City Break Cities by the Lakes

Picturesque waterfront promenades, sparkling waters and vibrant culture come together on lake holidays in in Swiss cities. Discover Zurich, Lucerne, Vitznau and Lugano and be enchanted by their charm and versatility. Relaxing walks by the lake, leisurely boat trips and exciting mountain excursions await you on your trip.

7 days / 6 nights

from £ 1,210

Planning

A church with a clock tower, view of the lake with boats and mountains in the background.

Planning

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Highlights

Cosy walks along the promenade of Lake Zurich, Lake Lucerne and Lugano
"Dolce Vita" in Lugano
Up to the summit of the Rigi at 1,798 metres above sea level
Exciting city life in Zurich with direct access to nature
Unique combination of boat and train journey with the Gotthard Panorama Express

A woman walks beside a person using a handbike along a waterfront promenade; boats are visible in the background.

A boat on a lake with mountains in the background under a blue sky.

5 Images

Itinerary

Overview

Day 1 Travelling to Zurich
Day 2 Stay in Lucerne
Day 3 Stay in Vitznau
Day 4 Excursion to the Rigi
Day 5 Ride on the Gotthard Panorama Express
Day 6 Stay in Lugano
Day 7 Return journey from Lugano

Map of Switzerland with the travel route Cities by the Lake from Zurich to Lugano

Day 1

Travelling to Zurich

Itinerary

You are travelling to Zurich by public transport. Explore Zurich on a city tour, visit one of the many museums or enjoy the lake.

Overnight stay in Zurich

Aerial view of a historic town with river, bridge, and church steeples.

Day 2

Stay in Lucerne

Itinerary

You travel from Zurich to Lucerne by public transport. Enjoy the journey and the beautiful views along the way.

Overnight stay in Lucerne

A steamship on a lake with mountains in the background.

Day 3

Stay in Vitznau

Itinerary

You travel by boat from Lucerne to Vitznau on Lake Lucerne. Use the time in Vitznau to explore the surrounding area or simply relax.

Overnight stay in Vitznau

A tranquil lake landscape with houses on the shore and wooded mountains in the background.

Day 4

Excursion to the Rigi

Itinerary

Experience nature on the Rigi. Take the cogwheel railway from Vitznau up to the summit.

Overnight stay in Vitznau

A train travels over green hills with mountains and a lake in the background.

Day 5

Ride on the Gotthard Panorama Express

Itinerary

You travel by boat from Vitznau to Flüelen and then board the Gotthard Panorama Express train to Lugano. Experience an exciting journey to the Mediterranean south.

Overnight stay in Lugano

A ferry on a lake, with a church and houses in a green mountain landscape in the background.

Day 6

Stay in Lugano

Itinerary

Discover Lugano with its Mediterranean arcades and numerous parks. Visit the Parco Civico on the lakeshore and the Belvedere Gardens.

Overnight stay in Lugano

A city view at sunrise with mountains, a church tower, and a mountain railway.

Day 7

Return journey from Lugano

Itinerary

Start your return journey by public transport from Lugano. Alternatively, you can extend your stay.

A city by the lake, surrounded by mountains in sunlight.

When is the best time to travel?

Travel period

May to October

Recommended travel period

May to October

High season

June to August

Important information about the trip

What our Switzerland expert says

Variation and relaxation
The three cities are varied and exciting, but have something else in common – you can find both peace and relaxation by the water.
Jill