Where are the adventure seekers? We have got the best Swiss itinerary for you, as talking about adventure and not mentioning Switzerland won’t be fair, though. So, hop inside this ultimate 4 days Switzerland to Switzerland itinerary and explore what are the best things you can do in such a short span and what highlights are must to visit. What are you waiting for? Let’s hop on!
Your Ultimate 4 Days Switzerland Itinerary
Switzerland is one of the world’s most iconic destinations, with a plethora of adventurous hiking trails, thrilling cable car experiences, scenic landscapes, and historic landmarks. It is also home to 13 of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. So, if you are thrilled by its charm and want to explore it to the fullest but have just 4 days for it, we have covered you with this ultimate 4 days Switzerland itinerary across the Alps to the Italian south in Ticino. Let’s have a look at it!
Day 1: Zurich – Chur – St. Moritz
Begin your day by exploring Zurich by renting a bicycle or relying on the Swiss Half Fare Card, which, according to us, every foreign traveler must have. You can also book a guided city tour to make the most of your experience. Once you are done with Zurich, hop on the train straight to Chur, where you can stroll around. The capital of the Grisons features loads of hidden gems.
On your way to Chur, you will witness scenic views of Lake Walensee and Lake Zurich. So, ensure to take your camera along. Another important tip would be to pick a seat on the left – the ideal spot for the best views. After exploring Chur, you may get straight to the St. Moritz via another train ride with alluring views.
The two main highlights would be the curvy Albula Line and the Landwasser Viaduct. Are you feeling sleepy? That’s pretty normal, as Sy. Moritz is at a high altitude of 1822 meters. It’s typical for people to take at least two days to get used to the thin air.
Day 2: St. Moritz – Tirano – Lugano
The second day would begin with exploring the Alps from St. Moritz to Lugano. When done, get onto the Bernina Express to reach the highest point of the Line, then back down to Switzerland’s southern region, crossing into Italy, and back to Switzerland again. If we had to choose one adventurous experience that everyone should book in Switzerland, it would surely be this ride. Thanks to the Swiss Half Fare Card, you can save half of the fare.
Most of the second day would be consumed by this ride, leaving you all tired. So, just unwind at the promenade of Lake Lugano. Half fun taking in the views when sipping on your fav drink or enjoying ice cream and then going for a stroll through Lugano. Your next two-night stay will be in the Canton of Ticino, which comes with a Ticino ticket. With it, you can use public transport all across the Canton of Ticino for free, along with discounts on other attractions. How cool!
Read this article for more information regarding the Swiss Half Fare Card. (Link second article here)
Day 3: Free day in the Canton of Ticino
It’s going to be the busiest of all the days with most attractions in the Italian part of Switzerland. Begin your day heading towards the alluring two river valleys, Maggia and Verzasca. Both valleys are considered the best spots for swimming, hiking, or just hanging around. Bring picnic essentials with you, as there are multiple picnic spots in both valleys. The best one remains right below the stone bridge in Lavertezzo.
Proceed with your journey, heading towards Lago Maggiore or Lago di Lugano. With calm waters, both lakes are ideal for travelers with kids. You will also find plenty of photo opportunities here, so be sure to take your camera along.
Wait, you don’t want to explore these? No worries, Ticino isn’t short of attractions! You can switch to exploring the little town of Ascona next to Locarno. Else adventure travelers can enjoy an adrenaline rush in the 007 bungy at the end of Verzasca Valley.
Once you’ve completed everything, head back to Lugano and spend your time there. Sometimes, wandering around in the time is all you need. Chat with locals, try out different local dishes, and have fun capturing local life.
Day 4: Lugano – Lucerne – Zurich
Well, the last day is already here. Either leave for Ticino or travel back on the Gotthard Panorama Express. You will get through the old Gotthard tunnel to Flüelen on the first leg of this ride. To your surprise, before the opening of the Gotthard-Basistunnel, this ride used to be the only way to access Ticino by rail. Now, it’s only being used for tourist purposes, owing to the plenty of scenic views it offers along the way.
Once at Flüelen, you can hop inside a steamboat for a ride across Lake Lucerne. This boat ride will terminate next to the train station, so you can either get back to Zurich or wander around in Lucerne, depending on how much time you are left with.
Wrapping It Up!
No doubt, Switzerland is a small country, but you can’t deny the fact that it has plenty to offer to its tourists. So, if you are planning 4 days Switzerland tour, it would definitely be a daunting task to decide what to add into your bucket list and what to skip. However, that won’t be the case with our itinerary.
Lastly, we would recommend getting Swiss Half Fare Card, as this itinerary include sort of unlimited travel in limited span, so saving some bucks with this card would be the best approach for foreigners. Wondering where to get it from? Hop onto the stc’s official website. You can find every Swiss travel pass or card there.