The Best of Switzerland and Paris: A 15-Day Luxury Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich

Arrive at Zurich Airport, where you will meet your private guide, escorting you to your luxury hotel. Your private guide will take you on a leisurely walking tour of the city, showcasing its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture of Switzerland. You'll visit iconic landmarks such as the Fraumnster Church and the Grossmnster Cathedral, both famous for their stained glass windows. Return to your hotel for dinner. 

Day 2: Exploring the best of Zurich

Today, you will explore the charming Old Town and its cobbled streets and have the opportunity to browse through the boutique shops and boutiques. Next, you'll visit the Kunsthaus art museum, home to an extensive modern and contemporary art collection. You'll marvel at the works of famous artists such as Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh and learn about the stories behind their creations. After a full day of exploring, you'll enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll get a taste of Swiss cuisine before heading to your hotel. 

Day 3: Travel to Lucerne

Take a day trip to the nearby town of Lucerne. Located just an hour's drive from Zurich, Lucerne is a picturesque town that boasts stunning views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne. Once you arrive in Lucerne, your private guide will take you on a town tour, showcasing its many highlights. You'll visit the iconic Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden bridge in Europe, and stroll along the picturesque lakeside promenade. Next, visit the Lion Monument, a powerful sculpture that pays tribute to the Swiss soldiers who died during the French Revolution. For lunch, try the local specialties such as cheese fondue, raclette, and rosti, which are all must-try dishes in Switzerland. Take a leisurely boat ride on Lake Lucerne, one of the most scenic lakes in Switzerland. You'll be mesmerized by the crystal-clear waters, the rugged mountains, and the lush greenery surrounding the lake. In the evening, you'll return to Zurich and enjoy another delicious dinner at your hotel.

Day 4: Mount Rigi day trip

Take a day trip to Mount Rigi, one of Switzerland's most picturesque mountain peaks. You'll start your day by taking a scenic cogwheel train up to the top of the mountain, where breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps will greet you. Once you arrive at the top, you'll have the entire day to explore the area and take in the stunning scenery. You can take a leisurely hike along the mountain trails, taking in the fresh mountain air and enjoying the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy lunch at an excellent restaurant before heading to the natural mineral baths for a dip. Return to Lucerne in the evening.

Day 5: Lucerne to Interlaken

Hop on a private one-hour drive to Interlaken, from where you will embark on a scenic train ride to Grindelwald; your private guide will take you on a town tour, showcasing its many highlights. You'll visit the iconic Eiger Mountain, which is one of the most famous peaks in the Swiss Alps, and stroll along the picturesque lakeside promenade. Visit the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Return to Interlaken to check into your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. 

Day 6: Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast, meet up with your private guide and embark on a scenic train ride to the nearby town of Lauterbrunnen, known for its cascading waterfalls and picturesque mountain views. Once you arrive in Lauterbrunnen, you can stroll through the town, taking in the charming chalets and idyllic scenery. Take a cable car up to the top of Schilthorn, which is one of the most famous mountain peaks in the Swiss Alps. At the top of Schilthorn, you'll be greeted by breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the famous Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau peaks. Visit the favorite Piz Gloria revolving restaurant for lunch; the restaurant was featured in the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." Return to Interlaken in the evening and enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Interlaken is known for its vibrant nightlife, so you can stroll through the town and enjoy the many bars and cafes that line the streets. 

Day 7: Interlaken to Montreux

Take a morning train to Montreux (2.5 hours of scenic drive), a charming town on the shores of Lake Geneva. Spend the day exploring the town, visiting the famous Chateau de Chillon, then check into your hotel for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay. 

Day 8: Montreux to Geneva

Take a morning train to Geneva (a one-hour ride), a cosmopolitan city on the shores of Lake Geneva. Spend the day exploring the Old Town, visiting the United Nations headquarters, and taking a boat tour of the lake. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in the evening, and then check in to your cozy hotel for rest. 

Day 9: Geneva to Lyon

Take a morning train on a scenic two-hour journey to Lyon, a historical city in the heart of France. Check into your hotel and stroll through Vieux Lyon, the city's historic Old Town. Admire the Renaissance-era buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. Stop for a leisurely lunch at a local bistro. Try some of Lyon's famous cuisine, such as saucisson (dry-cured sausage) or quenelles (dumplings). Then, visit the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvire, a stunning hilltop church with panoramic city views. Take the funicular up the hill to reach the basilica. Explore the traboules, a network of hidden passageways that wind through Lyon's buildings. Silk weavers used these passageways in the 19th century. End your day with a cocktail at a rooftop bar, taking in city views at sunset. For dinner, head to Bouchon, a traditional Lyonnaise restaurant. Order local specialties such as coq au vin or quenelles de brochet (pike dumplings).

Day 10: Lyon to Avignon

After breakfast, hop on a one-hour and thirty minutes drive in the morning to Avignon, a charming city in the south of France. Visit the Palais des Papes, a massive Gothic palace once the pope's residence. Admire the grandiose architecture and intricate frescoes. Stop for a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant. Try Provenal cuisines, such as bouillabaisse (fish soup) or ratatouille (vegetable stew). Visit the Pont d'Avignon, a famous bridge that spans the Rhne River. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and legends. Stroll through the winding streets of the old town, stopping at boutiques and galleries along the way. Head to a local wine bar to taste Ctes du Rhne wines produced in the region. Return to your hotel for dinner. 

Day 11: Avignon to Nice day trip

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before hopping on a train for a scenic ride along the French Riviera; when you arrive in Nice, head to the Promenade des Anglais for a stroll along the seafront. You can also visit the colorful Cours Saleya market to browse local produce, flowers, and handicrafts. Make a stop at the Muse Matisse, which houses a collection of works by the famous artist, or visit the Chagall Museum to see the artist's Biblical Message series. Take a dip in the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean,  and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant. Check in to a luxury hotel for rest. 

Day 12: Nice to Paris

Take a morning train to Paris on a five-hour scenic drive. Check-in at your hotel. Spend the day leisurely exploring the city. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant and return to your hotel. 

Day 13: A Day in Paris

Visit the famous Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and the Notre dame cathedral. Then, take a trip to the famous chateau of Fontainebleau, a stunning palace with beautiful gardens and rich history. Spend the day exploring the palace, the gardens, and the nearby forest. Return to Paris in the evening.

Day 14: Journey to Versailles

Spend a day experiencing the opulence and grandeur of the Palace of Versailles, the famous royal residence of Louis XIV. Marvel at the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, and stroll through the King's and Queen's apartments to see how royalty once lived. Venture into the Gardens to discover the stunning fountains, sculptures, and groves. Take a leisurely walk through the extensive parkland, and hop on a rowing boat out onto the Grand Canal. Enjoy lunch and then visit the Trianon Estate, a smaller palace complex once used as a private retreat by the royal family. Explore the Petit Trianon, a charming and intimate palace, and the Queen's Hamlet, a picturesque village where Marie Antoinette would come to play at being a shepherdess. Return to your hotel in Paris for dinner. 

Day 15: Departure

It's time to pack your bags and bid goodbye to Paris as your private guide drives to Paris International Airport for a departure flight back home.

Recommended Articles

France & Switzerland Tour  

The Top 8 Things To Do In Zurich, Switzerland 

Germany and Switzerland Itinerary

Perfect Honeymoon Destination Switzerland

Family Trip to Italy, Austria, Switzerland & The UK