What do I have to bear in mind when picking up a hire car and is there a minimum age?

The minimum age for most vehicle categories is 21 years, for higher vehicle categories 25 years. In addition, driving experience of at least three years is required. For young drivers under the age of 25, there is often a surcharge . A credit card in the name of the main driver must be presented when picking up the hire car. A valid driving licence is also required. Additional drivers can be registered on pickup for a surcharge .

How do I find my way around the Grand Tour of Switzerland?

The route is well signposted with over 650 signs . Motorways are only used if necessary. You will also receive a guidebook and a Hallwag map so that you don't miss any highlights. The Grand Tour of Switzerland app also provides you with further information about the route and a practical navigation system.

How many kilometres do I drive each day on the Grand Tour of Switzerland?

The driving times of the Grand Tour of Switzerland vary , but you can expect a figure of around 3 to 5 hours per day . The exact number of kilometres for each day are specified in the programme . Depending on the route, stops and traffic , the journey time may also vary slightly.

What advantages does the Swiss Coupon Pass included with my tour offer?

The Swiss Coupon Pass, which is included with your tour, offers you various discounts and special offers on activities, restaurants and sights throughout Switzerland. You can benefit from 2-for-1 offers or discounts , for example on mountain excursions, museum visits or culinary experiences. The pass allows you to make your trip even more varied and cost-effective by giving you exclusive access to special discounts .

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment. Demand is particularly high for the high season (see above). You can book your package online at the touch of a button or via our travel experts .

Road Trip

Grand Tour of Switzerland – Western Route

A road trip through French-speaking Switzerland, Valais and the Bernese Oberland. Three regions that impressively showcase the diversity of Switzerland. Drive your car along beautiful lakes and mountain landscapes to the cultural treasures of western Switzerland. A section of the Grand Tour of Switzerland to fall in love with.

6 days / 5 nights

CHF 600

A large water fountain rises in front of a skyline with mountains in the background.

A castle on a hill, surrounded by green trees and mountains in the background.

A historic wooden bridge and a tower by the water, with mountains in the background.

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Highlights

"Jet d'Eau" fountain - the town's landmark on Lake Geneva
The spectacular vineyards of Lavaux – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Jura Vaudois Nature Park – unspoilt nature, vast forests and breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the Alps
Zermatt - home to the iconic Matterhorn
That real road trip feeling when travelling over the Furka Pass

Aerial view of a large fountain in the water, surrounded by boats and a shore with buildings.

A winding road leads through green vineyards to a lake.

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Itinerary

Overview

Day 1

Arrival in Geneva

Itinerary

Start your journey from your individual starting point in Switzerland and travel to Geneva. Explore Lake Geneva and the beautiful old town.

Overnight stay in Geneva

View of Geneva with the Jet d'Eau fountain in the foreground and Lake Geneva, surrounded by buildings and mountains in the background.

Day 2

Journey from Geneva to Gstaad

Itinerary

Travel from Geneva to Gstaad. The route takes you through the Jura Vaudois Nature Park and past Fribourg and Gruyères.

Distance: 240 km

Overnight stay in Gstaad

A vast mountain landscape with conifer trees, a grassy slope, and a view of a lake in the distance.

Day 3

Journey from Gstaad to Lucerne

Itinerary

Travel from Gstaad via Interlaken and Bern to Lucerne. Enjoy the ride through the beautiful Swiss countryside.

Distance: 207 km

Overnight stay in Lucerne

Sunset over a city with a bridge and river, mountains in the background.

Day 4

Journey from Lucerne to Zermatt

Itinerary

You travel from Lucerne over the Furka Pass to Täsch. From there, take the train to Zermatt. Here you will be greeted with a view of the Matterhorn.

Distance: 202 km

Overnight stay in Zermatt

A mountain landscape with a cluster of houses in the valley and a tall, snow-covered peak in the background.

Day 5

Journey from Zermatt to Montreux

Itinerary

You take the train from Zermatt to Täsch. Then travel by car via Sion, Martigny and Leysin to Montreux.

Distance: 150 km

Overnight stay in Montreux

City view by the lake with mountains in the background.

Day 6

Journey from Montreux to Geneva and onward travel

Itinerary

Travel from Montreux through the Lavaux wine-growing region with its terraced vineyards. From Lausanne, you cycle along the lakeside to Geneva.

Distance: 93 km

Terraced vineyards by the lake with mountains in the background.

When is the best time to travel?

Travel period

April to October

Recommended travel period

June to September

High season

July, August

Important information about the trip

What our Switzerland expert says

Highlights of many different kinds
For me, this route is a wonderful combination of various elements and highlights – city, water and mountains.
Heidi