What do I have to consider when picking up a rental 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. There is often a surcharge for young drivers under the age of 25. A credit card in the name of the main driver must be presented when picking up the rental car. A valid driver's license is also required. Additional drivers can be registered on site for a surcharge .

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

The route is well marked with over 650 signs . Highways are only used if necessary. You will also receive a travel guide 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 long does each daily stage take and how many kilometers do I drive per day?

The daily stages of the Grand Tour of Switzerland vary , but you can expect a driving time of around 3 to 5 hours per day . The exact number of kilometers / miles and driving time for each stage are specified in the program . Depending on the route, stops, and traffic , the travel time may also vary slightly.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend that you book early . Demand is particularly high for the main season (see above). You can book your package deal conveniently online or with our travel experts .

Road Trip

Grand Tour of Switzerland – Western Route

The western Switzerland tour is a road trip through the French language area of 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

from $ 790

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 landmark of the city on Lake Geneva
The spectacular vineyards of Lavaux – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Jura Vaudois Nature Park - unspoiled nature, vast forests, and breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the Alps
Zermatt – home to the iconic Matterhorn
A real road trip feeling on the drive 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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Travel itinerary

Overview

Map of Switzerland with the itinerary Grand Tour of Switzerland - Western Route from Geneva to Montreux

Day 1

Journey to Geneva

Daily Itinerary

You 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

Travel from Geneva to Gstaad

Daily Itinerary

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

Distance: 240 km / 149 mi

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

Travel from Gstaad to Lucerne

Daily Itinerary

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

Distance: 207 km / 129 mi

Overnight stay in Lucerne

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

Day 4

Trip from Lucerne to Zermatt

Daily Itinerary

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

Distance: 202 km / 126 mi

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

Trip from Zermatt to Montreux

Daily Itinerary

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

Distance: 150 km / 93 mi

Overnight stay in Montreux

City view by the lake with mountains in the background.

Day 6

Travel from Montreux to Geneva and return journey

Daily Itinerary

You drive from Montreux through the Lavaux wine region with its terraced vineyards. You drive from Lausanne along the lakeshore to Geneva.

Distance: 93 km / 58 mi

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

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Included in your booking

Your Digital Swiss Coupon Pass

With every package holiday booking in 2026, we'll give you a Digital Swiss Coupon Pass – your key to over 100 exclusive 2-for-1 experiences throughout Switzerland. Discover more, enjoy more and save up to CHF 4,500.

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