Excellent
7-Day Germany & Switzerland Itinerary: Alpine & Forest Landscapes
7 Days
3 Stops
Private transfer
Plan your trip
Your tailor-made itinerary – No cost, no commitment
Excellent
From$5,250
per personAccommodations
Transportation
24/7 support
Activities
Tourlane App
Travel plan
Flights
Trip curated by Roman Karin
ExpertMy team and I crafted this trip! Want to make it even more your style? Let’s chat — you can book a free planning call with me.
My team and I crafted this trip! Want to make it even more your style? Let’s chat — you can book a free planning call with me.
Recommended route
Customize at any time with an expert
Heidelberg
Day 1 - 2
Heidelberg offers romance and historical intrigue in equally large measure as it rests on the banks of the Neckar River in southwestern Germany. As the home of countless lively beer gardens, Germany’s oldest university, and, of course, the world’s most famous castle ruins, this remarkable city offers a virtually unrivalled variety of culture and entertainment. The highlight is undoubtedly the magnificent Heidelberg Castle, which towers majestically above the Neckar Valley, offering panoramic views of the exquisite baroque Old Town and the surrounding forested hills. Venture beyond the tourist hotspots, and discover an array of beautiful old monuments and churches interspersed with exclusive boutiques, cosy student pubs, breweries and wine bars at every turn. This lively metropolis, with its picturesque scenery and pleasant climate, appeals to various tastes and satisfies almost any interest.
Your accommodation
Der Europaischer Hof Heidelberg
Der Europaischer Hof Heidelberg is located in the town of Heidelberg. Accommodation consists of guest rooms, suites and serviced apartments. Each room is equipped with air-conditioning, a minibar, an en-suite bathroom, a hairdryer, a telephone and a TV with cable channels. Guests can enjoy dining at any of the on-site restaurants. Other amenities offered are internet access, a bar, a lounge, a swimming pool and a fitness centre.
Your activity
Rhine Valley with Oberwesel & tasting
Explore the scenic Rhine Valley with a visit to Oberwesel, a charming riverside town, and enjoy a tasting of local wines. Discover picturesque landscapes, historic streets, and the region’s rich viticultural tradition on this relaxing day trip.
Freiburg im Breisgau
Day 3 - 4
Known officially as ‘Freiburg im Breisgau’, this cheerful university town is located in Germany’s sunny southwest, on the western edge of the Black Forest. The city is centred around an impressive old Münster and a charming medieval Altstadt complete with gabled townhouses, cobblestone lanes and cafe-lined plazas. This central area forms one huge pedestrian mall and, aside from trams and bicycles, it is entirely free of traffic. While the city’s relatively small size makes it easy to explore on foot, the sizeable university adds to the vibrant, upbeat atmosphere. Don’t miss the trip up to the Schlossberg or Rosskopf via the funicular railway, or better still, take the cable car up Schauinsland peak and walk or bike back to town. With its impressive museums, fascinating history, excellent shopping, lively nightlife and fabulous food, Freiburg makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding mountains and the magnificent Black Forest.
Your accommodation
Hotel Victoria, BW Signature Collection
Hotel Victoria, BW Signature Collection is located in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, close to attractions like the Archäologisches Museum Colombischlössle. The hotel features comfortably furnished guest rooms that are equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, Wi-Fi access, a TV, a safe, a minibar, tea and coffee-making facilities, a hairdryer, and a private bathroom. During their stay, guests can enjoy delicious cuisine at the on-site restaurant. Additional facilities and services include a fitness centre, a 24-hour front desk, and parking.
Your activity
Black Forest in Depth
Explore the highlights of the Black Forest on this engaging day trip. Discover traditional craftsmanship and local culture with included admission to the Glass Museum and the Vogtsbauernhof Open-Air Museum. Wander through historic exhibits, admire artisan creations, and experience the region’s rich heritage up close.
Zurich
Day 5 - 7
Zurich, or 'Zuri' as it is fondly known by its multicultural inhabitants, lies in northern Switzerland at the meeting point of a beautiful lake and river, with the magnificent snow-capped Swiss Alps standing guard high above it. This fairy tale city is renowned for its beauty, cleanliness, efficiency, and heritage. Explore medieval alleyways peppered with quirky corner cafes, steepled churches, trendy taprooms, and world-class galleries and restaurants. A day in Zurich can include browsing the unrivalled selection of luxury stores on it’s famous shopping strip, the Bahnhofstrasse; riding the Polybahn, the 19th-century funicular up a steep hill to admire the spectacular view; or ‘renting’ a free bike or skateboard to meander along the banks of picturesque Lake Zurich. The venerable palace of art at the Kunsthaus is also a major drawcard, containing numerous world-famous masterpieces.
Your accommodation
Central Plaza Hotel Zurich
Central Plaza Hotel Zurich is located directly on the Limmat, next to Zurich main station. It offers easy access to attractions such as Bahnhofstrasse, the lively old town of Niederdorf, the State Museum, the Kunsthaus, the Opera and Lake Zurich. Accommodation consists of guest rooms and suites, each equipped with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a Nespresso coffee machine, a safe, a hairdryer, a telephone and a minibar. Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant. Other amenities offered are internet access, a terrace and fitness centre.
Your activity
Lakes, Mountains & Adventures
Travel by comfortable coach through scenic Swiss countryside to the stunning Bernese Oberland. Enjoy approximately seven hours of free time in Interlaken to explore at your own pace and choose from a variety of optional activities, from relaxing lakeside experiences to exciting mountain adventures.
Stroll along the Höhematte promenade and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps, including the famous Jungfraujoch. Browse local shops for traditional souvenirs, Swiss watches, and fine jewellery, or ride the funicular to Harder Kulm for panoramic views over Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. You may also visit the charming village of Iseltwald by bus or boat, or explore the fascinating St. Beatus Caves on the shores of Lake Thun.
For adventure seekers, options include rafting, canyoning, or a thrilling jet boat ride on Lake Brienz, while nature lovers can enjoy a scenic journey on the Schynige Platte Railway with magnificent views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. After a memorable day, meet your guide for the comfortable return journey.
Starting Time: 08:00 am
Meeting Point: Zurich Sihlquai Bus Station near Zurich's main train station (Zurich HB)
From$5,250
per personAccommodations
Transportation
24/7 support
Activities
Tourlane App
Travel plan
Flights
Why plan with an expert?
170+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
20+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
9+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
6+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Why plan with an expert?
170+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
20+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
9+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
6+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Itinerary inspiration
Wooded hills, river valleys, and sweeping alpine panoramas shape this 7-day itinerary through Germany and Switzerland. Blending romantic old towns with dramatic natural scenery, the journey connects historic university cities, the deep-green Black Forest, and the elegant lakeside setting of Zurich.
View less details
Comfortable transfers and a well-balanced pace allow you to experience both cultural heritage and outdoor adventure in just one week. From castle views high above the Rhine to mountain-framed lakes in Switzerland, each destination reveals a distinct facet of Central Europe’s character.
Day 1-2: Heidelberg (2 Nights)
Your journey begins in Heidelberg, one of Germany’s most picturesque towns. Overlooking the Neckar River, its hilltop castle ruins and baroque Old Town create a timeless atmosphere shaped by centuries of scholarship and romance.
Highlights & Activities
Rhine Valley excursion with Oberwesel and wine tasting
Exploration of Heidelberg Castle and the Old Town
Scenic walks along the Neckar River
Day 3-4: Freiburg im Breisgau (2 Nights)
Continue south to Freiburg, the gateway to the Black Forest. Sunlit squares, cobbled lanes, and the famous Bächle waterways reflect the region’s relaxed lifestyle, while forested hills rise just beyond the city limits.
Highlights & Activities
In-depth Black Forest excursion
Panoramic drives through forested landscapes
Leisure time in Freiburg’s historic center
Day 5-7: Zurich (2 Nights)
Cross into Switzerland and arrive in Zurich, where alpine scenery meets cosmopolitan elegance. The city’s Old Town, lakefront promenades, and surrounding mountains offer a refined yet relaxed finale to your journey.
Enjoy time by the lake and opportunities to explore nearby mountain landscapes before departure.
On Day 7, your itinerary through Germany and Switzerland concludes with your onward transfer, leaving time for a final lakeside stroll or a quiet café visit before you depart.
Highlights & Activities
Lakes, mountains, and outdoor adventures
Exploration of Zurich’s Old Town and Bahnhofstrasse
Departure on Day 7 for your onward journey
Why Tourlane?
Plan for free
Custom holiday packages and trips that fit your budget
Personalized for you
Itineraries built exactly to your needs
Private VIP guides
A personal English-speaking, native-European travel expert for every step
Peace-of-mind support
Full service assistance before, during, and after your trip
Custom Germany trips
Custom travel packages don’t have to be complicated
1
Dream it
Give us a few details like destination, travel preferences, and budget to receive a free personalized travel itinerary in minutes.
2
Customize it
In a one-on-one consultation, we pair you with an English-speaking, native-European travel expert to customize your trip even more, making it unique to you and providing in-depth knowledge on every destination.
3
Book it
Or better yet, we’ll book it for you. Every detail is covered by us and you’ll have dedicated guides with you every step of the way, so you can focus on the fun. No action needed — just enjoy the ride.
