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.

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 – Eastern Route

The eastern route takes you through impressive landscapes and cultural highlights in the eastern and southern parts of Switzerland. The road trip feeling really comes to life as you drive through the hilly landscapes of Appenzellerland and the mountains of Graubünden. In the south of Switzerland, you will find Mediterranean flair and the lifestyle of La Dolce Vita.

6 days / 5 nights

from CHF 630

A wide view of the impressively roaring Rhine Falls amidst green landscape under a clear sky.

A herd of cattle on a road, followed by people in traditional costume, in a rural, green area.

A winding mountain road through a green, rocky landscape, with mountains in the background.

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Highlights

St. Gallen – charming old town and baroque monastery complex
Mediterranean flair in Ticino
Davos – a paradise for outdoor adventures and alpine relaxation
Driving pleasure amidst breathtaking landscapes and over spectacular Alpine passes
Rhine Falls - the largest waterfall in Europe

Aerial view of a historic city with a church and red tiled roofs.

A view of a village in the mountains with a lake in the background, taken from an elevated platform.

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Itinerary

Overview

Map of Switzerland with the Grand Tour of Switzerland – Eastern route from Zurich to Lucerne

Day 1

Arrival in Zurich

Itinerary

Start your journey from your individual starting point in Switzerland and travel to Zurich.

Overnight stay in Zurich

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

Day 2

Journey from Zurich to St. Gallen

Itinerary

Travel from Zurich via Schaffhausen to St. Gallen. Enjoy the scenery during the journey and discover the charming villages along the way.

Distance: 150 km

Overnight stay in St. Gallen

Aerial view of a historic church with surrounding buildings and hills in the background.

Day 3

Journey from St. Gallen to Davos

Itinerary

Travel from St. Gallen via Appenzellerland to Davos. Enjoy the journey and discover the beautiful landscape along the way.

Distance: 183 km

Overnight stay in Davos

A city in a valley, surrounded by mountains and forests.

Day 4

Journey from Davos to Lugano

Itinerary

The route continues from Davos through the Engadine over the Julier Pass and the San Bernardino Pass to Lugano.

Distance: 290 km

Overnight stay in Lugano

A beautiful lakeside landscape with houses on the slope and a mountain in the background.

Day 5

Journey from Lugano to Lucerne

Itinerary

Travel from Lugano via Bellinzona, the Gotthard and Grimsel passes to Meiringen and finally reach Lucerne. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way!

Distance: 236 km

Overnight stay in Lucerne

A winding mountain road surrounded by green hills and blooming plants.

Day 6

Journey from Lucerne to Zurich and onward travel

Itinerary

Travel from Lucerne to Zurich. Alternatively, you can extend your stay at a location of your choice.

An old wooden bridge with a tower in the water at sunset.

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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