behind Reformation Wall, admire the natural beauty at Jardin Anglais, and ponder the design of The Geneva Water Fountain.

For reviews, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Geneva online journey planner.

Traveling by car from Montreux to Geneva takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In October in Geneva, expect temperatures between 61°F during the day and 46°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Mon) early enough to fly back home.