Zurich in a Day Itinerary

Zurich Full-Day Private Tour

On this exclusive one-day itinerary, you’ll experience the best of Zurich with a private guide.

We’ll begin our tour by exploring the charming Old Town of Zurich, where you’ll be transported back in time as we wander through the narrow alleys and picturesque squares. Then, we’ll head to the gorgeous Lake Zurich, which offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and crystal-clear waters that will leave you spellbound. Finally, we’ll head to the world-famous Lindt Chocolate Factory and indulge in some of the most exquisite chocolate creations in the world.

Join us for an unforgettable day filled with history, nature, and sweet indulgence!

Destinations on our Zurich in a day itinerary:

• Old Town of Zurich
  
• Lake Zurich
  
• Lindt Chocolate Factory

Zurich Guided Tour Itinerary

The city of Zurich is home to many beautiful and historic sites, including the picturesque Old Town with its narrow streets and charming buildings, the stunning Lake Zurich with its clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop, and the world-renowned Lindt Chocolate factory for you to explore with your guide.

My husband and I had such a great experience working with Travel by Luxe to plan our first trip to Europe. We had a lot of hopes and dreams with wanting to make the most of our 2 week trip to Switzerland and Northern Italy. Martha and Giulia really listened and delivered an amazing itinerary packed with private tours, fun unique experiences and great hotel recommendations. They were incredibly gracious and patient with incorporating any of our ideas or making last minute changes to the itinerary. We felt so fortunate for all the tours Travel by Luxe arranged - they felt like hidden gems we wouldn’t have heard of otherwise. All of our tour guides and drivers were fun, knowledgable, and overall wonderful people to spend the day with. It was great to go at our own pace and they were always thoughtful in stopping for a gelato or taking a break from the sun. They were kind enough to give us a list of their favorite local restaurants and places to get authentic souvenirs. We had a ton of stops along our 2 week trip and Giulia was fantastic at communicating and keeping us organized the entire time. Her daily updates on timing/drivers/tours made it so effortless and easy for us to just enjoy the trip and not get caught up in all the travel logistics. Beyond that, someone on the Travel by Luxe team was always available to assist, you can really tell that take pride in their commitment on making sure the trip goes seamlessly. Overall it was a stress free and incredibly authentic and memorable vacation thanks to Travel by Luxe.

Rachel Garner ★★★★★

Explore the Old Town of Zurich

A guided tour of the Old Town of Zurich is an excellent way to discover the city’s rich history and culture. The Old Town, also known as Altstadt, is a charming neighborhood that dates back to medieval times, filled with picturesque streets, narrow alleyways, historic buildings, and quaint cafes that create a cozy atmosphere.

The guided tour of the Old Town typically starts at the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. The guide will give you an overview of the city’s history and explain how the Old Town came into being. As you walk through the streets, you will be able to see some of the oldest buildings in the city, including the Grossmunster, a Romanesque-style church that dates back to the 12th century.

The tour will then take you through the winding alleys and streets of the Old Town, full of surprises and exciting sights. You will see the Fraumunster, a 13th-century church that is famous for its stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall. You will also visit the Lindenhof hill, a tranquil park in the heart of the city that offers stunning views of the Limmat River and the surrounding landscape.

As you continue your tour, you will come across various landmarks showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage, including the Rathaus, town hall, and Swiss National Museum. The guide will also take you to some of the best cafes and restaurants in the area, where you can sample some local delicacies and learn more about Zurich’s culinary traditions.

Finally, the tour will end at Lake Zurich, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the lake and the mountains in the distance.

Cruise On Lake Zurich & Explore Its Shoreline

Your guided walking tour of Zurich’s old town has taken you up to the banks of Lake Zurich and will be timed perfectly for you to stroll straight onto a departing boat to enjoy a leisurely cruise on the beautiful lake.

A cruise on Lake Zurich is an excellent way to explore the beautiful surroundings of Zurich and take in stunning views of the city and the Alps. The lake is situated in the heart of the city and is surrounded by lush forests, charming villages, and impressive mountain ranges, creating a breathtaking landscape.

The guided tour typically starts with a boat ride on the lake, where you can relax and take in the stunning scenery. The guide will give you an overview of the lake’s history and geography and highlight some of the most important landmarks and attractions along the shoreline. You will see some of the area’s most beautiful villas, parks, and gardens, including the Bellevue Palace, the Chinese Garden, and the Botanical Garden.

The boat will then stop at some of the most charming lakeside villages, where you can explore the local culture and traditions. For example, you can visit the medieval town of Rapperswil, located at the lake’s southern end. The town is famous for its historic castle, narrow streets, and charming waterfront promenade. You can also visit the town of Horgen, which is known for its picturesque old town and beautiful parks.

As you continue the tour, you will see some of the most impressive natural attractions in the area, including the Uetliberg Mountain and the Pfannenstiel Range. These mountains offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding landscape, and you can take a short hike to the top to enjoy the breathtaking panoramas.

I recently returned from an extraordinary trip to Switzerland, coordinated by Travel by Luxe, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the experience. From the moment I contacted them, the staff was incredibly attentive and responsive, ensuring that every detail of my trip was tailored to my preferences. The itinerary they crafted allowed me to explore the stunning Swiss landscapes, charming cities, and delightful villages in a seamless and stress-free manner. The accommodations were top-notch, offering both comfort and breathtaking views. Each tour guide was knowledgeable and passionate, providing fascinating insights into Swiss culture and history. The activities arranged, from hiking in the Swiss Alps to exploring the serene lakes and picturesque towns, were perfectly organized and exceeded all my expectations. Special thanks to Irene Perrone and Graziano whose dedication and expertise made this trip truly memorable. The attention to detail and personalized service were exceptional. I wholeheartedly recommend Travel by Luxe to anyone planning a trip to Switzerland. They turned my dream vacation into a reality, and I am already looking forward to my next adventure with them! Thank you, Travel by Luxe, for an unforgettable experience!

Melanie Carrillo ★★★★★

Visit the Lindt Chocolate Factory & Tasting Tour

A visit to the Lindt Chocolate Factory in Zurich is a delightful experience for anyone with a sweet tooth. The factory is located in Kilchberg, a suburb of Zurich. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history of chocolate-making and to taste some of the most delicious chocolate in the world.

The guided tour typically starts with a brief introduction to chocolate-making history and the Lindt company. Next, you will learn about the process of making chocolate, from harvesting cocoa beans to producing the final product. The guide will then take you on a tour of the factory, where you can see the various stages of chocolate production and learn about the techniques used to create some of the most exquisite chocolates in the world.

During the tour, you can taste some of the most popular Lindt chocolate flavors, including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate. You will also learn about the various ingredients used in the production of chocolate and their role in creating the unique flavors and textures that make Lindt chocolate so special.

After the factory tour, you can visit the Lindt chocolate shop, where you can purchase a wide variety of Lindt chocolates at discounted prices. The shop offers a range of products, from classic chocolate bars to luxurious truffles and pralines, and a selection of chocolate-themed souvenirs and gifts.