8 days in Switzerland Itinerary

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.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Sat): admire the masterpieces at Fondation Beyeler, test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms, and then take a stroll through Basel's Old Town.

To find traveler tips, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Basel journey planner.

London, UK to Basel is an approximately 5-hour flight. You can also take a train; or drive. The time zone difference when traveling from London to Basel is 1 hour. In May in Basel, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 10°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) early enough to drive to Pontresina.

Pontresina is a municipality in the Maloja Region in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland.History and nameThe city was first mentioned in medieval Latin documents as pontem sarasinam in 1137. Start off your visit on the 21st (Sun): explore the activities along Lake St. Moritz, then get great views at Diavolezza, then appreciate the views at Engadine, and finally explore the striking landscape at Morteratsch Glacier.

To find ratings, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, read Pontresina road trip website.

Traveling by car from Basel to Pontresina takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Basel in May, expect Pontresina to be a bit cooler, temps between 15°C and 5°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Sun) early enough to go by car to Lucerne.

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

On the 22nd (Mon), take in the views from Pont Spreuer, make a trip to The Nine Towers, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Hofkirche, then see the interesting displays at Museum Rosengart Collection, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Jesuitenkirche.

For maps, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Lucerne day trip planner.

You can drive from Pontresina to Lucerne in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Pontresina in May, expect Lucerne to be a bit warmer, temps between 21°C and 10°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Mon) early enough to drive to Lauterbrunnen.

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

Start off your visit on the 23rd (Tue): take in the dramatic scenery at Staubbach Waterfall, appreciate the views at Lauterbrunnen Village, and then appreciate the views at Lauterbrunnen Valley Waterfalls.

To find other places to visit, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Lauterbrunnen travel itinerary planner.

Getting from Lucerne to Lauterbrunnen by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Tue) so you can go by car 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 24th (Wed): see the interesting displays at Queen Studio Experience, then take in the awesome beauty at Rochers-de-Naye, then ski along the peaceful trails at Glacier 3000, and finally see the interesting displays at Fondation Pierre Gianadda. On the 25th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: go for a walk through Montreux Lakeside, then don't miss a visit to Sauvabelin Tower, then go for a stroll along the water at Le Port d'Ouchy, and finally step aboard La Suisse - Belle Epoque - paddle steamboat.

To find ratings, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Montreux itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Lauterbrunnen to Montreux takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Thu) to allow enough 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.

On the 26th (Fri), delve into the distant past at Archeological Site at St. Pierre's Cathedral, stroll around Parc Des Bastions, pause for some photo ops at Reformation Wall, then make a trip to Place Bourg du Four, and finally take in nature's colorful creations at Jardin Anglais. Keep things going the next day: examine the collection at International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, don't miss a visit to Broken Chair Sculpture, and then admire the natural beauty at Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques de Geneve.

To see traveler tips, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Geneva trip itinerary planning tool.

Traveling by car from Montreux to Geneva takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In May, daytime highs in Geneva are 22°C, while nighttime lows are 9°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 27th (Sat) so you can catch the flight back home.