E- Grand Tour of Switzerland in a Tesla Model 3
- Duration
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,242
DELUXE | SELF-DRIVE: Starting and ending in Zurich, you're invited to explore medieval old towns, summit mountains, cruise across picturesque alpine lakes, and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss countryside as you weave your way along winding roads in a Tesla Model 3.
This 9-day First Class accommodated self-drive tour in your Tesla Model 3 is perfect for independent travellers who like the flexibility to decide their own pace and itinerary when exploring the world. Switzerland is a perfect country to explore at your own pace. If this tour peaks your interest, we also offer self-drive tours in other parts of the world.
Our Switzerland self-drive tours begin in Zurich, one of the most liveable cities in the world. Zurich dominates Switzerland’s financial industry, but there’s more to it than banks. Situated next to a lake and river, it’s a picturesque city that has a serious edge come sundown. Spend your time in the city seeing some of the most popular sites in the Old Town, weaving through the cobblestoned streets to see medieval churches and shops, including the famous Grossmunster, an Evangelical Protestant Church that has been around for nearly a thousand years. In the evening, tap into the city’s nightlife in trendy Zuri-West.
After getting your bearings in Zurich, begin your self-drive grand tour of Switzerland. Your first stop is Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in all of Europe. After gazing at its mighty currents, head to Appenzell to get in touch with the customs of the countryside. Continue along to St. Gallen, where you’ll discover a charming Old Town that’s free of cars. The next day you’ll head to Maienfeld, the country village that was the setting of Johanna Spyri’s famous Heidi stories.
Continue your Switzerland vacation by heading through the mountains. You can stop off for a picturesque alpine train ride on the Bernina Express, which takes you alongside Schyn Gorge, Morteratsch Glacier, and the Brusio Spiral Viaduct. You’ll then reach Lugano, a posh banking city that’s known for its boutiques, bars, and cafes on the banks of Lake Lugano. Spend a day at leisure exploring the city’s cobblestoned streets before riding the funicular up Monte Bre to enjoy the scenic view of Lake Lugano. Continue to Ascona, where you’ll explore the lakeside promenade, and Aletsch Glacier, which stretches 23km long and is the largest glacier in the Alps.
Head for Zermatt, located at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn. Ride the Gornergrat Railway to enjoy views over the 4,000m-high peaks around the city before driving through Valais to explore the heart of French-speaking Switzerland. You’ll reach the shores of Lake Geneva and explore Castle Chillon, the water castle and former home of the Counts of Savoy. During the last leg of your journey, you’ll pass through Greyerzer, home to Gruyere cheese, and enjoy a lake cruise on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun in Bernese Oberland. When you reach Bern, you’ll have some time to explore its gorgeous Old Town and shopping promenade before passing through Lucerne and crossing the famous Chapel Bridge, the covered wooden pedestrian walkway first built in the 14th century and reconstructed in the nineties, before ending your vacation in Zurich.
- Duration
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,242
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrival Zurich
After arrival at airport, individual transportation (private transfer can be arranged at extra cost) to Zurich for car pick-up. As a "metropolis of experiences" by the water, with a magnificent view of the snowcapped Alps on the horizon, Zurich offers a unique mixture of attractions - over 50 museums and more than 100 art galleries, international fashion labels and Zurich designs, and the most flamboyant and lively nightlife in Switzerland. Recreational activities range from a visit to the riverside and lakeside bathing areas in the very heart of the city, to a spectacular hike on the Uetliberg mountain.
One of the recommended Grand Tour attractions is the Grossmunster, which is an Evangelical Protestant church in the Old Town of Zurich, and is one of Zurich's most famous landmarks. Construction of this Romanesque church was begun in 1100 and it has since been rebuilt and renovated several times.
Accommodation: Hotel in Zurich
Zurich to St. Gallen
After breakfast, drive to St. Gallen with a stopover at the Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall. St. Gallen, the compact metropolis of eastern Switzerland between Lake Constance and Appenzellerland has a charming, traffic-free old town.
Accommodation: Hotel in St. Gallen
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
St. Gallen to St. Moritz
Following breakfast at the hotel, it's time to hit the road. Traveling from St. Gallen, you'll pass the village of Appenzell. The Appenzell region is known for its unique rural customs and traditions, including Landsgemeinden, a semi-annual open-air democratic assembly. After a well-earned pit stop, continue your drive to Heidi's Village in Maienfeld. Before long, you'll arrive in the resort town of St. Moritz.
Accommodation: Hotel in Zurich
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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St. Moritz to Lugano
On your way to Lugano in the south of Switzerland, you have several possibilities to experience the Grand Tour attractions. Tip: Relax on a train ride on the most beautiful Alpine train, the Bernina Express.
The cross-border Albula and Bernina Lines between Thusis and Tirano owe their 2008 inscription into the UNESCO World Heritage list to stunning scenery such as the Schyn Gorge, Morteratsch Glacier, and Brusio spiral viaduct.
Accommodation: Hotel in Lugano
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Lugano to Zermatt
Leaving Lugano to Zermatt, one must visit Monte Bre. Since 1912, a funicular rail has been making its way from Cassarate by Lugano to the scenic mountain above Lake Lugano. Trips up there are worthwhile if just for the views! The romantic little Bre village with its grottos has succeeded in maintaining its original character of country settlement - further embellished by numerous works of art. On your way and just a footstep away lies Ascona. The city is famous for its mild climate, its Old Town and a lake promenade which is dotted with street cafés and boasts a Latin ambience.
Continue your journey and arrive in the region Valais. Here lies the Aletsch Glacier - the biggest glacier in the Alps. Continue moving down to Tasch which is your last stop by car before you continue by train on to Zermatt.
Accommodation: Hotel in Zermatt
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Zermatt to Lausanne
After breakfast, a morning trip up the exhilarating open-air Gornergrat railway is highly recommended. Back in Tasch, your route begins with a stunning drive up through the Valais, views dominated by amazing peaks. The river and forests accompany you as you enter French-speaking Switzerland and along the shores of Lake Geneva to Lausanne.
Accommodation: Hotel in Lausanne
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Lausanne to Interlaken
On today's journey, you will pass through the Gruyere region, home to the world-famous cheese of the same name. Continue your drive toward Interlaken from which you can experience the majesty of several behemoths: Eiger, Monch and the indomitable Jungfrau.
Accommodation: Hotel in Interlaken
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Interlaken to Lucerne
If you have some free time ahead o your travels to Lucerne, consider spending some time on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, or perhaps the capital of Switzerland, Bern.
Accommodation: Hotel in Lucerne
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Lucerne to Zurich
You will spend your last day in one of the nicest cities in Switzerland. Lucerne is the gateway to central Switzerland at Lake Lucerne and it is embedded within an impressive mountainous panorama. Thanks to its attractions, its souvenir and watch shops, the beautiful lakeside setting and the nearby excursion mountains of Rigi, Pilatus, and Stanserhorn, the town is a destination for many travel groups and individuals on their journey through central Switzerland.
One of the highlights along the Grand Tour lies in Lucerne - the Chapel Bridge. The covered, wooden pedestrian walkway on the Chapel Bridge was built in the 14th century. In 1993, the bridge burned down but it was reconstructed true to the original. This large fire hit international headlines. Do visit this landmark bridge.
Drive back to Zurich for rental car drop-off at the airport and return journey.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Tesla Model 3 rental car for 8 days with pick-up on Day 2 at your hotel in Zurich and drop-off at Zurich Airport
- 1 night in first-class accommodations in Zurich, St. Gallen, St. Moritz, Lugano, Zermatt, Lausanne, Interlaken and Lucerne
- Free parking at St. Gallen, St. Moritz, Lugano, Interlaken and Lucerne
- 2nd class seat reservations between Zurich Airport and Zurich Main Station
- 2nd class seat reservations between Tasch - Zermatt - Tasch
- Grand Tour of Switzerland Travel Guide
- Swiss Coupon Pass
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1)
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Porterage
- Visa fees if applicable
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
16 Oct 2023
