4 Small-Group Day Trips in Switzerland Worth the Early Start

1.Zurich: Small Group Mount Pilatus Golden Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 83 reviews · 10.5 hours · from $287Our pick

Travel from Zurich to Mount Pilatus by panoramic bus, ride the Dragon Ride and world’s steepest cogwheel railway, cruise Lake Lucerne, and explore Lucerne independently. English-speaking driver-guides such as Tony provide clear timing and local tips, but weather can limit summit views.

“the tour guide was amazing. very friendly, with great spirit and show passion on what he is doing. I wish could have workers like him in my Corporation. the tour was perfect. Guillermo Szpigiel.”

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2.Zermatt & Mt. Gornergrat Small Group Day Trip from Zürich

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 72 reviews · 11 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $756

Travel by rail from Zurich to Zermatt with a small group of no more than 15 people, explore the car-free village, then ride the Gornergrat railway to about 3,100 meters. Guides such as Enzo, Michael, Ueli, and Ani help with train changes and local sights.

“From Zurich getting to Zermatt is a big deal, two trains and three hours each way. That said, if the weather is good this is one heck of an experience. Tour guide Martin (sorry if my spelling is incorrect) was fantastic and made life a breeze.”

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3.Bern Small-Group Day Trip from Zurich Including Cheese Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 57 reviews · 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $245Best value

Spend 10.5 hours traveling from Zurich to Bern in a small, air-conditioned minibus. You will visit Kambly for biscuit samples, walk Bern’s medieval center with an English-speaking guide, and taste Emmentaler cheese. Guides have included Gallus, Thomas, Monika, and Brigitte.

“The guide was great. The cookie company and cheese company products were not what anyone should eat. On the list of killer, habit forming things that should not be eaten. Full of sugar, carbohydrates, highly processed grain, saturated fat and cholesterol. The views from the bus were great. Bern was great except for the bear habitat. Would have been nice if there was time for lunch in Bern. Great photo opportunities in Bern.”

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4.Mt. Pilatus Golden Roundtrip Small Group Day Trip from Lucerne

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 36 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $499

Travel from Lucerne to Mount Pilatus by lake boat, cogwheel railway, gondola, and bus with an English-speaking guide. The route lasts 6 to 7 hours, includes reserved train seats and admission, and limits the group to 15 people. Guides such as Ani, Abraham, Martin, and Ueli have earned especially warm praise.

“Absolutely wonderful tour ! We loved every part of it , from the gorgeous boat ride to the cogwheel train to the gondola ride down . Perfect day in the alps”

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