An Epic 12-Day Swiss, France, and Germany Luxury Itinerary
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with this 12-day itinerary that promises to take you through some of the most beautiful regions of Switzerland, France, and Germany. This action-packed itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their time in Europe without sacrificing the opportunity to see some of the most iconic landmarks and scenic locations.
A tour at a glance
- Day 1: Arrival in Zurich, Switzerland
- Day 2: Lucerne and Mount Pilatus
- Day 3: Interlaken and Grindelwald
- Day 4: Geneva, Switzerland, to Annecy, France
- Day 5: Lyon, France
- Day 6: Strasbourg, France
- Day 7: Heidelberg, Germany
- Day 8: Munich, Germany
- Day 9: Neuschwanstein Castle and Fssen, Germany
- Day 10: Salzburg, Austria
- Day 11: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
- Day 12: Departure
Tour Price
Our private tours typically range from $500 - $1000 per person/per night depending on chosen hotels and room categories, vehicles used, types of tours, flight cost, time of year and other factors. Make an inquiry for a customized trip quote.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Zurich, Switzerland
Welcome to Zurich, Switzerland's largest city! After arriving at Zurich airport, meet your private guide, who will drive you to your hotel and have the rest of the day exploring this vibrant city. Take a stroll along the Limmat River and visit the charming Old Town, home to the famous Bahnhofstrasse shopping street. Try traditional Swiss dishes like cheese fondue or rsti at a local restaurant for lunch. In the evening, savor a Swiss chocolate tasting and sample some of Switzerland's famous chocolate. Return to your hotel for a delicious dinner and rest.
Day 2: Lucerne and Mount Pilatus
After breakfast, drive to Lucerne, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Explore the medieval Old Town, visit the iconic Chapel Bridge, and enjoy stunning views of Lake Lucerne. After lunch, take a scenic cogwheel train to the top of Mount Pilatus, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. In the evening, return to Zurich and indulge in local delicacies, such as bratwurst and beer. Return to hotel for dinner.
Day 3: Interlaken and Grindelwald
After breakfast, head to Interlaken on a scenic two-hour train ride, a gateway to the Swiss Alps. Take a stroll around the town or opt for a more adventurous activity like paragliding or canyoning. After lunch, take a train to Grindelwald, a charming alpine village in the Jungfrau region. Admire the stunning views of the Eiger, Mnch, and Jungfrau peaks and take a walk around the town. In the evening, return to Interlaken for dinner and enjoy some Swiss wine.
Day 4: Geneva, Switzerland, to Annecy, France
After breakfast, take a train to Geneva, Switzerland's second-largest city. Visit the iconic Jet d'Eau fountain, explore the Old Town, and learn about the city's role as a hub of international diplomacy. In the afternoon, drive to Annecy, a picturesque town located in the French Alps. Take a stroll around the charming Old Town, visit the historic Chteau d'Annecy, and enjoy some local specialties, such as tartiflette and raclette, for dinner.
Day 5: Lyon, France
After breakfast, drive one hour and forty minutes to Lyon, France's gastronomic capital. Visit the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the city's famous traboules or hidden passageways. Sample some of Lyon's renowned cuisine for lunch, such as coq au vin or quenelles. In the afternoon, visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvire, which offers stunning views of the city, and take a walk along the Sane River. Try local wine and cheese at a traditional Bouchon or Lyonnais brasserie for dinner before returning to your hotel for rest.
Day 6: Strasbourg, France
After breakfast, take a train to Strasbourg, a famous city for its stunning Gothic cathedral and historic Old Town. Visit the Cathdrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, explore the picturesque Petite France neighborhood, and take a boat tour of the canals. For lunch, try some local specialties, such as choucroute garnie or tarte flambe. In the evening, visit one of the city's many wing stubs or traditional Alsatian wine bars, and sample some of the local wines.
Day 7: Heidelberg, Germany
After breakfast, drive one hour and thirty minutes to Heidelberg, a charming university town on the banks of the Neckar River. Explore the historic Old Town of Germany, visit the iconic Heidelberg Castle, and walk around the famous Philosophers' Way. For lunch, try some local specialties, such as sauerbraten or sptzle. In the evening, take a walk along the Neckar River and enjoy the stunning views of the town's illuminated castle.
Day 8: Munich, Germany
After breakfast, get a private four-hour drive to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Visit the famous Marienplatz, home to the iconic Glockenspiel, and explore the historic Old Town. For lunch, try some local specialties, such as weiwurst or schnitzel. In the afternoon, visit the famous Hofbruhaus, a traditional Bavarian beer hall, and enjoy some local beer. In the evening, take a walk around Englischer Garten, Munich's famous city park. Check in to a luxury hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 9: Neuschwanstein Castle and Fssen, Germany
After breakfast, drive two hours to Fssen, a charming town located in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps. Visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, a stunning fairy tale castle that inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. After the castle visit, take a walk around Fssen and explore the town's charming streets and historic buildings. Try some local specialties, such as Kaiserschmarrn or apple strudel, for dinner. Return to Munich.
Day 10: Salzburg, Austria
After breakfast, get a private two-hour drive to Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Mozart and the city featured in the Sound of Music. Visit the historic Old Town and see the Mirabell Palace, the Getreidegasse, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress. For lunch, try some local specialties, such as Wiener Schnitzel or Salzburger Nockerl. In the afternoon, visit the Mozart Museum and learn about the life of this famous composer. Take a walk around the historic Salzach River and enjoy the stunning views of the city. Return to Munich for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 11: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
After breakfast, drive two hours to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a picturesque medieval town that has been perfectly preserved. Visit the historic Old Town and see the famous Plnlein corner, the town walls, and the Kobolzeller Tower. Try some local specialties, such as Schneeballen or Franconian sausages, for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum and learn about the history of law enforcement in Europe. Take a walk around the town and enjoy the charming streets and historic buildings. Return to Munich for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 12: Departure
After breakfast, your private guide will drive you to the Munich International Airport for your flight back home, with memories of the beautiful trip still vivid in your mind.
Recommended Articles
The Best 8 Things to Do in Germany
