Our goal was to see as much as possible in 6 days while maintaining an unhurried approach. From the first contact, our experience was detailed perfection. Marc and his team managed everything from airport pickup to hotel and restaurant recommendations.
We hoped to relax and not worry about anything — this expectation was exceeded. The team clearly listened to our preferences.
Our main stops included Zurich, Appenzell, Liechtenstein, Lake Lucerne, Interlaken, Thun, Zermatt, and the vineyards around Montreux.
The best element of our time was our top-tier guide, Manuel. His personality, knowledge, energy, and pride in his country were exceptional.
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- 3 Days
- Basel
- City
- Culinary
- Cultural
- Sightseeing
Overview
Highlights
Basel
Cultural
3 Days
Basel is often seen as Switzerland’s cultural gateway – but give it three days, and it reveals something deeper. This carefully paced Basel city tour blends riverside charm, rural traditions, Roman history, and a graceful detour into Alsace, all stitched together with the insight of a private local guide.
It’s ideal for travellers who want a relaxed yet meaningful Switzerland itinerary, combining culture, countryside, and cross-border flavour without ever feeling rushed. It also works beautifully before or after a Rhine River Cruise.
Schedule
Day
1
Basel – Art, History & the Rhine
Morning: Ease into the city’s rhythm with a relaxed Basel walking tour along the Rhine. The river sets the pace as you follow its banks into the heart of the old town. Münsterplatz opens up ahead, anchored by the Basler Münster. Your guide brings Basel’s layered past to life through stories and context rather than dates and timelines.
Afternoon: A short stroll leads to Basel’s striking City Hall, where painted façades and quiet courtyards reflect the city’s civic pride. Lunch is unhurried at the Markthalle – chosen as much for its atmosphere as its food.
The rest of the afternoon is intentionally flexible. Art lovers can opt for the Tinguely Museum or the Kunstmuseum Basel, while others may prefer time at leisure along the river.
Evening: As the day winds down, check into the legendary Les Trois Rois. With the Rhine flowing past your windows, the evening is yours to enjoy at a relaxed pace.
Day
2
Roman Roots & the Basel Countryside
Morning: Leave the city behind and head into a softer, greener Switzerland. The day begins at Gempen Tower, where sweeping views stretch across Basel and into the surrounding countryside.
From here, continue to Augusta Raurica, one of Switzerland’s most significant Roman sites. The ruins feel expansive yet intimate, with your guide reading the landscape so it feels alive rather than archaeological.
Afternoon: Travel on to Liestal’s old town for a gentle wander and a stop at a local bakery. The afternoon continues through the countryside, with visits to Wildenstein Castle and the quiet secret farming village of Oltingen. It feels paused in time and wonderfully unchanged.
Evening: Return to Basel for either another night at Les Trois Rois, carrying the quiet satisfaction of having seen a side of the region most visitors never reach.
Day
3
Alsace – Castles, Wine & Storybook Towns
Morning: On day 3, you’ll cross into France. The morning is devoted to the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, dramatically positioned above the Alsace plains. Your guide balances the castle’s grand history with its quieter corners, making the visit feel personal rather than overwhelming.
Afternoon: From here, continue to the Montagne des Singes, where free-roaming monkeys move through the forest in a setting that’s charming without being gimmicky. Riquewihr follows – a medieval wine town that looks painted rather than built.
There’s time to explore, with an optional wine tasting for those keen to sample Alsace’s crisp whites. The journey then continues to Colmar for a late lunch in a traditional restaurant, enjoying classic Flammkuchen.
Evening: Drive back to Basel for your final night at Les Trois Rois – a familiar place now, and a fitting close to this 3-day Switzerland travel itinerary.
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What's Included
Included:
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Expert Local Guide
A private local guide accompanies you throughout, offering insight that turns places into stories.
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Transport
Private, comfortable transport for all transfers, countryside drives, and cross-border travel.
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Activities / Attractions
- Rhine River walk
- Augusta Raurica Roman site
- Alsace highlights, including Colmar & Riquewihr
- Selected museum visits (optional)
Not Included:
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Food & Drink
Meals outside the ones listed (e.g., breakfast, dinner) and drinks are not included. Optional dining experiences can be arranged.
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Other
Any additional personal expenses, such as souvenirs or extra activities, are not included.
Quick Facts About This Swiss Tour
1
Basel sits at the meeting point of Switzerland, France, and Germany
2
The Rhine has shaped Basel’s trade and culture for over 2,000 years
3
The University of Basel, founded in 1460, is Switzerland’s oldest university
4
Alsace blends French and German influences seamlessly
Basel & the Countryside Photos
Ready to plan your Swiss adventure?
Your private Switzerland trip awaits. Whether it’s a multiday Switzerland tour package or a special experience, our team is here to craft the perfect itinerary for you.
Why Book With Us?
1. 100% local expertise, tested first-hand
Every itinerary is designed by Swiss locals who live and breathe their regions – we’ve tested every route, restaurant, and hidden lookout ourselves.
2. Exclusive top-rated Swiss guides
Our guides aren’t just professionals – they’re storytellers and insiders, available only through Luxury Tours Switzerland.
3. Hidden gems beyond tourist routes
We open doors to secret spots, from private lakeside picnics to heritage chalets, that no typical private tours Switzerland itinerary could offer.
4. Special access through trusted networks
From after-hours museum tours to private vineyard dinners, our connections unlock Switzerland’s most exclusive moments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This itinerary offers a well-balanced introduction to Switzerland, combining city culture, countryside landscapes, and a taste of neighbouring Alsace. It’s designed to feel immersive without being rushed, making it ideal if you want to see a lot without feeling over-scheduled.
Absolutely. This is a fully private experience, with your own dedicated local guide and private transport throughout Switzerland, as well as into neighbouring France for the Alsace region. The pace, focus, and daily flow are shaped around you, not a group schedule.
Yes. All custom tours in Switzerland are tailored to your interests, travel style, and preferred pace. Museums, countryside stops, dining experiences, and even cross-border elements can be adjusted to suit you.
The tour is light to moderate in activity level. Walking is unhurried and broken up with regular stops, scenic viewpoints, and time to rest, making it comfortable for most travellers.
While this itinerary isn’t a Rhine River Cruise, the river plays a central role through guided riverside walks, viewpoints, and time spent in neighbourhoods shaped by the Rhine’s history and atmosphere. It also includes a short Rhine ferry crossing, offering a simple but memorable way to experience the river itself.
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