Zurich is a fantastic hub for exploring beyond the city limits. Its proximity to the Swiss Alps, charming towns, and historic sites makes it an ideal starting point for full-day adventures. Whether you’re after mountain vistas, picturesque villages, or cultural experiences, Zurich offers a variety of tours tailored to different interests. We particularly like the Lucerne and Engelberg Full-Day Tour, which combines scenic drives, alpine hikes, and visits to iconic landmarks. This trip captures the essence of Switzerland’s natural beauty and charming towns, making it a top pick for those who want a well-rounded day out.
If you prefer something more mountain-focused, the Mount Stanserhorn Discovery Tour offers spectacular views from the world’s first Cabrio cable car. For a taste of Swiss city life with a cultural twist, the Private Zurich Sightseeing Tour with Chocolate Tasting provides a personalized experience, combining city sights with indulgent treats. And for those interested in exploring neighboring countries, the Discover Basel & Colmar Private Tour takes you into France and Switzerland in one fascinating day.
Quick Overview
Our list of best full-day tours in Zurich covers a wide spectrum — from mountain excursions to cultural city tours and cross-border adventures. Highlights include scenic drives along alpine roads, mountain cable car rides, guided city walks, and visits to iconic Swiss towns. Each tour offers a unique way to see more of what Switzerland has to offer, with options for different budgets and interests.
1. From Zurich: Lucerne and Engelberg Full-Day Tour
At number one, this full-day trip to Lucerne and Engelberg is a solid choice for travelers wanting a mix of scenic beauty, charming towns, and light adventure. The tour kicks off from Zurich with a drive along the stunning alpine road to Lucerne, famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture and the iconic Chapel Bridge. Once in Lucerne, you have free time to explore on your own—maybe visit the Water Tower or enjoy a coffee by the lake.
After a few hours, the journey continues to Engelberg, a picture-perfect Swiss village known for its monastery and the impressive Baroque church. You can choose to wander through the flower-filled streets, visit the monastery, or take a leisurely hike on meadows lined with wildflowers. The highlight is riding through the snow-capped mountains and soaking in breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. This tour is rated 4.3/5 based on nearly 500 reviews, with many visitors praising the balance of sightseeing and free time. It’s a great option if you want a full but manageable day out that combines cultural, scenic, and outdoor experiences.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a well-paced day exploring lakeside towns and alpine villages, with plenty of photo opportunities and light hiking.
2. From Zurich: Full-Day Mount Stanserhorn Discovery Tour
Number two is the Mount Stanserhorn Discovery Tour, which offers a more mountain-centric experience. The highlight of this trip is the vintage funicular and the Cabrio cable car — the world’s first open-top design — that takes you to the summit of Mount Stanserhorn. The ride itself is a thrill, providing panoramic views of Lake Lucerne, the Swiss Alps, and the surrounding countryside.
The tour begins with a scenic coach journey through the Swiss countryside, followed by the funicular train and cable car ascent. Once at the top, you’re greeted with sweeping vistas, perfect for photography or just soaking it in. You have time to explore the summit, enjoy a snack, or walk along the open-air deck. The total experience is approximately 9.5 hours, and visitors often comment on how spectacular the scenery is—“enjoyed the ascent and descent to Stanserhorn,” according to a recent review. The tour is ideal for those who love mountain views and engineering marvels, but it’s a bit pricier at $183 per person.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers craving breathtaking mountain panoramas and a unique cable car experience — it’s a little more expensive but offers unforgettable scenery.
3. Full-Day Tour To Interlaken from Zurich
Our third pick is the Full-Day Tour to Interlaken. This trip takes you into the Bernese Oberland, a region renowned for its towering peaks and shimmering lakes. The journey starts in Zurich, with a scenic bus ride that includes a stop at Lake Thun. Once in Interlaken, you get several hours of free time to explore the town, relax, or enjoy local Swiss cuisine.
Interlaken itself is a lively base with shops, cafes, and panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. The trip’s flexibility allows you to walk along the promenade, visit local markets, or even venture further into the mountains if you wish. Properly rated at 4.5/5, many travelers loved the “free day” aspect, where they could decide what to do on their own. The price is reasonable at around $105 per person, making it an accessible choice for those wanting to experience the Alps without a strenuous schedule.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want an easy, flexible day in the Alps with plenty of free time for personal exploration.
4. Full-Day Private Zurich Sightseeing Tour and Chocolate Tasting
Number four is a private experience that combines city sights, scenic mountain views, and Swiss chocolate. Starting with a visit to Uetliberg, Zurich’s mountain overlooking the city and Lake Zurich, you get a panoramic view from the tower. The tour then moves into the city, with a walk through the historic Old Town, including stops at Lindenhof and ETH Polyterrasse for excellent city views.
What sets this tour apart is its flexibility—it’s fully customizable, allowing you to focus more on the sights or relaxation. The highlight is the chocolate tasting, which offers a sweet taste of Switzerland’s famous confections. You’ll also enjoy a picnic lunch amid scenic surroundings, making this a culinary and cultural adventure rolled into one. Though priced at over $1,000, it’s ideal for those seeking a personalized, luxurious experience with a focus on food and private guiding. Reviewers compliment the knowledgeable guide and the memorable picnic.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a bespoke, intimate day with a focus on culinary delights and scenic views.
5. From Zurich: Full-Day Discover Basel & Colmar Private Tour
Number five offers a cross-border experience with the Discover Basel & Colmar Private Tour. This day trip takes you into Switzerland’s cultural capital Basel, known for its museums and medieval architecture, and across the border into France to visit the fairy-tale town of Colmar. The trip includes a walking tour of Basel, with options for a boat trip or museum visit, providing a well-rounded cultural experience.
In Colmar, you’ll stroll through charming streets, admire timbered houses, and possibly enjoy local Alsace cuisine. The tour is well-suited for those interested in art, history, and architecture, and the private format ensures personalized attention. Rated at 4.3/5, travelers appreciated the “amazing excursion,” especially the opportunity to compare Swiss and French cultures in one day. Although the price is on the higher side for a group of up to three, it offers exclusivity and tailored experiences.
Bottom Line: Ideal for culturally curious travelers wanting to see both Swiss and French towns without the hassle of organizing transport themselves.
6. Zurich: Titlis Engelberg and Luzern Full-Day Private Tour
Rounding out our list is the Titlis Engelberg and Luzern Private Tour, which combines some of the most scenic highlights of Switzerland. The tour begins with a guided walk through Lucerne’s Old Town, seeing landmarks like Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower. Then, it’s off to Engelberg, where you can explore the village.
The real showstopper is the ride to Mount Titlis, where you’ll walk the Titlis Cliff Walk—Europe’s highest suspension bridge—and enjoy panoramic views from the mountain’s cable cars. The private format guarantees a personalized experience, and the 10-hour duration gives ample time for sightseeing without feeling rushed. Reviewers highlight the “fantastic mountain vistas” and “great hospitality,” making it a top pick for those seeking a comprehensive Swiss mountain experience with personalized service.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a tailored, all-encompassing Swiss mountain adventure with historical city sights.
How to Choose Your Perfect Full-Day Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. If you love mountain panoramas and engineering marvels, the Mount Stanserhorn Discovery Tour offers exceptional views. For cultural explorations with a touch of luxury, the private Zurich city tour with chocolate tasting is ideal. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the Interlaken trip, which balances scenic beauty with free time.
For those eager to experience cross-border culture and art, the Basel & Colmar private tour provides a memorable taste of both countries. And if you’re interested in seeing the highlights of Swiss cities and mountains in one go, the Titlis Engelberg and Luzern Private Tour is highly recommended.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date. Think about what excites you most—mountains, cities, or cultural experiences—and pick a tour that aligns with your travel style.
To sum it up, Zurich offers a diverse array of full-day tours, from mountain adventures to city explorations and cross-border trips. Whether you want to hike in the Swiss Alps, enjoy private city guidance, or explore neighboring countries, there’s an option for you. Remember to match your choice to your interests, budget, and fitness level, and book ahead to ensure a smooth, memorable Swiss adventure.