trip ke switzerland dan italy

Ultimate Italy and Switzerland Itinerary for 14 Days

Two of the most beautiful locations in Europe are Switzerland and Italy. Combining these countries in a two-week European summer or spring itinerary will leave you and your loved ones with lasting memories. When you follow an Italy and Switzerland itinerary for 14 days, you can experience mountains, cities, countryside and beaches.

As someone who goes to Italy every summer, I can tell you there are many wonderful locations where you can make endless memories. The addition of Switzerland to an Italy itinerary is like the cherry on top, offering mountainous adventures while also enjoying the idyllic beaches and quintessential European cities.

In this article, discover the best itinerary for 14 days in Italy and Switzerland during the warmer months. If you don’t have two weeks to spare, discover this epic 10-day Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary .

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Traveling for a Switzerland and Italy Trip:

The best way to travel to Europe for a 14-day Switzerland and Italy itinerary is to fly into Zurich International Airport in Zurich, Switzerland. The best airport to fly home from for this trip is Leonardo da Vinci – Rome Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner .

Even though renting a car in Switzerland and Italy is the best way to get off the beaten path and see hidden gems, the most convenient way to get around Europe is by taking public transportation , preferably the train or bus. The largest railway company in Switzerland is the Swiss Federal Railways ( SBB , CFF & FFS ) and Italy’s state-run rail network is operated under Trenitalia .

I suggest downloading the Omio app for travel planning convenience and to save time purchasing bus and train tickets.

If you plan to get a rental car in Switzerland and Italy, you must have an international driver’s permit in addition to your regular license. If you live in the U.S., you can quickly obtain one by visiting your local AAA office.

Italy and Switzerland Itinerary for 2 Weeks: What to See in 14 Days

While following a 14-day itinerary for these two beautiful countries, I recommend planning ahead, especially if traveling from May through September. Since this is the peak season for European travel, looking into hotels, accommodation, transportation and excursions a few months in advance is essential.

Whether traveling alone, on a romantic holiday, family vacation or girl’s/guy’s trip, discover the best things to do during this ultimate Switzerland and Italy itinerary for 14 days.

Day 1: Arrive in Zurich – Explore Switzerland’s Largest City

Not only is Zurich Switzerland’s largest city, it’s also the global center for banking and finance. However, don’t let that turn you off from your spring and summer travels. Zurich is the perfect city to explore on a beautiful sunny day.

When arriving in Zurich, Switzerland , check into your accommodation and settle in. Below are the best hotels in Zurich based on budget:

• Luxury Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental Savoy
• Boutique Accommodation: B2 Hotel
• Mid-Budget Accommodation: 25hours Hotel Langstrasse
• Budget Accommodation: Youth Hostel Zurich

Zurich also has a plethora of rental properties to choose from.

Here is the weather in Zurich, Switzerland during summer:

• May: Average highs in the upper 60s°F with average lows in the lower 50s° and around 12 days of precipitation.
• June: Average highs in the lower 70s°F with average lows in the mid 50s° and around 12 days of precipitation.
• July: Average highs in the upper 70s°F with average lows in the upper 50s°F and around 11 days of precipitation.
• August: Average highs in the mid 70s°F with average lows in the upper 50s° and around 11 days of precipitation.
• September: Average highs in the upper 60s° with average lows in the lower 50s°F and around nine days of precipitation.

Best Things to Do in Zurich, Switzerland in Summer:

When you first arrive in Zurich, stroll through the Old Town; check out the historical landmarks, like St. Peterskirche , Grossmünster and Framünster and go shopping along the Bahnhofstrasse.

For lunch, savor an authentic Swiss meal at Restaurant Brasserie Johanniter . This is my personal favorite eatery in Zurich! After lunch, spend the afternoon enjoying the outdoor pools in Zurich , taking a ferry ride or enjoying the nearby mountains!

Also known as “Badi,” Zurich’s open-air public baths are the best way to enjoy the city on a summer day with friends. These pools are located on Lake Zurich and the River Limmat, and the water is cleaner than that of other European cities that feature something similar.

A fun thing to do in Zurich is to take a ferry ride, admire the breathtaking views from Lake Zurich and check out the Felsenegg vantage point. Visiting the charming Swiss town of Adliswil on this tour will allow you to admire Alpine chalets snuggled between mountains.

A cable car takes you to the top of Felsenegg in this mountain town, where you can enjoy scenic views of Zurich and the Swiss Alps from afar. This area also has many great hiking trails and a restaurant and bar , where you can have a refreshing Swiss beer and snack. You can also enjoy a hike at Felsenegg , which is what I did.

If you prefer to just stay in the city, I suggest taking a walking tour to learn more about Zurich’s history and architecture.

In the evening, visit Volkshaus , the “People’s House.” This Swiss restaurant is in a traditional venue where you can savor tasty meals.

Afterward, nightcap at B2 Hotel ’s library bar. This swanky bar has a cozy vibe and serves incredible craft cocktails. This bar has over 33,000 books and beer bottle chandeliers to admire.

Day 2: Wander Around Switzerland’s Most Beautiful City – Lucerne

From Zurich Hauptbahnhof (central train station), it takes around a 50-minute train ride to Bahnhof Luzern . Lucerne is south of Zurich.

Overall, Lucerne is famous for being the most beautiful city in Switzerland. It boasts medieval architecture and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Lucerne is the most populated city in Central Switzerland, but it still holds its world-class charm and some of Europe’s best museums and galleries.

When visiting Lucerne during your Italy and Switzerland itinerary for 14 days, you can either do a day trip from Zurich or spend the night. I personally don’t enjoy switching hotels every day and hauling my luggage onto public transportation, so if you’re like me, spend the extra night in Zurich and just do a day trip to Lucerne.

Here are the best hotels in Lucerne based on budget:

• Luxury Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental Palace
• Boutique Accommodation: The Hotel Lucerne, Autograph Collection
• Mid-Budget Accommodation: Hotel Wilden Mann
• Budget Accommodation: Backpackers Lucerne

Lucerne also has a plethora of rental properties to choose from.

Here is the weather in Lucerne, Switzerland during summer:

• May: Average highs in the mid 60s°F with average lows in the upper 40s°F and around 13 days of precipitation.
• June: Average highs in the mid 70s°F with average lows in the mid 50s°F and around 13 days of precipitation.
• July: Average highs in the upper 70s°F with average lows in the upper 50s°F and around 12 days of precipitation.
• August: Average highs in the mid 70s°F with average lows in the upper 50s°F and around 12 days of precipitation.
• September: Average highs in the upper 60s°F with average lows in the lower 50s° F and around 10 days of precipitation.

What to do in Lucerne during a First-Time Visit:

When arriving in Lucerne, Switzerland, I recommend you first stroll through the Old Town (Altstadt).

The most iconic landmarks are the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower . It’s considered Europe’s oldest covered bridge and is part of Lucerne’s fortifications. This beautiful covered bridge runs from the New Town to the Old Town and passes the beautiful Water Tower.

In addition to seeing the incredible Lion Monument, the Lucerne Rathaus Clock and the Fritschibrunnen , a beautiful fountain, in the Altstadt, another fun thing to do during your day trip to Lucerne is to climb the Männli Tower , which overlooks the medieval city and nearby Swiss Alps.

Overall, the Old Town of Lucerne is filled with picturesque cobbled streets, colorful Swiss buildings, wonderful shops, and great restaurants and cafés. A fabulous place to have lunch in Lucerne is Pfistern , a traditional Swiss fondue restaurant overlooking the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower.

Enjoy a scenic cruise along Lake Lucerne in the afternoon or take the steepest cogwheel train up to Mount Pilatus . It’s a mountain overlooking Central Switzerland at 6,983 feet above sea level. You can also do a half-day tour to Mount Pilatus that includes the lake cruise .

Please note that if you plan to visit Mount Pilatus outside the summer season, the cogwheel train does not run. You will need to take the gondola to the top of the mountain instead.

For dinner, eat at Wirtshaus Taube , a traditional Swiss restaurant with riverfront seating. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a romantic dinner.

Day 3: Experience the Best Summer Activities in Bern

A Switzerland and Italy itinerary is incomplete without visiting the Swiss capital city – Bern! It is situated along the beautiful Aare River, which makes for great summer adventures. Bern, Switzerland was established in the 12 th Century and is the third-highest capital city in Europe.

If you’re traveling from Zurich Hauptbahnhof , it’ll be an hour-and-a-half train ride to Bern Hauptbahnhof . For those traveling from Lucerne, it’ll also be an hour-and-a-half train ride to Bern. The capital city is located west of Zurich and Lucerne.

Here are the best hotels in Bern based on budget:

• Luxury Accommodation: Swissôtel Kursaal Berne
• Boutique Accommodation: Hotel Savoy
• Mid-Budget Accommodation: Hotel Alpenblick
• Budget Accommodation: Youth Hostel Bern

Bern also has a plethora of rental properties to choose from.

Here is the weather in Bern, Switzerland during summer:

• May: Average highs in the mid 60s°F with average lows in the mid 40s°F and around 12 days of precipitation.
• June: Average highs in the lower 70s°F with average lows in the mid 50s°F and around 11 days of precipitation.
• July: Average highs in the upper 70s°F with average lows in the mid 50s°F and around 10 days of precipitation.
• August: Average highs in the mid 70s°F with average lows in the mid 50s°F and around 10 days of precipitation.
• September: Average highs in the upper 60s°F with average lows in the upper 40s°F and around eight days of precipitation.

Best Activities in Bern, Switzerland during Summertime:

As someone who has also experienced Bern at Christmas , I think the Swiss capital city is fun to explore any time of the year!

One of the top things this city is famous for is its bears. A great free activity is visiting the Bärenpark to see the brown bears! These fluffy creatures have been a vital part of the city since 1513.

In the winter months, the bears in Bern are in hibernation. They usually start to come out in March and stay through November. While here, you can take a guided tour and learn more about the Bernese bears.

After seeing the bears, visit the Bern Historical Museum , which houses a collection of over 500,000 pieces; see the Bern Münster Cathedral of St. Vincent and explore the Universität Bern Botanical Garden .

For lunch, savor delicious pizza at either Da Rina or Da Nino . These brother-and-sister restaurants are near each other and offer tasty pizza and a cozy atmosphere. On a beautiful summer day, you can enjoy your meal with a glass of wine or Swiss beer outside.

A fun summer activity I suggest you add to your Switzerland and Italy itinerary for 14 days is floating down the turquoise Aare River . On a sunny day in Bern, locals love jumping into the Aare, cooling off in the glistening waters and using the current to float down the river.

The perfect way to appreciate this experience is to start at one of the city’s riverside pools. Entrance and exit points are marked with a red pole to help direct people on how to get in and out of the river. As you float down the river, you can enjoy the beauty of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and admire the beautiful scenery.

There are three routes to choose from when floating down the Aare River in the summer. You can enjoy The Classic Route from Eichholz to Marzili, The Leisurely Route from the Altenbergsteg to the Lorraine Pool and The Long Route, also considered the Bremgarten Loop.

One of the best places to have dinner in Bern is Kornhauskeller . It’s situated in a vault that is reminiscent of Harry Potter ’s Hogwarts . This epic spot serves incredible dishes with ingredients from the Bernese Oberland region.

Day 4: Enjoy the Beauty of Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken is one of the most charming cities in Switzerland. It is between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and is considered one of the country’s more popular mountain resort destinations. It boasts unparalleled Alpine views, beautiful mountain resorts and the azure Aare River, which runs through the center of town.

The train ride from Bern to Interlaken takes less than an hour. Below are the best hotels in Interlaken based on budget:

• Luxury Accommodation: Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
• Boutique Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Bellevue
• Mid-Budget Accommodation: Hotel Interlaken
• Budget Accommodation: Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof

Interlaken also has a plethora of rental properties to choose from.

Here is the weather in Interlaken, Switzerland during summer:

• May: Average highs in the mid 60s°F with average lows in the upper 40s°F and around 19 days of precipitation.
• June: Average highs in the lower 70s°F with average lows in the lower 50°F and around 18 days of precipitation.
• July: Average highs in the mid 70s°F with average lows in the mid 50s°F and around 17 days of precipitation.
• August: Average highs in the mid 70s°F with average lows in the mid 50s°F and around 18 days of precipitation.
• September: Average highs in the upper 70s°F with average lows in the lower 50s°F and around 14 days of precipitation.

Adventure through the Mountains in Interlaken on a Summer Day:

After arriving and checking into your accommodation in Interlaken, conquer the Harder Kulm Loop , a challenging 5.1-mile loop hike in Thunerlake Hohgant Nature Park. It offers breathtaking views of the Alps, including the nearby Eiger and Jungfrau peaks.

At the top of Harder Kulm is a restaurant where you can treat yourself to a beer and comforting Swiss lunch. The panoramic views from this eatery are incredible!

Other fun things to do in Interlaken in the afternoon, in addition to hiking, are paragliding and hang gliding , where you can enjoy the best views of the Jungfrau, as well as Lakes Brienz and Thun. You and your party can also go kayaking to Giessbach Falls . At 1,283 feet, the Geissbach Falls will fascinate you, and there are hidden beaches along the emerald Lake Brienz.

OX Restaurant & Grill is the best restaurant in Interlaken, Switzerland. It offers a hearty dinner with outdoor mountain-view seating.

Day 5: Day Trip to Lauterbrunnen – The Most Beautiful Village in the Swiss Alps

While staying in Interlaken during your 14-day Switzerland and Italy itinerary, enjoy a day trip to Lauterbrunnen. It’s the quintessential Alpine Swiss village!

To get from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, you must take the bus, which is only an 18-minute journey. I found this to be one of Europe’s most breathtaking bus rides!

Lauterbrunnen is one of the top captivating villages in Switzerland. When you first arrive, simply wander and get lost! This village will transport you into a storybook with its idyllic Swiss chalets, church and majestic mountains.

Also located in the village of Lauterbrunnen are local stores, cafés, restaurants and many photo spots. In addition, it’s a great place to rent a bike and explore!

While in the village, grab a coffee, a baked treat, hot chocolate and mulled wine at Airtime Café .

One of the many reasons the warmer months are the best time to visit Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland is because there are many epic hiking trails to enjoy. If you’re not into longer hikes, visit the viewing platform behind Staubbach Falls . It’s a moderate, 0.4-mile out-and-back trail that takes a half-hour to complete.

A fantastic two-hour hike to enjoy during your day trip to Lauterbrunnen is Trümmelbach Falls . It’s a moderately challenging 4.7-mile loop trail. During this excellent hike, you’ll see two of the 72 waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley – Staubbach Falls and Trümmelbach Falls.

Please note that you don’t have to hike to see Trümmelbach Falls . They are open for viewing from 9 am to 5 pm from April to November and from 8:30 am to 6 pm in July and August. Entrance fees are 15 CHF for adults and 6 CHF for children.

While in Lauterbrunnen, relish a delicious meal with a view at Restaurant Sulwald-Stübli . This fabulous Swiss restaurant will give you a traditional chalet vibe while you admire the scenic beauty of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the Alps.

Day 6: Arrive in Como – The Gateway City to Italy’s Famous Lake

Lake Como (or Lago di Como) in Northern Italy is a must-visit destination. It’s the third-largest lake in Italy and is famous for its upscale resorts, attracting celebrities and leaders worldwide. From Interlaken, it will take around four hours and 40 minutes by train to get to Como San Giovanni station.

Below are the best hotels along Lake Como based on budget:

• Luxury Accommodation: Grand Hotel Tremezzo
• Boutique Accommodation: Palace Hotel
• Mid-Budget Accommodation: 73 Boutique Hotel
• Budget Accommodation: Ostello Bello Lake Como

Lake Como also has a plethora of rental properties to choose from.

Here is the weather in Lake Como, Italy during summer:

• May: Average highs in the mid 60s°F with average lows in the mid 50s°F and around 12 days of precipitation.
• June: Average highs in the lower 70s°F with average lows in the lower 60s°F and around 10 days of precipitation.
• July: Average highs in the upper 70s°F with average lows in the mid 60s°F and around eight days of precipitation.
• August: Average highs in the upper 70s°F with average lows in the mid 60s°F and around nine days of precipitation.
• September: Average highs in the lower 70s°F with average lows in the upper 50s°F and around eight days of precipitation.

Participate in Fun Activities in Como, Italy:

When you first arrive at the lake, relax at your accommodation and take in all the natural beauty or explore the small city of Como. It’s the main city along the lake.

While you’re in Como, Italy, walk through the city, enjoy the views of the lake, see the gorgeous churches and go shopping. An excellent place to have lunch in Como is Trattoria il Solito Posto .

During your Switzerland and Italy trip, one of the leading activities you can’t miss out on is taking a cooking lesson! In Como, you can sign up for a memorable cooking class with Paola Lovisetti Scamihorn .

While enjoying your cooking class with Paola, you will savor an incredible aperitivo, as well as make a delicious and healthy Italian dinner and dessert. During my cooking experience with my family, we made delicious whole-wheat pasta with fresh veggies in a white wine sauce; chicken, prosciutto and sage roll ups; along with tiramisu.

Day 7: Sail Along Lake Como to Bellagio and Varenna

There is no better way to get an unforgettable experience at Lake Como than to do a private boat tour with a local guide. In fact, it was my favorite experience on my own Northern Italy and Switzerland trip! Click here to learn about the different boat trips to sign up for during your Italy and Switzerland itinerary for 14 days.

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before your excursion. If you want to fuel up in the city of Como, visit Pasticceria Mignon in Piazza Mazzini. It’s a charming café serving freshly baked Italian pastries, heartwarming cappuccinos and buttery brioches.

You can admire majestic mansions and stunning villas during a memorable Lake Como boat ride, usually on a handcrafted wooden boat. Many of them are owned by top CEOs, bankers and world leaders. Some of the most notable mansions are George Clooney ’s Villa Oleandra in the town of Laglio, Richard Branson ’s Villa La Cassinella in the town of Ossuccio and Gianni Versace ’s Villa Fontanelle (now owned by a Russian restaurateur) in the town of Moltrasio.

While you sail along the enchanting lake, you’ll come across a charming small bridge made of stone. Behind it is a waterfall, making it one of the most picturesque locations in Northern Italy .

On your incredible private boat trip, you’ll stop in two breathtaking towns along Lake Como called Varenna and Bellagio. Varenna is a small town that attracts few tourists and boasts colorful houses, lovely beaches and idyllic churches.

Bellagio, Italy is more popular than Varenna and is considered “The Pearl of Lake Como.” It offers the most picturesque narrow streets, 360° views of the mountains and lake, along with the beautiful i Giardini di Villa Melzi . While in Bellagio, savor a delicious lunch at La Terrazza , overlooking the lake.

Your private guide will conclude your trip by taking you to Isola Comacina. It’s a tiny island on the lake with lovely walking trails, rustic fishermen’s houses, a quaint church and a bar called La Botte , where you can enjoy an aperitivo.

If you have time in the early evening, ride the cableway ( Funivia di Pigra ) to the top of the mountains overlooking Lake Como. At night, have dinner at Crotto del Sergente .

Day 8: Arrive in Italy’s Fashion Capital – Milan

One of the major cities in Northern Italy that you must explore is Milan. It’s the largest city in the country and the global fashion and design capital.

From Como San Giovanni , take the 45-minute train ride to Milano Centrale . Milan is located south of Lake Como.

Below are the best hotels in Milan based on budget:

• Luxury Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Milano
• Boutique Accommodation: Altido Galleria
• Mid-Budget Accommodation: Hotel Indigo Milan – Corso Monforte
• Budget Accommodation: Madama Hostel

Milan, Italy also has a plethora of rental properties to choose from.

Here is the weather in Milan, Italy during the summer:

• May: Average highs in the mid 70s°F with average lows in the upper 50s°F and around eight days of precipitation.
• June: Average highs in the lower 80s°F with average lows in the mid 60s°F and around six days of precipitation.
• July: Average highs in the upper 80s°F with average lows in the upper 60s°F and around five days of precipitation.
• August: Average highs in the mid 80s°F with average lows in the upper 60s°F and around five days of precipitation.
• September: Average highs in the mid 70s°F with average lows in the lower 60s°F and around five days of precipitation.

Meander through and Enjoy the Beautiful City of Milan, Italy:

Milan, Italy is a fascinating city filled with many great places to explore. One of the most iconic hot spots to wander through in Milan is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II . It’s a 19 th -century shopping arcade with designer stores like Gucci to Versace .

While exploring the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II , have brunch or lunch at Café Biffi . It was one of Milan’s first culinary establishments.

After your meal, your first stop should be the Castello Sforzesco , also known as the Sforza Castle . Next, visit Santa Maria delle Grazie to see Leonardo DaVinci ‘s Last Supper painting.

In the later afternoon, going into the evening, head to one of Milan’s renowned rooftop terraces in the city center. Situated in the Piazza del Duomo, make memories at Terrazza Duomo 21 , a lively cocktail lounge overlooking the Duomo di Milano .

Also near the cathedral is Obicà Duomo . It’s a scenic mozzarella bar where you can have a lovely dinner during your first night in Milano. I celebrated my 31 st birthday at this spot and it was amazing!

Day 9: Explore Milan, Italy

The Duomo di Milano is one of the most jaw-dropping landmarks in the city that can’t be missed during your Italy and Switzerland itinerary for 14 days. If you want to take photos in front of the cathedral, you must wake up early to avoid the crowds.

A great way to learn about Milan’s rich history and truly see the Duomo di Milano is to get tickets to access the cathedral’s rooftop terrace . You can admire breathtaking views of Milan from the top of the church.

Another remarkable landmark to admire in Milan is the Bosco Verticale or the Vertical Forest. These beautiful, modern towers include over 800 trees, 15,000 perennials and 5,000 shrubs. They are located in the Porta Nuova area of the city, which is considered Milan’s modern section.

The Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli is also worth seeing during your first time in Milan. The gardens are stunning! The 17th-century Palazzo Dugnani , the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Milano and the Natural History Museum of Milan are located here.

For lunch and a coffee break, stop at Loste Café for freshly baked focaccia, lattes and pastries.

One of Milan’s classic bars to visit during your two-week Italy and Switzerland trip is Bar Basso , home to the Negroni Sbagliato® . Established in 1947, this vintage bar is perfect for an afternoon aperitivo!

On your last evening in Milan, Italy, have an authentic dinner at Trattoria Torre di Pisa . The house wine and pasta had me fulfilled!

Day 10: Arrive on the Ligurian Coast of Northern Italy

An itinerary for 14 days in Italy and Switzerland is incomplete without visiting Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera. This beautiful coastline in Northern Italy comprises five seaside towns with colorful houses, fishing boats and quintessential Mediterranean beaches. The five towns in Cinque Tere are Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare, Corniglia and Riomaggiore.

From Milano Autostazione Lampugnano to Cinque Terre’s gateway city, La Spezia, take a Flixbus . The journey is around four hours. From La Spezia, hop on the regional train that travels to all the villages. (If you have ample time, you can also conquer the Cinque Terre hikes!)

Since Cinque Terre is a popular destination during European summer, booking accommodation in advance is a must. Monterosso al Mare is the top town to base yourself in during your two days in Cinque Terre. This charming beach town was my favorite during my memorable family trip to Northern Italy.

Below are the best hotels in Monterosso al Mare based on budget:

• Luxury Accommodation: Hotel Porto Roca
• Boutique Accommodation: Hotel Margherita
• Mid-Budget Accommodation: Hotel Punta Mesco
• Budget Accommodation: Ospitalia Del Mare Hostel

Monterosso al Mare also has a plethora of rental properties to choose from.

Here is the weather in Cinque Terre, Italy during summer:

• May: Average highs in the lower 70s°F with average lows in the upper 50s°F and around seven days of precipitation.
• June: Average highs in the upper 70s°F with average lows in the mid 60s°F and around five days of precipitation.
• July: Average highs in the lower 80s°F with average lows in the upper 60s°F and around two days of precipitation.
• August: Average highs in the lower 80s°F with average lows in the upper 60s°F and around four days of precipitation.
• September: Average highs in the upper 70s°F with average lows in the lower 60s°F and around six days of precipitation.

Have a Relaxing Day in Monterosso al Mare:

After a long travel day, there’s nothing like enjoying a laid-back beach day in Monterosso al Mare.

When you first arrive in Monterosso al Mare, savor incredible pizza at Pizzeria La Smorfia with some local wine.

The most iconic beach in Monterosso al Mare is Spiaggia Fegina. It’s a stunning public sandy beach with emerald waters and incredible scenery. While here, you can take advantage of the beach club, Bagno Eden , where you’ll enjoy comfortable lounge chairs and food/drink service. There is also an area on the beach where you can lay your towel down if you don’t want to pay for the beach club.

In the evening, stroll through the Old Town, admire the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista , check out the Aurora Tower and savor a delicious pesto dinner at Ristorante il Gabbiano . I recommend getting the gnocchi pesto dish; it’s incredible!

Day 11: Venture around Cinque Terre

On your next day in Cinque Terre, you can enjoy the coastline by hiking it or doing a boat tour . Before heading out to explore the five towns, grab a cappuccino and cornetto at one of the local cafés in Monterosso al Mare.

When you’re in Manarola, go swimming in the picturesque harbor, participate in a pesto-making class, savor a delicious meal at Nessun Dorma , walk around the Old Town and shop.

In Vernazza, relax at the small beach, wander through the charming alleyways, see the Chiesa di St. Margaret of Antioch and explore Doria Castle . Spending a few hours here will make you understand why Vernazza is one of the most beautiful towns in Italy .

While you’re in Riomaggiore, explore the Old Town, go shopping through the local markets, relax at the beach and capture an incredible sunset on the terrace of the castle. For dinner, savor a delicious meal at A Pié de Ma , which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 12: Arrive in the Eternal City

Also known as the Eternal City, Rome is the capital of Italy and a city you cannot exclude from a Switzerland and Italy itinerary for 14 days. I love visiting Rome, Italy because it blends romance and history.

To get to Rome from Cinque Terre, you must take the train from La Spezia Centrale to Roma Termini . Getting from La Spezia to Rome takes around four hours and 15 minutes by train.

Below are the best hotels in Rome based on budget:

• Luxury Accommodation: The Rome EDITION
• Boutique Accommodation: Le Quattro Dame
• Mid-Budget Accommodation: Otivm Hotel
• Budget Accommodation: The Beehive

Rome also has a plethora of rental properties to choose from.

Here is the weather in Rome, Italy during summer:

• May: Average highs in the mid 70s°F with average lows in the mid 50s°F and around five days of precipitation.
• June: Average highs in the lower 80s°F with average lows in the lower 60s°F and around three days of precipitation.
• July: Average highs in the upper 80s°F with average lows in the upper 60s°F and around two days of precipitation.
• August: Average highs in the upper 80s°F with average lows in the mid 60s°F and around two days of precipitation.
• September: Average highs in the lower 80s°F with average lows in the lower 60s°F and around five days of precipitation.

Enjoy the Best of Rome:

After your long journey, one of the first things to do when you arrive in Rome is to savor delicious homemade pasta made by an Italian nonna at Osteria da Fortunata .

From there, head over to the Colosseum . It’s the most famous landmark that played a vital role in Ancient Rome. Built in 80 AD, it was one of the 7 Wonders of the World and served as an amphitheater for over 500 years.

If you have a lot of time, I recommend getting tickets to go inside the Colosseum because it is fascinating! There is also an underground section for which you can book tickets to see where gladiators once prepared for battles.

Near the Colosseum is the Roman Forum , formerly a district of temples, basilicas and event spaces where gladiator festivities, elections, trials and parties were held. Other ancient Roman sites in Southern Italy are The Temple of Hadrian , the Pantheon and the Altare della Patria Roma .

Enjoy your first dinner in Rome at Il Corallo Ristorante & Pizzeria . I loved the pizza there!

Day 13: See Rome’s Historical Landmarks and Tour the Vatican

It’s no secret that when you visit Rome, you must see the beautiful Trevi Fountain . It’s the largest fountain in the capital city from 19 BC. The best way to see this famous fountain is to arrive early before heavy crowds start flowing in.

Once you’re finished admiring the Trevi Fountain , enjoy espresso and a pistachio-filled cornetto at L’Antico Forno di Fontana di Trevi for breakfast!

After spending time at the Trevi Fountain , walk over to the Spanish Steps . It’s one of the most picturesque spots in Rome, Italy and is a renowned location where artists and photographers have showcased their talents over the centuries. Click here to book a guided walking tour.

For lunch on your second day in Rome, have a delicious meal at my personal favorite Roman restaurant – L’orso 80 near the Piazza Navona. It’s a notable eatery where you can savor delicious meals from cacio e pepe to spaghetti and clams.

In the afternoon, visit Vatican City. I suggest not missing out on this experience during an Italy and Switzerland itinerary for 14 days. It’s a city-state independent of Rome and is recognized as the seat of the Holy Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope .

If you plan to visit the Vatican in Rome, you’ll have to book your tickets in advance , including entry to St. Peter’s Basilica . While at the Vatican, check out the museums and Sistine Chapel , which features Michelangelo ’s fresco paintings.

An evening in Rome is incomplete without enjoying the charming neighborhood of Trastevere. The best restaurant for dinner in this area is Osteria Nannarella .

Day 14: Depart Rome, Italy

Since Rome is your final destination of your Italy and Switzerland itinerary for 14 days, you’ll fly out of Roma Fiumicino Airport on your last day.

Here are other beautiful destinations to add to your Southern European summer trip:

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Venice, Italy

Provence, France

I hope you all enjoyed discovering the best Italy and Switzerland itinerary for 14 days. If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected].

In addition, great and secure luggage storage to utilize during your summer Europe trip is  Nannybag ! It is easy to use; all you do is download the  Nannybag  app  and type in the city that you will be visiting and when you plan to arrive and depart. At a small cost per luggage,  Nannybag  will list the stores, restaurants or hotels where you could drop your bag off at the city you are visiting.

Nannybag  is also insured against theft, loss and breakage. It’s a convenient way to store your bags when you are traveling from one city to the next in Europe.

Traveling around Italy want to take a cooking class?  Click here  to make memories!

Basic Facts of Italy and Switzerland:

Italy – Currency: Euro, Capital: Rome, Time Zone: Central European Standard Time

Switzerland – Currency: Swiss Franc, Capital: Bern, Time Zone: Central European Standard Time

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more.  Click here  to get insured for your next trip.

Shop my Switzerland and Italy Look:

Click here  to shop my  Poshmark  closet!

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This is an awesome 14 day guide to beautiful Switzerland and Italy. After reading this blog, makes me want to visit again and see all the places I didn’t get to. Thank you for sharing these amazing places ~ your blog brought these beautiful regions to life! Loved all the stunning photos too ~ love you, mom 👩🏻 xoxo 💖✨️

It really was one of the best trips! I loved it.

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Italy and Switzerland itinerary

If you are searching for an itinerary that combines Italy and Switzerland and includes a few cities full of cultural and historical heritage and some amazing natural landscapes, this trip is definitely for you! You’ll switch between the upper-class and elegant atmosphere of Milan and the beautiful Alpine sceneries of the Swiss mountains through many picturesque lakes and the medieval Old Towns of Zurich, Luzern, and Berne.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Table of Contents

TRAVEL TIPS

🚗 Rent your car in advance

with Rentalcars and make your trip as convenient as possible

✈️ Book your flight in advance

To find the cheapest flights and most suitable option, use WayAway

🧾 Get your tickets and tours

with Viator and get the most out of your journey

A comprehensive Italy and Switzerland itinerary

Best time to go: June to enjoy warm and sunny weather in the mountains and fully appreciate the lakes and the activities in the open-air.

Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Day 1 – Milan

Choose accommodation in the vibrant Brera district : it is close to the city center but way cheaper than the luxurious accommodations you’ll find in the Duomo area. Moreover, it is an artsy neighborhood and a modern cultural hub.

The first place you should visit is definitely the Cathedral : it is the symbol of Milan and it is located in the main square. To learn more about its long history and admire its many works of art it is best to save at least 1 hour of your time. Don’t miss the spectacular view from its terrace – check this skip the line tour of the duomo and terraces here. 

From here, you can easily reach another unmissable stop on your itinerary: the Cenacolo Vinciano . The dining room of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie houses “The Last Supper”, that is one of the masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci. You can reach it by subway (4 stops from Piazza Duomo) and you’d better check the availability because it only opens a few days per week. Book here your skip the line guided tour for the Last Supper. 

Spend your night out in the Navigli district which is the heart of local nightlife.

Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Day 2 – Milan

Spend your morning visiting the Sforza Castle . This impressive fortress was the residence of the Duke of Milan, and it was built in the XV century. Its huge artistic and historical heritage is worth a thorough visit and a guided tour like this one .

Milan is the Italian shopping capital, and the main fashion and luxury brands have their headquarters here. To immerse yourself in the glamorous atmosphere of high fashion head to via Montenapoleone, via della Spiga, and Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery. If you are a fashion addict, don’t miss a thematic tour leading you to discover the most popular brands.

Italy and Switzerland itinerary:  Day 3 – Como Lake

Como Lake offers one of the most beautiful natural sceneries in Northern Italy, and it is definitely worth a visit. It is really close to Milan, and there are many places you can visit in just one day.

Choose Varenna for a romantic day trip! You can reach it at 1h15 by train from Milan, and it offers one of the best views of the Lake thanks to its location.

What you cannot miss:

• Villa Monastero : its charming garden is one of the most visited places in Varenna
• Church of S. Giorgio: Varenna’s main church was founded in 1313, and it is full of works of art
• Vezio Castle: it is a medieval fortress located on top of a promontory overlooking the lake

Choose Bellagio to visit one of the most famous tourist areas of the Lombardia Region! The best way to get there is to rent a car in Milan since it’s not very well connected by train. The journey will take you about 1h30.

• Villa Serbelloni : it was built in the XV century, and its park offers a beautiful view
• Villa Melzi: it was the summer residence of the Duke of Lodi, and it was built in 1808 in a neo-classical style
• San Giacomo Basilica : it was built in the XI century in Lombard-Romanesque style

Choose a guided tour.  This one will take you to Como, Bellagio and to Varenna on the same day. This way, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy a boat trip!

Italy and Switzerland itinerary:  Day 4 – Garda Lake

Another famous tourist spot that is easily reachable from Milan is Garda Lake. Its shores are shared by Lombardia, Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige Regions.

Visit the fortified town of Peschiera del Garda in Veneto. You can get there in 1h by train from Milan.

• Sanctuary of Madonna del Frassino : it was built in 1510 to celebrate a Marian apparition that took place there
• Fortress : it is not a single castle but an entire complex of walls and fortifications enclosing Peschiera and giving a picturesque atmosphere to the Old Town
• Porta Verona and Porta Brescia : they were the ancient gates of the city
• Fishing Museum : a small museum dedicated to the local fishing techniques and to local lake boats

Choose a guided tour taking you to Sirmione (in Lombardia) and Verona (in Veneto). 

Italy and Switzerland itinerary:  Day 5 – Bernina Express/St. Moritz/Tirano

Bernina Express is the name of a scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps offering some spectacular views that wouldn’t be accessible in other ways. There are several tour options starting from Milan so that it’s a good idea for a day trip. You’ll have the chance to see many towns along the way and the two places that are really worth a longer stop are St Moritz in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy. For more information about this train line visit its official website https://www.rhb.ch/en/panoramic-trains/bernina-express

One of the best day trips from Milan is this one: Bernina Train & St. Moritz Full-Day Tour

What you cannot miss in St. Moritz :

• Moritz Lake : it is beautiful both in summer to sunbathe on the beach and in winter when it’s almost entirely frozen
• Segantini Museum : a permanent exhibition dedicated to the painter Giovanni Segantini
• Schellen Ursli Path : a popular trail through the woods

What you cannot miss in Tirano:

• Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin : it was built in honor of a Marian apparition that took place there in 1504
• Ethnographic Museum : an interesting museum telling the story of the local peasant life throughout the centuries
• Salis Palace : the residence of Count Salis was built in Baroque and Renaissance style. It also has a beautiful Italian-style garden

Italy and Switzerland itinerary:  Day 6 – Zurich

Zurich is easily reachable from Lombardia and it will take you about 4 hours to get there by train from Milan. If you had decided to spend the night in St. Moritz, you’ll only need about 3 hours to get there by train.

Choose accommodation in the Altstadt district (Old Town): it is the most beautiful and picturesque area of the city and you can easily walk around and see plenty of monuments and spots of interest.

After lunch, take some time to walk along the Limmat River and reach the Zurich Lake : the waterfront is the main gathering point for locals and it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a boat trip : the most popular one takes about 2 hours and it’s a round-trip offered by the local ferry company. For more information visit https://www.zsg.ch/en/timetable-prices/timetable-assistant/round-trips-scheduled-cruises

Later on, you can visit the Kunsthaus (Art Museum), which is mainly dedicated to modern art with many important works by Munch and Giacometti.

Spend your night out in Langstrasse , the heart of local nightlife.

Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Day 7 – Zurich

Spend half a day visiting the Old Town : it is a medieval area perfectly preserved that will make you travel back in time! It is packed with monuments, palaces, churches, and picturesque views but the most important spots are:

• Lindenhof : the local belvedere offering a view of the Limmat River and the Niederdordf district.
• St Peter’s Church : it is the oldest church in town and the one with the largest clock in Europe
• Town Hall : it was built on the Limmat River close to where it flows into the Lake
• Grossm ü nster : the cathedral was built above the tombs of St. Felix and Regula who are also the patrons of the city

To be sure you don’t miss anything while visiting the city center, choose a walking tour like this one: a 2-hour walking tour of the Old Town. 

In the afternoon, you can visit the Swiss National Museum : its interactive exhibitions will teach you everything you need to know about Swiss culture and history.

Spend a few hours taking a gourmet tour to taste the local specialties and also explore the city further with your guide.

Italy and Switzerland itinerary:  Day 8 – Luzern

Just as Zurich, Luzern has a nice river flowing into a large lake and a historic city center with many monuments and pieces of heritage. It is an unmissable stop of every Swiss tour and it can be easily reached by train from the main cities of the Country.

Catch a train in Zurich and get to Luzern in just 45 minutes! Take your time and spend the whole day wandering through the beautiful Old Town.

Here are some amazing things to do in Lucerne .

• Kapellbrücke (Chapel’s Bridge) and Spreuerbrücke (Mill’s Bridge): these iconic covered bridges are entirely made of wood and they span across the Reuss River
• The Lion Monument : it was built in 1820 to commemorate the massacre of the Swiss Guards during the French Revolution
• Nine Towers : Luzern is still enclosed by its ancient walls including nine fortified towers. Don’t miss the view from above!
• Hofkirche : the main church of the city is built in Renaissance style
• Jesuitenkirche: on the riverbank, you’ll see this Baroque church rich in decorations that was built by the Jesuits
• Vierwaldstättersee Lake: a nice tree-lined walk will let you enjoy the lake and its natural landscape

Choose a guided tour from Zurich and enjoy a yacht cruise too!

Italy and Switzerland itinerary:  Day 9 – Berne

It is the Swiss capital and it is very similar to Zurich and Luzern, especially in its medieval Old Town. The city center is relatively small and you can visit it in just a few hours.

Catch a train in Zurich and get to Berne in about 1 hour! Stroll along the picturesque streets of the Old Town and take your time to visit all its beautiful churches and buildings.

• Church of the Holy Ghosts: an important Reformed Church which is considered the most beautiful Baroque church in Switzerland
• Käfigturm (Prison Tower): the clock tower was once used as a prison and you can still see the graffiti of the prisoners on the walls of their cells
• Bundeshaus: the headquarter of the Swiss government and the center of local political life
• Allegoric Fountains: 11 fountains scattered throughout the city and representing some national heroes, some historical events or even some abstract concepts in an allegorical way. They were all built in the XVI century.
• Vincent Cathedral: this impressive gothic church also offers a great view from its top

Choose a guided tour from Zurich to visit Berne and discover the best gastronomic specialties of the Swiss Capital.

The main monuments of Berne can be seen in just a few hours and you can choose to take a half-day tour like this one and spend the rest of your day visiting another city nearby.

Head to Thun , a nice town that you can reach in about 30 minutes by train from Berne. Its castle overlooking the lake is definitely worth a visit! This medieval fortress is perfectly preserved and it looks like a fairytale castle. Today, it houses a history museum telling the story of this Alpine area.

Italy and Switzerland itinerary:  Day 10 – Zurich and return trip

Before going back home, take some time to visit the Beyer Clock and Watch Museum of Zurich : other than seeing a private collection of precious watches, you’ll have the chance to learn more about the history of timing equipment, which has always been Swiss excellence.

What should you taste in each city?

Milan: yellow rice (with saffron), Milanese veal (breaded and fried veal cutlet) and ossobuco (cross-cut  veal shank braised with white wine)

Como Lake: fried lake fish, soused lake fish and maltagliati con bottarga (local pasta shape with fish roe)

Garda Lake : sarde in saor (fried sardines with an onion and raisins sauce), alborelle (local type of fish) and risotto with tench

Zurich: rösti (shredded potato cake), zürcher geschnetzeltes (veal strips cooked in white wine and cream) and fondue

Luzern: bratwürst (sausage), fondue and lozärner chügelipastete (puff pastry stuffed with meat and mushrooms)

Berne: berner platte (a platter of various types of meat and sausages with sauerkraut and potatoes), fondue and älplermagronen (pasta with potatoes and cheese).

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SWITZERLAND ITINERARY

Switzerland-italy itinerary: a 14-day alpine-lake adventure with the bernina express and swiss travel pass.

Experience a remarkable 14-day journey through Switzerland and Italy with the Swiss Travel Pass . This Switzerland itinerary highlights the scenic beauty of Lake Como , the Bernina Express , the GoldenPass Express , and the GoldenPass Belle Epoque , optimizing your 15-Day Swiss Travel Pass for maximum adventure and convenience. Feel free to adjust it to suit your plans . For example, since the highlights of this itinerary are Lake Como and the Bernina Express, if you have only 8-9 days, you can simply reduce the number of overnight stays or cut out some parts that are easier to manage. There’s no need to stick strictly to the number of days outlined here.

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich and Travel to Interlaken, Lake Brienz

• Morning: Arrive in Zurich and take a direct train to Interlaken.
• Afternoon (Summer): Take a cruise on Lake Brienz to Brienz and walk to the Brienz Rothorn station from the pier for a scenic train ride. (Non-Summer) Explore Iseltwald and enjoy a coffee in the village.
• Evening: Return to Interlaken for dinner.
• Overnight: Interlaken (or Thun or Wilderswil)

Day 2: Grindelwald and First Adventure

• Morning: Trip to Grindelwald and First.
• Afternoon: Activities like First Flyer, trottibike, mountain cart, or glider (First Adventure tickets required). For those who enjoy hiking, a 6 km round trip to Bachalpsee.
• Optional: Paragliding in Interlaken Book Here .
• Evening: Return to Interlaken.

Day 3: Lauterbrunnen Valley Exploration

• Morning: Visit Schilthorn with a stop at Birg Thrill Walk.
• Afternoon: Walk from Mürren to Gimmelwald, then take the cable car to Stechelberg. Explore Lauterbrunnen.

Day 4: Kandersteg and Lake Oeschinen OR Glacier 3000, Gstaad, and Les Diablerets

• Morning: Train to Kandersteg.
• Afternoon (Summer): Enjoy the toboggan at Oeschinensee, then take a bus to Blausee.
• Morning: Train to Gstaad, then bus to Glacier 3000.
• Afternoon: Visit the serene village of Les Diablerets. Return to Gstaad and take the Belle Epoque back to Interlaken.

Day 5: Interlaken to Montreux, and Vevey

• Morning: Train to Montreux on the GoldenPass Express .
• Afternoon: Head to Vevey and enjoy the farmer’s market (Tuesday or Saturday) and visit Lavaux Vineyards for wine tasting.
• Evening: Return to Montreux and dinner.
• Overnight: Montreux (or Lavaux or Lausanne).

Day 6: Montreux to Lausanne and Évian-les-Bains

• Morning: Train to Lausanne.
• Afternoon: Visit Ouchy and take a ferry (free with Swiss Travel Pass) to Évian-les-Bains in France (35-minute journey).
• Evening: Return to Montreux.
• Overnight: Montreux (or Lauvaux or Lausanne).

Day 7: Montreux to Zermatt

• Morning: Train to Zermatt.
• Afternoon: Explore Zermatt and visit Gornergrat for views of the Matterhorn.
• Evening: Dinner in Zermatt.
• Overnight: Zermatt

Day 8: Zermatt Exploration

• Morning: Visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
• Afternoon: Leisure time in Zermatt.

Day 9: Zermatt to Milan

• Morning: Train to Milan.
• Afternoon: Explore Milan, visit the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
• Evening: Dinner in Milan.
• Overnight: Milan

Day 10: Milan to Varenna

• Morning: Depart from Milan to Varenna.
• Afternoon: Explore Varenna’s waterfront and Villa Monastero.
• Evening: Dinner with views of Lake Como.
• Overnight: Varenna

Day 11: Exploring Lake Como

• Morning: Leisure time in Varenna or visit Castello di Vezio.
• Afternoon: Ferry trip to Bellagio and enjoy dinner there.
• Evening: Return to Varenna.

Day 12: Varenna to Chur on the Bernina Express

• Morning: Train from Varenna to Tirano.
• Midday: Bernina Express from Tirano to Chur.
• Evening: Explore Chur.
• Overnight: Chur

Day 13: Chur to Zurich

• Morning: Train to Zurich.
• Afternoon: Free time in Zurich.
• Evening: Dinner in Zurich.
• Overnight: Zurich

Day 14: Departure from Zurich

• Morning: Head to Zurich Airport for your departure.

Extended Options:

• These two days in Varenna can be an extension to explore Lake Como in depth. Visit Castello di Vezio, take a ferry to Bellagio, and enjoy the picturesque surroundings of Lake Como.

Set to discover the Alpine and Italian splendors? This 10-day adventure, designed for the 15-day Swiss Travel Pass , is just the beginning. If a destination within this journey steals your heart, feel free to linger longer and dive deeper. Our itinerary is built for customization, allowing you to extend your stay wherever you’re drawn most. SwissASAP is ready to help personalize your experience. Book your Swiss Travel Pass and craft the trip of your dreams.

In addition to our featured itinerary, we have two more simple, 8-day Swiss Travel Pass-based adventures for those looking to explore further:

• First-Time Explorer’s 8-Day Swiss Travel Pass: GoldenPass Express Journey  – Click to unveil a route carved through Switzerland’s heart, where every turn brings a new panorama.
• 8-Day Swiss Travel Pass Odyssey: Alpine Wonders to Mont Blanc & Montreux via GoldenPass Express Click to explore an odyssey that intertwines the majesty of the Alps with the charm of Swiss towns.
• Alpine Wonders and Lake Como Delights: A 10-Day Swiss-Italian Adventure with the Swiss Travel Pass  – Experience the best of both worlds with this itinerary, exploring the majestic landscapes of Switzerland and the serene beauty of Lake Como.

For a full overview of all our Swiss travel options, return to the main  Switzerland itinerary page .

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2-Week Switzerland and Italy Road Trip with INSANE Hiking!

Please note that some of the links may be affiliate links , and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products & companies I love and use, and the income goes back into making this little blog successful!

This 2-week Switzerland and Italy road trip, hiking through the Alps and Dolomites and relaxing on the famous Lake Como and Lake Garda, was one of my best trips through Europe so far!

In total, our Italy and Switzerland road trip lasted 14 days, and the breakdown for our trip goes like this:

• 4 days: Tyrol / Val di Funes / Ortisei (Italian Dolomites)
• 4 days: Lake Como / Lake Garda (Italy Lakes)
• 6 days: Lauterbrunnen / Lucern / Stoos (Swiss Alps)

In this post is my breakdown of the full itinerary, costs, lodging, and our thought process for how we made decisions on routes . There were a few lessons learned along the way – like how parking works or where cash vs credit card is available – but all in all, this was a very smooth road trip through Switzerland and Italy, and I wouldn’t change it one bit!

➡️ NOTE: Planning a trip to the Dolomites is a bit tough. I can plan a custom itinerary for you – suggest lodging and iconic hikes, and answer any questions. All you do is book it and enjoy it! ❤️

Switzerland and Italy Road Trip

Table of Contents

Road Trip Priorities

We spent quite a few hours planning the best route so we could maximize time in one location, minimize driving a huge amount in one day, and also see all of the beautiful spots we had on our highlights list.

We also tried to be budget-conscious when it came to rental cars and locations because we knew Switzerland was going to be a bit pricey. Here are our priorities in a nutshell:

✅ Best Scenery in the Italian Dolomites & Swiss Alps

We started this trip with the idea of visiting the cute towns we loved in a few Instagram posts from Switzerland and Northern Italy, and that was the theme of our 14 days – Instagram-worthy views!

✅ Spectacular Mountain Ridge Hikes

We were a bit ambitious on the hikes, having plans to do one big hike every other day, but this led us to some of the most iconically beautiful treks in the mountains:

• Adolf Munkel Hike to Geisler Alm ( Italian Dolomites )
• Cadini di Misurina Ridge Hike ( Italian Dolomites)
• Seceda Ridgeline Hike ( Italian Dolomites )
• Grutschalp, Murren, Gimmelwald Hike ( Swiss Alps )
• Oeschinensee Lake Loop Hike ( Swiss Alps )
• Stoos Ridge Hike ( Swiss Alps )

✅ Famous Lakes

In between the Italian Dolomites and Swiss Alps, we took a break for a few days on Lake Garda and Lake Como . Both of these lakes are tucked in between mountains in very different ways, and both have a charm that is unmatched in this world. And to top it off, we ended our trip around Lake Lucern in the Swiss Alps!

✅ Priority on Hiking, not Driving for Hours

Outside of beautiful views, we were set on being active! We prioritized hiking over traversing long distances of land in the car every day. And I think this focus made our route enjoyable because it didn’t feel like we were go-go-go on the road most of the time.

Switzerland and Italy Road Trip Itinerary

Let’s dive into the details of the day-to-day, including places to eat, where hikes begin and end, and how the heck the logistics of parking, tolls, and gondola passes work.

Day 1: Tyrol Mountains

My travel buddy arrived at the Munich Airport in the morning, and by lunch, we had our rental car and were on the road toward the Italian Dolomites.

The drive from Munich through Austria and into Northern Italy took about 3.5 hours (including a small speeding ticket and two snack stops along the way).

Once we arrived at our lodging, we splurged on a steak dinner in the little town of Fallerhof, drank a bottle of wine, and were in bed early for the next day’s hike.

Lunch & Dinner Recommendation : Restaurant Waldschenke , Restaurant Viel Nois

Where to Stay In The Dolomites

📍 Proihof Funes Lodge (4 days) – We prioritized the views of Proihof, Funes , for our lodging. The perks include free parking, close to a few of the hikes we wanted to do, close to a little town for dinners and a grocery store, and a delicious fresh breakfast. Oh, and not to mention sunrises and sunsets with the most spectacular view of the Val di Funes Valley and the Odle mountains ( picture below ).

Day 2: Val di Funes & Geisler Alm

Our first couple of easy hikes were around Val di Funes . A quick 10-minute walk from our Fallerhof lodging is the Santa Maddalena Viewpoint , and just a few minutes further up the trail is yet another spectacular trail and viewpoint . This is a great way to spend the morning and a phenomenal spot for pictures.

We did a more strenuous 4+ hour hike in the afternoon, the Adolf Munkel Hike . You can park here and walk 5 minutes to the trailhead leading to Dusler Alm (#36).

We did the hike counterclockwise because we read it offered the most impressive views of the Odle Mountains . We also recommend starting around 3 pm or later so you get the full effect of the mountains lit up by the afternoon sun!

Our favorite stop along the way was Geisler Alm , a great restaurant and viewpoint. This is where we went a bit photo crazy, met another hiking group from Serbia, and promised we’d meet back at Geisler Alm at the same time next year! Now that’s a promise I would hate to break! ❤️

• Hike | Adolf Munkel Hike & Geisler Alm
• Trailhead | Zannes/Zans in Val di Funes, South Tyrol (Paid Parking)
• Distance | 9.2 km circuit
• Time Needed | 3 – 3:30 hours
• Elevation   Gain/Loss | 378 meters
• Difficulty | Moderate
• Trails | 36, 35, ending on 6

Day 3: Cadini di Misurina Hike

Empowered by yesterday’s hike, we kept going on our mission for insane views. About 100km away from our lodging in Fallerhof is the Cadini di Musurina Hike. Because these are winding mountain roads, it took us about 2.5 hours to get to this part of the mountain.

The great thing is that Cadini di Misurina is quite a short hike, and the mountain gives you the option of a few other short and equally stunning hikes if you’re feeling up to it. So grab a good breakfast, pack a lunch and water, and get on your way.

When we arrived, there were police directing traffic away from the Rifugio, saying to come back in the afternoon or find parking at the bottom and take the bus up (which would add another hour to our logistics).

As you can imagine, we were devastated because we had just driven 2 hours, BUT we looped around until the police left and went up to the Rifugio anyway, where there was plenty of parking… when at first you don’t succeed!

PRO TIP: Arrive early at the starting point (9 – 10 am) as the parking lot gets full fast.

The starting point of the Cadini di Misurina hike is from Rifugio Auronzo at the foot of Tre Cime di Lavaredo . It will cost you €30 to enter the toll road and go all the way up to the Rifugio. From here, there are TWO amazing hikes I recommend that you can technically do in one day:

Tre Cime di Lavadero (best short hikes in the Dolomites)

• Start / End point | Rifugio Auronzo
• Hike distance | 10 – 11 km loop
• Time | 3 – 4 hours (+30 min photos)
• Elevation Gain | 300 – 400m

Cadini di Misurina Hike (the one we did this time)

• Hike distance | 4 km loop
• Time | 1 – 2 hours (+ 30 min photos)
• Elevation Gain | 150m
• Difficulty | Easy (+ a few scary height-related moments)

If you end up making a day of it and doing both hikes, I recommend doing the Tre Cime (Three Peaks) first while you’re fresh and because it’s the more popular one.

Then grab a sturdy late lunch and a cold brew at the Rifugio Auronzo before doing the Cadini di Misurina Hike in the afternoon while the sun is setting over the peaks.

If you’re going in the summertime, the sun won’t technically go down until much later in the day, so you have time to wander about at your leisure and take all the cute pictures you want without it truly being dark!

Day 4: Seceda & Ortisei

Feeling on a roll with our plan for hiking the most scenic mountaintops in the Dolomites, we headed to the town of Ortisei to take on the Seceda Ridgeline Hike. You can park right next to the cable car station (which is also a spa) for 8€/day or 1.50€/hour.

Cable car ticket costs:  Adults 25€ one-way, 35€ return. Children 13 € one-way, 17.50€ return. Dogs and bikes 5€.

To get to the top, you will have to first take the Ortisei-Furnes gondola and then the Furnes-Seceda cable car, which takes about 15 minutes.

The ticket allows you to use both the gondola and the cable car to get to the top of Seceda. If you don’t want to hike up or down, you should buy a return ticket because it’s more economical than changing your mind at the top and buying a return ticket there.

👉 What We Did: We bought a one-way ticket up, walked along the ridgeline, and hiked down, which took half the day (3 – 4 hours with pictures).

While I think downhill hiking is tougher on my knees, it was worth it because we had the mountains facing us the entire time. And you can see all of the Dolomites the whole way! The wildflowers were blooming, and a few grazing cows greeted us along the way, making for an epic day.

• Hike | Seceda Ridge Hike
• Start Point | Seceda Ridgeline (Top)
• End Point | Ortisei Town
• Hike distance | 8 km
• Difficulty | Moderate (steep downhill)

Day 5: Lake Garda & Girls’ Night Out

From the Dolomites and all our hiking, we headed to the lakes to relax the footsies for a bit. Our German friends highly recommended our first destination, so we headed to a town on Lake Garda called Limone Sul Garda .

Lake Garda is a huge lake in northern Italy, and about a 3-hour drive from where we were staying in the Dolomites. What’s more, each little town has its own personality and is favored by a group of Europeans.

So, Limone is popular with Germans , while other towns are super popular with Austrians, Russians, or generally more international because trains and other public transport arrive there.

Where To Stay on Lake Garda

📍 Hotel Limone (2 nights) – We stayed at Hotel Limone , which offered amazing views of the lake, air conditioning (which came in handy on the hottest of days), free parking (very important), a pool, and an AMAZING breakfast for a pretty decent price. To top it off, it was within walking distance of a little beach on the lake (5 min) and a 10-minute walk to the town.

Day 6: Lake Garda Beach Day

Today was all about relaxing at the beach, so we picked Cola Beach to post up. This is AFTER the insane breakfast at Hotel Limone, which I cannot say enough good things about! Literally, they have a chef preparing a fresh meat and cheese board fresh and custom just for you.

Happy hour drinks and a light dinner were at Scaloni 20 both nights because this is an absolute gem, and they have a killer Espresso Martini which both of us are absolute suckers for!

Day 7: Lake Como

From Lake Garda, we headed to Lake Como after breakfast. The drive was a couple of hours, and the most difficult portion of the drive was the one-car-at-a-time-only streets around the lake to get to our lodging in Moltrasio. Itlay driving is a whole adventure of its own!

A few lessons we learned in Lake Como about transportation:

• The lake is very large, and it’s worth staying close to the main ports (Bellagio, Como).
• It’s very important to plan out your ferry routes and transfer times for the day because the fast ferries only run to certain ports at certain times (and can take 2 hours to get from the town of Como to Bellagio).
• All ferries are crowded, queues are long for tickets, and lines take forever at some ports due to a lack of organization. This is very on-brand for Italy sometimes – love it or hate it, it’s the way it is!
• It’s worth renting a private boat if you’re wanting to get around quickly and without the stress of planning ferry logistics. If we were to do this again, this is how we would do it.

Where to Stay on Lake Como

📍 Borgo Le Terrazze Studios (2 nights) – This little spot is in Bellagio, one of the prettiest and most iconic towns on Lake Como, and great for a 1-2 night stay. I recommend getting lodging either in Bellagio, across the lake in Varenna, or in the town of Como itself. This will help eliminate the need for ferrying or driving back and forth to see the best of Lake Como.

Day 8: Bellagio & Varenna

These two towns are the most beautiful and renowned on Lake Como. I say this because we decided to play tourists on this day, but the reality of it is that all of the small hidden towns around Lake Como are incredibly charming, including our town of Moltrasio.

Because we opted to try our hand at the ferry system, we only had time to visit the town of Como and Bellagio in one day, including a 1-hour boat tour for $50 a person.

➡️ If you only have a couple of days like us, I recommend doing this Villa Balbianello and Lake Como Walking and Boating Full-Day Tour

This will hit all of the highlights – including explanations of where George Clooney’s mansion is, how many celebrities truly live around Lake Como, and if Leonardo DiCaprio is in town or not.

Day 9: Lauterbrunnen & Fondue for Two

From Lake Como, it’s literally a 15-minute hop over to the border of Switzerland, where it seems everything switches over from unorganized to organized, from Italian to German, from Euro to Swiss Francs, from less expensive to more expensive.

Pro Tip: Make sure to fill up the gas tank at Lake Como / Italy because it’s a bit more expensive in Switzerland.

It’s a 3.5-hour drive from Lake Como to the famous town of Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. We got there in time to enjoy a good sunset, a proper Swiss meal of fondue for two in town and hit up the local late-night bar at the lobby of Hotel Horner , full of foreign paragliders, base jumpers, and locals alike.

Where to Stay Near Lauterbrunnen

📍 Chalet Wäschhüsli near Interlaken, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen ($$) – 2 nights – We stayed in a hostel, but if we were to do it again, we would stay in the bigger town of Interlaken (30 minutes away) and drive into Lauterbrunnen Valley hiking simply because there would be more lodging and food options. Lauterbrunnen is quite a small town.

Day 10: Grütschalp , Murren and Gimmelwald Hike

We started the Switzerland leg of our trip with an easy walking day through the Jungfrau region, where we were rewarded with the most beautiful iconic mountains in the Swiss Alps – Jungfrau (the virgin), Monch (the monk), and Eiger (the dude).

Local legend goes that Jungfrau is still a virgin because the big Monk sits between her and Eiger.

Note: These mountain towns are a no-car zone and can only be reached by a network of cable cars. They are basically cute little Swiss mountain towns tucked into the most beautiful mountain range in the Swiss Alps. Straight out of a postcard!

👉 Grütschalp to Murren Hike : This hike starts at the Grütschalp Railway Station, which you can get to from the Lauterbrunnen Station (get a one-way ticket to go up!). From there, it’s a scenic easy walk to Murren, about 45 minutes and 2 km.

👉 Murren to Gimmelwald Hike : From Murren, follow the yellow hiking signs to the town of Gimmelwald. You will mostly be walking on a small pavement road for this portion, and it’s another 45-minute easy walk.

We ended up meeting a Swiss grandpa with the loveliest Bernese mountain dog, who kept us company the whole way. We grabbed a beer and snacks together at the bar right past the Honesty Shop , Europe’s first unattended self-service village shop. Complete honor system and absolutely wonderful hospitality, not to mention incredibly fresh produce and top-quality goods!

PRO TIP: Along this route, signs point to little mini-fridges full of local meats, eggs, jams, and cheeses. This is like Amazon’s just-in-time delivery before Amazon. All you do is open the fridge, take what you want, and leave the appropriate cash in the box – each item is marked with the price.

👉 Gimmelwald to Murren to Birg : We bought another ticket in Gimmelwald to Murren, and then Murren up to Birg. There is an option to keep going up to Schilthorn, which is one of the tallest peaks in the region, but we wanted a bit of adventure and got off to do the Thrill Walk. And HOLY SH*T, it was insane!

👉 Getting down from the Mountains : From Birg, you can take the cable cars down to Gimmelwald, then back to Murren and Lauterbrunnen, or you can take the cable car down to Stechelberg. From Stechelberg, there is a frequent bus that goes back to Lauterbrunnen and beyond.

Day 11: Oeschinen Lake Hike

Today was a big full-day panoramic hike at Lake Oeschinen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

We drove about 1.5 hours from Lauterbrunnen to Kandersteg and took the cable car up to Lake Oeschinensee and the trail’s starting point ( cable car times & costs here ).

We read the best way to do this particular panoramic hike is counter-clockwise and thought the first bit of incline was tough, by the end, we were ‘team counter-clockwise’ all the way!

From the gondola, follow the high road (Trail 8) to Blumesalpe, then return to the banks of Lake Oeschinensee on the low trail (Trail 5). Be warned that the last cable car down to the parking lot in Kandersteg is at 6 pm!

• Hike | Oeschinen Lake Hike
• Start / End Point | Lake Oeschinensee
• Hike distance | 7.5 km
• Elevation Gain | 500 m
• Difficulty | Difficult (steep downhill)
• Trails : From the gondola, follow the high road (Trail 8), then return on Trail 5.

Day 12: Lake Lucern

We left Lauterbrunnen and headed northeast towards Lake Lucern and the last hike of the trip.

This was an easy-going travel day – we left the hostel after lunch, arrived at our little boutique hotel on the lake, spent some time swimming, and caught the sunset and some live music in town.

Where to Stay Near Lake Lucern

📍 B&B Hotel Mattli Übernachtung Frühstück (2 nights) – We ended up staying in a cute little B&B Hotel , but anywhere on the east side of the lake is a great spot, especially close to Schwyz , where a lot of the hiking we were going to do was centered.

Day 13: Stoos Ridge Hike

This is a half-day walk/hike, but it was pretty strenuous on the uphill, so we were glad for the rest day yesterday.

The ridge walk itself between Mt. Kingenstock and Mt. Fronalpstock offers views of more than 10 lakes and the Swiss Alps in all of their majesty. And it is one of my absolute favorite ridge hikes!

We started off around 10 am from the Schwyz parking lot and took the funicular to the village of Stoos. From there, we followed the signs towards the Kingenstock chairlift, which is about a 10 min walk up the hill.

FUN FACT: The Stoos Funicular is the world’s steepest funicular railway and it is insanely cool!

From Kingenstock peak, it will be a 2.5-hour walk to Mt. Fronalpstock. It looks closer, but the ups and downs and ridge walk itself are deceptive – we took the entire 2.5 hours and stopped halfway to admire the views and have a little picnic lunch.

Fronalpstock also has a cute little restaurant at the top just in case! From here, we took the gondola back down to Stoos, had ice cream to celebrate some more, and then back down to Schwyz.

• Hike | Stoos Ridge Hike
• Start Point | Mt. Kingenstock
• End Point | Mt. Fronalpstock
• Hike distance | 4.7 km
• Elevation Gain | 400 m
• Time | 3 hours
• Difficulty | Moderate (steep uphill)
• Trail | Stoos Hike #83

Day 14: Ebenalp Lunch & Head Home!

And we came to the last day of our Switzerland and Italy road trip, but hell if we were going to have a mediocre day! After breakfast, we headed towards Munich to return the car and get ready for our flights the next day.

This would normally be a 4-hour drive, but we decided to make a stop halfway at yet another stunning Instagram-worthy mountain location for lunch, Aescher !

Aescher is the famous restaurant on the cliff’s edge of the mountain Ebenalp , and National Geographic named it one of the world’s most amazing places a few years back!

👉 The gondola up to Ebenalp is located at the following address: Schwendetalstrasse 82, 9057 Wasserauen.

When you get to the top, take a left and head down the mountain on the trail for about 20 minutes. It’s an easy downhill, and even though we didn’t do any hiking today, we did have to go through some caves to get to the restaurant, so we recommend good walking shoes.

FUN FACT: The Prehistoric Wildkirchli Caves were used by Neanderthals as hunting quarters way back before man was even wiping his butt! 🙂

The restaurant has some amazing home-cooked meals and beer, tons of desserts, and lots of stunning mountain views. When we were there, we could see about 20 paragliders dotting the valley like colorful little birds.

From the Berghaus restaurant, we headed back up to Ebenalp and took the gondola back to our parking spot in Wasserauen. When we have more time, we promised to come back and paraglide and hike these mountains, and many more!

Switzerland and Italy Road Trip Map

Here’s a map of the route we took through northern Italy and Switzerland. We technically started our trip at the Munich International Airport and drove 3 hrs south to the Italian Dolomites to start our adventure.

This was because flights from the United States to Munich were better than to Milan or Zurich, but also because it was cheaper to rent a car from Munich compared to the other 2 cities by a few hundred dollars.

Road Trip Budget

We spent about $3,500 in total together , and this reflects a budget for 2 people on a 14-day Italy and Switzerland itinerary, prioritizing gorgeous hikes and great views.

Our Cost Breakdown

• Car Rental : $550 total (from Munich Airport)
• Cheapest : $30 per night Hostel in Switzerland
• Most Expensive: $200 per night boutique hotel in Switzerland
• Funiculars/Gondolas: $250 per person
• Most lodgings included a hearty breakfast
• We ate out half the time and cooked in / snacked the other half
• Good Times : Priceless!

Not going to lie, planning this trip took a longer time than I thought, especially as we had a specific budget and list of hikes we wanted to hit. If you don’t have the time or want to do something more unique than this itinerary, I can help you plan your trip .

Cost Saving Tips

We knew going into this road trip that Switzerland was going to be expensive just from its reputation. We also knew that we were going to be moving around every couple of days, so it didn’t make sense to cook as much as we would have liked to.

So here is what we did and what we learned to keep costs low:

• Try and get lodging with breakfast included. This is more common in Europe than you might think! So we would have a huge breakfast, and take some snackies from breakfast with us for lunch.
• We used the Booking.com app to get lodging for about $75 a night on average a night. We splurged on some views but tried to keep it to one room for the both of us, get the largest bed we could find, and just share. There were times when we slept in tiny hostel beds and other times when one of us took the pull-out couch, but all in all, we had plenty of space, and it was a comfortable arrangement.
• Be mindful of where you rent your car. This route gives you the flexibility to rent a car from Zurich, Milan, or Munich. We picked Munich because the rental cost came out to be the cheapest, by several hundred dollars.
• Map out the driving and/or boat logistics 2-3 days ahead of time to maximize time. In the mountains, a 2km distance can take an hour to traverse because of mountain roads. Similarly, when you are at the mercy of ferry schedules, it’s good to plan what you can and cannot see, so you’re not disappointed later.
• Read the travel blogs on the specific hikes you want to do for tips, tricks, and details of how to navigate the hike and how to plan. I tried to give the highlights and starting points of each hike we did, but these are big and popular treks that will need further diligence if you want to customize your trip.
• Buy your booze and snacks from grocery stores to limit the eating and drinking out .
• Travel with a buddy so you can split costs on this trip! Plus it’s more fun to hike with a friend and take actual pictures, not just selfies.

Renting a Car: Costs & Advice

If you’re doing this road trip around Switzerland and Italy, renting a car is the way to go so that you have the flexibility to do the hikes at your own pace . You also have to consider which airport is best for you.

Where to rent your car?

I usually use Discover Cars to review all the rental car company rates and pick what works for me – ie. a small, automatic, diesel, a cheaper city to start the trip ( ie. Munich is cheaper to rent compared to Zurich), and got a solid car for 2 weeks at about $500.

Check Prices for Your Dates Here: ▶️ DISCOVER CARS ◀️

I did have to pay a fee ($150) with the rental company because I was crossing borders with the car , which is standard, but as far as actually driving past any of these borders, it was seamless. We didn’t get stopped once at a border for COVID or Passport checks.

Pro Tip: It is worthwhile to map out distances and route the time it will take on Google Maps from one point to another because mountain roads are tricky, and it usually takes longer than you think.

Where can I park in each country?

✔️ Parking Rules for Italy: Free parking in any area marked with white lines. Parking lots are also useful. Just look for the big blue P sign for Parking Garages.

✔️ Parking Rules for Switzerland: You will have to pay either way, so try to get accommodations with free parking. Parking places with blue lines means anyone can park, but you will have to pay. All other colors are reserved for various reasons (ie. reserved for locals, reserved for businesses).

Parking App : EasyPark App saved our butt a couple of times because we could add time to our parking remotely if we were running long on a hike. Plus it’s all over Europe and in the mountains.

What to know about driving in each country?

No matter where you start your trip, you will need an International Driver’s Permit to rent a car, in addition to keeping in mind a few unique driving rules per country, so I’ve put together some useful links & rules: Driving in Europe .

Advice before you hit the road…

When it comes to a trip around Switzerland and Italy (and technically a bit of Germany), here’s what we learned:

• Be mindful of where you rent your car. This route gives you the flexibility to rent a car from Zurich, Milan, or Munich. We picked Munich because the rental cost came out to be the cheapest, but another option may make more sense for you
• Map out the driving and/or boat logistics 2-3 days ahead to maximize time. In the mountains, a 2km distance can take 1 hour to traverse because of the nature of winding mountain roads. Similarly, when you are at the mercy of ferry schedules, it’s good to plan what you can and cannot see so you’re not disappointed later.
• Drive times are usually about 3 hours, but if you get bored, check out: Unique Ways to Pass the Time on a Road Trip.
• Facts about Italy – The capital city is Rome , the currency is the Euro, the speed limit is usually 130 Km/H, but Italians drive a bit faster and more erratic than that, parking is a pain, a credit card is not always accepted everywhere, the espresso is fantastic , and the spirit of “la dolce vita” is very real.
• Facts about Switzerland – The capital is Zurich, the currency is the Swiss Franc, the speed limit is about 120 Km/H, and the Swiss respect that due to speed cameras everywhere, credit card is accepted almost everywhere, and German and English are spoken fluently.

FAQ: Switzerland and Italy Road Trip

Finally, here are a few more questions that might come up.

Can you drive from Switzerland to Italy?

Yes, but there are easier and faster ways to do it! Here are a few Great Ways to Get to the Dolomites , no matter your budget or starting location.

The border crossing from Switzerland to Italy was quite anticlimactic as the car informed us we had just crossed the river that is the natural border between Italy and Switzerland.

Sometimes there is border control where you have to show your passport and COVID vaccination, but we were not stopped once crossing to and from Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. Smooth sailing!

How do I get from Italy to Switzerland?

For this road trip , I recommend renting a car so that you have the flexibility to do the hikes you want at your own pace. If you’re smart about renting from a less expensive city and booking ahead of time, the price should be manageable.

Alternatively, you can also do a large portion of this trip by leveraging the train systems , which are great in Switzerland and in Italy. At this point, you would be backpacking of sorts and need to be mindful of where you book your lodging so that it’s close to the public transportation stations.

Is Switzerland expensive?

Yes. Partly because the Swiss Franc, the national currency is very strong compared to the dollar and Euro and partly because a meal is 30% more expensive in Switzerland than in any other neighboring country.

There’s no way around this topic; Switzerland is just more expensive to visit , on par with Norway and the Nordic countries.

South Norway Road Trip in 10 Days!

If you love Switzerland and the Dolomites, you’ll love Norway and its mountains! Here is the plan behind a road trip around southern Norway “a la Mariana” because there is nothing like doing it yourself to spark that little fire.

Do people speak English in Switzerland?

Yes, silly! Most people in Switzerland speak Swiss German and have a good grasp of English. After all, Switzerland has four official languages – German, French, Italian, and Romansh (dialect) . Each of them is spoken in different regions. We had no problems ordering food or asking for directions in English.

Do I need travel insurance?

This trip contains some intense hikes and lots of exploring in the wild, so you need to look into adding medical travel insurance, which is about $40-60 a month.

Travel insurance comes in handy as well if your luggage is lost or broken, which happened to us on this trip! Airlines are struggling to be ready to handle the summer travel traffic, and my travel buddy didn’t get her luggage until the last day of our trip . ( Thanks for nothing, Lufthansa! :))

This is what I use: ➡️ Safety Wing Insurance ⬅️

Bouncing in Europe for the last couple of years, I’ve done research on the  Best Medical Insurance for travel in Europe . See what fits your trip and make sure you’re covered.

When is the best time to visit the mountains?

We did this road trip from Italy to Switzerland in July , when the wildflowers were blooming and the sun was bright.

We got super lucky in that we only had one rainy day for the whole two weeks, and that’s the benefit of doing this in the summer.

I put together this list of  comfy road trip outfits  – use it as a checklist for your trip, especially the summer section.

Conclusion: Switzerland and Italy Road Trip

This was one of my favorite trips in Europe, especially great in the summer and fall. All of our hikes were easy to medium, we saw some of the most Instagram-worthy views in the Dolomites and the Swiss Alps, and the entire Italy and Switzerland 14-day itinerary did not break the bank!

The breakdown for our road trip went like this:

Being in nature is always rewarding, but being surrounded by these mountains takes it to a whole new level. I can’t wait to come back and explore more!

Mariana Barbuceanu is the owner and author of the Road Trip EuroGuide, a blog that inspires fellow travelers to explore Europe more authentically through slower travel and digging deeper into the culture of a place. When she isn't writing about her adventures, she is planning trips for her community and coaching people on how to take that next step towards a much-needed sabbatical.

Finding Alexx

| Bucket list adventures around the globe

Bucket list travel , Europe , Italy , Switzerland , Train travel · April 10, 2024

The ultimate Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary

Planning a trip to Northern Italy and Switzerland? Whether you’re looking for a whirlwind city break getaway or an in-depth adventure of the region’s highlights, here is the ultimate Northern Italy Switzerland itinerary.

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One of the questions I get asked most often as a full-time traveller is what my favourite countries are, and while I can’t decide on a number 1 favourite (impossible!), Italy and Switzerland are always in the top five.

I love both of these so much that I just keep coming back to them. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Italy eight times and Switzerland five times, and I’m already planning my next trip for later this year! I generally spend three months in Europe each year and it would be a crime for me to set foot on the continent without a taste of authentic Italian cuisine and some downtime in the Swiss Alps.

With my personal experience of navigating the train network, determining what places are worth a visit and sticking to an acceptable budget, I’ve put together this super detailed Northern Italy & Switzerland itinerary to help you plan your trip.

If you’re reading this then I’m going to guess that you either can’t choose exactly where to go in Northern Italy and Switzerland, or you’re not sure of the most cost-effective and time-efficient ways to get from A to B, or you’re not sure what to see and do in the spots on your list so far. Or maybe it’s all three!

Don’t stress, in this blog post I’ve included the highlights of the Northern Italy and Switzerland region, suggested routes for different lengths (10 days, 2 weeks and 3 weeks), listed my top recommendations for hotels, restaurants and activities, and I’ve also answered a bunch of FAQs to help you make the most of your time and your money on the road.

This is a long one, but I promise you’ll come out of it with a much better plan of your perfect Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary. Andiamo!

Overview of the best Northern Italy and Switzerland itineraries

There are loads of potential stops in Northern Italy and Switzerland to fill your itinerary, and the perfect ones for you will really depend on your travel preferences.

If you just want a quick overview of the region’s highlights and some suggested routes then I’ve got those for you below, but you can scroll down for more info on each destination, how to get between them, things to do and more detailed itineraries at the end of this post.

Summary of highlights from Northern Italy and Switzerland

Northern Italy highlights:

• The Dolomites
• Cinque Terre

Switzerland highlights:

There are some places I haven’t listed as a ‘highlight’ but that I mention as options for day trips or easy stops en route to your next destination, like Verona, Pisa and Lausanne.

Northern Italy and Switzerland map of highlights

Summary of 10 days in Northern Italy and Switzerland

• 2 days Zermatt
• Glacier Express to St Moritz
• Bernina Express to Tirano and onto Milan
• 2 days Milan
• Option one: 3-4 days in Genoa + Turin
• Option two: 3 days in Florence via Bologna or Cinque Terre
• Option three: 3-4 days Venice via Verona
• Option four: 3-4 days in the Dolomites

Summary of two weeks in Northern Italy and Switzerland

• Bernina Express to St Moritz
• Glacier Express to Zermatt
• 2-3 days in Interlaken
• 2 days in Lucerne
• 2 days in Lake Como
• Option one: 3-4 days in Venice via Verona
• Option two: 3-4 days in the Dolomites
• Option three: 2 days in Turin, 2 days in Genoa
• Option four: 2 days in Cinque Terre, 2 days in Florence
• Option five: 1 day in Bologna, 3 days in Florence

Summary of three weeks in Northern Italy and Switzerland

Either the two week itinerary at a slower pace, or if you want to see as much as possible you could follow this itinerary:

• 2 days in Zürich or Basel
• 2 days in Zermatt
• Bernina Express to Tirano and continue to Milan
• 2 days in Milan
• 2 days in Turin
• 2 days in Genoa
• 1 day in Cinque Terre
• 2 days in Florence
• Bologna day trip, back to Milan
• Or skip Turin/Genoa, and add either Venice or the Dolomites onto the end

This would be VERY quick though, so it would be best to cut 2-3 of these options out to slow down a bit.

Planning your Northern Italy & Switzerland itinerary

When is the best time to visit northern italy & switzerland.

As with any trip, the best time to travel will really depend on your personal preferences and budget, but here’s a quick rundown of what to expect each season in Switzerland and Northern Italy.

☀️  Summer (June to August)

June is kind of pre-summer, with warm weather, long days and plenty of tourists but before the insane school holiday crowds. Great for hiking in the mountains, coastal activities in Italy and an iconic Euro summer vibe without the chaos of July and August.

July and August are exactly that: chaotic! Cities get a bit quieter because they’re unbearably hot and all the locals escape to the coast or mountains, and therefore the coast and mountains are extremely busy and expensive. You’ll need to pre-book hotels and trains, and there will be big groups of tourists everywhere you go. If you don’t mind the crowds and higher prices then it’s still worth it, but I just want you to be aware of the reality of European summer travel!

🍂  Autumn (September to November)

Mild weather, food festivals and stunning autumn colours, my favourite time to visit Northern Italy and Switzerland.

September is ideal for post-summer alpine hiking and the Italian coast, most European schools generally go back first week of Sept so crowds are thinner but there will still be plenty of tourists enjoying fewer kids being around and slightly lower prices.

October sees trees turning all shades of red and orange, noticeably less crowds and cheaper accommodation, with slightly unpredictable weather.

November gets chilly but if you can handle the cold you’ll be able to take advantage of great deals and snowy landscapes in the mountains. Just be aware that some seasonal destinations shut up shop (like Cinque Terre) or prepare for winter skiing (like the Dolomites) so if you have specific activities or restaurants on your list, they might be closed or run on a limited schedule in the off season.

❄️  Winter (December to February)

The winter experience in this part of Europe is very dependent on where you go.

Switzerland in December means beautiful Christmas markets and magical mountain landscapes, but weather can be unpredictable and very cold. Italy’s Christmas markets are nowhere near as impressive, except for the Dolomites where the Austrian influence has put Bolzano and Trento’s markets on the map.

In skiing destinations you’ll find they’re busy all of January, February and March, and obviously this changes each year but in recent years March has offered some fantastic snow conditions. In non-skiing destinations you’ll find January and February a bit gloomy weather-wise but that means lower prices and fewer crowds, ideal for things like museum visits, foodie trips and general relaxation.

💐  Spring (March to May)

Ski season runs right through to April in the Dolomites and Swiss Alps, while cities start getting lighter, warmer and more lively from March onwards. Coastal destinations start prepping for summer in April and April/May are ideal for visiting these spots before the crowds descend. May also brings beautiful wildflowers to the mountains after the snow has melted, and it’s a gorgeous time to get amongst some alpine adventures.

How to get around Switzerland and Northern Italy

🚂 Trains: I would highly, highly recommend travelling Northern Italy and Switzerland by train. Both countries have fantastic public transport networks that connect everywhere I’ve mentioned in this itinerary, and with a rail pass and a bit of planning it can be a really affordable way to explore. I’m a total train convert for Europe travel!

🚗 Rental car: If you’re travelling with kids or as a group, a rental car might end up being a more convenient option depending on where you’re going. Parking is an absolute nightmare in Italian cities and some Swiss alpine towns are car-free, but with 3-4 people it miiiight work out better if you don’t mind dealing with the logistics. Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay tolls and gas on top of your rental car price.

Should you get a travel or rail pass for this Northern Italy Switzerland itinerary?

A travel pass or rail pass in Europe is a pass that essentially acts as your public transport ticket, giving you access to the train network (or whole transport network) within a particular country, region or the whole continent. You’ve got quite a few options for travel passes in Northern Italy and Switzerland:

• Eurail Global Pass : Covers train travel within all of Europe for a certain number of days for non-European residents + some mountain excursion discounts
• Interrail Global Pass : Basically the same but for European residents, except you can’t use it for travel within your home country (just one trip in and one trip out)
• Swiss Travel Pass (Save 10% on the Swiss Travel Pass with promocode FINDINGALEXX): Covers the entire Swiss public transport network (including trains, buses and boats) and gives you discounts on many mountain excursions (generally 25-50% off)
• Swiss Half Fare Card (Save 10% on the Half Fare Card with promocode FINDINGALEXX): Gives you half price access to the entire Swiss public transport network as well as most mountain excursions
• Regional travel passes in Switzerland: Some regions in Switzerland have their own travel passes that cover local transport as well as mountain excursions, like the Jungfrau Travel Pass (10% off with promocode FINDINGALEXX) and Central Switzerland’s Tell Pass

The right pass for you will depend entirely on your itinerary, but the good news is that I have very detailed guides for each pass with example itineraries showing exact savings, and instructions on how to calculate it for your own trip:

• Eurail Global Pass breakdown
• Swiss Travel Pass breakdown
• Swiss Half Fare Card breakdown
• Jungfrau Travel Pass breakdown
• Central Switzerland Tell Pass breakdown

If you’ve read those and you’re still stuck as to what travel pass is right for you, let me know your travel plans (with dates if possible) in the comments below and I’ll try to help you figure out which one will be best.

How much to budget for your Switzerland and Northern Italy itinerary

Switzerland is much more expensive than Northern Italy, so if you’re on a budget then you might want to skew your trip to spend more time below the border.

🛌🏼 Accommodation

Expect to spend anywhere from €20 for a dorm bed in Italy or €35 for a dorm bed in Switzerland, through to €70 for a dorm bed in busy periods.

Basic private rooms in hostels or cheap hotels run from €40-€80 in Italy and more like €70-€100 in Switzerland.

Mid-range accomm will likely set you back €90+ per night in Italy or €150+ in Switzerland.

Keep a close eye on football games and book EARLY if your trip coincides with a game in Milan or Florence, I made that mistake last year and had to spend €95 on a bunk bed because I accidentally planned a Milan trip on one of the biggest AC Milan game weekends 🙃

🚃 Transport

Very dependent on how long you’re travelling for, but if you are planning on catching the train to get between cities it’s likely a rail pass like a Eurail Global Pass or Swiss Travel Pass will save you money.

If you’re mainly in Northern Italy with only a couple of days in Switzerland then a Eurail Pass will probably be best, but if you’ve got 3+ days in Switzerland and plan on doing mountain excursions then look at a Swiss Travel Pass , Half Fare Card or regional travel pass instead and just book your Italy train trips individually.

Drastically different in Italy vs. Switzerland.

You can eat like a queen (or king) in Italy with world class dishes from €10 at cheaper eateries or €15-€20 from fancier establishments, but in Switzerland expect to spend €25-35 for a main at a simple restaurant and even more if you’re dining somewhere nice.

If you’re on a really tight budget you could get away with €10-15 a day using bakeries, markets and supermarkets in Italy, or €15-20 per day for Switzerland.

🪂 Activities

Most cities have free walking tours (you should tip €10-15 for a good tour), there are lots of free/cheap museums in cities and free hiking trails (though the Cinque Terre trail requires a cheap permit), and some city passes like the Milan city pass can be great value if you’re doing the major tourist things.

Big ticket experiences like boat tours, mountain excursions and some food tours can be pricey but they’re usually worth it, just plan them in advance so you can take them into account with your budget.

Where to go on your Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary

How to use this northern italy switzerland itinerary.

I’ve listed all my recommended highlights in the region below, with some details on how to get there, how many days it needs, things to do and where to stay. I’d recommend running through them and taking notes on the ones that really tickle your fancy, and then you’ll have a great shell of an itinerary!

After the destinations I’ve also got specific recommendations for itineraries to fit 10 days in Northern Italy and Switzerland as well as a two week itinerary and three week itinerary, plus some themed itineraries for food lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, first-time travellers and those looking for a slower pace.

Milan, Italy

How to get there: Milan is an easy option for your starting point on this itinerary because it’s generally quite cheap to fly into, either on a European budget airline if you’re arriving from the UK or elsewhere in Europe, or on a long-haul flight from North America, Asia, Australasia or elsewhere.

How long to stay: 1-3 days

Who should go there: Design lovers, fashion fiends, foodies, opera enthusiasts and anyone craving the buzz of a cosmopolitan city

About Milan

I have to say that I think people are too harsh on Milan, it’s often used as a gateway to more popular Italian destinations, but I reckon it deserves more credit!

As the design capital of one of the world’s most stylish countries, it’s a must-visit for keen shoppers or anyone with an interest in architecture, interior design or fashion. Marvel at the grandeur of the city’s Duomo and glass-ceiling gallerias, see some of most famous art masterpieces to ever exist, and indulge in the Milanese traditional of aperitivo in the vibey neighbourhood of Navigli.

👉🏼 Read more: How to spend two perfect days in Milan

Things to do in Milan

• Head to the Duomo di Milano for sunrise
• Wander down Corso Vittorio Emanuele II for boutique retailers and luxury design stores
• Catch an opera performance at Teatro alla Scala
• Experience the viral TikTok-famous spa, the QC Termemilano , where there’s a pool room that simulates a thunderstorm
• See Da Vinci’s masterpiece “The Last Supper” at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church ( book tickets well in advance )
• Take an aperitivo food tour in Navigli and then join in the nightlife
• Search for the best street art in the Isola district
• Treat yourself to a fancy dinner in Brera
• Grab a drink with a view at the famous Terrazza Aperol (average service but you’re paying for the view!)
• Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio for architecture nerds
• San Siro Stadium tour or game for football fiends

Where to stay in Milan

• Ostello Bello Grande (simple social hostel right by the train station with great facilities)
• Atmos Luxe (small, quiet hostel in Navigli)
• Milano Dreams (affordable guesthouse)
• B&B La Terrazza di Barbara  (cosy B&B with good links to the main train station)
• Boutique Hotel Martini 17 (funky boutique hotel)
• Hotel Indigo Milan  (a top-rated 4* hotel)
• INTOMilan Aparthotel  (stylish design and great facilities)
• ODSweet Duomo Milano  (ultra-Instagrammable)
• Château Monfort (v fancy 5* luxury hotel)
• Duomo Cathedral View or  Unique Duomo Luxury Property for Duomo views

The Dolomites, Italy

How to get there from Milan: You can take a three hour train journey from Milan with an easy change in Verona, or if you have a rental car it’s 3h 15m from Milan to Bolzano. The Dolomites is best explored by car and is the only place on this itinerary where I’d recommend renting a car if you can!

How to get there from Venice: If you’re flying into Venice instead you can book an easy coach transfer from Venice to Cortina d’Ampezzo

How long to stay: 3 days minimum, if you can’t fit that in your itinerary then best to leave it for another time

Who should go there: Outdoor adventurers, photographers, nature lovers

About the Dolomites

Rising dramatically from the north Italian countryside, the Dolomites offer some of the most epic scenery in all of Europe. You’ll see jagged peaks towering behind rolling hills, fairytale villages that combine Italian and Austrian heritage, and alpine lakes so stunning you’d be forgiven for thinking they’re a painting.

If you’re keen for some alpine adventures at a slightly cheaper price point than the Swiss Alps, the Dolomites are a fantastic option.

👉🏼 Read more: Your guide to visiting the Dolomites

Things to do in the Dolomites

• Hike to the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo for one of the most famous views in the world
• Row a boat on Lago di Braies or visit Lago di Carezza for an equally beautiful scene
• Catch the gondola to Alpe di Suisi, the largest alpine plateau in Europe
• Hike the Seceda ridgeline, sunrise here is pure magic
• Get out of your comfort zone with a via ferrata, a cable climb up sheer cliffs! Super safe but definitely a mental and physical challenge.
• Indulge in local cuisine which is a melting pot of Italian, German and Austrian influences
• Eat some of the best pasta I’ve ever had at Pastalab in Bolzano (and that’s saying something because I have eaten A LOT of pasta)
• Witness the magical Enrosadira, where the mountains glow a fiery red at sunset
• Take a private tour to the best photo spots in the region

Where to stay in the Dolomites

• The only affordable accommodation options in the Dolomites are guesthouses, agriturs and B&Bs but they’re mostly only accessible by car, check booking.com for your travel dates and switch over to the map view to see the options
• Ostello Giovane Europa in Trento has okay reviews but if you’re using it as a base you’d still need a car to get to and from the Dolomites mountains
• Rosa Resort in Cavareno offers excellent value if you do have a car
• Maison My Life is by far the best budget option in Bolzano but it’s a single apartment so gets booked up well in advance
• If you’re on a tight budget you might want to book a cheap guesthouse and try find another traveller staying in the area who you can share a ride with
• LOOM Hotel in Bolzano is a beautiful boutique hotel with a huge focus on sustainable design, each room is totally different so you’ll be surprised when you walk in! It’s a bit out of the city in an industrial area so best for those who have a car or you can rent a bike from the hotel.
• Corte Varola B&B Zia Marisa in Belluno
• Loft Naturalpina Dolomiti Farm in Belluno
• B&B Villa Angelino in Ortisei
• Hotel Cosmea in Ortisei
• Palais Hörtenberg in Bolzano
• Schloss Freudenstein is a literal castle
• Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti
• ADLER Lodge RITTEN

Venice, Italy

How to get there from the Dolomites: An easy train journey with one change in Verona, it’ll take you 2h 45m-3h 45m depending on the connection time, or 2-3 hours if you’re driving

Optional add on: Verona! You can store your bags at the train station and explore the historical city centre. Stand under Juliet’s Balcony, climb the Torre Lamberti or people-watch in Piazza delle Erbe.

How long to stay in Venice: 2 days if you’re happy to battle the cruise ship crowds, 3-4 days for a much more relaxed experience

Who should go there: Romantics, history buffs, people who don’t mind crowds and anyone that’s had it on their bucket list since Casino Royale (or whatever Venice-based movie was big for your generation!)

About Venice

One of Europe’s most divisive tourism destinations, people seem to either fall in love with Venice’s undeniable charm or despise the long lines and overpriced gondola rides. I sit firmly on the ‘love’ side but with a caveat – Venice is much, much better in the shoulder months (April/May and October/November) and it’s more enjoyable if you stay longer.

Summer in Venice can be stiflingly hot which makes sharing narrow alleyways and bridges with thousands of other tourists not so nice, and between the hours of 10am and 4pm the floating city is rammed with cruise ship passengers* and day trippers, so if you have 3-4 nights there you can make use of the early mornings and late afternoons/evenings to explore.

*They actually banned big cruise ships from the Venetian lagoon in 2023, but the cruise lines just stop at a nearby port and still run day trips to and from the city.

Things to do in Venice

• Get lost in the magic ✨ The city is a floating mess of narrow streets, historic bridges and hole-in-the-wall eateries and bars with so much to discover
• Take a gondola ride , it has to be done!
• Cross the iconic Rialto Bridge
• Marvel at the magnificent paintings of  Doge’s Palace and the mosaics inside  St Mark’s Basilica
• Catch a vaporetto (water bus) to the colourful town of Burano or the glass-blowing capital of the world, Murano
• Enjoy traditional Venetian cuisine with a food tour
• Visit Acqua Altadi Venezia, the floating bookshop for a cool photo spot

Where to stay in Venice

• Generator Venice (not fantastic reviews but the closest hostel to actual Venice, just a quick vaparetto away)
• MEININGER Venezia Mestre (best hostel on the mainland)
• Il Veliero Romantico (affordable guesthouse in Santa Croce with dorms and private rooms)
• B&B Hortus (top-rated B&B in a quiet part of Venice)
• Casa Sulla Laguna (gorgeous apartment in Murano, an island near Venice)
• Al Mascaron Ridente (small hotel offering excellent value)
• The Venice Venice Hotel (stunning design hotel on the water)
• Nolinski Venezia (very fancy boutique hotel)
• Gritti Palace (next level luxury in a historical building)

Bologna, Italy

How to get there from Venice: A direct 1h 30m train that runs throughout the day

How long to stay: A day trip is sufficient but you could easily stay longer for the food alone

Who should go there: It’s a non-negotiable for foodies, I’d say it’s the best food city in the world!

About Bologna

In a country renowned for its cuisine, Bologna takes the crown as Italy’s gastronomic queen. Nicknamed “La Grassa” (the fat one), this is the home of ragu, tortellini and mortadella.

The city also offers easy access to other famous foodie hot spots like Parma (known for Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano) and Modena (known for balsamic vinegar).

Aside from food, it’s a busy student city with a well preserved medieval centre, iconic porticoes and loads of cool events throughout the year. Apparently there’s some cool historical stuff here too but I’ll be honest, I was too busy eating to notice anything else.

Things to do in Bologna

• You can’t visit Bologna without joining a food tour, and Mattia from Delicious Bologna runs the best one in town. I won’t spoil the experience by telling you what to expect but lets just say you need to wear loose clothing, you certainly won’t be going home hungry.
• Stand under Bologna’s leaning towers, one of them puts Pisa to shame
• Watch free outdoor movies at Piazza Maggiore throughout the warmer months
• See the unfinished San Petronio church
• Take a day trip to Modena for balsamic vinegar tastings and Maranello for the Ferrari Museum
• Take a day trip to Parma for antipasto heaven

Where to stay in Bologna

• Hostel Il Nosadillo (very cheap basic hostel with decent reviews)
• Dopa Hostel (boutique hostel that’s a fancier option)
• B&B Casa Santina (budget-friendly B&B slightly out of the city)
• Savhotel (perfect location, comfortable rooms, great prices)
• Zanhotel Regina (simple, affordable hotel in an ideal location)
• Residence le Porte (top-rated mid-range apartments in the middle of the city)
• Savoia Regency (rooms are dated but the hotel grounds are stunning, great if you want a relaxing escape)
• Grand Hotel Majestic gia’ Baglioni (the only 5* hotel in Bologna, fantastic reviews)

Florence, Italy

How to get there from Bologna: A direct 37 minute train

How long to stay: 2-3 days

Who should go there: Art lovers, museum nerds (I say that with love!), hopeless romantics

About Florence

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is pretty much an open-air gallery. From engineering marvels to iconic statues to famous paintings, there’s enough masterpieces here to fill any itinerary. Beyond the art there’s a gloriously charming city with lively piazzas, fantastic day trip options and a culinary scene that is perhaps overlooked compared to Rome, Bologna and Milan.

👉🏼 Read more: How to spend 24 hours in Florence

Things to do in Florence

• See the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, we all know it’s beautiful but the history behind it is equally as fascinating. Buy  skip-the-line tickets with a guided tour to avoid a long wait, or this  Duomo complex ticket  includes access to climb Brunelleschi’s Dome
• Meet Michelangelo’s David at the  Accademia Gallery
• Travel back to Renaissance times at the  Uffizi Gallery to see art from Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo (da Vinci, not the turtle)
• Grab a sandwich from the original All’Antico Vinaio, the most-reviewed sandwich shop in the world with a 4.5/5 rating from more than 39,000 reviews
• Treat yourself to a leather belt or bag from one of the artisan leather workshops in Piazza Santa Croce
• See the gold sparkle at the stalls of the Ponte Vecchio bridge
• Eat your way around Mercato Centrale, a foodie paradise
• Pack a picnic and watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
• Try your hand at cooking your own Italian dishes with a cooking class
• Take a day trip to the vineyards and rolling hills of Tuscany’s countryside

Where to stay in Florence

• YellowSquare Hostel is my budget pick (top-rated social hostel with a kitchen, co-working space and even a rooftop pool!)
• Hostel Archi Rossi (a more basic backpacker hostel that’s cheaper but still has good reviews)
• B&B In Centro (cheap and cheerful B&B with a friendly host)
• BB Hotels Aparthotel Michelangelo (stylish and well-priced apartments in a great location)
• Canto degli Scali (top-rated hotel and apartments near the Uffizi Gallery)
• numa I Felice Rooms & Apartments (design apartments that are cheap for Florence!)
• Palazzo Portinari Salviati Residenza D’Epoca (epitome of Italian style and opulence)
• Portrait Firenze (modern and elegant suites with river views)
• Hotel La Gemma (gorgeous hotel with aesthetic design and world-class service)

Cinque Terre, Italy

How to get there from Florence: Combo of 2-3 trains, total of 2h 45m-3h 30m

Optional add ons: Pisa for the Leaning Tower photos (very touristy but great for the family photo album!) or Lucca for a much more authentic and charming city break (both easy stops on the train journey)

How long to stay in the Cinque Terre: You could see the highlights in a day, but 2-3 days allows for a slower pace and more in-depth experience

Who should go there: Anyone who loves a pretty view, seafood fans, water babies and hikers

About Cinque Terre

These five dreamy villages found fame in the early days of social media and their popularity hasn’t slowed, they’re a mainstay of any summertime Italy trip.

The precariously-perched cliffside villages are well connected by a train line as well as 48 hiking trails and a ferry service (from end of March to early November), so you can really choose your own Cinque Terre adventure!

Things to do in Cinque Terre

• Visit each of the five villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso
• Hike the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) that links the villages, you can do the whole thing or just a segment. The last bit of the trail has been closed for years but apparently is meant to open in July 2024 🤞🏼 ( check here for official updates )
• Take a boat tour to see the villages from the sea
• Indulge in ocean-to-table seafood
• Sip Aperols and eat pesto pasta at Nessun Dorma ( download the app to reserve a table)
• Take a dip at Monterosso’s beach, the only sandy beach in the Cinque Terre

Where to stay in the Cinque Terre

Your options inside the villages are very limited and very expensive, the best places to stay are La Spezia and Levanto which both offer easy access to the Cinque Terre by train.

• Costello (best hostel in La Spezia)
• Ostello Tramonti (very cheap backpacker hostel, out of the way but a bus links it with La Spezia train station)
• Casa Vacanza il Portico (budget-friendly apartment connected by bus and then train to the villages)
• B&B Casa Celsi (very affordable B&B in central La Spezia)
• Allo Scalo Dei Mille (probably the cheapest actual Cinque Terre option, right by Riomaggiore Beach)
• Sotto Sale-5 Terre (another Riomaggiore option, light and bright with great reviews)
• Affittacamere Arbasia De Ma (surprisingly affordable studio apartments with unbeatable views)
• The Sunset Line (dreamy modern hotel rooms with coastal views)
• Il Sogno di Manarola by The First (romantic apartments and rooms in Manarola)

Genoa, Italy

How to get there from Cinque Terre: A direct train, 1h-1h15m

How long to stay: 1-2 days, longer if you just want good food and a chill vibe

Who should go there: Foodies (particularly pesto-lovers) and anyone keen for a more authentic Italy experience without tourist crowds

About Genoa

Often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, Genoa offers a much more local vibe compared to the tourist hot spots on this itinerary. With world-class restaurants and bakeries, opulent landmarks and fantastic value for money, I would say Genoa is one of the most underrated cities in Europe.

Things to do in Genoa

• Eat pesto! Pesto is honestly one of my favourite things in the world and Genoa is where it hails from. You’ll find pesto trofie (the traditional pasta to pair it with) on most menus, but the ones that really blew me away were Pastificio Artigianale di Canneto (cheap and cheerful, get the half-and-half with their walnut ravioli too), Trattoria delle Grazie (a bit fancy) and Trattoria dell’Acciughetta (casual family-run restaurant but the pesto blew me away)
• Join this top-rated food tour for the ultimate Genoa foodie experience
• Wander through the incredible halls of the Palazzo Reale
• Marvel at the golden ceiling of the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato
• Get lost in the maze-like Caruggi (alleys of the old town) or take a walking tour to learn about the city’s history
• Head to the colourful fishing village of Boccadesse for sunset
• Catch the train or ferry to Portofino for a fancy day trip

Where to stay in Genoa

• Ostello Bello Genova (top-rated hostel in town and my personal recommendation, social vibe, right by the train station, big kitchen and lots of freebies like a welcome drink, pasta and fresh vegetables, earplugs and more)
• B&B Fossatello affittacamere (central location, clean and comfortable private rooms)
• B&B Blue Home (cheap and cheerful with good reviews)
• Hotel Astoria (affordable hotel with great reviews for comfort and service)
• Hotel Doria (simple and stylish hotel right in the city centre)
• Locanda Villa Moderna (15 mins out of Genoa but a beautiful family-run hotel if you want a relaxing getaway)
• Grand Hotel Savoia (tasteful 5* hotel right by the train station)
• Grand Hotel Miramare (5* luxury hotel on the coast near Portofino)
• Hotel Bristol Palace (regal style hotel with world-class service)

Turin, Italy

How to get there from Genoa: Direct train, around 2h

Who should go there: All foodies but particularly those with an addiction to chocolate or truffles (the mushrooms, not the chocolate balls)

About Turin

Lovingly known as the Paris of Italy, Turin has grand boulevards, exquisite covered passageways and chocolatey treats around every corner. It’s another one that’s off the major tourist trail so you get great bang for your buck, as well as stunning landmarks that are nowhere near as busy as the better known cities.

Things to do in Turin

• A chocolate tour has to be top of your list, either an organised one (worthwhile to learn about chocolate history) or a self-guided one to Caffarel, Il Gianduiotto, Guido Gobino and Peyrano 
• Visit the Egyptian Museum , one of the best outside of Egypt
• Soak up the view from the top of the Mole Antonelliana, which you might recognise from the 2 cent euro coin
• Take a tour of the National Museum of Cinema and the Mole Antonelliana
• See how the Savoy dynasty lived at the Royal Palace of Turin
• Go truffle hunting in the woods of Piedmont if you’re there in the right season
• Eat life-changing truffle risotto at Ristorante Alba or Brün
• Spot cute sculptures in Valentino Park like the ‘Bench of the Lovers’
• Take a day trip to La Venaria Reale (the Versailles of Northern Italy!)

Where to stay in Turin

• Tomato Backpackers is my recommended Turin hostel, really chill vibe with a kitchen, laundry facilities, hang out area with games, lots of work-friendly space and really comfy beds. Walking distance to the train station and lots of incredible food places nearby.
• Hotel Vittoriano is great for a budget hotel

• Liberty Hotel (dated style but very good reviews and affordable rooms)
• TURINHOMETOWN Apartments (fantastic reviews for their mid-range apartments)
• Porta Nuova Luxury Apartments (slightly fancier but still not too expensive)
• Royal Palace Hotel (channel your inner Savoy and treat yourself to a fancy stay)
• Principi di Piemonte (super stylish 5* with a beautiful wellness area)

Lake Como, Italy

How to get there from Turin: Combo of two trains with a change in Milan, 1h 50m-2h total

Who should go there: Romantics looking for a dreamy escape, keen gardeners (or garden-goers!) and anyone craving a break from the cities

About Lake Como

Channel your inner George & Amal Clooney with a Lake Como getaway, where you’ll enjoy scenery featuring an epic mountain backdrop, palatial lakeside villas and perfectly manicured gardens bursting with colour. Springtime is particularly impressive!

Choose your base for exploring: Bellagio is the superstar, Varenna is equally charming but more laidback, Menaggio boasts world-renowned restaurants and the town of Como isn’t the most beautiful option but is very convenient with budget-friendly options.

Things to do in Lake Como

• Admire the exquisite villa gardens, Villa Carlotta was my favourite but some other good ones are Villa del Balbianello and Villa Monastero
• Take a ferry to the other side of the lake or book a boat tour to see the villas and villages from the water
• Catch the funicular to Brunate for epic Como views
• Enjoy the slow-paced lakeside life
• Indulge in fresh seafood at a small trattoria, Trattoria del Porto is a top-rated option in Careno
• Do a day hike on the Sentiero del Viandante
• Take a water taxi to Isola Comacina, the only island in the lake

Where to stay in Lake Como

• Ostello Bello Lake Como (top social hostel in Como)
• Lecco Hostel & Rooms (stylish dorms and private rooms in Lecco)
• Agriturismo La Derta (best-rated agriturismo option around Lake Como)
• Hotel Adler (best-rated affordable hotel in Menaggio)
• Hotel Fioroni (best-rated affordable hotel in Bellagio)
• Hotel Alberi (best-rated affordable hotel in Lecco)
• Hotel Vista Lago (best-rated affordable hotel in Brunate)
• Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como (stunning luxury option on the lake)
• MUSA Lago di Como (modern 5* hotel away from the crowds)
• Grand Hotel Tremezzo (Wes Anderson level of aesthetically pleasing!)

The Bernina Express from Tirano (Italy) to St Moritz (Switzerland)

(Not technically a destination on this Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary but definitely a highlight!)

How to get to the Bernina Express from Lake Como:

Two options depending on the time of year/day of the week.

• Catch a train from Como San Giovanni to Milan (40m) and then from Milan to Tirano (2h 30m), available year-round
• Catch a train from Como San Giovanni to Lugano across the Swiss border (35m), then catch the Bernina Express Bus to Tirano (3h), available daily during the summer season, Thursday to Sunday during shoulder season and not available in winter (more info in my Bernina Express guide )

What is the Bernina Express?

The Bernina Express is of the most scenic train rides in the world, and the best way to link Northern Italy and Switzerland! It’s only a 2.5 hour journey from Tirano in Italy to St Moritz in Switzerland, or 4h 15m for the full journey to Chur.

👉🏼 Read more: All you need to know about the Bernina Express

St Moritz, Switzerland

How long to stay: 1-2 days

Who should go there: Skiers/snowboarders in winter, hikers in summer or anyone looking for a luxe alpine experience year-round

About St Moritz

St Moritz is a chic ski resort town that actually invented winter tourism in the 1860s. It wasn’t my favourite place in Switzerland (I’m too poor to really enjoy it haha) but it’s a good overnighter between the Bernina Express and your next epic train journey, the Glacier Express.

Things to do in St Moritz

• Walk the lake trail, it’s an easy 4.4km loop
• Ski in winter!
• Get pampered with a visit to one of the many day spas in town
• Sample upscale restaurants, the View at Hotel Grace La Margna and Restaurant Krone are two top-rated options
• Browse designer boutiques

Where to stay in St Moritz

• Sternwarte by Randolins is a SUPER unique accommodation option, you sleep inside a rotating observatory! One of the coolest places I’ve ever stayed for sure. You get access to a small lobby area with a mini fridge, kettle and private bathroom, and then you climb the ladder to reach your bedroom inside the observatory dome. There’s controls for you to rotate, you can open the window for stargazing or mountain views, and there’s a heater to keep you nice and warm. You also get access to Randolins wellness area with a sauna, steam room and indoor and outdoor pools. One for the bucket list!

• St Moritz Youth Hostel (basic but cheapest place in St Moritz)
• Hotel Waldhaus am See (cheapest hotel with decent reviews, right by train station)
• B&B St Moritz (another affordable option, simple but comfortable)
• Berghotel Randolins (modern rooms, epic views and a beautiful wellness area)
• Crystal Hotel Superior (super central, fantastic breakfast)
• Hauser Hotel St. Moritz (light and bright rooms, great reviews)
• Boutique Hotel Cervus (a bit more expensive that the other mid-range options but with more character)
• Suvretta House (traditional Swiss hospitality coupled with elegant design and insane views)
• Hotel Grace La Margna (new boutique hotel that opened in 2023, brilliant reviews online)
• Kulm Hotel (part of the Leading Hotels of the World brand, which really tells you everything you need to know!)

Zermatt, Switzerland

How to get there from St Moritz: Another bucket list train journey, the Glacier Express! It’s the slowest ‘express’ train in the world but you’ll be grateful for that when you see the views, it’s a full eight hours of lush valleys, alpine passes and dollhouse-looking villages. I’ve got all you need to know about it in my Glacier Express guide .

How long to stay in Zermatt: 2-3 days

Who should go there: Outdoor adventurers, nature lovers, luxury travellers looking for a cosy getaway, or anyone seeking a traditional mountain village

About Zermatt

Nestled at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn, Zermatt is the quintessential Swiss alpine village, with traditional wooden chalets, endless mountain adventures on your doorstep and an easygoing vibe. It’s absolutely stunning year-round, with magical colours in autumn, a blanket of snow in winter, beautiful blooms in spring and long, sunny days in summer.

It’s car-free so if you’re driving around Northern Italy and Switzerland you’ll have to park in a nearby village and catch the train.

👉🏼 Read more: The ultimate five day Switzerland itinerary

Things to do in Zermatt

• Catch the Gornergratbahn mountain train to the top of Gornergrat for the best view of the Matterhorn (sit on the right on the way up!)
• Walk from the top station down to Riffelsee Lake to witness the perfect reflection of the Matterhorn on a calm day
• Paraglide for unbeatable birds-eye views
• Hit the slopes in winter (or Matterhorn Ski Paradise year-round), then let your hair down while enjoying the buzzing apres-ski scene
• Take Europe’s highest cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise , see if you can count all 29 4000m peaks!
• Hike the super scenic Five Lakes Walk

Where to stay in Zermatt

• Hotel Bahnhof  (comfortable dorms + cosy private rooms, guest kitchen, easy access to the train station)
• Annex Antika  (cheap and cheerful rooms with access to Antika Hotel’s wellness area and buffet breakfast, excellent value for money)
• Zermatt Youth Hostel  (back to basics but the top-rated option in the backpacker budget category)
• Carina Design&Lifestyle Hotel  (very fancy dorm rooms, this is the definition of ‘glampacking’!)
• Hotel Jägerhof  (traditional chalet, 3*)
• Resort La Ginabelle  (4* hotel with wellness facilities)
• Hotel ZERMAMA is my favourite place to stay in Zermatt, they have loads of thoughtful details like in-room yoga mats, a DIY fondue set and cosy faux fur coats for cold nights on the balcony eating fondue with said fondue set. Highly, highly recommend.
• The Omnia  (5* hotel with dreamy spa complex)
• Riffelalp Resort  (top-rated 5* ski-in ski-out resort with insane Matterhorn views)
• CERVO Mountain Resort  (ultra-stylish après ski resort)

Interlaken, Switzerland

How to get there from Zermatt: Two options! The quick and easy way is a three train combo with changes in Visp and Spiez (lots of travellers will be making the same changes, it’s super simple), or the scenic way is to go from Zermatt to Visp to Montreux (2h 40m total) and then catch the iconic GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken (3h 15m).

How long to stay: 2-4 days

Who should go there: Thrill seekers, mountain lovers, anyone wanting classic Swiss scenery without the hefty price tag of the mountain resorts

About Interlaken

Interlaken sits between two sparkling lakes and countless mountains, making it the perfect base for some of Switzerland’s most epic outdoor adventures. It’s certainly not as charming as the alpine havens of Zermatt or St Moritz, but it does offer pretty good value for money (comparatively!) and easy access to excursions like Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald-First and Harder Kulm.

If you do want to stay somewhere with more character, base yourself somewhere nearby like Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen (or split your time between there and Interlaken).

👉🏼 Read more: The ultimate 10 day Switzerland itinerary

Things to do in Interlaken

• Take the train up to Jungfraujoch , Europe’s highest train station, known as the ‘Top of Europe’
• Do a lake cruise or kayak trip , you won’t believe how blue the water is
• Paraglide for the best combo of mountain, lake and city views along with a pump of adrenaline (this was one of the best things I’ve ever done on my travels!)
• Or try canyoning or white water rafting as another thrill option
• Catch the funicular up to Harder Kulm , the best viewpoint in Interlaken
• Meander through fairytale mountain villages like Lauterbrunnen, Murren or Grindelwald
• Take the gondola to Grindelwald-First for ziplining, a suspended Cliff Walk or some downhill mountain scootering

Where to stay in Interlaken (or nearby)

• Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof is the best hostel in Interlaken, simple but really comfortable, lovely staff and great facilities (huge kitchen, games room, co-working space)
• Arnolds B&B in Interlaken (cheap guesthouse with lovely views)
• Valley Hostel in Lauterbrunnen (budget option in the maybe most picturesque village in the world)
• Swiss Inn & Apartments  in Interlaken (top-rated 3* hotel)
• Hotel Spinne Grindelwald  (the cheapest hotel in Grindelwald that has a pool/spa)
• Hotel Interlaken  (4* hotel with cosy and affordable rooms)
• Bergwelt Grindelwald is my top pick if you want to treat yourself, staying here was a dream! 4* but feels like a 5*, stunning interiors, super serene wellness area, incredible mountain views and a brilliant on-site restaurant.
• Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa  in Interlaken (iconic 5* hotel right in the middle of town with rich history and a heavenly day spa)
• BEATUS Wellness & Spa Hotel  (9km from Interlaken on the shore of Lake Thun, 5* luxury hotel)

Lucerne, Switzerland

How to get there from Interlaken: Take the Luzern-Interlaken Express, 1h 50m

Who should go there: History buffs, anyone that loves a good mountain viewpoint, travellers looking for a base to explore central Switzerland

About Lucerne

Lucerne is a storybook town if I ever saw one, with a well-preserved medieval old town sitting on the lake and an endless panorama of mountains surrounding it. The city itself is classy and enchanting, and it offers quick and easy access to four major mountain peaks (and plenty more that are lesser known).

Things to do in Lucerne

• Head to the mountains! The best options from Lucerne are Pilatus, Titlis, Stanserhorn and Rigi (and I’ve got a Lucerne mountain comparison guide to help you decide which ones to visit)
• Join a city tour to learn about Lucerne’s medieval history, there’s this  walking & boat tour , a  self-guided walking tour & scavenger hunt , or I love the look of this top-rated  Night Watchman Historical Tour
• See the city and mountains from a  lake cruise
• Learn about trains, planes and boats at the  Swiss Museum of Transport
• Experience local cuisine a  food tour or get amongst the wine scene with a  small group wine tasting tour
• Join a  photography walking tour  if you’re a budding shutterbug

Where to stay in Lucerne

• Backpackers Luzern  (cheap and cheerful)
• Hotel Sonnenberg  (top-rated budget hotel out of the city but easily reached by funicular)
• Hotel Beau Séjour Lucerne  (simple budget hotel with great value private rooms)
• The Lubo (smart hotel right in the old town, super spacious with a kitchenette and access to laundry facilities which is rare in Swiss city hotels)
• Hotel des Balances  (classy 4* hotel with fantastic views)
• Hotel Rebstock  (comfortable 3* full of character)
• Lucerne Lake View Apartments  (best option in town if you want an apartment)
• Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort  (25 mins from Lucerne, alpine luxury hotel)
• Hotel Villa Honegg  (a bucket list stay thanks to its famous infinity pool)

Basel, Switzerland

How to get there from Lucerne: A direct train, 1h-1h 15m

How long to stay: 1-2 days, longer if you’re a lover of galleries and museums

Who should go there: Art enthusiasts, museum lovers or anyone who enjoys a good ol’ quirky city

About Basel

Often overlooked for fancier Swiss cities, Basel packs a serious punch when it comes to art and culture. It’s home to nearly 40 museums, a wonderfully preserved old town and access to summer activities along and on the Rhine.

Come for the attractions, stay for the laidback vibe.

Things to do in Basel

• Get your art fix! The Kunstmuseum is the city’s jewel but there’s also Fondation Beyeler for modern art, the Fine Arts Museum and Tinguely Museum for weird and wonderful kinetic sculptures
• Admire Basel Münster and the view across the river
• Wander through the Altstadt (Old Town) or take a walking tour to learn about the city at the same time
• Take a cruise down the Rhine, or just jump in and float like the locals do!

Where to stay in Basel

• SILO Hostel is ideal for budget travellers that want a bit of comfort, it’s a design hostel located in the super sustainable neighbourhood of Erlenmatt. The hostel has spacious private rooms or stylish dorms, plenty of work-friendly space and one of the fanciest hostel breakfasts I’ve seen, with freshly baked bread, local cheeses and fancy pastries.
• Hotel by Hyve Basel (more expensive but right next to the main train station)

• Hotel Spalentor (top-rated small hotel with comfortable rooms)
• Hotel Volkshaus (boutique design hotel with fantastic reviews)
• BALEGRA City Hotel (smart-hotel offering excellent value for money)
• Hotel Les Trois Rois (5* luxury hotel in the heart of the city)

Zürich, Switzerland

How to get there from Basel: 55m direct train

How long to stay: 1-2 days if you’re on a budget, 3-4 days if you have money and time

Who should go there: Anyone craving a cool city break, museum lovers, foodies that don’t mind splurging

About Zürich

The beating heart of Switzerland’s business scene, Zürich is a cosmopolitan city with a creative edge. Jump between the historic Altstadt and vibrant modern neighbourhoods, treat yourself to chocolate treats or go all out with a fine dining degustation dinner, and enjoy the benefits of a big city with nature on its doorstep.

Things to do in Zürich

• Join a free walking tour of Altstadt
• Head to Lindenhof Square for a fantastic view over the river
• Taste Swiss chocolate at the world-class chocolatiers that call Zürich home, like Teuscher, Vollenweider and Sprüngli
• Take a tour of the Lindt Home of Chocolate
• Climb the tower of Grossmünster and admire the church’s stained glass windows
• Do a  fondue and wine tour  on an eco-friendly tuktuk
• Relax in the infinity pool at the  Hürlimann Baths & Spa
• Tick off a few museums, popular ones are Kunsthaus Zürich for art, Landesmuseum for Swiss history and culture, FIFA Museum for football and Uhrenmuseum Beyer Zürich for watches and clocks (sounds weird but it’s honestly so cool)
• Indulge in some fine dining, we tried the degustation menu at  Carlton and it was impeccable
• Take a day trip to St Gallen to see the famous Abbey Library

Where to stay in Zürich

• Zurich Youth Hostel  (basic backpacker hostel)
• MEININGER Hotel Greencity  (simple but stylish but a bit far from the city centre)
• Capsule Hotel Zurich Airport  for easy access to the airport
• 25hours Hotel Langstrasse  (my top personal recommendation for a mid-range stay, a funky design hotel in the vibrant Langstrasse district)
• Marktgasse Hotel  (brilliant location in the Old Town)
• Hotel Adler  (historic hotel with affordable single rooms for solo travellers)
• B2 Hotel is a bucket list stay for booklovers, this place has a two storey floor-to-ceiling library room that holds more than 30,000 books! It’s digital nomad friendly with a co-working space, delicious buffet breakfast and you get half price access to the Hürlimann Baths & Spa I mentioned above.
• Mandarin Oriental Savoy  (elegant 5* luxury hotel)
• Baur au Lac  (very fancy 5* with a 2 Michelin star restaurant)

Suggested Northern Italy Switzerland itineraries for different timeframes

1 week in northern italy and switzerland.

To get the best experience across both countries in a fairly short timeframe, I’d recommend something like the following:

Days 1-2: Lucerne

• Fly into Zürich, immediately catch the train to Lucerne (50m)
• Explore Lucerne Old Town
• Lake cruise
• Swiss Transport Museum
• Mountain day trip to Rigi, Pilatus, Titlis or Stanserhorn

Days 3-4: Interlaken

• Lucerne to Interlaken by train (1h 50m)
• Harder Kulm funicular
• Jungfraujoch day trip incl. stop in Lauterbrunnen and/or Grindelwald
• Paragliding

Days 5-7: Northern Italy options

• Interlaken to Milan by train (3h 10m)
• Option one: Stay in Milan for a cosmopolitan city break
• Option two: Continue to Venice to tick it off your bucket list
• Option three: Continue to Bologna for a foodie experience
• Option four: Continue to Florence for art & culture

10 days in Northern Italy and Switzerland

With 10 days in Northern Italy and Switzerland I would really recommend including the Swiss panoramic trains in your itinerary. You could follow this itinerary:

Days 1-2: Zermatt

• Fly into Milan, train to Zermatt (3h 30m-4h)
• Gornergratbahn
• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Day 3: Glacier Express

• Full day Glacier Express train to St Moritz, stay overnight in St Moritz

Day 4: Bernina Express

• Bernina Express to Tirano (2.5h), continue on to Milan

Days 5-6: Milan

• Duomo di Milano
• QC Termemilano
• Navigli food tour
• The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie

Days 7-10: Northern Italy options

• Combine Genoa and Turin for a full on foodie experience away from the tourist crowds
• Head to Florence via Bologna for food or the Cinque Terre for sun and sea
• Stop in Verona for a day or night and then continue to Venice for 3-4 days to explore the lagoon
• Make your way to the Dolomites for 3-4 days of hiking

2 weeks in Northern Italy and Switzerland

Two weeks in Northern Italy and Switzerland gives you a decent chunk of time to tick off a decent chunk of the region’s of highlights:

• 1 day in Zermatt
• 2 days in Interlaken

3 weeks in Northern Italy and Switzerland

With three weeks you could do one of those itineraries at a slower pace, or if you really wanted to cram loads in (and don’t mind a very quick trip!) you could do:

Suggested Northern Italy Switzerland itineraries for different interests

For foodies.

If you’re like me and constantly make travel decisions based on cuisine, here’s the ultimate foodie itinerary for Northern Italy and Switzerland:

If you travel for good views and outdoor adventures, here are some must-visits for your itinerary:

• Bernina Express to Tirano, continue to Milan for a spa session at QC Thermemilano (your body will need it!)
• Finish up in the Dolomites

For first-timers

• Day trip to Cinque Terre
• Glacier Express and/or Bernina Express

For relaxers

• Tuscan countryside out of Florence

Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary FAQs

Should i train, fly or drive in italy and switzerland.

I would highly recommend using the train network to get around this part of Europe.

Are Northern Italy and Switzerland safe for solo female travellers?

Switzerland is super safe for solo female travellers, crime rates are really low and I was never concerned for my safety.

The cities in Northern Italy have higher petty crime rates, but act as you would in any other big city (avoid walking alone in unlit areas at night, Google neighbourhoods before booking accommodation, keep your belongings in a cross-body zipped bag).

If you’re hiking solo then there are additional precautions to take, make sure you’re prepared for weather to change, know your limits, and let someone at your hotel, hostel or the local information centre know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.

What currency do they use in Italy and Switzerland?

In Italy they use the Euro and in Switzerland they use Swiss Francs (CHF).

Do they use cash or card?

You’ll be able to use card in most places on this itinerary, I’d recommend getting something like a Wise card to avoid bank fees and shitty exchange rates.

Switzerland is actually quite a cash-heavy society but in all my visits there I’ve never touched a Swiss Franc note or coin!

The only part of the itinerary I’d recommend carrying some cash for would be the Dolomites, touristy places will take card but places like small rifugios on hiking trails or family-owned trattorias in alpine villages might only take cash.

If you have any specific questions you need answered then have a look through my other Switzerland and Italy blog posts below, and if you’re still stuck then let me know in the comments and I will get back to you as soon as I can!

MORE SWITZERLAND TRAVEL INSPIRATION:

• How to spend 5 days in Switzerland
• How to spend 10 days in Switzerland
• 33 Instagrammable places in Switzerland
• Rigi vs Pilatus vs Titlis vs Stanserhorn: Which one to visit?
• See all Switzerland blog posts

MORE SWITZERLAND TRAIN GUIDES:

• Swiss Travel Pass vs Half Fare Card: Which one is best?
• The ultimate Swiss Travel Pass guide
• The ultimate Swiss Half Fare Card guide
• Is the Glacier Express worth it?
• Is the Bernina Express worth it?
• Bernina Express vs Glacier Express: Which one should you choose?
• Is the Jungfrau Travel Pass worth it?
• Is the Tell Pass worth it?

MORE ITALY TRAVEL INSPIRATION:

• The ultimate Italy bucket list
• A travel guide to the Dolomites
• How to spend 2 days in Milan
• How to spend 24 hours in Florence

MORE EUROPE TRAVEL INSPIRATION:

• The perfect two month Europe itinerary
• The ultimate three month Europe itinerary (build your own dream trip!)
• A Europe Christmas market itinerary by train
• How to spend 3 weeks in Scandinavia by train
• How to spend 2 weeks in Poland by train
• How to spend 2 weeks in the Balkans by bus
• The most beautiful train rides in Europe
• 27 Europe holiday ideas to inspire you
• How to use a Eurail Pass
• Is a Eurail Pass worth it?
• See all Europe blog posts

MY GO-TO TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES Flights ✈️ I use Skyscanner to find the best flights for my trip and then I’ll always book direct with the airline to protect myself from having to deal with dodgy third parties if anything goes wrong. Trains 🚂 If I’m travelling through Europe, I try to travel by train wherever possible! For an extended trip (2+ weeks) I’ll calculate if a Eurail Pass is worth it , or I’ll book point-to-point tickets through RailEurope or the local train operator. Accommodation 🛎️ I book almost all of my accommodation through booking.com , they have a user-friendly website + app and many of their options are free cancellation, easily cancelled with a simple click of a button. Activities 🗽 I use GetYourGuide , Klook and Viator to look for activities in the places I visit, or I just Google ‘things to do in [city]’! Travel cards 💳 I’m a Wise gal through and through, they’ve been my chosen travel card for more than five years now. You can easily top up your card from your bank account or through Apple Pay, convert your money to local currency, and spend money with minimal fees and the best exchange rates around. Travel insurance 🩺 I use Cover-More NZ travel insurance for my own trips, I have a comprehensive policy and I’ve only had good experiences with them. Cover-More also has an Australian company , but if you’re from elsewhere then two popular insurance options for global travellers are SafetyWing (cheaper policy, lower coverage) and World Nomads (more expensive but significantly better coverage). Luggage 💼 I travel with Samsonite Cosmolite suitcases , one 75cm check in bag and a 55cm carry on bag, and I absolutely adore them and will never travel with anything else! They are SUPER lightweight (2.8kg and 1.9kg respectively) so I have much more space for my actual stuff. Camera gear 📸 These days many of my photos and all of my videos are with my iPhone 15 Pro Max , my main camera is a Lumix G9 but I have a secondary camera (my old one) that’s a Lumix GX85 , I use a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone and a GoPro Hero 10 . I do all my writing and editing on my HP Spectre x360 , it’s super lightweight and perfect for travel.

Written by:

Alexx is the human behind the keyboard and camera here at Finding Alexx. She’s a full-time solo traveller with a passion for finding bucket list experiences, unique stays that are worth writing home about, and those meals you’ll think about for the rest of your life. Having visited more than 60 countries (50 of them solo!), she shares super detailed itineraries and travel guides on the blog, as well as providing an authentic behind-the-scenes look at all her adventures (and misadventures) on Instagram.

You’ll Also Love

May 2, 2024 at 4:13 am

I wanted your opinion on my which travel passes to combine or the best option for the below itinerary. I am planning a Switzerland and Italy trip but can’t seem to wrap my head around the best travel/train options between the Eurail pass, Swiss Travel pass, Swiss Half Fare Card, or point-to-point tickets or a combination of 2 of these. My wife will be joining me on the trip as well. Below is my itinerary that will start in Zurich and fly out of Rome. Also, if you could let me know your suggestions on modifying this trip then that would help a lot as well since I have only booked tickets so far. The goal is to stay 8 days in Switzerland and 10 days in Italy. Let me know if that is a good breakout and whether I’m trying to accomplish too much in this time period. I have some sort of an itinerary laid out for Switzerland but have not done much research on Italy yet.

Aug 20 – Land in Zurich at 6:30 PM Aug 21 – spend half day at Rhine then take train to Lucerne. Spend night in Lucerne Aug 22 – morning – One of the 4 mountains. Evening take train to Interlaken Aug 23 – Jungfrau or Grindelwald First Aug 24 – Harder Kulm, Lake Thun, Lauterbrunnen Aug 25 – take train to Zermatt, Gornergrat Aug 26 – Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Aug 27 – zermatt to St. Moritz Glacier Express Aug 28 – St. Moritz to Tirano – Bernia Express, then take train to Milan or Lake Como Aug 29 – Lake Como Aug 30 – Milan Aug 31 – Venice Sep 1 – Venice Sept 2 – Cinque Terre Sept 3 – Cinque Terre to Pisa, Pisa to Florence Sept 4 – Florence Sept 5 – Rome Sept 6 – Rome Sept 7 – Fly out of Rome

May 2, 2024 at 11:44 pm

Hey Keval, looks like a brilliant trip! I have just replied to your email with the details of my travel pass consultation service 🙂

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Arzo Travels

Solo Female Travel – Switzerland, Europe and Beyond

SWITZERLAND AND ITALY ITINERARY – PLACES TO SEE + TIPS

ITINERARY FOR SWITZERLAND AND ITALY IN 10 DAYS

Table of Contents

Switzerland and Italy – these are two of the most amazing countries to visit. I just love visiting Italy and Switzerland and will probably never tire of spending time there. 

This post is about an amazing trip that combines some of Switzerland’s most beautiful locations with one of Italy’s most idyllic regions – a great Switzerland and Italy itinerary I will share with you.  

As a self-proclaimed Switzerland addict, I love to talk about my favorite country. But do you know what? Italy is my second favorite country, so today I can tell you about my favorite travel destinations.  

And there are a lot of things to do – but with only ten days (or anything between 7-14 days), you have to focus on a few places. This Italy and Switzerland itinerary allows you to explore some of the extraordinarily stunning places.

This post has also important travel tips – e.g. how to get around, where to stay, and more. So, let me introduce you to some pretty, pretty places.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I might earn a small commission when you buy a product/service (at no extra cost to you) after clicking on my link. More about it  here .

FAQ: SWITZERLAND AND ITALY ITINERARY

So whether you want to explore these two places in 5, 7, or 10 days – this Switzerland and Italy itinerary is the perfect way to explore Switzerland’s alpine beauty and relax in an Italian paradise. 

Here are some important FAQs and answers.

HOW TO GET AROUND – PUBLIC TRANSPORT & CAR

Let´s start with how to get around Switzerland.

SWITZERLAND

🚆 PUBLIC TRANSPORT 

One of the best ways to get around Switzerland is by using its efficient public transportation system. It is reliable, punctual, clean, and gets you everywhere!

The Swiss Travel Pass is a great way to travel conveniently and cost-effectively.

The Swiss Travel Pass allows you to use buses, trains, and boats without extra costs. Even some mountain excursions are included (like Mount Rigi), and for most others, you get a 50% discount. The Swiss Travel Pass also covers most museums and entrances to castles .

Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass is quite expensive but it normally will pay off. There are passes for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days available. I suggest, getting the pass for this itinerary, if you use public transportation. I almost always get it when I visit Switzerland, and it has helped me save a lot of money and headaches (because I do not have to buy train/bus tickets for each single trip.

➡️  GET YOUR SWISS TRAVEL PASS HERE

🚘 ROAD TRIP

Though I love road tripping Switzerland , I do not necessarily recommend renting a car for this trip, just because Swiss public transport is so great. Also, because driving in these parts can be more stressful as (mountain) roads can be narrow and windy and it might not be the best for inexperienced drivers.

However, I cannot deny that driving in Switzerland has quite some benefits – including flexibility and if you travel with a couple of people, it might be even cheaper.

In case, you decide to rent a car, I suggest this site to find the best prices. I normally use my own car whenever I drive in Austria or Switzerland. I have used this site to find a rental car for other destinations, though (e.g. Albania ). 

If you want to use the car in both countries, make sure you are allowed to do so.

🚆 PUBLIC TRANSPORT

In Italy, public transport is also efficient and easy to use . You can take the train or bus to most places you’d like to visit. Around Lake Como, buses and boats are your best bet to get around. To travel between cities – like Como to Milan – trains are the most effective and fastest way.

TIP: If you buy a paper ticket, remember to validate your ticket BEFORE you get on a train, at the machines in the underground tunnels, or on the tracks. You must do this before riding, otherwise, the ticket inspector may fine you.

I do not necessarily see the need to rent a car in Italy, though it gives you more flexibility and freedom. Hiring a car can be a great option if flexibility is very important to you. However, driving in Italy is not for the fainthearted. Streets can be busy and drivers tend to be reckless. Also, petrol prices are quite high as are highway tolls.

➡️ Find the best deals for rental cars here if you want to rent a car.

HOW TO GET FROM SWITZERLAND TO ITALY

If you’re planning on doing a Switzerland and Italy itinerary, getting between these two countries is easy. 

Taking the “ Bernina Express ” from Milan to Chur includes a border crossing near Tirano – that should go smoothly. You might get asked for your IDs and though I have crossed the border several times this way, I never had any border controls.

If you plan to get back from Locarno to Milan, all you need to do is take the train from Locarno to Como Nord Station in Italy. The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, and trains run up to 10 times per day.

If you want to travel by car between Switzerland and Italy, several border crossings take less than an hour. The most popular route is the Great St Bernard Pass, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Martigny in Switzerland to Aosta in Italy.

If you’re an EU citizen – You don’t need any visa: just enjoy your vacation. However, have your ID with you as there might be border controls.

If you are not an EU citizen but have a Schengen visa , you can also visit both countries without hassle.

10 DAYS IN ITALY AND SWITZERLAND ITINERARY

So, let´s get started with your trip to Italy and Switzerland.

 🇮🇹 DAY: 1 MILAN

Milan is a city in northern Italy and is the capital of the Lombardy region. It is known as one of the fashion capitals of Europe (the people here are really the most beautifully dressed ever), as well as being an important financial center and home to numerous cultural attractions.

Some of the most famous sights in Milan include the Duomo di Milano , one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, and La Scala opera house, which is home to some of the world’s best operas. Other attractions include Sforza Castle and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Start with a visit to the Duomo di Milano at the heart of the city. After that, stroll around La Scala Opera House and admire its beauty. Then explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest shopping malls in Europe. For lunch, have a traditional Italian meal at one of the city’s many restaurants.

In the afternoon, take a stroll around Sforza Castle and its beautiful gardens.

Though Milan is not my favorite Italian city, it is a great place to visit – even if it is just for the jaw-dropping cathedral. I would not stay longer than a day in Milan though – too many places nearby are waiting for you! 

ACTIVITIES/TOURS IN MILAN

➡️ Milan: Cathedral and Rooftop Ticket

➡️ Milan: Historical Walking Tour and The Last Supper Ticket

➡️ Milan: Sforza Castle Entry Ticket with Digital Audioguide

WHERE TO STAY IN MILAN

LUXURY: I once stayed at the beautiful Principe Di Savoia – Dorchester Collection. This 5-star hotel offered everything I needed for my 1-night stay. And because it is not directly located in the city center (but not too far away), a limo service will get you to the city center – free of charge. ➡️ Check out rates and availabilities here .

MID-RANGE: This 3-star hotel, Missori Suites, is centrally located and might be the perfect choice for your trip! ➡️ Check out rates and availabilities here.

FROM MILAN TO COMO

The train from Milan to Como takes between 40-75 minutes. Tickets start from only 5 € (depending on which connection etc.)

 🇮🇹 DAY 2 & 3: LAKE COMO

Lake Como is in northern Italy, located at the base of the Alps and about 40km north of Milan. The lake is shaped like an inverted Y, with two long branches that extend from the city of Como in the south to Colico in the northeast.

It is renowned for its scenic beauty, making it a popular tourist destination, and it is also home to some of the world’s most luxurious villas. The lake has several small towns located along its shoreline, including Bellagio , Menaggio, and Varenna.

Enjoy activities such as swimming, sailing, windsurfing and even skiing in the winter months. It is also possible to take boat trips, with regular ferry services connecting many of the towns and villages along its shoreline.

Como itself is a cute town, but I suggest the stunning parks close by – visiting them was when I fell in love with Lake Como. Those parks and villas are really what sets Lake Como apart in my opinion.

WHERE TO STAY IN COMO

There are plenty of places to stay on Lake Como, ranging from luxury resorts to more modest accommodation options.

LUXURY : One of the most luxurious hotels in Como is this 4-star property Villa Flori. ➡️ Click here to find the best rates for Villa Flori.

MID-RANGE: If you want something more budget-friendly and decide to stay in Como, check out B&B Hotel Como City Center. It is an affordable but very well-rated hotel, where you get good value for money. ➡️ Click here to find the best rates at B&B Hotel Como City Center.

At the end of day 3, head back to Milan. Why? Because something very special is waiting for you.

FROM COMO TO MILAN: 

From Como, take the train back to Milan. – it takes between 40-75 minutes. Tickets start from only 5 € (depending on which connection etc.)

🇮🇹 🇨🇭 DAY 4: MILAN – BERNINA EXPRESS

This day is about one of the most scenic train rides in the world. This day is about glaciers, tunnels, Alps, lakes. This day is about window views and relaxation. You could just sit back and enjoy an amazing ride from the comfort of a train.

What makes the Bernina Express so special, I think it should be part of the Italy/Switzerland itinerary? Well, From Tirano, Italy to Chur via St.Moritz in Switzerland – this train ride is just a feast for the eyes.

Since you are in Milan, start from there, and snake through the majestic Swiss Alps, this iconic railway route takes riders over breathtaking landscape views and across two towering passes. The train winds its way up to Tirano, Italy – and here the Bernina Express officially starts.

The Bernina Express is a spectacular ride through the Alps! You’ll glide over the stunning 65-meter-high Landwasser Viaduct, an architectural masterpiece, and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Along the winding route from Chur to Tirano, marvel at the engineering feats of 55 tunnels and 196 bridges. Witness breathtaking views of the Bernina massif at the Montebello curve, gaze upon the impressive Morteratsch Glacier, and admire the pristine beauty of the lakes along the way.

Don’t miss the unique Alp Grüm and the mesmerizing Brusio Circular Viaduct. Though I have done this trip many times, I still am glued to the window seat just because I looove the window views.

TIP 1: End your journey to St.Moritz – my tip is not to get all the way to Chur. There are some parts after St.Moritz, which are actually pretty impressive, but you will get to see this later during this trip. 

TIP 1: There are some extra tickets for the Bernina Express from Milan to Chur. You could buy one of them and use the iconic Bernina Express. These trains run 1-3 a day, depending on the season. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, then there is no need to buy a ticket for the Tirano to Chur route, as the Pass is valid for the route. But you have to pay a compulsory reservation fee which is up to 30 CHF in the summer months.

OR, you can take a “fake” Bernina Express. So, why do I call them fake Bernina Express? Well, there are local trains that do go the same route. There are no panoramic windows, and you might have to change trains once or twice.

However, there is no need for any reservation and thus, it is completely covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. Also, there are a few more stops (in case you want to get out), and they run much more frequently (at least once every hour to be precise). I just love my fake Bernina Express.

FROM MILAN TO ST.MORITZ

This train ride from Milan to St.Moritz takes about 4 hours – but it is a pretty ride, so buckle up (not literally as there are no seatbelts in Swiss trains) and enjoy!

🇨🇭DAY 5 & 6: ST. MORITZ

So, after this amazing train ride you had the day before, it is about going out and exploring the stunning Engadine Valley.

St. Moritz is a popular destination for tourists all year round as it offers something unique to each season, but it is especially beautiful during the summer months.

Located in the Swiss Alps of the Engadine Valley and surrounded by some of Europe’s most stunning mountain peaks, St. Moritz provides an idyllic natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

In the summer months, St. Moritz offers a lot. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, boating, horseback riding, and more in the surrounding mountainous landscape – you can choose from a variety of activities.

But most of all, I am in love with St.Moritz for its amazing mountain views – whether you get up Corvatsch Mountain or Diavolezza, you have some of the best panoramas. And the lakes…ahhh, what should I tell you? Yes, Lake Como is a beauty and Lake Maggiore (which you will see later) is also a pretty lake. But Lake Silvaplana and Lake Sils are next-level stunning.

St. Moritz also offers many accommodation options such as luxury hotels, apartments, and chalets to choose from. 

TIP: You can use public transportation for free with your Swiss Travel Pass. However, the cable cars/funiculars normally do not offer any discounts with your Swiss Travel Pass. The reason I recommend visiting St.Moritz for two nights is the following: It is a stunning Swiss destination.

But there is also another reason I recommend everyone to stay in the area: If you stay a minimum of 2 nights in one of the participating hotels, you get a pass – for free – that allows you to use public transportation and all 13 cable cars/funiculars in the valley for free!

This offer is only available in the warmer months (so from June to early October) and is known as the “Bergbahn Inklusive”. You can also buy mountain passes instead of single tickets, in case you do not stay 2 nights in St.Moritz.

WHERE TO STAY IN ST.MORITZ

These accommodations in St.Moritz all offer the Bergbahn Inklusive ticket (if you stay for at least two nights).

LUXURY: This hotel, Badrutt’s Palace, has everything you need when booking a 5-star hotel in St. Moritz. From an extensive spa area to a lounge and bar area, luxurious hotel rooms and suites, and more.   ➡️ Check out prices here.

MID-RANGE: Hotel Corvatsch is a 3-star hotel located in the lower part of St. Moritz. and only a 3-minute walk from the lake and the Signal Cable Car. ➡️ Here are prices and availabilities .

BUDGET: The St. Moritz Youth Hoste l is situated at the edge of the forest in the lower part of St. Moritz. During the day, there is a bus that gets you to the St. Moritz train station. The rooms all have shared bathrooms, and breakfast is always included – you cannot find a better deal in all of St. Moritz. ➡️ Check out rates here.

FROM ST.MORITZ TO LOCARNO

Today´s train ride is about 4 hours – but no reason to be upset about it. First, get to Thusis – this is part of the Bernina Express which is absolutely amazing and which you did not get to see if you got out at St.Moritz.

Then continue your journey to Bellinzona and then to Locarno – as you probably are well aware by now, train rides in Switzerland are more fun than just a necessary evil!

🇨🇭 DAY 7 & 8: LOCARNO / ASCONA 

The canton of Ticino is in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. Locarno is located on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore (Lago di Maggiore) and is a popular tourist destination.

The town boasts beautiful scenery with views of both lake and mountains, including nearby Cardada Mountain .

Enjoy the stunning architecture of the old town, go for a boat ride on Lake Maggiore, take hikes in the nearby mountains and forests, or explore some of the cultural sights such as the International Film Festival held every August. Many restaurants and cafes line the waterfront promenade.

Lake Maggiore, also known as Verbano, is a large lake in northwestern Italy and southern Switzerland. It is the largest and deepest of all the pre-Alpine lakes in the region. The lake is partly Swiss and partly Italian – one could say, a perfect mix! I would not say it is the most impressive Swiss lake, but it is surely a top destination.

If you have time, I recommend walking towards Ascona (or hopping on a bus) which is about 4 km from Locarno. Ascona is a small Swiss town located in the Ticino region of Switzerland, on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore.

Ascona is known for its warm climate, stunning scenery, and beautiful “lake” beaches, making it a great place to relax.

Ticino is actually a little peace of Italy in the heart of Switzerland – I consider it, the best of two worlds!

TIP: The boat ride on Lago di Maggiore is free with a Swiss Travel Pass (pick the tour that is on the Swiss side of the lake).

WHERE TO STAY IN LOCARNO

Tip, though I recommend staying overnight in Locarno, I also understand if you do not like changing hotels too often. If that is the case with you, I suggest leaving your luggage at the train station (there are lockers which cost about 10 CFH for 12 hours but have a max. size).

Explore Locarno and then get your luggage and check in your accommodation in Valle Verzasca. But if you prefer staying in Locarno, here are some hotel tips.

LUXURY : I have stayed at a couple of very luxurious hotels, but this is probably one of my favorites:  Villa Orselina!  It is a top luxurious small boutique hotel in Orselina, just a few minutes from Locarno. ➡️ Check out prices here.

MID-RANGE: I did not stay at Hotel Garni Muralto , but it is one of the best-rated hotels in that price range. It is not directly in Locarno, but Muralto just borders Locarno and you can get there within minutes. ➡️ Find out prices here.

Do not expect bargains when traveling in Switzerland, so there are no real budget hotels. But here are some general money-saving tips,  check out my post for the best advice.

🇨🇭 DAY 9 & 10 VALLE VERZASCA AND DEPARTURE

Ohhhh, my! Today it is time to explore one of the most unique destinations in Switzerland : the impressive Valle Verzasca Valley.

Valle Verzasca is a spectacular valley located in the canton of Ticino . The entire region is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. The valley is one of the most scenic parts of Switzerland, with lush green meadows and majestic mountains providing an unforgettable backdrop.

Enjoy activities such as hiking, mountain biking, swimming, rock climbing, and kayaking. From ancient castles to small villages tucked away in secluded valleys and waterfalls , Valle Verzasca has something for everyone! 

One of my favorite attractions in Valle Verzasca is the Lavertezzo Bridge , an impressive stone arch bridge that crosses the river at Lavertezzo. Constructed in 1618, this historic structure has become a symbol of Valle Verzasca’s past and present.

Valle Verzasca is so pretty, it’s impossible to take a bad photograph here!

Tip: Most people just come here for a day – and while a day trip to Valle Verzasca is better than none, I recommend staying here overnight and seeing some places others do not see in one day.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE SWITZERLAND AND ITALY ITINERARY

I just love Italy and Switzerland – there is no shortage of gorgeous places. I think, my affection for these countries is very obvious and while there are many more places worth visiting, I think, this Switzerland and Italy itinerary is the perfect combination of culture, nature, adventure, and relaxation.

From the stunning architecture of Switzerland’s old towns to Italy’s breathtaking lakeside views and Switzerland’s majestic mountains and forests, this trip has something for everyone.

Enjoy and safe travels!

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One-Week Scenic Trip to Stunning Switzerland and Sublime Northern Italy

7 day tour of milan, interlaken and milan.

• Ponder the enigmatic expressions of Jesus and his disciples in Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper.
• Milan's Gothic Cathedral and Sforzesco Castle offer a journey through the city's epic past.
• On a day trip to Lake Como, cruise the lake to the picturesque villages nestled along its shore.
• Journey by rail to Interlaken, tracing the edge of Lake Maggiore & cutting through mountain ranges.
• See awe-inspiring landscapes in the Swiss Alps, from crystal clear lakes to the majestic Aare Gorge.

Must see sights

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Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Trip map & itinerary.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Arrive Milan

To Be Determined

Arrival in Milan Airport and Transfer by Taxi

There are three main airports in Milan. The largest and most frequently used is Milan Malpensa, although you could also arrive at Milan Bergamo or Milan Linate depending on where you are flying from. Taxis are available at all airports, or you can arrange a private transfer for added convenience. The cheapest and fastest way to reach central Milan from Milan Malpensa is by train. The Malpensa Express train delivers you to Milan's Centrale rail station in the center of the city, from where you can easily hail a taxi that will be much less expensive than from the airport. From Milano Bergamo Airport the best option is bus. There are a few bus services that can be found outside arrivals that deliver you to Milan's Centrale station. From Milan Linate, we recommend taking a taxi directly as the airport is only 10km from the city center.

To Be Determined:

Transfer from Airport

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon:

The Last Supper

Late Afternoon/Early Evening:

City Center

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Best of Milan Private Walking Tour

Milan is the center of business and the capital of Italian fashion, but it also has an ancient heritage and a fascinating history; here you find some of the greatest masterpieces of Italian art! Together with your guide, you’ll explore the magnificent Duomo, Galleria, Scala opera house, merchant square, financial district, food street, and Sforza Castle.

Early Morning to Mid-Day, Early Morning to Mid-Day

Excursion to Lake Como

Often cited as the most picturesque lake in Europe, Lake Como has enchanted artists and travelers for centuries and it's easy to see why. Tucked away in the foothills of the northern Italian Alps, Lake Como is the perfect day trip destination from Milan, offering the perfect chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Discover some of the picturesque lakeside villages, take a thrilling boat ride across the lake, or explore the many grand villas and beautiful gardens.

Milan to Interlaken

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from Milano Centrale station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also, consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option since the station has its own metro stop. If you are staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi for you and give you an estimate on cost. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app. Information on finding your departure platform is provided in the itinerary mobile app.

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Lakes, Waterfalls & Gorge Private Tour

During this 8-hour tour, you will have a chance to discover the beauty of Swiss nature. Your personal driver/guide will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and together you'll discover the most spectacular places in the Interlaken neighborhood. The tour includes the Lake Brienz, Lake Thun, Iseltwald and Brienz villages, the Giessbach waterfalls and the famous Aare Gorge.

Interlaken to Milan

Early Morning to Afternoon

Self-Guided Excursion to Schilthorn

Discover the evil Blofeld's mountain top hideaway, Piz Gloria, from the film location for the James Bond film, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, by traveling to the Schilthorn summit on a jaw-dropping cable car ride via the winter resort of Mürren. Stop off at the Birg gondola station along the way to try out the hair-raising, glass-floored "thrill walk".

Depart Milan

Morning/Mid-Day

Visit Milan's Monumental Cemetery

Visiting a cemetery is not usually perceived of as a typical tourist activity unless it's the final resting place of a famous celebrity, but like the cemetery in Prague's Jewish Quarter, or Paris's Père Lachaise Cemetery, Milan Monumentalale Cemetery (or Cimitero Monumentale in Italian) is an exception to the rule. The cemetery is, in fact, the second most visited place in the city after the Duomo. While the cemetery is important as the resting place of thousands of past Milanese residents, both noble and common, it is also a collection of beautiful sculptures, fascinating architecture, and famous graves, including that of the great Italian poet, Manzoni. Set just a short distance from the heart of the city, this grand oasis of peace and silence is a truly important place both for locals and tourists to visit.

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Two Girls Getaway

Travel tips for girls on a budget!

The Most Epic 10 Day Itinerary through Switzerland and Italy

Countries: Switzerland, Italy Cities: Lucerne, Lauterbrautten, Wengen, Männlichen, Grindelwald, Bellagio (Lake Como), Varenna (Lake Como), Verona, Milan Highlights: Mount Pilatus, Mt. Rigi, Villa Melzi, Villa Bablianello, Verona Arena

As a travel blogger, you just know I couldn’t do an easy, laid-back Honeymoon. Our journey had started in London for a friend’s wedding, but as we were with friends the whole time, we didn’t really consider that the beginning of our Honeymoon. Only until we arrived in Switzerland did the real romance and adventure begin! From epic hikes to stunning towns, Switzerland was magical. Followed by the history and food of Italy, this itinerary has something for everyone!

First Things First: Train Passes in Switzerland

Switzerland is renowned for their amazing rail system. There are many options for different train passes and I did a TON of research to try and determine the best one for us. Luckily, I did the work so you don’t have to. 🙂

Tell-Pass vs Swiss Travel Pass : Which One is the Best??

There are A LOT of options for travel passes in Switzerland and if you want to know the answer to which one is the best, well, it depends. For THIS itinerary, since we are based in Lucerne, the Tell-Pass in the CLEAR winner for rail passes. It offers various transportation options throughout the Lucerne and the Central Switzerland region, as well as scenic rides, and we used it plenty . However, if you are going to be moving around Switzerland, consider looking at the Swiss Travel Pass or one of the various other passes offered in Switzerland.

Additionally, check with your hotel for discounts! Our hotel offered a Buy-One-Get-One FREE Tell Pass, so it definitely ended up being cheaper in the long run.

Day 1: Arrival in Lucerne, Switzerland

As we were coming from London, this travel day was shorter than typical for us. We landed in Zurich and purchased a train ticket from Zurich to Lucerne (the Tell Pass does NOT include transportation from Zurich so this was an additional fee). The Swiss transportation system was by far the easiest and most efficient transportation system I’ve ever encountered, so I highly recommend using it!

Upon arrival in Lucerne, we had to go to the Visitors Center to collect our Tell Pass. Again, this was easy to find and your receipt should tell you where to go. We also had heard how expensive drinks were, so we stopped by Drinks of the World in the train station and picked up some supplies for later.

As we exited the station and headed towards our hotel, we were immediately blown away with how clean and beautiful Lucerne is.

Although this blog typically features cheaper accommodations, since it was my honeymoon, we decided to splurge. For this part of our trip, we stayed in Hotel des Balances , which was absolutely gorgeous. Just check out the view from our balcony!

After wandering around the streets of Lucerne for a bit, we found a cozy Italian spot for dinner – Pizzeria Weisses Kreuz . I will be honest, this was one of the BEST meals of the entire trip. It was SO delicious and nestled on a beautiful, quiet street.

The rest of the night was spent sipping some drinks on the balcony and having a relaxing evening.

Day 2: Exploring Lucerne

Just a heads up. EVERYTHING is expensive in Switzerland. Like, very expensive. Yes we were on our honeymoon, but we didn’t want to spend $50/person on every meal. So what did we do? Back to the train station! On the bottom level of the train station is a shopping mall with tons of shops, including an amazing on-the-go grocery store. We picked up delicious croissants, sandwiches, drinks, and a variety of snacks at a fraction of the cost of eating out. We did this almost EVERY DAY and the food was always SO good. So if you’re cheap like us, definitely check out this option!

After grabbing some Ham and Cheese pinwheels from the aforementioned train station, and eating them along the riverbank, we decided to follow this self-guided walking tour . We passed through old town squares, over various covered bridges, and eventually up the Musegg Wall Walk. I will recommend this tour EVERY TIME. We saw pretty much every notable site in Lucerne and were able to do it at our own pace (without the crowds!).

The Musegg Wall Walk was probably the highlight of this tour. The views from the wall were just stunning and there were many towers to climb and explore.

The walking tour will then take you up to the Lowendenkmal, or famous Lion Monument. Mark Twain once wrote, “The Lion of Lucerne (is) the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” It is a little bit out of the way, but is certainly quite impressive.

From there, the tour brings you back to the main harbor and bridge area. It had started to rain so we too shelter under a covered bridge!

For dinner, we decided to splurge a little bit and went to Schiff . The restaurant was lovely and we were able to eat on the patio. We tried some traditional Swiss food which was great!

After that, we watched the beautiful sunset over Lucerne from the hotel balcony.

Day 3: Mount Pilatus Self-Guided Day Trip AND Mt. Rigi

Today we REALLY get to use the Tell Pass! With the amount of steps in this trip, I was a bit overwhelmed, but using this blog post really helped (Note: we did the backwards of the itinerary listed here). And having everything included with the Tell Pass was just the cherry on top! Be sure to pack a jacket as it gets cold on the top of the mountain!

Step 1: Lucerne to Kriens via bus

We started the day bright and early as we wanted to beat the crowds. We wanted to be on the first Cable Car from Kriens (check the timetable here ) so we hopped on the first bus out of Lucerne from the bus station. It is a short 10-15 minute bus ride. From the bus station in Kriens, it is about a 5-10 minute walk to the Cable Car (signs are well-maintained and obvious).

Step 2: Kriens to Fräkmüntegg via cable car

The next leg of our journey brings us up the mountain via cable car. Note that you must get your ticket for the cable car at the service desk in Kriens, even if using the Tell Pass. If you tell them you are doing the whole loop, you will get your tickets for the entire day. Do not lose them!!

The next stop is Fräkmüntegg, but honestly, once you get on the cable car, there’s not really anywhere else to go. The ride up the mountain is smooth and peaceful, and the cable cars can each fit about 6 people. We met another American couple on our ride up – yay, new friends!

Once in Fräkmüntegg , depending on the time of year, you can take a toboggan ride. We decided against this as we already had a packed day planned. From Fräkmüntegg, we got onto the next leg, the gondola to Pilatus.

Step 3: Fräkmüntegg to Pilatus via gondola

From the small cable car to the giant gondola! These gondolas felt like they could fit 50 people! Since we were there early, we had plenty of room to move around, but they were fast-moving and RIGHT next to the mountain. Definitely a bit scarier than the leg before it, but there were beautiful views on all sides.

Exploring Mt. Pilatus!

We finally made it to the top! At the top of the mountain, there is a gift shop and hotel with cafe and various hiking trails of different intensities and lengths. We looked at a trail map and then just started walking around! The views are in every direction so you really can’t go wrong.

I highly recommend hiking to Tomlishorn . We heard the cowbells ringing the entirety of this hike, and the whole thing felt very quintessential “Switzerland”. We even saw lots of bighorn sheep!

Step 4: Pilatus to Alpnachstad via cogwheel trail

After a quick lunch stop at the top (with lunch from the train staion!), it was time to head back down. The next stop was Alpnachstad via the cogwheel train. Again, directions were very easy and it was a nice ride. We saw many hikers hiking up, so if you’re REALLY into hiking and have plenty of time, consider hiking to the top! Note: this is the steepest cogwheel train in the world!!

Step 5: Alpnachstad to Lucerne via boat

Once you arrive at the bottom of the mountain, it’s a quick walk over to the boat dock. The boat ride back to Lucerne is about an hour and a half, but it’s a beautiful ride and a great time to relax and decompress.

By the time we arrived back in Lucerne, it was only about 12:30pm and we had nothing scheduled for the rest of the day. They said it CAN’T or SHOULDN’T be done, but we did! I wanted to see Mt. Rigi and I was determined to fit it in.

Mt. Rigi via Arth-Goldau (cogwheel)

Again, this is all included in the Tell Pass, so travel was a breeze! Normally it’s recommended to take the boat, but because we were short on time, we took the train to Arth-Goldau. From Arth-Goldau, there is another cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm. This train was a bit older and bumpier than Pilatus, but still very enjoyable.

From Mt. Rigi, our plan was just to keep hiking down the Cliff Walk either all the way to the bottom, or until Viznau (train station).

This was probably one of my FAVORITE hikes of the entire trip. There were a lot fewer people than Pilatus, the views were expansive, and the hike was easy. There were lots of side trails to explore and we had one of the BEST views on one of these side trails (plus, it was all to ourselves!). Check out the map here for viewpoints. Rotstock was my absolute favorite!

Following the trail down to Viznau, we saw SO many cows and heard the bells from all directions. They were so much fun!

Eventually we decided it was time to head back, so we took the train to Viznau, and then the ferry back to Lucerne (again, all included in the Tell Pass). It was a long day, but totally worth it! That night we had a relaxing dinner in Lucerne.

Day 4: Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Männlichen and Grindelwald

Finally, the day had come that I had planned the whole trip around! I had seen pictures of Lauterbrunnen online years ago and knew one day I’d have to go see it in person. Unfortunately the Tell Pass does not cover the entire route from Lucerne to Lauterbrunnen, but it does get you most of the way there! We took the early train from Lucerne to Interlaken OST, and then from there transferred to Lauterbrunnen (with an additional ticket purchase). The train ride was SO scenic, so it went quickly.

Once we arrived in Lauterbrunnen, it was very easy to follow the crowd to the main part of town. Everything was in walking distance, so we explored this beautiful town for about a half hour. It had not rained in some time, so the waterfall was not as magnificent as I’ve seen in pictures, but still, this was a magical place. It’s said that Rivendell from Lord of the Rings was inspired by Lauterbrunnen!

From Lauterbrunnen, we took the cogwheel train up to the next stop, Wengen . You can also hike it if you are feeling adventurous! But it’s an inexpensive and quick ride so we opted for the more relaxing version.

Wengen is another adorable quintessential Swiss village that looks down onto Lauterbrunnen. We spent more time just wandering around with no real destination in mind.

Next, we grabbed the gondola from Weggen to Männlichen (going up, up, up!). Note that none of the trains/gondolas today were booked in advance and there were plenty of tickets available, but we were also there early in the morning. Once we reached Männlichen, we were greeted with expansive views. There was also a café up there, but we had again brought lunch from the train station.

After a quick lunch, we started following the trail down the other side of the mountain towards Kleine Scheidegg. There were again many cows, views of the Jungrau Region, and the Eiger. It was truly stunning and should NOT be missed.

Eventually we hopped on the train at Kleine Scheidegg, which we took to Grindelwald. At that point we were too exhausted to explore Grindelwald anymore, so we hopped on the train back to Lucerne and took in the views from the train.

Upon arrival back in Lucerne, we showered and found a dinner spot for our last night in Switzerland.

Day 5: Lucerne, Switzerland to Bellagio, Italy

Travel Day! After all of the very easy and efficient travel throughout Switzerland, we were not quite as pleased with Italian travel. There are several ways to make the trip from Lucerne to Bellagio, but we opted for a mix of scenery and efficiency.

First we took the train from Lucerne to Como san Giovanni via Goschenen. We booked our tickets in advance on the SBB website . Make sure to book via Goschenen to get the old Gotthard Panoramic train route into the mountains!

Once we arrived in Como san Giovanni, we were supposed to take a bus to Bellagio. However, we waited for about 2 hours and that never came. Eventually, we ended up walking down to the ferry dock (about a ten minute walk from the train station) and hopped on a ferry to Bellagio. This was a bit more expensive, but it was a nice ride at least.

I have to admit, Como San Giovanni did not feel the safest, and there was no one really helping any tourists out. We tried to find someone to ask about the bus, but the ticket people could not answer us. We eventually got the tip about the ferry from a kiosk worker, but even then they could not tell us where exactly to go or how to purchase tickets or what time anything left. (PS – you can purchase tickets for the ferry at the ferry dock. Time tables can be found here ). Overall, this travel day was a bit of a mess, but we eventually made it to Bellagio!

We stayed in this Airbnb which was a little bit out of the way, but had absolutely beautiful views. Note there are A LOT of hills in Bellagio, so get ready to work your glutes!

After checking into our Airbnb, it was time for dinner. We had our first dinner at Restaurant La Terrazza , which had a beautiful view, but the food was just alright.

The rest of the night was spent aimlessly wandering Bellagio and getting a sense of how the town was laid out. We stopped in a few cute gift shops and got the first of many gelatos. 🙂

Day 6: Exploring Bellagio and Villa Melzi

As we like to be frugal wherever we go, we decided to run to the grocery store and stock up on groceries. A quick google search brought us to this grocery market, a 10 minute walk away. It was actually a beautiful walk – past villas and olive trees.

After stocking up, we went to the Visitors Center and picked up a free walking tour guide (which can also be found here ). We asked if there were any events going on in town, and were actually surprised to find out that a local festival would be happening in a couple of days! (More to come on that later, but definitely recommend asking while you’re here). We then explored the cobblestone alleyways and main historical sites, including San Giacomo church.

Next we made our way towards Villa Melzi , the closest villa to Bellagio with beautiful surrounding botanical gardens. The interior is not open to the public, and there is a small entrance fee to explore the gardens. I think it was worth it, as the gardens were quite expansive.

Next we were on a mission to find the best pizza in Bellagio. La Grotta had great reviews and although there was a bit of a wait, it was amazing!

Next we took the Bellagio Tourist Train to learn a little bit more about what there was to do and see. To be honest, the audio on the train was not great, and it was hard to hear most of what the guide was saying, but it WAS nice to rest our feet for a bit. It was inexpensive and can be used as a hop on/hop off situation. It’s only a half hour ride. Would I do it again? Probably not, but check it out if you’re bored!

After that, we went back to the Airbnb, prepared for dinner and headed back to town. What we did not do, but I recommend that you do, is make reservations. We had to stop at several restaurants before being able to find one that can squeeze us in, and even then, we had to wait a very long time.

That night, we drank our own cocktails on the deck of the Airbnb and just took in the beauty of Italy.

Day 7: Villa Boat Tour and Varenna

Why else do people come to Lake Como other than to look at the beautiful villas? A boat tour is a great way to do just that. There are several options for boat tours , but we decided on the one hour tour. It was a great way to determine what else to explore. The tour was short and sweet. We learned about the famous villas and who lived there, and how to get back if we wanted to explore more.

Once back in Bellagio, we decided we wanted to explore Villa Balbianello a little more. This villa is famous for being featured in several films, including Star Wars. We took the ferry to Lenno, and from there it was a 20 minute walk up to the entrance. Unfortunately, because we booked so late, we could not get a guided tour, but we were able to walk the grounds by ourselves. So book in advance if this is a must for you!

From there, you can hire a water taxi back to the Lenno ferry dock, which we did. We got the boat to ourselves and felt like royalty for a quick minute!

From Lenno, we were able to go to Varenna via Bellagio using the ferry. Varenna certainly had a different feel to it than Bellagio, but we loved it as well! It was charming, but QUITE crowded.

We walked around and explored Varenna for a bit, grabbed some lunch at a local café and then headed on the ferry back to Bellagio.

Once back in Bellagio, we decided to find the local festival that the local guide at the visitor’s center had told us about a few days before. It was a little bit confusing to find, but we eventually found it. I am not exaggerating when I saw this was LOCAL. No one spoke English at all and we had no idea what was happening. We somehow managed to order food and pay by following what other people were doing, and sat down at a random table.

Initially, it was AWKWARD. We wanted to leave, but also wanted to experience it. We didn’t know what to do. So we walked around for a bit before finding another young couple that looked just as out of place as us. Turns out, they knew English and Italian! What happened after was one of the best experiences of the entire trip. We ended up doing local dances with the Italians, singing native songs (as best we could), and just in general feeling like a real local. The people welcomed us, even though we didn’t speak the same language, and it was just a magical night.

Day 8: Bellagio to Milan

Unfortunately, it was time to leave Bellagio. There is no direct route from Bellagio to Milan, so we had to catch a ferry to Varenna and then get the train from there. NOTE that your ticket must be stamped in Varenna to validate it. We did not do this and had to pay for ANOTHER ticket on the train (this seems very scammy to me, but I wasn’t going to fight the conductor).

We took the train to Lanza Metro station in Milan, as it was closer to our lodging for the rest of the trip. Brera looked very charming and walkable, so we decided to base ourselves there. The rest of the day was spent exploring Milan. We walked to the Duomo di Milano , through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and to the Sforzesco Castle . There are several tour options to take here – we didn’t take any as I had already been to Milan and done them, but I highly recommend going to the top of the Duomo! More ideas for what to see in one day can be found here .

For dinner, we found a charming pizzeria in Brera (with free welcome drinks!). There are plenty of options to choose from, so just walk around, check out some menus, and go with your gut!

Day 9: Day Trip to Verona

As it was my husband’s first time in Italy, I wanted him to see some real Roman ruins. Milan has some, but not a ton, and Rome was too far for a day trip. So we decided to check out Verona!

It was an easy train ride from Milan to Verona. Once in Verona, we were able to just walk everywhere. The first stop was the Verona Arena , which looks like a smaller version of the Roman Coliseum. There was a long line, but while waiting in line, we actually purchased our tickets online and were able to stroll right in.

While not as big as the Roman Coliseum, this arena is still VERY impressive (and they host concerts/events there)! We explored on our own and loved every minute of it.

Next, we decided to take a Hop On-Hop Off bus , because what would a city tour be without one of these? We learned a lot of interesting history about Verona, including seeing a bridge built in 100 B.C!

The bus even took us to the top of Verona for a bird’s eye view. I definitely recommend this tour!

After the tour, we decided to see the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Juliet’s house is apparently in Verona, and you can go see the balcony for free (or pay for an inside tour). While fun to see, this was SO crowded you could barely move. It was a little underwhelming for me, but if you’re a big Shakespeare fan, go check it out! There’s also a Juliet statue in the courtyard, and you can rub her breast for good luck!

After that, we wandered the streets some more and came across some old Roman ruins literally under the street. I thought this was so cool!

Eventually, we took the train back to Milan and grabbed our last dinner in Italy. Of course it had to be yet ANOTHER pizza.

Day 10: Fly Home

After all of the adventure, it was time to make our way back to the United States. We decided on an Uber to the airport (trains with luggage = not a good time) and said “Ciao” to Italia. Overall, our honeymoon was a mixture of sightseeing, hiking, relaxation, and eating, so 100% a great time! Now onto the next adventure!

About Caroline

Caroline is a lover of all adventures! Whether it's a weekend backpacking in the wilderness, or a night club-hopping in Paris, Caroline is always down for a good time. She is happily married and plays mother to two sassy cats - Pickles and Einstein!

@twogirlsgetaway

7 Day Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary 

Published: 3/8/2024

The Complete Itinerary for Our Northern Italy and Switzerland Trip

If you’re planning a trip to northern Italy and Switzerland , I’m laying out our entire itinerary in this post.

In November 2023, I flew to Milan, Italy with my sister-in-law. We crafted an epic week in both the Lombardy region of northern Italy and Switzerland’s Ticino canton. Although we never get more than an hour away from Milan Malpensa Airport, our week included everything from big city bustle and culture, leisurely lakeside dining, and hikes through the Swiss Pre-Alps.

This itinerary includes three nights in Italy’s business and fashion capitol, Milan . From there, we’ll hop on a train in Milan Central and pop across the border to Lugano, Switzerland . After two days of soaking up leisure and luxury of Lugano, we return to Italy to round out our week with time on Lake Como .

You’ll be amazed by how easy it is to explore the Italian Lake District by train. Since we’re spending this week in a very concentrated area of Europe , you’ll never be on a train for more than 1.5 hours. This maximizes sightseeing opportunities and allows you to soak up the area’s culture and striking landscapes.

So let’s jump in and start exploring these beautiful and rewarding parts of Italy and Switzerland.

This post may contain affiliate links. When you purchase something through these links, I receive a small commission that helps me create this blog’s content. There’s no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Day one: arrive milan, day two: milan highlights, day three: milan explorations, day four: travel to lugano, switzerland.

• Day Five: Lugano, Switzerland Explorations

Day Six: Travel to Lake Como, Italy

• Day Seven: Como City, Italy

About This Itinerary

Getting around, where to stay, conclusion: 7 days in northern italy and switzerland.

We took an overnight flight from JFK and arrived at Milan Malpensa Airport in the mid-morning. After a speedy trip through customs, we grabbed our luggage, and headed to the Malpensa Express terminal which connects right to the airport.

One of my favorite things about Milan is how user-friendly it is. Instead of having to faff about with tickets in our jetlagged state, you can just use a tap credit card (or ApplePay) to the board the train. You tap your card again at the turnstiles at your destination so it can properly calculate your fare.

Since we were staying just west of central Milan, we took the Malpensa Express to Milan’s Cadorna station . From there it was about a half mile walk to our Airbnb . If we had taken the train to Milan Central – which I think is most people’s first instinct – we would have added a 20-minute subway ride to our journey.

Our Airbnb host kindly accommodated an early check-in. We did a little jetlagged exploration of our neighborhood on Viale S. Michele del Carso near the Conciliazione subway station. After we’d grabbed lunch and some breakfast supplies, we turned in for a nap before starting our Milan explorations in earnest later that afternoon.

Day One Waypoints

We signed up for a two-hour walking tour of central Milan through Airbnb experiences. This was an excellent introduction to Milan. Since it was just the two of us and our excellent tour guide, Ruth, the tour was extremely tailored to our interests.

Points of interest included most major Milan landmarks including Sforzeco Castle , Brera , La Scala Opera House , Galleria Vittorio Emanuele , Duomo Cathedral , and Peck grocery store.

Day One Eats

Our Airbnb was located on a bustling neighborhood street. We hit up the nearest bakery – Panificio Pastore – for lunch, where I had the shocking realization that I still can’t speak Italian. Despite the language barrier, I ended up with a very tasty panzerotti.

I figured my lack of fluency in Italian – a language I’ve never studied – must be because I was undercaffeinated. We headed across the street to Franci’s espresso bar . Since it was after 11 a.m., I played it safe and got “un caffe” – that is, an espresso – rather than a cappuccino.

Since our walking tour ended right in the Piazza del Duomo, we hit up Ravizza 1871 for our first-ever aperitivo experience . We were immediate converts.

This is the sort of sightseeing day that I get told is impossible when I write about it. However, I can assure you, we really did see all of these Milan things in one single day. It only took us 14 hours!

If you want to leave your hotel or apartment at 8:30 a.m. and return around 10:30 p.m., you can absolutely replicate this day in Milan ! I’m not sure I 100% recommend it – but we did sleep really well this night . . . .

Day Two Waypoints

We started the day off strong with a guided tour of Da Vinci’s The Last Supper . From there, we walked to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery where we enjoyed affogatos made with approximately one pint of vanilla ice cream.

We spent about an hour going through the galleries at Pinacoteca di Brera located on the first floor of the Palazzo Brera , then popped into the building’s “back yard” to the Orto Botanico di Brera . From Brera, we made it back to Piazza del Duomo just in time for a tour of Milan’s Duomo cathedral . We toured both the rooftop and the interior.

I popped into Peck , a gourmet delicatessen, to pick up a panettone to bring home for my Christmas celebrations. Jokes on me – I actually ended up with a pandoro , which was amazingly delicious. We then took our first Milan subway ride to Bar Basso , home of the Negroni sbagliato . Our day ended along the Navigli canals .

Day Two Eats

Really busy sightseeing days often go hand-in-hand with slightly disordered eating. Happily, we started off the day strong with breakfast in our apartment. Since we had some time to kill in between checking in for our Last Supper Tour and the actual tour, we popped into nearby Leonardo Bistrot on Corso Magenta for an espresso.

On our way from Palazzo Brera to the Duomo, we popped into Bistrot El Birocc on Via Brera to grab something fast we could eat on the go. While this bistro isn’t well-reviewed, we enjoyed prompt, speedy service as well as tasty sandwiches.

We hit the popular aperitivo (really more of an apericena) spot La Hora Feliz . This was meant to be an appetizer, but we were pretty hungry by this point and the massive buffet was just too tempting.

After spending most of the day in a calorie deficit, we decided to make up for last time and hit up L’Altro Luca & Andrea for some traditional Milanese fare along the Grand Canal in Navigli.

After visiting basically all of the Milan “must see” attractions the day before, we enjoyed a slower pace today. We still didn’t get home until well after 10:30 p.m. I love the point in a trip where a destination starts to click.

We spent a lot of time on the Milan metro today. Nothing tricks you into thinking you’re a local faster than successfully using the public transportation.

Day Three Waypoints

We had a great experience at a Pasta and Tiramisu making class in the Casoretto neighborhood near Milan Central. After three hours of cooking and dining, we took the subway to central Milan, where we capitalized on the beauty sunshine by wandering through Parco Sempione to Arco de Pace . We also visited the famous bone chapel in Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Osso .

Our night ended at the Teatro alla Scala , attending the Onegin ballet.

Day Three Eats

We of course got to eat the pasta we made during our class with Pietro. For dinner, we went to a charming bistro near our apartment: Larky .

All good things must come to an end. After nearly 72 very full hours in Milan, we headed to Milan Central to board a train to Lugano, Switzerland .

Because of its close proximity, Lugano is often included in a tour of northern Italy and the Italian Lake District. You can do Lugano as a Milan day trip, but I think it’s better to spend at least an overnight in Lugano .

Don’t believe folks who tell you that Lugano is the same distance by train from Zurich as it is from Milan. It took us less than 1.5 hours by train to reach Lugano from Milan Central. From Zurich, it takes 3 hours.

One advantage of accessing Lugano from the north is that it’s easier to catch the celebrated Bernina Express , which is itself a UNESCO World Heritage site. However, the Bernina Express doesn’t actually stop in Lugano. Instead, you buy a bus ticket that will take you from Lugano to the Bernina Express’s terminus in Tirano, Italy. We skipped it this go-round.

Day Four Waypoints

We settled in on a Zurich bound train for an hour and 20 minute ride up to Lugano. Upon arrival, we checked into the Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola . We immediately started to soak up Lugano’s leisure vibes and enjoyed a laidback afternoon enjoying our room’s balcony and garden view.

After a while, we decided to stroll along the Lake Lugano waterfront, visiting Parco Ciani and Piazza della Riforma along the way.

Day Four Eats

Il Fermento is a brew pub located right along the waterfront in downtown Lugano. It was the perfect spot for today’s aperitivo.

We ended our night with an epic food and wine event at Restaurante Arte de Lago . This Michelin star restaurant is run by Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola although it’s located in a separate building right on the waterfront about a block away from the hotel. The restaurant also hosts an art gallery with rotating exhibits. We opted for the tasting menu with wine pairing .

While the entire experience was fun and memorable, at the price point I just can’t in good faith tell you this is a “can’t miss” Lugano thing to do. I’m kind of like Ron Burgundy and teleprompter: I will eat anything you put in front of me. I’m not sure my palette is refined enough to truly appreciate a fine dining experience.

Day Five: Lugano Explorations

I’d been looking forward to exploring Lugano for decades. Yes this is another trip inspired by a novel : Sharon Creech’s Bloomability to be specific . We couldn’t have asked for a better day: it was our fifth mild, sunny day in a row! I’m glad I didn’t put a rain jacket on my Milan packing list !

Day Five Waypoints

We took the funicular to the top of Monte Bre , where we enjoyed stunning views of Lugano, Lake Lugano, surrounding foothills, and the Swiss Alps . Once we’d drunk in the view, we started a long descent down Monte Bre on a well-signed path to the medieval town of Gandria .

To return to Lugano, we caught a passenger ferry boat at the Gandria dock. After a little souvenir shopping in Lugano, we return to our hotel for some well-earned soak time in the pool and sauna.

Day Five Eats

After a few days of Airbnb apartment living, I was really looking forward to an impressive European breakfast spread. The Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola didn’t disappoint with an array of hot breakfast foods, pastries, cakes, yogurt, cereals, juices, and more. Most notable was a tray of honeycomb!

After our hike and boat ride, we popped into the elegant Grand Café al Porto in downtown Lugano for a late lunch. Because our lunch was so late, we settled on a light supper at our favorite Lugano haunt, Il Fermento .

All too soon, it was time to say good-bye to lovely Lugano. But don’t worry – we’re not leaving the Italian Lake District just yet!

Day Six Waypoints

After breakfast we wandered back into downtown Lugano for a little souvenir shopping. Since it was Tuesday, we stumbled upon the Lugano Farmer’s Market . Ashley also found the perfect Switzerland souvenir: Swiss Army knives!

Eventually we made our way to the train station and took a 30-minute ride to Como City on Lake Como in Italy.

The reason we decided to include Como City on this trip was because they were the only city in the Milan area that had their Christmas market up and running in late November. (If we hadn’t been concerned about the Christmas market, we probably would have ended up in a more celebrated Lake Como destination like Bellagio.)

We spent a fair amount of time exploring the Christmas market – including spending an hour skating on the rink in Piazza Cavour . We also toured the Como Cathedral .

Day Six Eats

We arrived in Como just in time to hit Osteria de Gallo for a late lunch. This was very fortuitous timing since the busy restaurant usually requires reservations unless you come after lunch or dinner rushes. Their homestyle regional menu changes daily.

We hit up Hemingway Bar for aperitivo which doubled as a light supper. Their champagne cocktails are one of the best things I’ve ever tasted.

We tried multiple times to find a good gelateria on this trip, but because we were traveling in the off-season, we found them all closed by early evening. We settled on gelato at our hotel’s restaurant. While it wasn’t the same experience, it wasn’t any less tasty.

Day Seven: Como City Explorations

I will admit, I was not particularly excited about Como City when we planned our travels. However, as is so often the case with destinations I’m reticent about, I ended up loving it. I’m not sure if it was because we’d firmly settled into our travel pace by the time we arrived or because we left while we were still having fun, but Como ended up being my favorite place on this trip.

While we didn’t doing any popular Lake Como excursions like take a boat to Varenna, we found more than enough to fill a day right in Como City .

Day Seven Waypoints

Let’s be honest, when you visit Switzerland and Italy, one cable car ride isn’t enough. We started our day off with a funicular to the small town of Brunate  located about halfway up Monte Boletto. This mountain flanks Como City’s eastern side.

From the funicular station, we continued our upward climb: hiking about 25 minutes to the viewpoint at Faro Voltiano , a memorial lighthouse celebrating Como inventory Alessandro Volta. 

After taking the funicular back to town, we did a little souvenir shopping at the Christmas market and in the Como Old Town area. Sadly, the day ended with a train ride to Milan Malpensa, where we checked into an airport hotel and prepared for our journey back to the States the next morning.

Day Seven Eats

We loved Osteria de Gallo so much that we returned again for lunch a second day. While my pork shank and polenta wasn’t as much to my tastes as the meatloaf I’d had the day before, it was an excellent example of regional cuisine. Ashley tried their red table wine, which was very nice.

If you read through this and thought, “wow, there’s a lot of northern Italy and Switzerland you didn’t cover,” you’re right. While I didn’t realize until the end of our trip that we never got more than an hour away from Milan Malpensa Airport, we intentionally kept our travel scope pretty small.

There’s so much to see in Milan and the Italian Lake District, that we wanted to spend as much time as possible with our boots on the ground actively sightseeing. If you use this itinerary, in total, you’ll spend less than three hours in transit during this entire week – and that’s factoring in the commute from Milan Malpensa to central Milan on the Malpensa Express.

So while you won’t see northern Italy highlights like Venice, the Dolomites, or Turin, I really do think this itinerary offers a great immersion into the Lombardy region of Italy and the small Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. If you must cover more ground on this trip, I’d shave off a day in Milan and turn your Lugano experience into a day trip.

However, since you’ll often find discounted tickets to Milan Malpensa Airport, this trip makes a great introduction to the Lombardy and Ticino regions of Italy and Switzerland. You’ll have all sorts of amazing northern Italy and Switzerland destinations to explore on your next Italian/Swiss adventure!

We traveled from town to town in northern Italy and Switzerland by train. I booked our tickets online about 2 months ahead of time and they worked perfectly.

• For train journeys originating in Italy, book your tickets through Italia Rail .
• For train journeys originating in Switzerland, book your tickets through SBB CFF FFS .

We had assigned seats for our trip from Milan to Lugano. The rest of the time, we used regional trains to get around. These tickets were actually valid for four hours around the boarding time I’d booked them for. We really appreciated this flexibility, but the trains were definitely more crowded with fewer places for our luggage.

From a souvenir standpoint, bringing my large roller bag was a great decision. But it was definitely a pain on our commutes. Several of the trains didn’t have large luggage racks and we ended up sitting in seats with the bags wedged in front of our knees. Next time I’ll forego bringing home a full-sized pandoro and just use my carry-on bag.

When we were at our destination, we used a mix of public transportation – including subway, bus, and taxi – to get around. However, all our destinations were very walkable, so we mostly depended on our feet.

Milan Lodging

We stayed in this Airbnb in the San Vittore neighborhood near the Santa Maria delle Grazie and The Last Supper . Our street was filled with shops, restaurants, espresso bars, and bakeries. We loved pretending we were locals. I definitely gained an understanding of why so many people love living in Milan after three days based here.

If this apartment doesn’t work for you and your group, there’s no shortage of other lodging options in Milan .

Lugano Lodging

I embraced Lugano’s luxury and leisure vibes and booked two nights at the Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola . Although it’s not centrally located, its position on the far east end of town right at the base of Monte Bre actually worked out perfectly for us.

The hotel offers a gym, salon, pool and sauna area, three restaurants (one in a separate building near the waterfront), meeting rooms, libraries, and garden. We ended up with a fantastic view of both Lake Lugano and the gardens. If you want a five-star property, the Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola is definitely worth the splurge. Otherwise, check out these other Lugano hotels .

Como City Lodging

We spent one very pleasant night at the Albergo Terminus Hotel . This four-star hotel conveniently located right on the waterfront offers a spa, restaurant, and boutique as well as a variety of rooms ranging from single rooms to deluxe suites.

While the shared spaces in the hotel felt a little dark and cramped (the building was originally built as a spa), we had a beautiful suite with a massive bathroom, comfortable sitting area, and a great view overlooking Piazza Cavour. The best part of our stay was the gorgeous breakfast spread. Seriously, don’t miss it.

You can also check out other Como City lodging .

To be honest, a week will never be enough time in Italy and Switzerland. However, if you want to maximize your time in the Milan and Italian Lake District, this 7-day itinerary gets you to all the best sites in Lombardy and Ticino.

I designed this trip to be a truly immersive experience with the perfect balance of sightseeing, outdoor adventure, and delicious food.

You really don’t have to cover much ground to fill your week with Milan masterpieces like Da Vinci’s Last Supper and the Milan Duomo cathedral, beautiful views of the Swiss Alps from the foothills in Lugano, or amazing regional cuisine beside Lake Como.

With ample public transportation options, it’s easy to travel around northern Italy and Switzerland without a guide. You can opt to either stay in the lap of luxury at a five-star hotel or find a cozy apartment that will accommodate any budget.

I hope this post inspires you to book tickets to Milan, Italy so you can experience this beautiful corner of Europe yourself!

Hi! I’m Ada, a travel writer based in northern Minnesota, on a mission to see the world. I use this travel blog to provide practical, no-nonsense travel tips and itineraries for both domestic and international travels.

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European Christmas Markets

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If you liked this Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary, check out these posts!

  Ada is a travel writer based in northern Minnesota. She’s spent two decades as a freelance writer. She’s lived in three countries and has visited all 50 states. In addition to traveling the world, she runs a Boundary Waters outfitters and helps people plan canoe trips and other outdoor adventures in northeastern Minnesota.

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• Day 4: Furka Ice Caves and Gimsel Pass
• Day 5: Return to Zurich, Overnight Train to Rome
• Day 6: Rome – Sightseeing major attractions
• Day 7: Vatican City
• Day 8: Rome – Sightseeing major attractions
• Day 9: Pompeii & Naples Tour
• Day 10: Florence & Pisa
• Day 11: Cinque Terre

Day 12: Venice

Day 13: Venice Islands

• Day 14: Milan and Depart Zurich

Summary of where I stayed:

• (Lost a night traveling + time zones)
• 3 nights in a small town of your choice in Switzerland (I stayed in Hasilberg)
• 1 overnight train (Zurich to Rome)
• 3 nights in Rome
• 2 nights in Pisa
• 3 nights in Venice
• 1 night in Zurich near airport

Benefits of Starting in Switzerland:

Switzerland is much, much less crowded than any part of Italy we visited. Even the touristy area of Lauterbrunnen was much less crowded. That means, you’ll be able to better adjust to the time zone changes with a more relaxed environment.

Jumping into Rome immediately is very difficult on you. There is just SO much to see in Rome and it required a lot of walking (or bus, train, taxi) to get around to see all of the sites. Coming off of jet lag in that very densely populated city is not ideal. You won’t get the most out of Rome if you try to hit it first.

Switzerland is incredibly gorgeous and will take your breath away. We couldn’t help but express how beautiful the views were in every direction. You won’t regret your choice to add Switzerland to your itinerary, and will probably be itching to go back! You’re going to love every minute of your 2 weeks in Italy and Switzerland!

Day-by-Day Switzerland Itinerary

Head here to see an in-depth 3 Day Switzerland Itinerary and alternate options, as well!

Day 1: Depart from your Home

Your first vacation day will be spent in transportation. Whether by flight, train, or car, you’ll make your way to Switzerland on day 1. We flew in from the United Stated to the Zurich airport, then opted to rent a car.

Day 2: Arrival in Switzerland

Depending on your arrival time, plan to make your way to your first destination city so you can make the most of your first full day in Switzerland with little commute time.

Settle in for an early evening in the town you chose. If facing jet lag, do your best to stay up until 8pm or later, local time, to help you better adjust to the time difference.

We started our Switzerland adventures with a day in Lauterbrunnen. It’s a really cool city nestled in between the Swiss Alps with lots of different attractions to try.

I highly recommend a trip up to the carless city of Murren for breathtaking views of the alps and a serene city that’s so pleasant to walk around. It’s a cable car ride up to the top for a spectacular view, a bit of free time in one of the best places in the world, and a perfect place to grab lunch and just slow down.

You’ll also want to make time to see Trummelbach Falls, which filters all the melting glacier water from the major alp peaks down through the center of the mountain in tumultuous falls that are unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Day 4: Aare Gorge, Gimsel Pass and Furka Ice Caves

Spend your next day beginning at the Aare Gorge. It’s a slow paced 1 hour walk through the gorge on platforms built into the side of the gorge walls. You’ll spot crystal blue water and gorgeous scenery.

From there, hop in the car and wind your way up, over, and then back down Gimsel Pass. It’s the perfect way to spot a little snow if you head to Switzerland in the summer or early fall. The scenery changes so much, and it’s unique and beautiful in it’s own way.

On the other side of Gimsel pass, you can stop at the Furka Ice caves to walk inside an actual glacier! It’s a one of a kind experience.

From here, we headed back to Zurich to catch our overnight train to Rome.

Day-by-Day Rome & Pompeii Itinerary

Pop over to read our in-depth 4 Day Rome Itinerary and alternate options, as well!

Day 5: Rome

There is so much to see in Rome and it’s the largest city on this itinerary! You’ll most likely want two full days to see everything in Rome. We did it all in a single day, but it took 12 hours and over 20,000 steps walking. I wouldn’t recommend it!

On your first day in Rome, hit the major sites with a tour. You’ll really want a local guide to make the most out of the sites and really learn about the history here.

Our walking tour took us through the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. We learned a ton, and it was incredible seeing all the history here in the city center. Add a few other of your top picks for the city on the first day, but don’t overdo it.

You’ll also love this list with the 12 Best Things to See in Rome with a Self-Walking Guide !

Day 6: Vatican City

Hop on a bus or taxi and head your way over to see Vatican City. You’ll need most of the day here. Double check the Pope and Vatican schedule before heading here, as that can drastically impact the tourist count.

If you enjoy museums, you can venture into the Sistine Chapel. It starts by winding through the Vatican Museum which takes hours weaving in and out of the exhibits. There’s no way out of the long lines and winding path, so be ready for a lengthy walk and endless art. Of course, check out St. Peter’s Square and Basilica.

Visit the nearby Castel Sant’Angelo and Ponte St. Angelo Bridge. You’ll find really cool angels lining the bridge and an neat perspective looking down the road back toward the Vatican City.

Day 7: Rome

Finish checking off everything from your must-see list on your second full day in Rome. Make sure to take time to see Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Arch of Constantine.

Make your second day a slower paced day, or consider taking a Vespa tour to see the city in a really unique way!

Day 8: Pompeii & Naples Tour

We weren’t sure about Naples and read mixed reviews, but we really enjoyed the day trip. Plan for your entire day to be consumed, but since someone else is handling all the transportation it’s a laid back day overall.

After comparing the prices of booking our own train tickets and needing the fast train to make Pompeii even work in a day, the price of the train tickets alone was almost the same as the tour — so a tour was an easy pick for us. These 2-in-1 day trips to see both Naples and Pompeii was absolutely worth seeing!

Naples was really neat and we learned a lot, plus it was wondeful to try Naples pizza, which was fantastic! Then on to Pompeii which as a chilling site, but also so very fascinating. We were all very glad we took the time to see these two sites.

Day-by-Day Northern Italy Itinerary

See our 5 Day Itinerary to Northern Italy over here with alternative suggestions!

Day 9: Florence

Take a quick train ride north from Rome to explore Florence. The Duomo here is incredible and the leather shops are so fun to wander through. You can also make time here to see the David statue.

We traveled another short train leg to be closer to our next days attraction, and opted to stay in Pisa. Staying in Cinque Terre would also be a fantastic choice, or anywhere en route.

Day 10: Cinque Terre

We loved so much about every part of our trip, but we all voted Cinque Terre as our favorite spot! It’s absolutely stunning with the 5 cities dotted along the Mediterranean coastline.

Make time to see at least 3 of the cities, more if you can! We squeezed in all five cities in one very full day, and it was a lot but worth it! Each city is very different from the next so they are all worth a visit.

Unfortunately, the hiking trails were closed due to rain the day we were there, but hike at least one of the short connecting trails if you get a chance!

Day 11: Pisa

Pisa may not be the top of everyone’s bucket list and is another destination that guests were sometimes underwhelmed with. But we stayed in Pisa as a convenient stopping point near Cinque Terre. For us, without going too far out of the way, we actually really enjoyed a short visit to Pisa.

In Pisa, you’ll see more than just the leaning tower. There’s a duomo and baptistery in the plaza with the leaning tower that have beautiful architecture. So, stop in if it’s convenient along your route and take the silly pictures. It’s fun and memorable, and then continue on your way to Venice!

Spend an entire day devoted to winding the streets of Venice. We didn’t make any big agenda and just weaved in and out of the alleys and bridges. We also spent a lot of time shopping in Venice as there was just so much variety and really loved all there was to see.

You can make time to see St Mark’s Basilica and Square and the Rialto Bridge. Plus, hop on a gondala if you’re so inclined.

You’ll want another entire day to devote to the islands around Venice. They are each so unique and we fell in love with Burano.

If you start at Mazzorbo you can wander through the vineyard and then walk across the connecting bridge to see Burano. Set aside a few hours for Burano to just wander the colorful homes.

Then, you can hop on another vaperetto to see Torcello nearby. Then back toward Venice you can stop at Murano to see endless glass shops or a glass blowing demonstration.

Day 14: Milan & Depart

Plan your final day to head back to Zurich with a stop at Milan en route. You’ll only need a couple hours in Milan to wander the shops. You don’t want to miss the impressive Duomo there. You can also wander aroudn the Sforzesco castle grounds for a unique view of the city.

Then, make your way back to Zurich with time to spare before your flight or for an overnight stay for an early morning departure.

Printable 2 Week Italy Itinerary

To make your planning easier, I’m sharing the Switzerland & Italy vacation itinerary I used for my own trip. I’ve edited out my personal trip details and stays and left it as a Word document so you can easily adjust the sheet to meet your travel needs.

Also included in the printable Italy itinerary is a small info section with some helpful guides for train stations, types of trains, expense planning, and more!

The document is a 4-page spread that can be printed back-to-back to take your whole schedule in a 2-page guide that’s simple to stash in your purse or pocket!

Click here —> to Print the Editable 2 Week Italy Itinerary

What are your must-see Italy destinations topping your Itinerary?

10 days in Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary

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Looking for a fantastic trip that combines Italy’s idyllic medieval towns and famous lakes with Switzerland’s most popular cities and the renowned Swiss Alps? Then you’re in the right place. Our 10 days in Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary takes you on an absolutely amazing trip through Europe’s most beautiful regions.

Planning a trip of this magnitude can be challenging. With so much to explore, like a walking tour in a picturesque Italian town or a scenic train ride through the snowy Swiss Alps, you’re bound to miss some hidden gems.

This is why we created this Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary for you. This 10-day itinerary takes you to some of the most beautiful cities in Italy and Switzerland to discover their famous landmarks and historical and cultural attractions. 

Perfect Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary you’ll love

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Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary | At a glance

Before we dive into this Switzerland and Italy itinerary, let’s have a look at what this amazing trip has in store for you:

• Day 1 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Explore Bologna’s historical city centre
• Day 2 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Experience the floating city of Venice
• Day 3 and 4 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Discover Milan’s Art Nouveau buildings, shopping centers, and castles
• Day 5 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Have a scenic escape in Lake Como
• Day 6 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Explore Geneva’s best attractions
• Day 7 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Experience the best of Bern
• Day 8 and 9 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Escape to the resort town of Interlaken
• Day 10 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: End your Italy-Switzerland itinerary on a high in Zürich

Italy and Switzerland Itinerary with a scenic train ride (Bernina Express)

• Day 1 and 2: Fly to Milan, explore for 2 days

Day 3: Day trip to Lake Como and Bellagio (Italy) 

Day 4: Milan to Switzerland via the Bernina Express

• Day 5: Visit Chur (arrive in Zurich in the evening, 1 hour train ride)
• Day 6 and 7: Sightseeing in Zurich for 2 days
• Day 8: Lucerne and Mount Titlis day trip
• Day 9: Bern day trip
• Day 10: Rhine Falls day trip

Italy and Switzerland Itinerary: Fly to Rome, and fly out from Zurich

• Day 1 and 2: Rome
• Day 3 : Florence day trip (or extend 2 nights in Florence and visit Siena or Pisa)
• Day 4 and 5 : Visit and stay in Milan for 2 nights
• Day 6: Train travel to Chur in Switzerland via Bernina Express (stay overnight in Chur)
• Day 7: Explore Zurich for a day
• Day 8 and 9: Interlaken and Jungfrau
• Day 10: Bern (return to Zurich in the evening)

Switzerland and Italy Itinerary: Start in Zurich, end in Rome 

• Day 1 and 2: Fly to Zurich, explore for 2 days
• Day 3 : Bern day trip 
• Day 4 : Lucerne and Mount Pilatus day trip
• Day 5: Train travel to Tirano in Italy via Bernina Express. Make connections from Tirano to Milan
• Day 6 and 7 : Visit and stay in Milan for 2 nights
• Day 8: Explore Lake Como and Bellagio for a day (overnight in Milan)
• Day 9 and 10: Travel to Rome and explore for the next 2 nights

Planning a Switzerland and Italy Trip Itinerary

Begin your Northern Italy and Switzerland trip plan with visa requirements and arrival airports. 

Both countries are located in Europe and they follow Schengen visa requirements to allow non-visa-exempt passport holders to enter the country. Citizens of the United States and Canada can visit Italy and Switzerland visa-free and stay for 90 days. 

At the border crossing, your passports won’t be checked. But when you touch down in either country, your passport and other documents will be checked by immigration. 

Keep in mind, Switzerland is not a member of the European Union but Italy is. As mentioned, both follow the Schengen Agreement. 

Italy uses Euros as the official currency, and Swiss Francs are used in Switzerland. 

For your flights from North America, destinations like Zurich, and Geneva (in Switzerland) and Milan and Rome (in Italy) are good options to fly into. 

In the Italy Switzerland itinerary below, we have included samples where you can start in either country; and complete sightseeing using rental cars or public transportation. 

• To start in Northern Italy, fly to Milan Malpensa Airport (you can also arrive in Rome and then connect to Milan via high-speed trains)
• To start in Switzerland, flying to Zurich International Airport makes sense 

Once you’ve decided where to go and what you would like to explore, it’s time to start planning your itinerary . As with any trip, it’s important to determine transportation options within each destination. 

Both countries have a solid public transportation network, and depending on the duration of your trip, it may be best to purchase a rail pass that allows you to freely move between countries and cities.

Eurail Pass is a good option to consider here. Or you can opt for a country-specific pass with attractions access. 

We always use the Swiss Travel Pass when traveling in Switzerland, and use a mix of city passes, and tours to get around in Italy. We recommend booking train tickets and passes prior to your trip to save money. 

SWISS TRAVEL PASS

Get unlimited rides on trains, trams, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland with an all-in-one Swiss Travel Pass!

Buy it online, show your e-ticket on your phone, and start your Swiss Adventure with ease and stay on budget!

Note that in some cases, connections between cities via trains are faster as compared to a road trip in these two countries. Having said that you can always get a rental car, if that’s what you prefer. 

There are a plethora of guided excursions also available in each country, so you may also decide to take a day trip or do an organized tour from your accommodation base.

Accommodation is another important factor to consider when planning a trip to Northern Italy and Switzerland. We have included top picks for each city/ town where an overnight stay is suggested. 

Finally don’t forget to get travel insurance . 

Get a free quote for Safety Wing Travel Insurance

Day 1: northern italy itinerary – explore bologna’s historical city center.

Italy’s different regions and their unique offerings make the country one of the most visited in Europe. 

In the northern region of Emilia Romagna, Bologna is world-renowned as Italy’s foodie capital. The city also has lots of beautiful architecture you can explore.

Admire Bologna’s porticoes

The porticoes of Bologna are a recently-declared UNESCO World Heritage Site waiting to be explored. 

Spanning over 26 miles within the historic city center, Bologna’s porticoes and city walls are a symbol of the city’s bustling medieval era. 

Take a walking tour or leisurely stroll through the longest portico in Bologna – Portico of San Luca — it has about 666 arches. 

Or opt to tour the Portico Dei Servi, which extends towards Piazza Maggiore and has the widest corridors.

Grab lunch at Piazza Maggiore

As the heart of Bologna city center, Piazza Maggiore is the best place to hang around, people-watch, and get amazing views of some of the city’s best landmarks. 

Enjoy a tasty lunch while looking out at the dramatic Basilica di San Petronio and Palazzo d’Accursio. 

You’ll also find the Fountain of Neptune, depicting the god of the sea with a trident in hand and standing over four cherubs – the ultimate symbol of power.   

Climb Asinelli Tower

From Piazza Maggiore, walk for about five minutes to the colossal Asinelli Tower. The 319-foot tower is the tallest leaning medieval tower in the world. It stands next to Garisenda Tower, and together they make Le due Torri.  

These two towers are the most well-preserved in the city, and Asinelli is the only one you can climb. 

If you’re up for it, you can get an entrance ticket and climb up 498 steps to reach the top of the tower, where you’ll get stunning views of the city.

Take a food tour + private cooking class

If you’d like to take a piece of Bologna home with you, consider taking a food tour or private cooking class and learn how to make some tasty Italian delicacies. 

As the culinary capital of the world, Bologna offers great food tours that, at times, include cheese and wine tasting.

Marvel at La Finestrella

Discover Bologna’s long-lost canals through a small window on Via Piella. Yes, the city of Venice is not the only place in Italy where you can find canals. 

Bologna’s hidden canals date back to the Middle Ages when they were used for the transportation of goods and people. 

Where to stay in Bologna: 

• Art Hotel Commercianti: Centrally located Art Hotel Commercianti offers a hearty breakfast, and modern amenities in every room. Rooms have a beautiful traditional/medieval charm to them. Book your stay here
• NH Bologna De La Gare : Stay near the Bologna Centrale train station at the NH Bologna De La Gare! This hotel is conveniently located in the shopping district and about a 10-minute walk from Bologna Cathedral. It offers modern rooms, with a bar and parking on-site. Book your stay here

Note : Start early morning for Venice on day 2. Bologna to Venice is 1 hour 30 minutes by train and less than 2 hours by car

Day 2 Northern Italy itinerary – Experience the floating city of Venice

You can’t visit Northern Italy without making a stop in the City of Canals. Venice is dotted with stunning terracotta houses, medieval bridges, floating gondolas, and scenic canals that will make you fall in love. 

Here’s how you can spend one day in Venice .

Take a Grand Canal tour

The Grand Canal is one of the most notable features in Venice. Whether you’re visiting on a day trip or spending one day in Venice, taking a tour of the Grand Canal is a must-do . 

You’ll enjoy a boat ride through hidden canals and get a front-row seat to attractions like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Gritti Palace, and the postcard-worthy Salute Church.

Tip: Not sure if you should use a vaporetto (water taxi) or a canal tour? This guide about whether a gondola ride in Venice is worth it has what you need to know to make your decision.

Stroll around Piazza San Marco

Sitting in the heart of Venice, Piazza San Marco is the most vibrant square in the city. Flanked by historically significant buildings like St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, this public square is a great place to take a guided tour

You can also climb to the top of St Mark’s Campanile, where you’ll get a spectacular view of the city.

Visit Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace is one of Venice’s most popular attractions, and it’s easy to see why. 

Aside from the gorgeous Venetian Gothic-style architecture, you’ll also have the palace’s ornate interiors to marvel at. 

As a former residence of the supreme leader of the old republic, the museum is a great place to learn about the history of the city and see its stunning architecture. This Doge’s Palace entry ticket gives you access to the regal interiors and the Bridge of Sighs. 

Get a book at Libreria Acqua Alta

If you’re a bookworm, you’ll love spending time at this cozy, eccentric bookstore. Libreria Acqua Alta is one of the best Instagram-worthy photo spots in Venice . 

It boasts colorfully stacked books from floor to ceiling, some are stored in a bathtub and even a gondola.

Note: Libreria Acqua Alta is popular among tourists, and you may find it overcrowded.

Walk across Rialto Bridge

Spanning 66 feet over the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. 

And while it’s an absolutely beautiful piece of architecture to admire, Rialto Bridge also has a long history. It’s the oldest of the four bridges that cross over the Grand Canal. 

Walking across the Rialto Bridge is a great way to get up close views of the architectural details. But if you want to ditch the crowds and see the bridge in solitude, take a gondola tour along the Grand Canal and get stunning views of Rialto Bridge as you’re serenaded.

Where to stay in Venice: 

• Palazzo Veneziano – Venice Collection: Gorgeous 4-star property, located in the neighborhood of Dorsoduro, the Palazzo Veneziano is perfect for sightseeing in Venice, and you will also find many bars and restaurants nearby. Read traveler reviews and check current availability
• Hotel Campiello : This is an affordable 3-star hotel, located close to San Macro Piazza, and many other sightseeing areas. Check availability here

Note : Start for Milan the next day. You have 2 days of sightseeing here. Venice to Milan is 3 hours by the fastest train and car. 

Day 3 – 4 Northern Italy itinerary – Discover Milan’s Art Nouveau buildings, shopping centers, and castles

Milan is the capital of the Lombardy Region of Northern Italy. This bustling metropolitan is also world-renowned as the fashion capital of the world. 

It’s also home to some of Italy’s landmarks, like the Duomo di Milano and Sforza Castle.

Where to stay in Milan: 

• c-Hotel Atlantic Milano : c-Hotel Atlantic Milano is conveniently located near the central station, and is perfect for sightseeing, as well as for entering and leaving Milan. Plus you will find restaurants, bars with live music and parks nearby. Book your stay here (this hotel is also known as Atlantic Hotel Milano)
• Park Hyatt Milan: Located close to the Milan Duomo in Zone 1, Park Hyatt is a luxury property with stunning views of the city. It is about a 4-5 minute walk from the Duomo. Some suites also have a private terrace, and you can wine and dine in their restaurant on-site. View more information here

Day 3 – Visit Milan’s top attractions

There’s so much to do in this beautiful city that it raises the question, “ how many days in Milan is enough?” — and rightfully so. 

Your first day in the city of Milan takes you through all the city highlights. This is also a great one-day Milan itinerary if you can only stay for 24 hours or less. 

Marvel at the Duomo di Milano

Milan’s pre-eminent cathedral, the Duomo di Milano, is one of the most magnificent churches in the world. 

The white marble Gothic cathedral was commissioned by the Archbishop of Milan, Antonio da Saluzzo, and it took nearly six centuries to complete, from 1386 to 1965. 

Today, Milan Cathedral is one of the most celebrated landmarks in Italy. You can get an all-access ticket to the Duomo and get to see the cathedral’s museum, its terraces, and the rooftop. You’ll also get entry to the Chiesa di San Gottardo in Corte. 

Tip: Read this in-depth guide to get the lowdown about visiting Milan Cathedral .

Wander through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is home to some of the oldest restaurants and shops in Milan. Operating since 1877, the Galleria is the oldest active shopping gallery in the city.

You’ll find a range of cafes, restaurants, and shops selling luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Prada, and more. And although some of these brands may be out of your budget, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is worth visiting for its Renaissance Revival architecture. 

Stroll through Piazza Mercanti

Piazza Mercanti is one of Italy’s most idyllic squares. Located just a skip away from the magnificent Duomo, this quaint square is home to some of the most gorgeous medieval buildings in the world. 

The piazza was the city’s center of government and industry during the Middle Ages. This is why you’ll find the former courts of justice, the notary seat, and the Chamber of Commerce dotted around the square.

See the Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie

Art aficionados will appreciate a visit to the Santa Maria delle Grazie for a sneak peek at Leonardo da Vinci’s 15th-century masterpiece, “The Last Supper.” The painting sits in its original place along the walls of the refectory. 

To see the historical mural, take a guided tour of Santa Maria delle Grazie , where your expert guide will lead you through the viewing of the world-renowned painting for 15 minutes.

Day 4 – See Milan’s art and medieval architecture

The second day of your two days in Milan takes you through the city’s most famous art museums, galleries, and medieval architecture.

Wander through Sforza Castle + Arco della Pace

Sforza Castle is a Renaissance fortification built in the 15th century. The castle has served as a private residence for royalty, mainly the Visconti lords. It was also used as a weapons depot and as military barracks throughout its life.

Today, you can take an audio guide through the castle’s museums, each boasting interesting artworks and relics. 

Stroll through the castle’s lush grounds while admiring medieval architecture before dashing over to Arco della Pace for incredible photos.

Besides being almost identical to the Arc de Triomphe in France, Arco della Pace is one of Milan’s significant Neoclassical monuments, symbolizing peace between European nations. 

See masterpieces at Pinacoteca di Brera

Pinacoteca di Brera is Milan’s main public gallery and home to over 400 paintings dating between the 13th and 20th centuries. 

You can browse through the museum via a guided tour and see paintings from artists such as Caravaggio, Piero della Francesca, and Raphael. 

Visit the La Scala Opera House

Teatro alla Scala is an iconic opera house in Milan famous for its absolutely amazing acoustics. The theater is known for premiering many popular operas, especially many of Giuseppe Verdi’s. 

Book a ticket for the La Scala Museum tour , and get to see the famous stages, regal interior, and stunning crystal chandelier.

Note : You can extend your stay in Milan to day 5, and take a day trip to Lake Como and Bellagio.

Day 5 Northern Italy itinerary – Have a scenic escape in Lake Como

Lake Maggiore and Como offer the ideal tranquil getaway from the Lombardy Region’s bustling cities. Although Lake Maggiore is slightly bigger, the large lake doesn’t get as much tourist traffic as its counterpart. 

Here are a few ways you could spend your day in Lake Como.

Stroll through Como Town

Visiting Lake Como is one of the most popular day trips numerous tourists take from Milan, and it’s not hard to see why. 

But you can’t visit Lake Como without first making a stop at the picturesque city that gives the lake its name. 

Spend some time walking along the city’s gorgeous waterfront promenade, exploring its museums, and visiting famous churches like the stunning Como Cathedral.

Explore Lake Como

Surrounded by rolling green hills, picturesque old towns, and beautiful lakeside mansions, Lake Como is one of the idyllic places to visit in Italy. 

You can enjoy the upscale resort area and its beautiful scenery by taking a Lake Como cruise that ends with a stunning sunset. The lake also offers water sports opportunities, e-biking tours, and a lakeside dinner at a great restaurant.  

Take a trip to Varenna

Varenna is a small village sitting along the eastern shores of Lake Como. This idyllic old town offers views of colorful homes, medieval streets, and the gardens of Villa Monastero. It’s a great place to escape the high tourist summer season in Lake Como.

Visit Bellagio

Bellagio is another postcard-worthy old town on the shores of Lake Como. You can reach this gorgeous lakeside village via a 50-minute drive from Como Town. 

Once you arrive in Bellagio, hire a boat and take your own trip around the lake. End your day with a tasty meal at Ristorante Bilacus’s vine-covered terrace.

Tip: You can see the best of Lake Como, Varenna, and Bellagio with this day trip from Milan . The tour takes the most popular route to Lake Como, dotted with scenic villas and gardens.

Day 6 Switzerland itinerary – Explore Geneva’s best attractions

From here onwards, you will make your way to Switzerland. You have the option to either arrive in Zurich or Geneva to kickstart sightseeing here.   

Either way, we recommend starting early in the morning from Italy. Here is the travel time for each,

• Bellagio or Milan to Zurich is 3 to 4+ hours by train
• Bellagio or Milan to Geneva is 5 to 6+ hours by train 

As the capital of luxury watches and jewelry making, Geneva is a must-add to any Switzerland trip. This city boasts incredible views of the Swiss Alps, watchmakers, and many diplomatic headquarters to explore.

See the Jet d’Eau (Geneva Water Fountain)

Start this Switzerland trip with a visit to the star of Geneva Harbor. Shooting up to an altitude of 459 feet, Jet d’Eau is one of the largest fountains in the world. It is visible throughout the city and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Geneva.

Climb the tower of St. Pierre Cathedral

Nestled on the highest point of Geneva’s Old Town, St. Pierre Cathedral combines different architectural styles like Gothic and Ancient. The 12th-century cathedral boasts dramatic interiors and a tower you can climb for amazing views of the town.

Visit Palais des Nations + Red Cross Museum

As we touched on before, Geneva is home to several international headquarters, including the United Nations and the International Museum of the Red Cross. These buildings are of huge significance to all countries across the world and are perfect for taking pictures. 

Take a half-day trip to Chillon Castle (optional)

If you’re looking for something out of a fairytale, look no further than the Gothic-style Chillon Castle. 

Sitting on an island on Lake Geneva, this medieval castle boasts exhibitions across 36 gorgeous rooms and courtyards. 

Where to stay in Geneva: 

• Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva: This is a stunning 5-star lakeside property located in the heart of Geneva. It has about 400+ rooms and is elegantly decorated. Plus it is only a 2-minute walk away from the ferry terminal. Hotel amenities include a pool, spa, and a bar & restaurant. Book your stay here
• Hôtel des Tourelles: Hôtel des Tourelles is an affordable 2-star hotel, located about 10 minutes walk away from the city centre area. At less than $120 USD a night, this hotel serves its purpose. The hotel is pet friendly. Book your stay here

Note : Start for Bern the next day. Geneva to Bern is less than 2 hours by train or drive. 

Day 7 Switzerland itinerary – Experience the best of Bern

Bern has been the de-facto Swiss capital since 1848. And although you’d expect the capital city to be either Geneva or Zürich, Bern has a rich culture and lots of things to do on offer.

Take a walking tour of Old Town Bern

The UNESCO-designated Old Town of Bern is a well-preserved medieval center dotted with sandstone buildings, cobblestone streets, and charming shops and cafes. 

Take a stroll through Bern’s Old Town and discover its fountains, towers, and arcades. 

Visit Einsteinhaus

Head over to Einsteinhaus to see where Albert Einstein lives with his wife and son. This modest museum on the second floor shows the humble abode where Einstein wrote his annus mirabilis papers, which drastically changed how humanity understands the universe. 

Marvel at the Cathedral of Bern

Bern Minster is the tallest cathedral in Switzerland, sporting a single spire that soars about 328 miles into the sky. 

After admiring the cathedral’s Gothic architecture, you can take the 400-odd-step climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city.  

Stop by the Bern Historical Museum + Einstein Museum

Visiting Bern Historical Museum is a quintessential must-do activity when spending one day in Bern . 

The museum boasts a range of historical and ethnographic collections dating back to the Stone Age. 

It’s also connected to the Einstein Museum, where you can browse through photos, objects, and documentation of the physicist’s time in Bern.

Fun Fact: Albert Einstein spent seven years of his life in Bern, so you’ll find a deep connection between many of the city’s attractions and the physicist.

Note : We recommend leaving for Interlaken by evening. Trains and road trips will take about an hour to get there. 

Where to stay in Interlaken: 

• Hotel Interlaken: Hotel Interlaken is a vintage hotel, dating back to the 1400s. It offers a variety of amenities for a comfortable stay in Interlaken. The hotel has free parking and is a good option if you are road-tripping. And the train station is 10 minutes walk away. Check availability here
• Hotel Staubbach: Hotel Staubbach is one of the first hotels in Lauterbrunnen. Suites feature amazing panoramic views of the Staubbach Falls and Lauterbrunnen Valley. You can choose your accommodation from a private room with a shared bathroom or larger family-friendly rooms. Book your stay here

Day 8 and 9 Switzerland itinerary – Escape to the resort town of Interlaken

Surrounded by gorgeous mountains with dense forests, lakes, alpine meadows, and icy glaciers, Interlaken offers a great escape from Switzerland’s busier cities. 

Enjoy a cruise on Lake Thun

On the west of Interlaken, Lake Thun is a gorgeous deep blue waterbody popular for windsurfing, sailing, and sunbathing. 

The picturesque town also boasts stunning medieval architecture like Thun Castle, which you’ll have unobstructed views of from your boat cruise.

Marvel at Harder Kulm

Harder Kulm is one of the biggest draws on any Switzerland itinerary . The panoramic restaurant offers sweeping views of the valley floor, the two lakes, and the Swiss Alps in the distance. 

You can either take a short hike or ride a funicular (cable car) to the top.

Take a train ride to Schynige Platte

Enjoy a scenic train ride to the Schynige Platte, passing forests, alpine pastures, and marvelous views of Lake Thun and Brienz. 

The cogwheel train ride is about 4.5 miles and climbs to a height of nearly 4659 feet. You’ll enjoy spectacular views from the top. 

Go on a half-day trip to Jungfraujoch

Famously known as the top of Europe, Jungfraujoch is a saddle between two peaks of the Bernese Alps. 

Sitting at 11,362 feet above sea level, Jungfraujoch is a major feat to tick off your Switzerland trip bucket list . 

Catch this scenic ride to the top of Europe from the Interlaken Ost train station. 

Note : Leave for Zurich on day 9 (in the evening). Settle in with a nice dinner at the Old Town.

Day 10 Switzerland itinerary – End your Italy-Switzerland itinerary on a high in Zürich

As the economic capital and the largest city in Switzerland, Zürich is a great place to end this amazing trip. Admire the city’s architecture and see what its galleries and museums have to offer.

Where to stay in Zurich: 

• Fred Hotel Zürich Hauptbahnhof (Walhalla Hotel) : Conveniently located near Zurich HB, this 3-star hotel is perfect for a short trip to the city. The rooms are spacious and clean. Check availability here
• MEININGER Hotel Zürich Greencity : Located in District 2, this is an affordable option to stay along the Lake Zurich shores and within walking distance of the FIFA Museum. They have dorm-style accommodation. Check availability here

Stroll through the Altstadt (Old Town)

Start your day in Zürich with a leisurely stroll through the city’s medieval Old Town. Its elegant streets are dotted with colorful homes, cozy bars, and art museums like the Kunsthaus. 

You’ll also get to see the colossal Fraumünster Church.

Visit the Swiss National Museum

Sitting across the Zürich HB train station, the Swiss National Museum is home to a vast collection of cultural history, craftsmanship, and artworks from Switzerland’s past. 

A visit to the museum is a great way to learn more about the country.

Alternate Italy and Switzerland Itinerary 10 days

Here is an alternate Italy-Switzerland itinerary that can be explored by public transport, and also includes a scenic train ride.

Day 1 and 2 in Milan (Italy)

Start your trip by exploring Milan for 2 days. Visit Milan’s iconic Duomo, Vittorio Emanuele II, see the Last Supper, and Sforzesco Castle, and enjoy shopping and art walks. 

Visit Lake Como and the famous town of Bellagio from Milan on a day trip. You can also join a day tour to check out all the highlights

Spend day 4 of the itinerary to travel to Switzerland in style by riding the scenic Bernina Express . From Milan, you will arrive in Tirano, located at the foothills of the Swiss Alps. 

The Bernina Express leaves from Tirano and arrives in St. Moritz in Switzerland. For the purposes of this itinerary, plan to disembark in Chur. 

This route can be done in both ways and makes for an unforgettable experience.

To make the most of your trip in Switzerland, we recommend purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass to get unlimited rides on the public transportation network like trains, buses, ferries, and free access to over 500 museums. 

Train rides such as Bernina and Glacier Express require an additional cost for seat reservation, but with the Pass, it is 1000% worth it. 

Stay overnight in Chur (or St. Moritz). 

Day 5: Chur

Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland , making it an ideal destination for history buffs. The Old Town area is a great way to explore the city’s past, with its winding cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. 

There are also plenty of museums and churches to visit, such as the Cathedral of Chur, Rätisches Museum, Shelter for Roman Ruins, and the Alt-Haldenstein Castle. 

You can spend a few hours in Chur before making your way to Zurich. 

Day 6 and 7: Zurich

See the best of Zurich in 2 days . Keep Zurich as a base to explore other destinations in Switzerland for the remainder of your itinerary. 

In Zurich, enjoy a lovely riverside stroll along the Limmat River. This scenic route is one of the most popular spots in Zurich. 

You can easily walk through Old Town, which is the medieval heart of Zurich. 

Stop by Grossmünster, a 12th-century Romanesque-style church with two tall spires that dominate the city skyline. 

Next, visit Bahnhofstrasse for some of the best shopping in Switzerland. Here you’ll find world-famous fashion brands as well as high-end jewelry stores and boutiques.

During your trip, also visit the FIFA and the Swiss Museum of Transport. 

Day 8: Lucerne and Mount Titlis

Go on a day trip to Lucerne and Mount Titlis from Zurich. Located in the heart of Switzerland, Lucerne is a vibrant city on the banks of Lake Lucerne, filled with medieval architecture, boutique shopping, and world-class restaurants. 

From here, you can take a cable car or funicular to Mount Titlis, the highest mountain in Central Switzerland. Atop the summit, explore an array of Alpine activities, such as paragliding, hiking, and skiing. 

For those seeking a more leisurely activity, there is also an observation deck with stunning views of the surrounding area. 

Lucerne and Mount Titlis are two must-see destinations for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Northern Italy and Switzerland.

Day 9: Bern

Arrive in Bern from Zurich train station, and explore it for a day. Almost all of the primary attractions in Bern are centrally located making it easy to navigate and make the most of the visit. 

The beautifully preserved Old Town of Bern should be top on your list. Here you’ll find cobbled streets flanked by 16th-century buildings that are now used as shops and cafes. 

The city’s centerpiece is the clock tower called Zytglogge – a must-see when visiting Bern. Other destinations include the Einstein Museum, Münster Cathedral, and the Bern Historical Museum. 

If you’re looking for a bit of culture, make sure to check out some of Bern’s many galleries and theaters. And while you’re in Bern, be sure to enjoy some of its delicious local dishes such as rösti or fondue!

For your outdoor needs, take a stroll through the Aare River Gorge, where you can explore historical monuments and beautifully landscaped gardens. 

There are also plenty of outdoor activities to keep you entertained like hiking, kayaking, and cycling. Spend a few hours at the nearby Bear Park, where you can get up close and personal with Switzerland’s national animal!

No trip to Bern is complete without visiting one of its many parks or gardens. The Rose Garden is especially beautiful in summer, while Bundesplatz, an old public square, is great for people-watching. 

Day 10: Rhine Falls 

Taking a day trip to the Rhine Falls is an adventure that should not be missed when visiting Switzerland. 

Located only about 60 minutes from Zurich, the largest waterfall in Europe provides some of the most beautiful views and opportunities for exploration and relaxation.

When planning your visit you will want to decide whether you’d like to make the journey by train or by car. If you decide to use public transportation, it is possible to take a direct train from Zurich main station to Neuhausen am Rhinefall, or drive 35 minutes to get there.

Day tours are also offered on this route!

Once at the falls, you can enjoy free parking as well as easy access to all areas of the site – including its many observation decks overlooking the impressive cascading water.

The Rhine Falls are open all year round and offer a wonderful experience for visitors of all ages. 

Although we focused heavily on Northern Italy in this post, it is possible to explore Rome and the Tuscan region on a short trip as well. 

For this, we recommend flying to Rome and leaving from Zurich in Switzerland. 

A typical itinerary will look like this,

Switzerland and Italy Itinerary: Itinerary in reverse

You can do the same itinerary in reverse by starting in Zurich, the largest airport in Switzerland. 

Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary Travel Tips

Now that we have covered all of our itinerary samples, here are some additional tips, 

Renting a car or using public transportation

It is a personal preference if you wish to explore by driving or riding the train (or any other public transportation). But keep in mind that most of the cities like Venice, Zurich, Bern, and Lucerne all have car-free city centres. 

In places like Lake Como, Milan or Interlaken cars are fine, but you will also find good public transportation options including guided tours to take you there. 

Savings tips

We highly recommend booking accommodation in advance for your trip to Italy and Switzerland. Hotels in Switzerland can be very expensive in the summer and winter months – so book early!

A Swiss Travel Pass for 4 days will be your best bet to save money in Switzerland if you are splitting your 10 days in each country equally. 

For Italy, use websites like Trenitalia to make reservations prior to your trip. To save time, opt for high-speed trains that connect cities like Rome, Milan, Venice, and Florence. 

Bernina Express is a great add-on to your itinerary to experience the BEST of both countries. The entire route takes 4 hours to complete and has multiple stops along the way. 

Best time to visit Italy and Switzerland

Both countries are perfect for a visit all year round. 

If possible, it’s best to plan your trip for the early summer or fall months when temperatures are milder. This also allows you to experience the breathtaking scenery of the Alps throughout Switzerland and northern Italy in all its glory.  

The Swiss Alps is a world-renowned geographical feature that attracts skiers, climbers, and snow lovers from across the world. Straddling the border between Italy and Switzerland, the pyramid-shaped Matterhorn peak is perhaps the most famous of the Swiss Alps.

Although you can see the Alps from Lake Geneva, just a few hours from Interlaken and Zurich, you can spot stunning views of the Matterhorn from the Swiss town of Zermatt. Zermatt is a must-add when you visit Switzerland in winter !

Note : Both countries are located in the Central European Time zone

Should you visit Switzerland and Italy?

Italy and Switzerland are two of the most visited countries in Europe, and it’s easy to see why. From stunning Italian villages to lakeside resorts in Switzerland, you will find the perfect blend of natural and cultural attractions.

And this 10-day itinerary has got all you’ll want to see and do in this region. So don’t wait, plan your next trip to Italy and Switzerland!

Pin: Italy and Switzerland Itinerary 10 days

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 40+ countries.

Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world particularly Europe, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. 

She has lived in Portugal, Canada and India.

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• Europe Tours
• Italy & Switzerland Tours

Switzerland and Italy Tours 2024/2025

One country is known for its breathtaking alpine sceneries, top-class ski resorts, watches, and chocolates, and the other for its magnificent monuments, arts, food, and fashion. Switzerland and Italy have much going for them to be regarded among the world’s best tourist destinations. And as the two countries are close to each other, you can easily combine both on your holiday. Switzerland and Italy tours offer adventure, sightseeing, and culinary experiences. If you are an adventure seeker, climb the Dolomite and Mount Blanc in Italy, then head to Switzerland, where you can climb Monch and Jungfrau or go skiing. And if you are a more relaxed traveler, board a train from Venice in Italy to Interlaken in Switzerland and enjoy the scenic view along the way. Make it a point to visit the beautiful lake city of Lucerne while on your Switzerland tour , and you cannot go wrong with the eternal city of Rome on your tour to Italy .

17 Trips in Italy & Switzerland with 3,881 Reviews

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Best of Italy, Switzerland and Paris

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• Starts Lisbon, Portugal
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Essential Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and Italy

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• Starts Courmayeur, Italy
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Mont Blanc Family Adventure

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Classical Italy and Switzerland

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Essential Italy and Switzerland

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From Prague To Venice Through The Majestic Alps

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Monte Rosa Alpine Walk

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• Accommodation Hotel, Hut & Villa
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• Starts Great St Bernard Pass, Switzerland
• Ends Ivrea, Italy

Via Francigena: from the Great St Bernard Pass

• Activities Walking tours & Trekking and Hiking
• Transport Bus
• Jun 21 10+ seats left
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• Starts Saint Bernardo Pass, Switzerland

The Full Via Francigena

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• Starts Lucerne, Switzerland
• Ends Lake Maggiore, Italy

Alpine Lakes Trains

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing
• Accommodation Resort, Hotel & Villa
• Transport Train, Boat, Private Vehicle & Bus
• Age Range 1-95 yrs

• Starts Venice, Italy

Vistas of Italy and Switzerland

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• Starts Zurich, Switzerland

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Italian and Swiss Panorama

Italy & switzerland tour reviews.

• Michael May

Switzerland and Italy Tours and Trips

Switzerland and Italy — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips

Travel Highlights

• Visit the charming Swiss city of Geneva, where you can explore famous landmarks such as the Jet d'Eau fountain, the Old Town, and the Palace of Nations.
• Explore the picturesque village of Zermatt, located at the foot of the Matterhorn, then take a cable car or cogwheel train to reach the summit for panoramic views.
• Tour Milan , known for its fashion, design, and culture, and visit its iconic sights, such as the Duomo cathedral, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the La Scala opera house.
• Take a scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps, crossing mountain passes and valleys, and admire the breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and lakes.
• Explore the historic city of Venice, built on a network of canals and islands, and take a gondola ride or a water taxi to see its famous landmarks.
• Go on a Tuscany tour , where you can explore its rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval towns, and visit places such as Florence, Pisa, Siena, or San Gimignano

Travel Tips

• Both Switzerland and Italy are popular travel destinations, so expect large tourist crowds during peak season (June to August). To avoid crowds and save money on accommodations and attractions, plan your vacation during the shoulder season (April to May and September to October).
• Both countries have excellent public transportation systems, so consider purchasing a travel pass to get around. The Eurail Global Pass and Interrail Global Pass allow unlimited train travel in 33 European countries, including Switzerland and Italy. A three-day Eurail pass costs around €270, while a three-day Interrail pass can be bought for around €304.
• Be prepared for different weather conditions, especially if you plan to visit the mountainous regions of Switzerland or the coastal areas of Italy. So dress in layers, pack some warm clothes and waterproof gear.
• Learn some basic phrases in Italian and German, as these are the main languages spoken in Italy and Switzerland.

Recommended Durations for Switzerland and Italy Tours

You will need at least two weeks for a comprehensive tour of Switzerland and Italy. Within this time, you will be able to visit all major highlights of these two countries, including in Zurich, Geneva, Rome, Florence, and Venice. You will also have time for adventure and relaxing activities in the Swiss Alps and the Italian coastline.

Best Time to Visit Switzerland and Italy

The best time to go for a tour of Switzerland and Italy is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to October), when the weather is mild, tourist crowds are thinner, and travel prices are lower. Summer (June to August) is the peak season in both Switzerland and Italy. As the weather is warm and days are longer during this time, a large number of vacationers flock to these two countries, pushing up the travel and accommodation prices. Winter (December to February) is a popular time for skiing in Switzerland, but it can be cold and snowy.

To get the best deals, consider traveling during the shoulder season or booking in advance.

FAQ for Switzerland and Italy tours

1. How many hours is it from Italy to Switzerland?

The travel time between Italy and Switzerland varies depending on the cities you are traveling between and your mode of transport. For example, if you take the most popular Milan-Zurich train route, the travel time is around three and a half hours. If you take a bus, the journey between the two cities takes around four hours.

2. How much does the train ticket cost?

A train ticket price from Italy to Switzerland varies depending on the city you are boarding the train from and your seat class. As of 2023, a one-way ticket can cost between €20 and €100 or more.

3. Which other countries should you combine with the Switzerland tour?

Switzerland pairs well with other neighboring countries such as Italy, France, Germany, and Austria. It depends on your interests and travel preferences.

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₹ 133,349/- ₹ 144,945/-

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• 8 Days Italy Switzerland Tour With Airfare

8 Days Tour Package To Italy and Switzerland With Airfare Rated 4.3 /5 (based on 264 reviews) 8 Days Tour Package To Italy and Switzerland With Airfare

8 Days Tour Package To Italy and Switzerland With Airfare 8 Days & 7 Nights

Enjoy a visit to Titlis Mountain with your loved ones

You would not be able to escape the beauty of Jungfraujoch

The tranquility of Lake Zurich will soothe your senses

One of the most beautiful cities in the world beckon

Go on a scenic tour of the Grand Canal on this Italy trip.

Hotel included in package:

• Venice (2D)
• Zurich (4D)

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₹133,349/- ₹144,945/-

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TravelTriangle has served 4929 + travelers for Europe

The 8 days Europe itinerary takes you to some really beautiful parts of Rome and Switzerland. The tour begins with Rome. Get to experience and explore sightseeing with the Hop-on Hop-off tourist bus. Visit the Palatine Hills, the Roman Forum and the historic Colosseum.

The next part of your amazing tour is planned in Venice. Enjoy an amazing 8 days Europe tour to the Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands with a Gondola tour. Have the most of it while you can and head to Zurich for your next destination.

Pay a visit to the amazing Titlis Mountain in Switzerland and spend a whole day while enjoying nearby and exploring the city. Your last destination is the Rhine Falls which gives you a relaxing and mind-blowing experience of being near a waterfall. With this, your trip comes to an end with awesome memories to offer. The next day, you board a flight from the Zurich airport and fly back home. This amazing Europe trip for 8 days gives the tourists enough and satisfactory time to explore all the places and destinations at their best. So, book your tickets for the next vacations and be ready for a fun journey.

Rome: Arrival At Rome

• Leisure Day

Other Benefits (On Arrival)

Arriving at Rome and checking in

You will land at the Rome airport from where your journey begins. The allotted guide will take you to the hotel via a car. Check in into the hotel and relax for the rest of the day to wake up fresh tomorrow.

Rome: Sightseeing On Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

• Colosseum Underground
• Palatine Hill

Enjoy the sightseeing and the visit to Palatine hills, Roman forum and the Colosseum

Today, you will have the chance to board the Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus and have the sightseeing experience in Rome. The visit will take you to the most famous Palatine Hills among the Seven Hills of Rome. Next, you will be taken to the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. After the day ends, you will return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Venice: Arriving In Venice

• Leisure Activities

Train journey and arrival in Venice

Day 3 of your trip takes you to Venice. Start the day with a healthy breakfast and as per the instructions of the guide check out from your hotel in Rome at the right time to get on a train that takes you to Venice. Upon reaching there, take a car to the hotel, check in and spend the rest of your day leisurely while relaxing.

Venice: Santa Lucia, San Marco And The Three Islands

• Murano-Burano & Torcello Tour
• Gondola Ride

Train journey to Santa Lucia and the tour of the 3 islands

Today is the day for the tour of the three islands. Start the day with a satisfactory breakfast at the hotel. Then take a train to Santa Lucia. From here on, walk up to San Marco and then you will taken for a tour of the Murano, Burano and Torcello islands. Enjoy the Gondola tour which also offers live music for retreat. Head back to the hotel at night for an overnight stay.

Switzerland: Arriving At Zurich

• Leisure Time

Train journey to Zurich

Wake up and enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. After this, at the right time, check out from the hotel and head to the train station. Your train journey will bring you to Zurich. From here, take a guided car to the hotel in Zurich, check in and have the rest of the day to yourself for leisure.

Switzerland: Titlis

Reaching Titlis and enjoying the snow guided tour

Wake up in the hotel Zurich and relish your breakfast inside the Hotel premises. You will be assisted to know about the day’s plan. Head out of the hotel and your destination is the Titlis Mountain. Take an eternal snow guided tour and enjoy being in its surroundings. Later, head back to the hotel and call it a day.

Switzerland: Rhine Falls

• Rhine Falls

Guided tour of Rhine falls

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast at the hotel and head out for your next destination. Today you will be taken for a guided tour of the largest waterfall in Switzerland- the Rhine Falls which is a treat to the eyes. After taking your own time, head back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Switzerland: Departure Time

Bidding goodbye from the Zurich airport

It is day 8 of your amazing tour which means it is time to head back home. Start your day with a breakfast at the hotel. You are free to explore till the time set by your agent. After that check out from the hotel and take a train to the Zurich Airport. From here board your flight that takes you back to Chennai with some awesome memories.

Note: Our agents will provide you these or similar hotels depending on availability

Days 7, 5, 6

Hotel bristol zurich

Stampfenbachstrasse 34 Zurich - 8035 , Switzerland

Raeli hotel siracusa

Via Marsala 50, Central Station, 00185 Rome, Italy

Hotel san luca venezia

Calle Dei Fabbri San Marco 4671 | San Marco, 30124 Venice, Italy

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• Lunch & dinner
• Entrance tickets
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions

Your Preferences

Where do you want to go?

FAQs for Europe

Which is the best time of the year to undertake this tour package.

Early September would be a great time to take the package as per the weather conditions of both the countries.

How far in advance should I book the tour?

It is advised to make bookings for an international trip at least 5-6 months in advance for discounts. As the travel date approaches, things get expensive.

Which places in Italy does the tour package cover?

The tour covers sightseeing in Italy and gives you enough time to shop or simply explore. Special places like The Palatine Hills, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum are included.

Do we have a guided assistance?

Of course you can. It all depends on how you want to explore the cities- alone or with assistance.

Will the arrangements and tickets for the tour will be ready as we arrive?

Yes, the package itself manages to take you to all the planned destinations and most of your job regarding the tickets will be already done by the time you arrive.

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Bhattamit's 9 days trip to Europe

Rohit's 9 days trip to europe, nikitha's 8 days trip to europe.

Nikitha Reddy

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PAKEJ SWISS - ITALI 9H7M 2024 (JOINED TOUR)

Info switzerland.

9 Hari 7 Malam

Mesra Warga Senior

Bandar & Gunung 

Spring & Autumn

✈ 16 JAM 35 MINIT

Dari kl – milan, 1°c – 31°c.

Switzerland adalah sebuah negara yang terletak di tengah Eropah tepatnya di banjaran Alps dengan landskap alam semulajadi seperti tasik, perkampungan Eropah, banjaran, gunung dan air terjun. 

Dengan populasi 8.7 juta orang setakat tahun 2023, Switzerland merupakan destinasi pelancongan utama rakyat Malaysia yang inginkan experience bercuti di kawasan pergunungan mewah gaya Eropah dengan sumber air bersih terbaik dunia tanpa had.

Antara tempat menarik di Swiss Itali adalah Bern, Lucerne, Zermatt, Grinderwald, Interlaken, Rhine Falls, Lake Thun dan Lauterbrunnen.

Antara aktiviti menarik di Swiss Itali adalah naik keretapi klasik, ziarah kilang coklat, ziarah kilang keju, experience Mount Titlis Rotair (360°), ekspedisi Jungfraujouch, naik cruise di Lake Brienz dan tour ke Matterhorn. 

Sebaiknya anda melancong ke Swiss Itali di musim spring & autumn kerana anda ada banyak aktiviti & tempat menarik untuk dilawati berbanding di musim winter yang siangnya lebih pendek (8 jam-9 jam).

TEMPAT MENARIK DI SWISS ITALI

Experience bandaraya Milan selama dua hari bak orang lokal.

Tasik ikonik dan tercantik di utara Itali tempat orang lokal healing.

Matternhorn

Simbol & ikon coklat Toblerone di banjaran Alps terletak di Zermatt.

Perkampungan setinggi 1,600 meter di tepi gunung Matternhorn.

Perkampungan nelayan di Lake Brienz yang sangat cantik & sejuk.

• Lake Brienz

Tasik seluas 14KM di utara Switzerland terletak di Bern.

Gunung setinggi 3,238 meter di Banjaran Uri tempat ski & gondola.

Rhine Falls

Air terjun terbesar & terkuat di Eropah terletak di Schaffhausen.

AKTIVITI MENARIK DI SWISS ITALI

Train Klasik

Naik train klasik dalam ekspedisi dari Tasch ke Zermatt.

Naik Cruise

Lihat view cantik di Swiss dalam Lake Brienz Cruise tour di Bern.

Titlis Rotair

Experience banjaran Alps secara aerial view dalam cable car 360 °

Rhine Falls Tour

Experience air terjun terkuat & terbesar di Eropah secara dekat.

Matterhorn Tour

Lihat gunung Matternhorn yang menjadi ikon coklat Toblerone.

Jungfraujoch

Ekspedisi melihat syurga dunia di Jungfraujoch merentasi 3 wilayah.

Kilang Coklat

Masuk & lihat sendiri proses pembuatan coklat Lindt.

Beli coklat, cheese, cenderamata & jam tangan asli Swiss di Zurich.

PERBEZAAN PAKEJ SWISS ITALI ARBA TRAVEL DENGAN YANG LAIN

Lindt choc factory.

ARBA Travel bawa anda ke Lindt Chocolate Factory untuk anda experience secara LIVE proses pembuatan coklat #1 di dunia!

NAIK TRAIN TASCH - ZERMATT

Kami bawa anda lihat keindahan perkampungan Eropah menaiki train klasik Swiss di antara Tasch – Zermatt.

RHINE FALLS SECARA DEKAT

Anda dapat full experience di Rhine Falls sebab kami bayarkan entrance fee anda masuk & feel secara dekat bukan dari jauh! 

GRUYERE CHEESE FACTORY

Anda akan dibawa melihat secara LIVE cara pembuatan cheese & beli 20+ jenis cheese yang dijual di Gruyere Cheese Factory!

HOTEL 4 STAR

Hotel selesa dan bersih dengan panorama Swiss yang memukau di bilik hotel menanti anda di Geneva, Interlaken & Zurich.

EXPERIENCE 100%

Bukan sekadar photostop & sightseeing! Itinerari anda padat dengan aktiviti supaya anda dapat experience 100% di Swiss.

PAKEJ SWISS ITALI YANG DIPILIH 3,000 RAKYAT MALAYSIA SEJAK 2015

MENDAPAT LIPUTAN MEDIA

ITINERARY PAKEJ SWITZERLAND-ITALI 9H7M

Day 1: kuala lumpur - milan, day 2: milan tour.

• Gather at KLIA
• Flight to Milan
• Arrival at Milan Airport
• Airport pick up
• Milano City tour
• Duomo Square (Main city square in Milan)
• Milan (Gothic) Cathedral (Third largest cathedral in the world)
• Castello Sforzesco (Medieval Castle)
• Shopping at Galleria
• Vittorio Emanuele II (Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery and a major landmark)
• Check in Milan Hotel

DAY 3: SERRAVALLE DESIGNER OUTLET - COMO

Day 4: tasch - zermatt (matterhorn).

• Serravalle Designer Outlet (Europe’s Largest shopping village)
• Lake Como (Third largest & scenic Lake in Italy)
• Back to hotel
• Depart to Tasch (Panoramic 15 mins train ride to Zermatt)
• Zermatt village tour (History walk & photo session)
• Matterhorn Point (Matterhorn summit photo session) Optional tour (own expenses): – Gornegratt for  Matterhorn tour
• Check in Tasch/Brig Hotel

DAY 5: LAUTERBRUNNEN - LAKE THUN & BRIENZ

Day 6: grindelwald (jungfraujoch).

• Check out Tasch/Brig Hotel
• Lauterbrunnen (panoramic bus ride, shopping & photo session)
• Staubach waterfall
• Iseltwald (photo stop, K-drama shooting spot)
• Optional tour (own expenses): – Cruise at Lake Brienz (April to October only)
• Interlaken city tour
• Check in Interlaken Hotel
• Grindelwald  (panoramic bus ride, shopping & photo session)
• Optional tou r (own expenses) : – First Cliff walk – Jungfraujoch tour
• Back to Interlaken

DAY 7: ENGELBERG - LUCERNE - ZURICH

Day 8: rhine fall - zurich -lindt factory.

• Check out Interlaken hotel
• Engelberg (panoramic bus ride, shopping & photo session)
• Optional tour (own expenses): – Titlis Rotair
• Lucerne Old town
• Chapel bridge (Famous landmark)
• Lion Monument (Famous landmark)
• Casa Grande (In store shopping)
• Check in Zurich Hotel
• Rhine falls (Largest waterfall in Europe)
• Back to Zurich
• Munsterhof Square (Historical town square)
• Munster Brucke (Bridge & river viewpoint)
• Banhostrasse (shopping street)
• Lindt Chocolate Factory outlet Tour (1 hour++ tour)

DAY 9: ZURICH - KUALA LUMPUR

Day 10: kuala lumpur.

• Check out Zurich Hotel
• Airport transfer
• Flight to Kuala Lumpur
• Arrival Kuala Lumpur
• Return Flight Tickets
• Airport Tax
• 30 kg International Baggage Fee
• 7kg Hand Luggage
• Meals : (Breakfast & Dinner)
• Depart Meals on board
• Accommodation 3 star hotel (2@3)
• Transportation
• Admission fees: – Lindt Chocolate factory – Return train Tasch-Zermatt – Rhine fall
• Tour Guide: (English Spoken)
• Tipping Fee
• Personal Expenses
• Excess Baggage Fee
• Additional Meal
• Optional activity
• Visa (For non-Malaysian)
• Travel Insurance

DAY 1: KUALA LUMPUR – MILAN

Day 3: serravalle designer outlet – como, day 4: tasch – zermatt (matterhorn), day 5: lauterbrunnen – lake thun & brienz, day 7: engelberg – lucerne – zurich, day 8: rhine fall – zurich -lindt factory, day 9: zurich – kuala lumpur, day 1: kuala lumpur – zurich, day 2: zurich – interlaken – lake thun & brienz.

• Flight to Zurich
• Arrival at Zurich Airport
• Depart to Interlaken

DAY 3: LAUTERBRUNNEN – GRINDELWALD

Day 4: iseltwald – tasch – zermatt (matterhorn).

• Lauterbrunnen 
• Grindelwald
• Optional tour (own expenses) : – First Cliff walk – Jungfraujoch tour
• Zermatt village tour 
• Matterhorn Point 
• Optional tour (own expenses) : – Gornegratt for Matterhorn tour

DAY 5: TASCH – MILAN CITY

Day 6: serravalle designer outlet – como.

• Depart to Milan
• Duomo Square
• Milan (Gothic) Cathedral 
• Castello Sforzesco 
• Shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II 
• Serravalle Designer Outlet

DAY 7: LUCERNE – ZURICH -LINDT FACTORY

Day 8: engelberg (mount titlis) – zurich.

• Check out Milan hotel
• Depart to Lucerne
• Chapel bridge
• Lion Monument 
• Casa Grande 
• Optional tour (own expenses) : – Titlis Rotair*
• Munsterhof Square 
• Munster Brucke
• Banhostrasse

DETAIL HARGA SWISS ITALY

Standard Price

RM400 Discount (First 15 Pax)

Rm300 discount (16-25 pax), adult (above 12 yrs), child with bed (4 - 11 yrs), child no bed (2 - 4 yrs), infant (below 2 years), add on (optional), jungfraujouch tour duration: 3-4 hours, rm1,200 (adult) rm1100 (child) (6-15 years), includes: eiger express cable car, cogwheel train alpine sensation, sphinx observation terrace, plateau, ice palace (weather permitting) excludes: meals, personal expanses, mount first cable car ticket from grindelwald duration: 30 mins/way, rm577 (adult) rm477 (child) (6-15 years), includes: return train & cable car ticket excludes: meals, personal expanses, gornegratt train for matterhorn tour duration: 30-45 mins, rm657 (adult) rm557 (child) (6-15 years), includes: includes: return train excludes: meals, personal expenses, titlis rotair rm45 mins, includes: return cable car ticket, ice cave, cliff walk, trubsee activities excludes: ice flyers, meals, personal expenses, boat cruise lake brienz duration: around 40 mins, rm327/ person, boat ride from iseltwald to interlaken east (sharing basis) includes: boat ticket excludes: meals, personal expenses, rhine falls boat cruise (except for november) duration: around 20 mins, rm187/ person, boat ride from iseltwald to interlaken east (sharing basis) includes: boat ticket excludes: meals, personal expenses duration: around 20 mins.

ADD ON FOR FREE & EASY

Jungfraujouch Tour

RM927/person

• Includes: Eiger Express cable car, cogwheel train Alpine Sensation, Sphinx Observation Terrace, Plateau, Ice Palace (weather permitting)
• Excludes: Meals, Personal Expanses

Mount First Cable Car Ticket from Grindelwald

RM657/person

• Includes: Return Train & Cable Car ticket

RM527/person

• Includes: 10hrs Private Transport

DETAIL HARGA PAKEJ SWISS ITALI

RM400 Discount: First 15 Pax

RM300 Discount:  16-25 Pax

Child With Bed (4-11 yrs)

Child No Bed (2-4 yrs)

Infant (below 2 yrs)

PILIH TARIKH KESUKAAN ANDA

Availability, august 2024.

29 Aug – 6 Sept 2024

Summer (Hari Merdeka)

RM9,897 RM9,497

September 2024

12 Sept – 20 Sept 2024

Autumn (Maulidur Rasul)

16 Sept – 24 Sept 2024

October 2024

3 Oct – 11 Oct 2024

RM9,697 RM9,297

17 Oct – 25 Oct 2024

24 Oct –  1 Nov 2024

Autumn (Cuti Deepavali)

November 2024

21 Nov – 29 Nov 2024

24 Nov – 2 Dec 2024

December 2024

10 Dec – 18 Dec 2024

16 Dec – 24 Dec 2024

Winter (Cuti Sekolah)

26 Dec – 2 Jan 2025

January 2025

19 Jan – 27 Jan 2025

23 Jan – 31 Jan 2025

February 2025

1 Feb – 9 Feb 2025

6 Feb – 14 Feb 2025

SEPTEMBER 2023

November 2023, december 2023, detail harga pakej, 29 aug - 6 sept 2024 summer (hari merdeka) rm9897 rm9497 available, 12 sept - 20 sept 2024 autumn (cuti sekolah) rm9897 rm9497 available, 16 sept - 24 sept 2024 autumn (cuti sekolah) rm9897 rm9497 available, 3 oct - 11 oct 2024 autumn rm9697 rm9297 available, 17 oct - 25 oct 2024 autumn rm9697 rm9297 available, 24 oct - 1 nov 2024 autumn (cuti deepavali) rm9897 rm9497 available, 21 nov - 29 nov 2024 autumn rm9697 rm9297 available, 24 nov - 2 dec 2024 autumn rm9697 rm9297 available, 10 dec - 18 dec 2024 winter rm9697 rm9297 available, 16 dec - 24 dec 2024 winter (cuti sekolah) rm9897 rm9497 available, 26 dec - 2 jan 2025 winter rm9897 rm9497 available, 19 jan - 27 jan 2025 winter (cuti sekolah) rm9897 rm9497 available, 23 jan - 31 jan 2025 winter (cuti sekolah) rm9897 rm9497 available, 1 feb - 9 feb 2024 winter (cuti sekolah) rm9897 rm9497 available, 6 feb - 14 feb 2024 winter (cuti sekolah) rm9897 rm9497 available, soal jawab pakej swiss itali.

Switzerland merupakan negara 4 musim di tengah Eropah yang mengalami musim sejuk, musim bunga, musim panas dan musim luruh setiap tahun.

Switzerland adalah destinasi popular untuk pelancong bukan sahaja dari Malaysia bahkan di dunia kerana, Switzerland satu-satunya destinasi yang menawarkan panorama alam yang cantik, kekayaan budaya lokal dan kepelbagaian aktiviti luar.

Ini 8 sebab kenapa ramai orang Malaysia bercuti dan melancong ke Switzerland :

1. Panorama tercantik di dunia. 2. Makanan lokal yang lazat dan segar. 3. Kualiti hidup yang tinggi di Swiss. 4. Hotel & penginapan yang selesa & mewah. 5. Sumber air bersih tanpa had di seluruh Swiss. 6. Pengangkutan tren, feri, bas & bot yang cekap. 7. Kepelbagaian budaya Jerman-Perancis-Itali-Roman. 8. Banyak aktiviti luar (tasik, gunung, bandar, budaya) 9. Komuniti Islam semakin progresif di bandar utama Swiss.

Matawang yang digunakan Switzerland adalah Swiss Franc (CHF) dan kadar tukaran matawang adalah CHF 1 : RM5.50 – RM9 bergantung kepada kadar semasa tukaran matawang asing.

Winter : -1°C – 4°C (Disember – Februari) Spring : 8°C – 15 °C (Mac-Mei) Summer : 18°C – 28°C (Jun-Ogos) Autumn : 8°C – 15 °C (September – November)

Tidak perlu VISA. Cukup dengan passport yang sah dan aktif 6 bulan sebelum trip anda.

Waktu terbaik untuk melancong ke Switzerland adalah pada musim Spring dan Autumn. 

Iaitu di antara April – Jun dan September – November. 

Cuaca tidak terlalu sejuk, nyaman dan ada banyak aktiviti anda boleh buat berbanding musim winter yang siangnya lebih pendek.

Ya, senang. 

Komuniti Muslim di Switzerland semakin progresif dan anda akan jumpa banyak restoran/stall makanan halal di Switzerland. 

Ya! Harga pakej Swiss – Itali ARBA Travel 2024 termasuk :

• Driver • Tour Guide • Entrance Fee • Tipping (Sepanjang Trip) • Tiket Flight (pergi balik) • Hotel 4 Star (Sepanjang Trip) • Private transport (Bas / Van) • Airport transfer (Hotel – Airport)

Anda tinggal bawa duit shopping sahaja!

Secara purata, kos untuk makan tengah hari adalah CHF 20. Untuk trip sepanjang 8 hari, anda perlukan minimum CHF 160.

Ini belum termasuk Add-On aktiviti dan tempat menarik yang anda ingin custom sendiri berharga RM500 – RM1,200.

Untuk duit shopping, anda disarankan bawa minimum CHF 500 sepanjang trip.

Ya, anda digalakkan bawa sambal, cili sos, mayonis dan makanan pek kembara dari Malaysia. 

Ini untuk mengelakkan anda ‘homesick’ dengan makanan Malaysia sepanjang trip ke Switzerland nanti.

Hotel anda minimum 4 star sepanjang trip dan lokasi hotel penginapan adalah di city centre setiap bandar di Switzerland.

Lazimnya, terdapat 4-5 restoran halal dan 1 masjid di setiap bandar di Switzerland.

Ya, kerana anda akan naik private transport bukan public transport yang kena kongsi dan bersesak dengan orang lain. 

Tidak! Pakej Switzerland ARBA Travel sudah include tipping pada tour guide dan driver sepanjang trip 9H7M ke Switzerland.

Anda tidak perlu bayar apa-apa tipping di sana lagi.

Antara aktiviti menarik di Switzerland adalah naik keretapi klasik, ziarah kilang coklat, ziarah kilang keju, experience Mount Titlis Rotair (360°), ekspedisi Jungfraujouch, naik cruise di Lake Brienz dan tour ke Matterhorn.

Antara tempat menarik di Switzerland adalah Bern, Lucerne, Zermatt, Grinderwald, Interlaken, Rhine Falls, Lake Thun dan Lauterbrunnen.

INGIN BUAT TEMPAHAN?

Deposit hanya RM1000 seorang. Baki bayaran boleh dibuat secara ansuran. Hubungi kami untuk tempahan.

HUBUNGI KAMI

(di luar waktu kerja, sila whatsapp).

Hubungi Kami

ISI BORANG TEMPAHAN

(kami akan hubungi anda melalui whatsapp).

Pakej Percutian ke Itali

Keindahan Negara Yang Bersejarah Di Setiap Sudut

• Halaman Utama

Penerbangan Pergi Balik

Airport Pickup

Insuran Perjalanan

Hidangan Halal

Ketua Kumpulan

Hubungi Kami

Pasukan profesional kami sentiasa bersedia untuk membantu anda mengenai urusan perjalanan anda. Hubungi kami dan berikan maklumat yang kami perlukan. Kami sedia membantu anda merealisasikan percutian impian anda. Hubungi Kami

Gambaran Keseluruhan

Kata-kata gagal untuk menggambarkan keajaiban Itali, dari pantai Campania di selatan ke Alps berais utara, melewati landskap Tuscany yang indah, terusan yang tenang di Venice dan runtuhan sejarah Romantik yang megah. Tidak mengejutkan Itali secara konsisten mendahului senarai setiap pelancong. Tanah yang mencium dua pipi, Prada dan espresso, di mana pizza menguasai deria dan buku-buku sejarah hidup.

Adalah lebih baik untuk menjejakkan kaki anda di Itali pada bulan April hingga Jun (musim bunga) dan September hingga Oktober (musim luruh) apabila mereka adalah bulan yang sempurna untuk melawat Itali. Rom tidak dibina dalam satu hari, tetapi anda boleh, menuju ke Colosseum istana ke Muzium Vatican untuk mereka yang jatuh cinta kepada seni. Selain itu, boleh mencuba nasib dengan melemparkan duit syiling di Trevi Fountain atau menikmati seni dan wain di Florence dan Tuscany.

Selain itu, anda boleh menerokai lebih banyak monumen dan artifak sejarah Pompeii atau berjalan di sekitar Milan sambil menikmati Leonardo Da Vinci Art yang akan membuatkan anda kagum. Selain itu, cuba masakan tradisional mereka seperti pasta, pelbagai jenis pizza, atau hidangan nasi seperti Risotto.

Banyak lagi untuk anda teroka di negara yang indah ini. Jangan lupa untuk menempah pakej pelancongan ke Itali untuk menikmati kehidupan Itali yang hebat di sini! Dari mengejar matahari di sepanjang Cinque Terre yang menakjubkan sambil jatuh cinta dengan menaiki bot melalui terusan Venice ke jalan-jalan bersejarah di Rom, Itali sentiasa tidak mencuri tumpuan. Tempah perjalanan ke Itali supaya anda juga boleh menatap pemandangan puncak - jambatan Venice, Menara Condong Pisa dan Colosseum Rom!

Assalamua'laikum. Anda boleh menghubungi kami untuk sebarang pertanyaan mengenai pakej. Kami berusaha menjawab semua pertanyaan dalam masa 1-2 hari bekerja.