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7 Day Winter Wonderland and Christmas Markets Tour

7 Day Winter Wonderland and Christmas Markets Tour Itinerary

Last updated: 2024 Jun 29

Lucerne's Winter Charm

Morning
Start your Swiss adventure in Lucerne, a city known for its preserved medieval architecture. Begin your day with a visit to Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke), one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. The bridge is beautifully decorated with paintings that depict the history of Lucerne. Afterward, head to Café de Ville for a cozy breakfast and a warm cup of Swiss hot chocolate.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, explore the stunning Lucerne Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche Luzern), an iconic baroque church located on the banks of the Reuss River. Then, take a short walk to Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal), a poignant sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards who were killed during the French Revolution. For lunch, enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine at Wirtshaus Galliker.
Evening
As evening falls, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Lucerne's Christmas Market at Franziskanerplatz. Stroll through stalls offering handmade crafts and delicious treats. End your day with dinner at Restaurant Balances, known for its elegant setting and exquisite dishes.
Bedtime
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Bern's Historic Wonders

Morning
Travel to Bern, Switzerland's capital city, which is about an hour by train from Lucerne. Start your day with a visit to Bern: City Sightseeing Self-Guided Walking Tour Game. This interactive tour will guide you through Bern’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town while you solve puzzles and learn about its history. For breakfast, stop by Adriano’s Bar & Café for freshly baked pastries and coffee.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, explore more of Bern’s historical sites including the impressive Bern Cathedral (Bern Minster) and the famous Zytglogge clock tower. Don't miss out on visiting Einstein House where Albert Einstein lived while developing his theory of relativity. Have lunch at Kornhauskeller, which offers traditional Swiss dishes in a historic setting.
Evening
Spend your evening enjoying Bern’s Christmas Market located at Waisenhausplatz and Münsterplatz. The market features charming stalls selling festive decorations and local delicacies. Wrap up your day with dinner at Rosengarten, which provides stunning views over Bern’s Old Town.
Bedtime
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Interlaken's Alpine Adventure

Morning
Head to Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, which is approximately an hour from Bern by train. Begin your day with an exhilarating experience at Adventure Park Interlaken (Seilpark Interlaken). This park offers various rope courses set against breathtaking alpine scenery. Enjoy breakfast at Café de Paris, known for its delightful pastries.
Afternoon
Afterward, take a scenic boat ride on Lake Brienz (Lake Brienz (Brienzersee)), surrounded by snow-capped mountains – it’s truly magical during wintertime! For lunch, dine at Hotel Interlaken Restaurant, offering both local and international cuisine.
Evening
In the evening, explore Interlaken’s Christmas Market located in Höheweg Street Park. The market is famous for its festive lights and unique gifts from local artisans. Conclude your day with dinner at The 3 Tells Irish Pub, where you can enjoy hearty meals in a cozy atmosphere.
Bedtime
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Zermatt and the Majestic Matterhorn

Morning
Start your day early and take a scenic train ride to Zermatt, which is about 2 hours from Interlaken. Upon arrival, head straight to the iconic Matterhorn. Take the Gornergrat Railway up to get breathtaking views of this majestic peak. Enjoy breakfast at Bäckerei Fuchs, known for its delicious pastries and warm beverages.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, explore more of Zermatt by visiting the Matterhorn Museum, which provides fascinating insights into the history of mountaineering in the region. For lunch, dine at Chez Vrony, a highly-rated restaurant offering traditional Swiss dishes with a modern twist.
Evening
As evening approaches, stroll through Zermatt’s charming Christmas Market located in Bahnhofstrasse. The market features beautifully decorated stalls selling unique gifts and festive treats. End your day with dinner at Whymper-Stube, famous for its fondue and raclette.
Bedtime
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Geneva's Art and History

Morning
Travel to Geneva, which is approximately 3 hours by train from Zermatt. Begin your day with a visit to Geneva Museum of Art and History (Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Genève), one of Switzerland’s most important museums showcasing an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts. Have breakfast at Café du Centre, known for its elegant ambiance and delicious offerings.
Afternoon
Geneva Old Town (Vieille Ville) awaits you in the afternoon. Wander through its narrow streets filled with historical buildings, charming shops, and cozy cafes. Don’t miss St. Peter’s Cathedral for panoramic views over Geneva from its tower. For lunch, enjoy a meal at Restaurant Les Armures, famous for its traditional Swiss cuisine.
Evening
International Museum of the Reformation (Musée International de la Réforme) is a must-visit in the evening to learn about Geneva’s significant role in religious history. Afterwards, immerse yourself in Geneva’s Christmas Market located at Parc des Bastions where you can find unique gifts and festive food stalls. Conclude your day with dinner at Bayview by Michel Roth, offering gourmet dining with stunning views over Lake Geneva.
Bedtime
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Exploring Bernese Oberland

Morning
Schilthorn Adventure Small Group Tour from Bern will be an unforgettable experience today! Depart early from Bern (about an hour away) to reach Schilthorn via cable car rides that offer spectacular views of snow-covered peaks including Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau mountains; also visit Piz Gloria revolving restaurant featured in James Bond movie ‘On Her Majesty's Secret Service’. Enjoy breakfast here while soaking up panoramic vistas.
Afternoon
After descending back down into Lauterbrunnen Valley below – renowned as one most beautiful valleys worldwide – explore Trümmelbach Falls hidden within mountain walls carrying glacial meltwater streams inside caverns carved out over millennia! For lunch stop by nearby village Mürren sampling local specialties at family-run eatery such as Stägerstübli serving hearty alpine fare amidst cozy alpine setting.
Evening
Return towards Interlaken spending evening exploring picturesque town nestled between lakes Thun & Brienz; wander along Höheweg promenade lined boutique shops cafes restaurants before heading towards Höheweg Street Park hosting festive Christmas market brimming handcrafted gifts seasonal delicacies warming mulled wine concluding delightful dinner nearby renowned establishment like Hotel Interlaken Restaurant savoring delectable dishes prepared using freshest regional ingredients ensuring memorable end eventful day!
Bedtime
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Zurich's Festive Finale

Morning
Begin your final day in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, known for its vibrant cultural scene and beautiful lakeside setting. Start with a visit to Uetliberg, a mountain offering panoramic views over Zurich and the surrounding Alps. Enjoy breakfast at Café Schober, a charming café renowned for its delicious pastries and cozy atmosphere.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, explore Zurich’s historic Old Town (Altstadt), where you can wander through narrow, winding streets filled with medieval buildings and unique shops. Don’t miss the iconic Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping avenues. For lunch, dine at Zeughauskeller, a traditional Swiss restaurant located in a former armory.
Evening
As evening falls, immerse yourself in the festive spirit at Zurich’s Christmas Market located in Sechseläutenplatz near Bellevue. The market is famous for its beautifully decorated stalls and festive lights. End your day with dinner at Kronenhalle, an elegant restaurant known for its exquisite cuisine and impressive art collection.
Bedtime
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