5 Days In Basel,

Bern And Lucerne

Itinerary

  • Donna M
  • Concierge Uros
  • Thomas R
  • Proudly partnered with:
  • 5 Days
  • Basel
  • Bern
  • City
  • Cultural
  • Lucerne
  • Sightseeing

Overview

Highlights

Bern
Cultural
5 Days
Basel Walking Tour – Old Town & Rhine Views
Explore Basel's rich history with a private walking tour through its UNESCO-listed Old Town, complete with stunning views of the Rhine River and top city landmarks.
Bern Day Trip – Private City Tour & Culinary Delights
Discover the heart of Switzerland on a day trip to Bern filled with traditional Swiss food stops, visits to the Zytglogge, and a special Einstein-themed tour.
Swiss Wine Tour & Castle Visit
Indulge in a Swiss wine tour, exploring the vineyards of the Three-Lake region, complete with a private wine tasting and a visit to a historic Swiss castle.
Lucerne Tour & Private Lake Cruise
Take in the iconic sights of Lucerne, from the Chapel Bridge to the Old Town, and enjoy a private lake cruise with champagne and panoramic views of Mount Pilatus.
Swiss Alps Adventure – Hidden Gems & Raclette Lunch
Discover Switzerland’s alpine wonders on a Swiss Alps tour to hidden valleys and glacial rivers, with a traditional Raclette lunch in the mountains.

Full Tour Details

This luxury private tour in Switzerland invites you to explore three of the country’s most iconic cities: Basel, Bern, and Lucerne. This travel itinerary is a celebration of Swiss history, culture, and natural beauty, ensuring you see Switzerland from a local’s perspective. 

Over 5 days, you’ll discover the rich cultural history of Basel Old Town, the medieval charm of Bern, and the stunning beauty of Lucerne. Guided by local Swiss experts, every detail is curated to your preferences, whether you’re tasting Swiss wines or cruising the shores of Lake Lucerne.

Schedule

Day 1
Basel – Private Walking Tour & Cultural Immersion

Morning
Your private Basel city tour begins in the heart of the city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, with a 3-hour walking tour covering Basel’s iconic landmarks. Your expert guide will introduce you to the Rathaus (Town Hall), University of Basel, the winding lanes of Kleinbasel, and the scenic banks of the Rhine River. As you stroll through Basel’s cobbled streets, you’ll learn about the city’s rich history and its role as a cultural hub.

Afternoon

After exploring the Old Town, enjoy lunch at Restaurant Schlüsselzunft, where Swiss hospitality shines with a menu focused on traditional, locally-sourced ingredients. Following lunch, choose between two of Basel’s top cultural experiences: a tour of the Fondation Beyeler – a world-renowned museum of modern art – or a visit to the Kunstmuseum Basel – Switzerland’s oldest public art collection, featuring works by Picasso, Van Gogh, and Cézanne. Both options are perfect for immersing yourself in the cultural richness of Basel.

Evening
As the evening sets in, you have the option to enjoy dinner at one of Basel’s exclusive restaurants or explore the city’s vibrant riverside for a more casual dinner with spectacular views.

Day 2
Princely Day – Castles & Swiss Wine

Morning

After waking up in Basel, your private guide meets you at your hotel, ready to begin the journey south-west to embark on a Swiss wine tour through the Three-Lakes region. It’s a beautiful, somewhat underrated, French-speaking part of Switzerland. 

Start with a village walk in Twann, a charming medieval village, before visiting a private vineyard for a wine tasting experience. This region is renowned for its Swiss wines, and your guide will introduce you to local varietals like Chasselas and Pinot Noir.

Continue your journey to a secret viewpoint offering the best views over Lake Biel – a true hidden gem of Switzerland and a perfect spot for some stunning photographs. Next, enjoy a leisurely lunch in Le Landeron, one of our favorite secret towns in the region.

Afternoon
After lunch, make your way to Murten, a town steeped in history. Here, you’ll embark on a private castle tour, exploring the Murten Castle and its impressive grounds. Before leaving, your guide will stop at one of their favourite local bakeries, where you can sample a delicious Swiss dessert, made fresh daily. 

Evening
Arrive in Bern in the late afternoon and enjoy a relaxed evening in the capital of Switzerland. Whether you choose to explore the Old Town or dine at one of the city’s top restaurants, Bern’s atmosphere is the perfect way to end your day.

Day 3
Bern Day Trip – Private City Tour & Culinary Delights

Morning
Your day begins with a private walking tour of Bern, through the heart of the city’s UNESCO Old Town. Your guide will lead you to iconic landmarks such as the Zytglogge clock tower, Old Town arcades, and the Rosengarten for a stunning view of the city, all tailored to your own pace. Along the way, we’ll make 5 stops at traditional Swiss food stores, including cheese shops and bakeries, for a taste of authentic local fare.

Afternoon
In the afternoon, dive deeper into Bern’s rich history with a visit to the Einstein Museum, where you’ll learn how this city played a key role in the life of one of history’s most famous physicists. 

Alternatively, you can swap this visit for a relaxing bike or e-bike tour around the outskirts of the city. We could ride out to the Gurten Mountain, where you’ll take a funicular ride to the top before cycling and enjoying incredible views of Bern and the surrounding mountains.

Evening
After a fulfilling day, return to Lucerne or Basel for a relaxing evening. Whether you prefer a gourmet dinner or a peaceful walk along the river, Bern will leave you with cherished memories of Swiss culture and cuisine.

Day 4
Scenic Transfer to Lucerne – Lake Cruise & City Icons

Morning
After breakfast, your private guide will escort you from Bern to Lucerne, passing through scenic villages. Once in Lucerne, enjoy a private walking tour through the city’s historical Old Town, where you’ll visit landmarks such as the Chapel Bridge, Jesuit Church, and Musegg Wall.

Afternoon
In the afternoon, embark on a private Lake Lucerne cruise with our favourite skipper, where you’ll see stunning views of Mount Pilatus, Rigi, Fronalpstock and more. Sip champagne or enjoy a cheese platter while cruising across the lake, experiencing Switzerland’s natural beauty from the water. The serene atmosphere is the perfect way to take in Lucerne’s spectacular surroundings.

There are also possibilities to take a refreshing swim directly from the boat, or even add a banana boat ride for a touch of light-hearted adventure if you’re in the mood. It’s entirely up to you.

Evening

You’ll be dropped off in Vitznau, where we’ll reserve a dinner table at one of our favourite lakefront restaurants. After dinner, you can return to Lucerne either by private transfer or by public boat, which is a lovely way to continue soaking up the evening atmosphere.

Back in Lucerne, the mountains darken into silhouettes and the lake becomes glassy and still – a quietly spectacular end to the day.

Day 5
Lucerne & Swiss Alps Hidden Gems Tour

Morning

Today’s Swiss Alps tour takes you off the beaten path. As you travel into hidden valleys and along glacial rivers, your guide will share stories of Swiss history – including the legend of William Tell and the foundation story of Switzerland itself. Between May and October, you’ll likely pass hundreds of grazing cows scattered across alpine meadows too.

You’ll also stop in picturesque villages that are far removed from the crowds. This is an ideal day for those seeking to discover Switzerland’s natural beauty, free from the typical tourist routes.

Afternoon

After exploring the alpine countryside, you’ll enjoy a traditional Swiss Raclette lunch prepared in the mountains. The cheese is purchased directly from a local mountain cheese factory before being melted and served with potatoes, pickles, and cured meats. It’s simple, deeply satisfying, and entirely Swiss.

If you’d like to include a hike, we can absolutely implement one – whether that’s a gentle walk or something more invigorating. Or, if you prefer to see a well-known highlight instead of the hidden valleys, we can arrange a visit to Mount Pilatus – one of Switzerland’s most iconic mountain experiences.

Evening
After your alpine adventure, return to Lucerne and enjoy a relaxed evening at your leisure. You may choose to explore the town’s charming streets or unwind at your hotel, reflecting on the stunning sights of the day.

Five days in Basel, Bern and Lucerne have a way of feeling both full and beautifully unhurried – and this final evening reflects exactly that.

Ready to plan your next tour to Switzerland?

    Quick Facts About This Swiss Tour

    1

    Basel is Switzerland’s cultural capital, home to numerous world-class museums and art galleries.

    2

    Bern is the only Swiss capital city whose entire medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    3

    Lucerne is known for its beautifully preserved old town and its stunning lakeside setting, with views of Mount Pilatus and Rigi.

    4

    The Three-Lake region is one of Switzerland’s most distinctive boutique wine areas, known for its steep lakeside vineyards and Chasselas and Pinot Noir wines.

    5

    Lake Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most picturesque lakes, offering stunning views of the Alps.

    Ready to plan your Swiss dream trip?

    Your private Switzerland tour awaits. Whether it’s a multiday trip 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.

    Our Reviews

    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.

    Clinton E Clinton E - May 2025

    Thanks to Luxury Tours Switzerland, our group of ten had an unforgettable experience. Everything was seamless.

    They created an itinerary that felt ambitious yet perfectly paced, giving us an extraordinary glimpse into Switzerland without feeling rushed.

    The booking process was clear, well-organized, and attentive.

    We can’t thank Luxury Tours Switzerland enough for crafting a journey that blended culture, nature, and relaxation. Switzerland exceeded every expectation.

    Donna M Donna M - October 2025

    I regularly book tours with Luxury Tours Switzerland for our hotel guests, and I can’t recommend them enough. Guests always come back happy. Josh and Marc are super knowledgeable and easygoing.

    I recently went on a tour with coworkers, and we were blown away. They took us to incredible hidden spots far from tourist crowds. Riding mountain scooters down a secret alpine road was a highlight.

    Their tours always feel fresh and tailored, like exploring Switzerland with friends.

    Concierge Uros Concierge Uros - October 2025

    My family visited Switzerland for ten days and had an unforgettable trip. I dealt primarily with Jana but also received assistance from Joshua and Fabienne. We had an idea of certain places we wanted to see but also received invaluable guidance on beautiful places and hidden gems.

    Starting with a tour of Old Town Zurich, we went on to enjoy Appenzell, Lucerne, Mt Titlis, Jungfraujoch, Gimmelwald, the Schilthorn, Interlaken, the Goldenpass Express, Thun and Bern.

    Our guides Bruno and Elia were personable, knowledgeable, and professional. They ensured we saw as much as possible at our preferred pace.

    They also provided excellent lodging and dining recommendations, and the drivers were professional and safe. We never had to think about logistics. I can’t recommend Luxury Tours Switzerland enough.

    Thomas R Thomas R - September 2025

    We had the good fortune of selecting Luxury Tours Switzerland for our two-week visit to Switzerland. Our first communications with Joshua, Jana and Fabienne set the stage for an impeccably curated trip. We collaborated with the team to develop a customized trip.

    The itinerary was prepared with amazing detail and provided on a great app.

    The most impactful element of our holiday was our tour guide Manuel. He took us to places we would have never seen on our own and prepared delicious snacks daily. Manuel’s love and enthusiasm for his country made him an incredible ambassador and a pleasure to travel with.

    John A John A - September 2025

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