Arrive Charles de Gaulle or Orly; take pre-booked taxi or train (RER/OrlyVal) to central Paris and check in. Allows bag drop and a quick freshen-up before exploring.
Stroll the narrow streets of the Latin Quarter, visit bookshops and the historic Sorbonne area; Sainte‑Chapelle (9:00–19:00) is nearby and famed for its stained glass.
Walk along the Seine to see Pont Alexandre III and enjoy views toward the Eiffel Tower; a relaxing introduction to Paris’s grand bridges and monuments.
Fly Paris → Zurich (≈1.5h flight) or take morning high‑speed rail options; flights are fastest and frequent. Aim to arrive Zurich midday/early afternoon.
Early breakfast then take train (≈1h) to Schaffhausen for Rhine Falls — one of Europe's largest waterfalls. Typical viewing and boat trips run 09:00–17:30 (seasonal).
Ride the cog railway or cable car to viewpoints for outstanding Matterhorn panoramas — Gornergrat typically runs 08:00–19:00, book tickets ahead for peak season.
Visit the Duomo and rooftop terraces for sweeping views over Milan (Duomo typical hours 10:00–19:00; rooftop may open earlier). Pre-book timed entry to avoid lines.
Take a short regional train from Milan to Como and then the ferry to Bellagio or Varenna for classic Lake Como scenery; morning departures maximize daylight.
Explore cobbled lanes, waterfront promenades and optional gardens such as Villa Melzi or Villa del Balbianello (check opening times, typically 09:00–18:00 seasonally).
Visit iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace (Doge’s Palace typical hours 08:30–19:00). Book Doge’s Palace tickets in advance to avoid lines.
If your flight is late evening, book a timed slot at the Colosseum and walk the Forum (Colosseum hours typically 08:30–19:00). Otherwise head straight to the airport.