Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and certainly one of the most picturesque, majestically set on the northern edge of Lake Zurich, with a beautiful Altstadt (Old Town), a sleek and sophisticated banking district, and a lively University quarter. Its central location within the country also makes it an ideal base for further exploring Switzerland, and our private full-day Zurich itinerary allows you to combine a highlights city tour with a local guide and a scenic journey out to the Rhine Falls, Europe’s Largest waterfall, with a stop in the delightful town of Schaffhausen along the way.
On your full-day private driving tour, you will:
- Spend a full day exploring the city of Zurich and the region’s gorgeous landscapes;
- Enjoy the undivided attention of your experienced local driver-guide and comfortable private transport;
- Start your adventure directly from your hotel in Zurich with convenient pick up and drop off;
- Discover the Aldstadt, Zurich’s charming old town;
- Get a crash course in Zurich’s history, from its Roman Origins to the influential financial hub of today;
- See the world-renowned Banking District and the bustling University Quarter;
- Embark on a scenic journey through the Swiss countryside;
- See the lovely town of Schaffhausen and the impressive Munot Fortress;
- Visit Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, with tickets included;
- Take in spectacular views from the Rhine Falls glass elevator.
Discover the very best of Zurich and northern Switzerland on this full-day private driving tour, designed for travellers who want to combine cultural discovery with spectacular scenery, thanks to our carefully curated itinerary led by a knowledgeable local driver-guide who can navigate the city and the country roads with ease.
Your day begins with a convenient pick-up directly from your hotel, where your driver-guide welcomes you aboard a comfortable vehicle and sets off on an engaging exploration of Zurich. As you travel through the city, you’ll uncover the layers of its past and present, from Roman foundations to its rise as one of the world’s most influential financial centres. You’ll wander through the atmospheric streets of the Altstadt, admire the elegant architecture of the Banking District, and pass through the lively University Quarter, where centuries of academic tradition meet contemporary city life. Along the way, your local guide brings Zurich’s story to life with insightful commentary, personal anecdotes, and a deep understanding of what makes the city tick today.
For the next part of the tour, the journey continues through the rolling countryside of northern Switzerland, offering a glimpse of bucolic landscapes and quaint villages. Your first stop is Schaffhausen, a picturesque riverside town known for its well-preserved historic centre. Here, you’ll visit the impressive Munot Fortress, a striking circular stronghold from the 16th century that towers above the town and offers sweeping views of the Rhine and surrounding rooftops.
After getting your bearings around town, you’ll pause for lunch at a local restaurant of your choice (lunch not included), before continuing to one of Switzerland’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders: the Rhine Falls. Europe’s largest waterfall delivers an unforgettable sensory experience as enormous volumes of water thunder over the rocks below. Tickets are included, and a highlight of the visit is the exhilarating ride in the panoramic glass elevator, which takes you down to the viewing platforms for up-close perspectives and superb photo opportunities.
As the day winds down, you’ll be able to sit back and relax on the return journey to Zurich. If time and interest allow, there is the option to stop in the storybook village of Stein am Rhein, famed for its beautifully painted facades and medieval charm. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel or another location of your choice in central Zurich, invigorated by a day of exploring both the city and the dramatic Swiss landscapes.
