Land at Zurich Airport or arrive by cheap one-way flight — Zurich is a common gateway with frequent budget and legacy options. From the airport take the S-Bahn (approx 10-15 min) into the city center for easy access to hostels.
Stroll Switzerland's prime shopping street and the Altstadt across the Limmat river to see historic lanes, medieval churches, and lakeside views — great way to get oriented and take photos.
Take a short lake boat (~1h) or hike up Uetliberg for sunset views over Zurich and the Alps; boats run frequently and the Uetliberg trail is open all day.
Hiltl (vegetarian buffet) or a casual pizzeria near the station offers filling, budget options open into the evening; split a larger meal to save money.
Take a 1–1.5h round-trip boat for lake scenery or head to Vitznau and ride the Rigi cogwheel (runs ~8am-6pm) for panoramic alpine views; both are scenic options for any fitness level.
Either hike up (approx 1.5–2h) or take the funicular to Harder Kulm for sweeping valley and Jungfrau views; the restaurant/viewpoint area opens from morning to evening.
CHF10 (funicular discount with Interlaken card) / CHF0 (hike), 2h0m
Popular half-day hike with one of the postcard alpine lakes (Bachalpsee) and the First cliff walk; trail is open year-round in good weather and offers amazing Matterhorn-region views on clear days.
CHF35 (if using cable car both ways) / CHF0 (hike only), 3h0m
Take regional trains via Interlaken/Spiez to Visp and onward to Täsch; from Täsch use the shuttle to Zermatt or camp at Täsch campsite to save money (Zermatt is car-free).
Affordable hiking option: Riffelsee for reflections of the Matterhorn (flat/moderate). Optionally take the Gornergrat cogwheel (runs ~7:00am–7:00pm) for panoramic views—train is pricier but faster.
Visit the Matterhorn Museum (opens ~9am–5pm) or wander the car-free streets and gear shops; good opportunity to rent or buy basic camping supplies if needed.
Short bus or walk along the lakeshore to the medieval Château de Chillon (open typically 9am–6pm); explore the castle's dungeons, towers, and lakeside views.
Short afternoon regional train to Geneva (approx 1h) to position for onward transfer into Italy the next morning; Geneva has larger transport options and occasional cheaper flights/trains south.
Option A: Early regional train Geneva→Milan (~4h) for scenic passage; Option B: cheap short flight if available. Trains are reliable and drop you into Milan Centrale for onward travel to Rome.
Prebook a combined early-entry ticket to save time; these ancient sites are the heart of Rome’s history and are typically open 8:30am–7:00pm though times vary by season.
Prebook a timed entry for the Vatican Museums (typically open 9:00am–6:00pm) to see the Sistine Chapel and vast collections; arrive at opening to avoid crowds.
Entry to the basilica is free; consider climbing the dome for panoramic views of Rome (dome open ~7:00am–6:00pm in high season, small fee for steps/elevator).
World-famous Neapolitan pizza—simple, delicious, and budget-friendly if you order the classic Margherita; lines can be long so plan accordingly (opens lunchtime).
Local trains take ~30–40 min to Pompeii Scavi station; arrive early to beat peak crowds at the ruins (Pompeii open typically 9:00am–7:30pm in summer/autumn).
Wander the extensive preserved Roman city for several hours to see villas, amphitheaters, and frescoes—bring water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes.
Local buses/taxis run from Pompeii/Sorrento to the Vesuvius park entrance; a 30–45 min hike to the crater rim delivers dramatic views of the Bay of Naples — the trail and park are open daily though hours vary (usually daylight hours).
Ferries to Capri depart early (approx 40–80 min, seasonally from ~7:00am–6:00pm) while Sorrento/Amalfi can be reached by Circumvesuviana + bus; choose Capri for island scenery or Amalfi/Positano for dramatic cliff towns.
Capri offers gardens, Anacapri, and boat tours (Blue Grotto access seasonal and sometimes weather-dependent); Amalfi/Positano provide cliffside streets, beaches, and dramatic views—choose based on weather and budget.
Allow at least 1h travel time from central Naples to the airport depending on traffic; budget accordingly and use Alibus shuttle or taxi (Alibus runs frequently from the station).
Fly out of Naples International (NAP) to your onward destination; if you need to return home or continue traveling, review options for low-cost carriers and trains from Naples for onward travel.