Two Swiss Cities, One Day
Discover two very different sides of Switzerland on a private day trip from Zurich.
Start in Bern, Switzerland's federal city, where medieval streets, sandstone buildings, covered arcades and the famous Zytglogge clock tower fill the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Continue to Basel, a city shaped by the Rhine, where you can explore its historic centre, cathedral, market square and winding old-town streets.
With time to explore both cities on foot, this is a day focused on history, architecture, local atmosphere and easy-paced city discovery.
Highlights
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Bern
- Walk beneath Bern's historic six-kilometre arcades
- See the Zytglogge Clock Tower and Bern Minster
- Discover the Aare River and Bear Park
- Explore Basel's historic Old Town
- Visit Basel Minster and the market square
- Walk through Basel's historic lanes and along the Rhine
- Experience two distinctly different Swiss cities in one day
Practical Information
Duration: Full day
Departure: Zurich
Destinations: Bern & Basel
Transport: Private vehicle
Experience type: Private day trip
Route: Zurich → Bern → Basel → Zurich
DETAILED ITINERARY
01 | Zurich to Bern
Begin your day with a private journey from Zurich towards Bern.
As you approach Switzerland's federal city, the scenery changes from the urban landscape of Zurich to the historic centre of Bern.
02 | Bern: Walk Through the Old Town
Spend the first part of your day exploring Bern's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
Walk through its medieval streets and arcades, passing historic fountains, sandstone buildings and the city's famous Zytglogge Clock Tower. The Old Town is easy to explore on foot and brings many of Bern's main sights together in one compact area.
You can also continue towards the Bern Minster, Parliament Building and Parliament Square, or take a short walk towards the River Aare and Bear Park.
03 | Bern: Time to Explore Your Way
After seeing the main sights, enjoy some free time in Bern.
Browse the shops beneath the arcades, stop for a coffee, explore another corner of the Old Town or take a walk towards the Aare.
For travellers interested in history, Bern's Old Town can also be explored through a dedicated UNESCO walking tour or Zytglogge tour.
04 | Bern to Basel
Continue by private vehicle towards Basel.
The scenery changes again as you make your way towards the Rhine and Switzerland's northern cultural centre.
05 | Basel: Discover the Old Town
Spend the afternoon exploring Basel's historic centre, located around the cathedral hill, market square and banks of the Rhine.
Visit Basel Minster, see the distinctive red Town Hall on the market square and wander through the narrow lanes and historic streets. The Old Town also includes landmarks such as Spalentor, one of the city's best-known medieval gates.
06 | Basel: Rhine & Free Time
Take some time to enjoy Basel at your own pace.
Walk along the Rhine, explore the streets around the Old Town or simply find a spot to take in the city's atmosphere.
Basel's Old Town is compact and well suited to exploring on foot, with the Rhine, cathedral and historic centre all within easy reach.
07 | Basel to Zurich
After your time in Basel, begin the return journey to Zurich.
The exact amount of time spent in each city can be adjusted according to your interests and the day's overall timing.
