Culture, History, and Epic Alpine Vistas in Zurich, Lucerne, Munich

8 Day Tour of Zurich, Lucerne and Munich

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8 Days 7 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Cultural Exploration

History Buffs

Discover Zurich, Lucerne, and Munich on an 8-day voyage blending historical landmarks, cultural riches, and epic landscapes. The itinerary offers private guided tours of Zurich's Old Town, Lucerne and its lakefront, and Munich's historic center. It also includes self-guided excursions to Mount Pilatus in the Swiss Alps and Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps. You'll travel with the advantage of local insights and detailed travel guidance thanks to Go Real Travel's mobile app, ensuring a seamless journey from the cobblestoned streets of the cities to rocky Alpine peaks.

Wander Zurich’s quaint Old Town, where history comes with a side of modern Swiss efficiency & order.
Explore enchanting Lucerne, cross the Chapel Bridge over Lake Lucerne, and admire the Lion Monument.
Ride the cogwheel train to Mount Pilatus, enjoying panoramic views of the Alps & Lake Lucerne below.
Get to know Munich's history in the Residence Palace and stroll with locals in the English Garden.
Venture to the storybook world of Neuschwanstein Castle, a fairy tale amidst the Bavarian Alps.

Wander Zurich’s quaint Old Town, where history comes with a side of modern Swiss efficiency & order.
Explore enchanting Lucerne, cross the Chapel Bridge over Lake Lucerne, and admire the Lion Monument.
Ride the cogwheel train to Mount Pilatus, enjoying panoramic views of the Alps & Lake Lucerne below.
Get to know Munich's history in the Residence Palace and stroll with locals in the English Garden.
Venture to the storybook world of Neuschwanstein Castle, a fairy tale amidst the Bavarian Alps.

Old Town

Architecture

Fraumunster

Churches & Monasteries

Lake Zurich

Natural Beauty

Chapel Bridge

Natural Beauty

Lake Lucerne

Natural Beauty

Old Town

Historic Landmarks

Old Town

Architecture

Residence Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Deutsches Museum

Museums & Galleries

Must see sights

Old Town

Architecture

Fraumunster

Churches & Monasteries

Lake Zurich

Natural Beauty

Chapel Bridge

Natural Beauty

Lake Lucerne

Natural Beauty

Old Town

Historic Landmarks

Old Town

Architecture

Residence Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Deutsches Museum

Museums & Galleries

Starting from

$2979

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

Not included

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Zurich

Day 1

Arrive Zurich

To Be Determined

Private Transfer from the Zurich Airport

We will schedule a pick up for 20 minutes after your flight's arrival time. You will be met in the terminal by an English speaking driver holding a sign with your name on it. The ride is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride will be included in your itinerary package.

Day 1

Arrive Zurich

To Be Determined:

Zurich Airport Pickup

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

West Bank, Self-Guided

Afternoon/Late Afternoon:

East Bank, Self Guided

Early Evening/Evening:

Dining Out

Day 1

Arrive Zurich

Day 1

Arrive Zurich

To Be Determined

Private Transfer from the Zurich Airport

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Self Guided Visit to Zürich's West Bank

A wander around the West Bank of Zürich's Limmat River will help you experience the city's development over the centuries, from its iconic Fraumünster church, the rise of its famous banking industry around Paradeplatz, its associations with the Irish writer James Joyce, and its impact on modern sporting history at the FIFA World Football Museum.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Self Guided Tour of Zurich East Bank

Explore the environs of the left bank of the Limmat River in Zurich, including, for example, Grossmünster church where the Protestant Reformation found a receptive audience, as well as the modern artistic masterpieces housed in the Kunsthaus, before settling down to a traditional hearty cheese fondue somewhere along the pedestrianized Niederdorfstrasse.

Early Evening/Evening

Dining Out in Zurich

Zürich naturally offers all the traditional Swiss dishes that you've heard of, like fondue (melted cheese in which you dip pieces of bread), raclette (melted cheese with potatoes, from Wallis), rösti (potatoes), Spätzli, and typical Swiss cervelat (a big sausage served with "Bürli," a piece of bread). Nevertheless, since it also is very multicultural, you can find food from a lot of foreign cultures as well.

Day 2

Zurich

Day 2

Zurich

Day 2

Zurich

Day 2

Zurich

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Private Introductory tour of the Zurich Old Town

During this 2.5-hour private walking tour, you will learn how Switzerland became Switzerland, and why Zurich is its most populated and important city. The walk towards the lake will take you to the Lindenhof, where you will enjoy a marvelous view of the Limmat all the way over to the Grossmünster. From there you will head to the Fraumünster, passing by St. Peter's Church, which bears the biggest clock face in Europe. Passing by the side of the city's Grossmünster, you will walk from the Lake to the Niederdorfstrasse, where you will experience the focal point of Zurich's restaurants and bars.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

Self-Guided Excursion to Solothurn

Said to be the most beautiful Baroque city in Switzerland, Solothurn has an easily navigable historic center filled with an incongruous architectural mix of Swiss-German rugged practicality and Italianate excess erected during the town's heyday in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Day 3

Zurich to Lucerne

Day 3

Zurich to Lucerne

Day 3

Zurich to Lucerne

Day 3

Zurich to Lucerne

9:05 AM

Taxi Transfer to Zurich Main Rail Station

Zurich taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up one hour prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train.

10:10 - 10:51

Rail Journey Zurich to Lucerne

A Swiss Travel Pass for this scenic direct journey to Lucerne, that takes about 45m, is included with the purchase of an itinerary. Detailed directions and instructions that make the trip easy and stress-free are also included in the Full Itinerary.

10:51 AM

Arrival in Lucerne and Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival in Lucerne, you will exit the rail station and proceed to the taxi stand where you will find taxis waiting for arriving passengers. Taxis in Lucerne are generally reliable and honest and are less expensive than using a pre-arranged pick up service for your transfer to the hotel. Detailed arrival information and instructions for taking a taxi are provided in the Full-Length itinerary with the purchase of an itinerary.

1:15 PM - 3:15 PM

Private Walking Tour of Lucerne

During this 2 hour guided private tour you will take in all the major highlights of Lucerne including: Lion Monument, Chapel Bridge, the Old Town and the Jesuit Church. Your professional guide will tell you about the fascinating history of the town and why Lucerne is a favorite destination for the Swiss and foreign visitors alike. You will also enjoy stunning views around Lake Lucerne, especially of the city's mountain, Mount Pilatus.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Tour Lucerne's Old Town on the South Bank

Explore Lucerne's Old Town on the south bank of the Reuss River, including its iconic Chapel Bridge and Jesuit Church. Close to the station you'll also find two of Switzerland's many premier league art galleries, or the city's most relaxing lakeside park. An enjoyable short hike further south along the lakefront will lead you to the exquisite villa where the composer Richard Wagner spent his last years.

Early Evening

Dining Out in Lucerne

Lucerne affords some really interesting culinary options with a focus on homegrown, handmade and freshly foraged that help dispell the age-old notion that Swiss cuisine is only about chocolate-box cliches and high cholesterol counts resulting from heavy cheese-based dishes like fondue, rosti, and raclette. Make use of the list of our restaurant and cafe recommendations included in the Full Itinerary to treat yourself to an evening out on the town and discover real Swiss cooking at its best.

Day 4

Lucerne

Day 4

Lucerne

Day 4

Lucerne

Day 4

Lucerne

Early Morning to Late Afternoon

Self Guided Excursion to Mount Pilatus by Cog-Wheel Train

Ride the steepest rack-railway in the world at a gradient of nearly 48 percent from Alpnachstad up the giant mountain of Mt Pilatus that looms over the city of Lucerne, or glide up the other side on a gondola from Kriens. The highest point, Tomlishorn, with superlative views of Lake Lucerne, is only 30min on foot from the hotels and restaurants near the top.

Late Afternoon

Explore Lucerne's Old Town on the North Bank

Wander the Old Town on the north side of the Reuss River and discover the intricately cobbled squares and exquisitely preserved architecture of the townhouses before walking along part of the fortified Musegg city walls from tower to tower. Further north of the river you'll come across the famously heart-rending sculpture of the Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument), built to commemorate Swiss soldiers who fought and died defending Louis XVI during the French Revolution.

Day 5

Lucerne to Munich

Day 5

Lucerne to Munich

Day 5

Lucerne to Munich

Day 5

Lucerne to Munich

7:10 AM

Taxi Rail Drop-Off at Lucerne Rail Station

Lucerne taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up one hour prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train.

08:09 - 08:50, 09:03 - 13:05

Rail Journey to Munich

This scenic journey will take about five hours. You will first travel through the exquisite Swiss countryside, changing trains in Zurich, and passing alongside beautiful lakes and mountains. In most cases, you will take a modern EuroCity train from Zurich to Munich, as you journey through the also beautiful Bavarian countryside.

1:05 PM

Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Müchen Hbf station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option - there is a subway and local rail station co-located with the train station. Taxis are available at all rail stations and are generally honest. Some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Exploring Munich's Altstadt (i.e. the Old Town)

Munich boasts a large old town (Altstadt) with many beautiful historic buildings. Sometimes called the world's largest village, it is a perfect place to wander. You will discover many Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings, as well as several stunning examples of modern architecture. Pleasant cafes, beer halls, cozy restaurants, and great shopping all add to the charming atmosphere.

Evening

Visit to the Augustiner Keller

This vast beer garden under leafy chestnut trees is immensely popular with the locals, so you can study the lederhosen-clad men and dirndl attired women at close quarters while quaffing the Augustiner's own Edelstaff beer from your Maßkrug (one-liter glass beer mug) and wolfing down a plate stacked high with Bavarian sausage and mashed potato.

Day 6

Munich

Day 6

Munich

Day 6

Munich

Day 6

Munich

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Guided Walk Tour of Historic Munich

Munich contains many reminders of a long and varied history but also encompasses the modern features of a strong and vibrant city. The insights of a local help make sense of the traditions, trends, and promises of Bavaria's Capital - sometimes referred to as the city of laptops and lederhosen. On this tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Munich and point out the many hidden treasures.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

A Visit to Munich's Residence Palace

The Munich Residenz was the seat of Bavaria's Dukes and Kings from the middle ages until 1918. Originally a medieval castle, it was transformed over the centuries into a beautiful palace. Today it is open to the public and you can explore its magnificent interiors, numerous courtyards, and elegant garden. The living quarters of the royal family have been transformed into a museum which provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Kings and Queens. You can also peruse numerous jewels, gold objects, and other precious items which are held in the Residenz Schatzkammer (treasury).

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Stroll through the English Garden

The English Garden is one of Europe's largest parks; in fact, it is larger than New York's Central Park. While it is called the "English Garden" after the style of the park, it was actually designed by an American-Englishman and is now a symbol of the very Bavarian city of Munich. The park is a perfect place to escape the city for a long stroll, where you can enjoy the natural scenery and the people watching.

Early Evening/Evening

Concert or Other Cultural Event in Munich

Munich, as the capital of Bavaria and the third largest city in Germany, is one of the country's leading locations for classical concerts and opera. Classical music lovers can enjoy a wide range of international soloists, conductors, chamber ensembles, and top orchestras, including its own world-class Munich Philharmonic, which attracts top musicians from all over the world. With performance venues such as the National Theater and Cuvilliés Theater, a concert in Munich can be as much a feast for the eyes as for the ears.

Day 7

Munich

Day 7

Munich

Day 7

Munich

Day 7

Munich

Early Morning to Afternoon

Self Guided Excursion to Neuschwanstein Castle

An inspiration for the Disney Castles, numerous fairy tales, and countless dreamers, the Castle of Neuschwanstein is perhaps the most famous castle in the world. The eccentric Bavarian King Ludwig II created this amazing palace in the 19th century as an idyllic version of a medieval castle. You can visit by taking a guided tour from Munich or traveling independently by train and bus. In addition to enjoying spectacular views you can take a guided tour of the castle interior which is well worth the experience (but keep in mind that there a lots of steps to negotiate). If traveling independentally, be sure to book your interior tour reservations at least two days in advance.

Day 8

Depart Munich

Day 8

Depart Munich

Day 8

Depart Munich

Day 8

Depart Munich

To Be Determined

Transfer to Airport by Taxi or Train

Munich has one main airport, Munich International Airport, where almost all visitors depart. The most affordable and often fastest way to reach the airport is by train. The "S-bahn" local trains takes 40 minutes and leaves directly from the main station in central Munich (München hbf). Other regional trains to the airport depart from other stations in Munich, so you may have an even better departure option near your hotel. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about 3 hours before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with a little over 2 hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

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Culture, History, and Epic Alpine Vistas in Zurich, Lucerne, Munich

8 Day Tour of Zurich, Lucerne and Munich

$2979

Secure Your Customizable Trip Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Private Transfer from the Zurich Airport

Secure Your Customizable Trip
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary
Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.