16 days in Switzerland & Vienna Itinerary

The financial hub of Switzerland, Zurich is most often associated with money and banks.

Bring the kids along to Lake Zurich and Verkehrshaus der Schweiz. Get out of town with these interesting Zurich side-trips: Lucerne (Lake Lucerne, Lion Monument, &more) and Mt Pilatus (in Kriens). There's still lots to do: take a stroll through Old Town, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Zoo Zurich, take in the spiritual surroundings of Fraumünster Church, and admire the striking features of Bibliothek Rechtswissenschaftliches Institut.

To find reviews, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Zurich visit planning website.

Toronto, Canada to Zurich is an approximately 11-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 6 hours traveling from Toronto to Zurich. In October, daily temperatures in Zurich can reach °C, while at night they dip to °C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Mon) early enough to travel to Geneva.

Geneva brings the world to one small city with a huge expat population and the highest number of international organizations in any one city.

Attractions like Lake Geneva and Palais des Nations, Genève make great kid-friendly stops. Change things up with a short trip to Swiss Vapeur Parc in Le Bouveret (about 1h 25 min away). There's still lots to do: examine the collection at Patek Philippe Museum, take in the spiritual surroundings of Cathedrale de St-Pierre, ponder the design of The Geneva Water Fountain, and appreciate the history behind Reformation Wall (Mur de la Reformation).

To see ratings, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Geneva online attractions planner.

You can fly from Zurich to Geneva in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around °C in October, and nighttime lows around °C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Thu) so you can drive to Grindelwald.

As one of the country's oldest ski resorts, Grindewald serves as a prime example of a cozy Swiss ski town.

Attractions like The Matterhorn and Hinterdorfstrasse make great kid-friendly stops. There's much more to do: take in the dramatic natural features at Aletsch Glacier, get great views at Bergrestaurant Aellfluh, take in the awesome beauty at Jungfraujoch, and take in the dramatic scenery at Trümmelbachfälle.

To find reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Grindelwald trip itinerary builder app.

Traveling by car from Geneva to Grindelwald takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Bern.

The capital and political center of Switzerland, Bern sits on a peninsula formed by the U-shaped River Aare.

Kick off your visit on the 15th (Tue): look for all kinds of wild species at Barenpark, take in nature's colorful creations at Rose Garden (Rosengarten), steep yourself in history at Einstein House (Einsteinhaus), thentake a stroll through UNESCO-Altstadt von Bern, and finally don't miss a visit to Clock Tower - Zytglogge.

For where to stay, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Bern online trip planner.

Traveling by car from Grindelwald to Bern takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. Expect a daytime high around °C in October, and nighttime lows around °C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Tue) early enough to travel to Vienna.

The cultural, economic, and political center of the country, Vienna has developed from its early Celtic and Roman roots into a medieval and Baroque city, with an old town that was designated a World Heritage Site in 2001.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Wed): make a trip to Stephansplatz, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Schönbrunn Zoo, thenexplore the historical opulence of Schonbrunn Palace, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at St. Stephen's Cathedral. Keep things going the next day: find something for the whole family at Prater.

For other places to visit, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Vienna journey planner.

You can fly from Bern to Vienna in 5.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train. In October, plan for daily highs up to °C, and evening lows to °C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Thu) early enough to travel back home.