Discover two of Switzerland's best-known cities in one day, starting from Basel.
Begin in Bern, where medieval streets, sandstone buildings, covered arcades and historic landmarks make up the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Continue to Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, where the historic centre stretches along both sides of the Limmat and meets the shores of Lake Zurich.
With time to explore both cities on foot, the day combines Swiss history, architecture, riverside views and modern city life.
Highlights
- Explore Bern's UNESCO-listed Old Town
- Walk beneath the city's historic arcades
- See the Zytglogge Clock Tower and Bern Minster
- Discover the Limmat and Zurich Old Town
- See Zurich's Grossmünster and Fraumünster
- Walk along Bahnhofstrasse towards Lake Zurich
- Enjoy free time to explore each city at your own pace
- Experience two very different sides of Switzerland in one day
Practical Information
Duration: Full day
Departure: Basel
Destinations: Bern & Zurich
Transport: Private vehicle
Experience type: Private day trip
Route: Basel → Bern → Zurich → Basel
DETAILED ITINERARY
01 | Basel to Bern
Begin your day with a private journey from Basel towards Bern.
As you arrive in Switzerland's federal city, you'll enter a historic centre built around the Aare River.
02 | Bern: Walk Through the Old Town
Spend time exploring Bern's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
Walk along its medieval streets and through the city's famous arcades, which stretch for around six kilometres. Along the way, see landmarks including the Zytglogge Clock Tower, Bern Minster, Parliament Building and historic fountains.
The Zytglogge is one of Bern's most recognisable landmarks and stands in the heart of the Old Town. If your timing allows, you can also explore the area around the Aare River or Bear Park.
03 | Bern: Explore at Your Own Pace
After seeing the main sights, enjoy some free time in Bern.
Browse the shops beneath the arcades, stop at a local café, continue towards the Aare or simply wander through the Old Town's smaller lanes.
The compact layout makes it easy to experience Bern primarily on foot.
04 | Bern to Zurich
Continue your journey by private vehicle towards Zurich.
The scenery gradually changes as you leave Bern behind and approach Switzerland's largest city.
05 | Zurich: Discover the Old Town
Begin your Zurich visit in the city's historic centre.
Explore the Old Town on both sides of the Limmat River, with its narrow lanes, historic guild houses, churches and squares. Key landmarks include Grossmünster, Fraumünster and St. Peter's Church.
Continue through Niederdorf, one of the most atmospheric parts of Zurich's Old Town, with its pedestrian streets, small shops and cafés.
06 | Zurich: Bahnhofstrasse & Lake Zurich
Continue towards Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich's famous boulevard connecting the main railway station with Lake Zurich.
Depending on your interests, spend time browsing its shops and boutiques, continue towards the lake, or take a walk along the waterfront. Bahnhofstrasse stretches for approximately 1.4 kilometres between Zurich Main Station and Lake Zurich.
For a quieter alternative, you can spend more time around Lindenhof or the lakeside instead. Lindenhof offers views across the Old Town and is closely associated with Zurich's early history.
07 | Zurich to Basel
After your time in Zurich, begin the return journey to Basel.
The exact time spent in Bern and Zurich can be adjusted according to your interests and the day's overall timing.
