Scenic Summer Journey: 9-Day Switzerland and Italy Itinerary from August 15 to 23, 2025

Day 1: Zurich City Introduction

Zurich, Switzerland on August 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Enjoy traditional Swiss pastries and Luxemburgerli macarons at this iconic café open from 8 am.
CHF20, 1h

9:30am

Old Town (Altstadt) Walking Tour

Explore Zurich’s historic Old Town filled with medieval alleyways, shops, and landmarks like Grossmünster church. This self-guided tour is perfect for the morning.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Savor hearty Swiss fare such as sausages and rosti in this traditional 15th-century armory-turned-restaurant, open 11:30 am to 11 pm.
CHF35, 1h

1:30pm

Lake Zurich Promenade and Boat Cruise

Walk along the scenic lakeside and take a relaxing 1-hour boat cruise to admire Zurich from the water.
CHF25, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Experience Swiss and international art at Zurich’s premier art museum, open 10am-6pm Monday through Sunday.
CHF23, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Kronenhalle

Dine on classic Swiss dishes within an art-filled historic setting, open from 6 pm.
CHF80, 2h
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Day 2: Lucerne & Mountain Views

Lucerne, Switzerland on August 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Heini Café

Start with fresh Swiss bakery items and coffee at this popular café, open at 7 am.
CHF15, 1h

9:00am

Chapel Bridge and Old Town Lucerne

Stroll across one of Europe's oldest wooden covered bridges and through the charming old town streets.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Mount Pilatus Excursion

Take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway (open seasonally) or cable car to Mount Pilatus for panoramic views over the Swiss Alps.
CHF72, 4h

3:00pm

Lunch at Pilatus Kulm Restaurant

Enjoy lunch with breathtaking views atop Mount Pilatus, featuring Swiss cuisine.
CHF40, 1h

5:30pm

Return to Lucerne and Visit Swiss Museum of Transport

Explore Switzerland’s history of transport and communication, open until 6 pm on Saturdays and 5 pm Sundays (August 16 is Saturday).
CHF32, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Wirtshaus Galliker

Authentic Swiss dining with homemade specialties in a cozy setting, open until 10 pm.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Interlaken Adventure

Interlaken, Switzerland on August 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bäckerei Konditorei Horn

Traditional Swiss breads and pastries to fuel your day, opens at 7 am.
CHF15, 45m

8:30am

Travel to Interlaken via train (approx. 2h)

Scenic ride connecting Lucerne and Interlaken with delightful views.
CHF40, 2h

11:00am

Harder Kulm Viewpoint

Take the funicular from Interlaken to Harder Kulm for stunning views of the Jungfrau region, open 9 am to 6 pm.
CHF38, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant

Dine amid incredible mountain scenery at the summit restaurant.
CHF40, 1h

3:00pm

Lake Thun Boat Tour

Enjoy a 1.5-hour boat cruise on Lake Thun to soak in the alpine beauty.
CHF25, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Husi Bierhaus

Relax with Swiss dishes and craft beers in a cozy atmosphere, open until 11 pm.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Zermatt and Matterhorn View

Zermatt, Switzerland on August 18, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at your Hotel or Local Café

Prepare for travel with a quick and energizing breakfast.
CHF15, 30m

7:30am

Travel to Zermatt via train (approx. 2.5h)

Train ride through scenic mountain landscapes; Zermatt is a car-free village.
CHF60, 2h30m

10:30am

Gornergrat Railway and Viewpoint

Ascend to Gornergrat summit to view the iconic Matterhorn and surrounding peaks, open 8 am to 8 pm.
CHF99, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat

Lunch with breathtaking panoramic mountain views at the highest-elevation Kulmhotel in the Alps.
CHF50, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Zermatt Village and Visit Matterhorn Museum

Learn about the history and culture of the region in this engaging museum, open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
CHF12, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Whymper-Stube

Enjoy classic Valaisan dishes in a charming alpine tavern, open until 9 pm.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Geneva & Scenic Sights

Geneva, Switzerland on August 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café du Centre

Start your day with freshly baked goods and coffee right in central Geneva, open at 8 am.
CHF20, 1h

9:00am

Travel from Zermatt to Geneva (approx. 3h by train)

Comfortable Swiss train journey with beautiful through routes.
CHF70, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Buvette des Bains des Pâquis

Casual lakeside spot offering local Swiss specialties and perfect lake views, open 8 am to midnight.
CHF25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Jet d’Eau and English Garden

See Geneva’s famous water fountain and stroll through the beautiful park and flower clock.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Explore International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

Discover humanitarian history and exhibits at the museum, open 10 am to 5 pm.
CHF15, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Café Papon

Traditional Geneva cuisine served in a warm bistro style, open until 11 pm.
CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 6: Milan: Italian Entry

Milan, Italy on August 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Princi Bakery

Indulge in Italian pastries and coffee before exploring the city, opens from 7 am.
EUR8, 45m

8:15am

Train to Milan from Geneva (approximately 4h)

Enjoy the scenic trip crossing the Alps and entering Italy.
EUR50, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Grab delicious, famous panzerotti near the Duomo, ideal for a quick and tasty Italian lunch.
EUR8, 45m

1:15pm

Visit Milan Cathedral (Duomo) and Rooftop

Explore the iconic Gothic cathedral and its rooftop terraces for striking city views, open 9 am to 7 pm.
EUR15, 2h

3:30pm

Stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Experience one of the world's oldest shopping malls featuring luxury boutiques and stunning architecture.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Visit Sforza Castle Grounds

Walk through the castle grounds and gardens, open until sunset; museums inside open until 5:30 pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Nabucco in Brera District

Classic Milanese dishes in a lively historic district, open from 7 pm.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 7: Venice Canals

Venice, Italy on August 21, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at your Hotel

Fuel up early for a day of exploring Venice.
EUR15, 30m

7:30am

Travel to Venice via train (approx. 2h 30m)

Enjoy picturesque train journey crossing into Italy’s northeast lagoon area.
EUR40, 2h30m

10:00am

Walking Tour of Piazza San Marco

Visit St. Mark’s Basilica (open 9:30 am to 5 pm) and admire the square's stunning architecture and history.
EUR20, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Highly recommended seafood trattoria, open for lunch from 12 pm to 2:30 pm; reservation advised.
EUR50, 1h30m

2:15pm

Gondola Ride

Experience an iconic gondola ride through Venice’s narrow canals, available throughout daylight hours.
EUR80, 40m

3:00pm

Visit Doge’s Palace

Explore the historic seat of Venetian government, open 8:30 am to 7 pm, last entry 6 pm.
EUR30, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria al Gazzettino

Enjoy traditional Venetian dishes in a cozy setting, open until 11 pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Florence Renaissance

Florence, Italy on August 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at La Ménagère

Trendy spot with fresh pastries and great coffee to start your day, opens at 7 am.
EUR12, 45m

7:45am

Train to Florence (approx. 2h)

Comfortable and fast train ride from Venice to Florence.
EUR40, 2h

10:00am

Visit Uffizi Gallery

Explore one of the world’s most famous art museums featuring Renaissance masterpieces, open 8:15 am to 6:50 pm.
EUR25, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Traditional Tuscan cuisine in a lively atmosphere, open midday hours only.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Climb the Duomo or Visit Baptistery

Ascend Brunelleschi’s dome (open 8:30 am to 7 pm) for spectacular city views or visit the Baptistery.
EUR20, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Enjoy refined Tuscan dishes in an intimate setting, open until 10 pm.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 9: Rome Highlights

Rome, Italy on August 23, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Quick breakfast before traveling to Rome.
EUR12, 30m

7:00am

Train to Rome (approx. 1h 30m)

High-speed train from Florence to Rome for a fast and comfortable transfer.
EUR50, 1h30m

9:00am

Visit Colosseum and Roman Forum

Tour the iconic Colosseum and nearby Roman Forum ruins, open 9 am to 7 pm.
EUR18, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria da Enzo al 29

Enjoy classic Roman cuisine in Trastevere district, open 12 pm to 3 pm; reservation recommended.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica

Discover incredible art collections and the basilica, open 9 am to 6 pm; last entry 4 pm.
EUR25, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma with Colosseum View

Elegant dinner with a view of the Colosseum to end your Italian journey, open from 7 pm.
EUR100, 2h
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