Two-Week Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and Austria Itinerary from Toronto

Arrival and settling in

Take the overnight flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Zurich Airport, arriving in the morning. Allow roughly an hour for passport control and baggage collection; the airport is compact and well connected. From Zürich Flughafen, frequent S-Bahn trains reach Zürich Hauptbahnhof in about 10–15 minutes, with tickets around CHF 7. If your hotel is nearby, leave your bags there—even if the room is not ready—and avoid trying to pack too much into this first jet-lagged day.

After a break, walk Bahnhofstrasse from the main station toward the lake. Give yourself about an hour for the grand shops, shaded side streets, and people-watching rather than treating it as a shopping mission. For a quieter parallel route, dip into Augustinergasse and finish at Augustinerkirche, where the colorful historic façades around Münzplatz make a pleasant Old Town wander. The church is generally free to enter when open, though access can vary with services.

Evening

Have dinner at Zeughauskeller, a lively traditional choice in the Old Town, known for hearty Swiss dishes and an atmospheric historic interior. Budget approximately CHF 30–50 per person before drinks; reservations are useful, particularly for an early evening table. It is an easy walk from Augustinerkirche, or you can take a short tram ride from Bahnhofstrasse if your legs are tired. Keep the evening gentle—Zurich’s Old Town is enjoyable after dark, but getting to bed early will make tomorrow’s city day much more rewarding.

Morning

Start at the Swiss National Museum, directly beside Zürich HB. It is an easy walk from most central hotels and opens at 10:00; allow about two hours for the galleries on Swiss history, design, and everyday life. Admission is around CHF 13 for adults, with reduced rates available, and the building itself is worth seeing. Arrive close to opening to enjoy the quieter rooms, then walk south through Bahnhofstrasse and into the Old Town toward Lindenhof.

At Lindenhof, spend roughly 45 minutes taking in the view over the Limmat, Grossmünster, and the rooftops of Niederdorf. This is a good place to pause rather than rush—the square is particularly pleasant in the late morning. Continue downhill through the narrow lanes to Grossmünster, where the church is generally open from around 10:00 to 18:00, though hours can vary with services. Set aside about an hour; the interior is restrained, while the tower climb, when open, rewards you with one of the city’s best elevated views. Check the service schedule before entering and keep voices low.

Afternoon and Evening

Cross the Münsterbrücke to Fraumünster, whose highlight is the set of vivid Marc Chagall stained-glass windows. Plan about 45 minutes and expect an admission fee of approximately CHF 5–7; photography may be restricted inside. From there, wander back toward Niederdorf along the river and settle at Café & Conditorei 1842 for coffee and cake. Allow CHF 12–20 per person, and choose a table upstairs if available—the historic interior is part of the appeal. The café is usually open into the early evening, but confirm same-day hours, then leave the rest of the evening free for a relaxed stroll through Niederdorf or dinner nearby. All of today’s stops are walkable; if your legs need a break, Zürich’s trams make short hops around the centre simple, with standard local tickets generally costing around CHF 4.40.

Morning

Leave Zürich HB around 07:00–08:00 for the scenic rail journey to St. Moritz, changing at Chur. For the most memorable experience, reserve a window seat on the Bernina Express or use the regular Rhätische Bahn service, whose opening windows are often better for photographs and cost less. The full journey takes roughly five to six hours, so bring breakfast and water; seat reservations are especially sensible in September.

Chur Break

During the connection, take about an hour to walk through Chur Old Town, Switzerland’s oldest city. From the station, it is a 10-minute walk to Arcas Square and the narrow lanes around Obere Gasse. Stretch your legs around St. Mariae Himmelfahrt Cathedral, then grab a quick lunch at Viva Café or a takeaway from the station if your connection is tight. Keep an eye on the departure board—connections can be close, and the next train toward St. Moritz is more important than fitting in a full meal.

Late Afternoon

After checking in and dropping your bags, walk down to Lake St. Moritz in St. Moritz Bad for an easy first look at the Engadin landscape. The lakeside promenade takes about an hour at a relaxed pace, with broad views toward the surrounding peaks and good light later in the day. From there, continue to the St. Moritz Bad funicular area and ascend toward Corviglia, then take the mountain railway to Piz Nair if lifts are still operating and the weather is clear. Allow roughly two hours including the ascent and descent; check the live timetable before setting out, as late-season services may finish around 16:30–17:00 and mountain conditions can change quickly. A return lift ticket is typically around CHF 45–70, depending on the section and any available fare.

Evening

Return to St. Moritz Dorf and have dinner at Chesa Veglia, a historic Engadin house with several dining rooms and a warmly traditional atmosphere. Expect approximately CHF 50–90 per person before drinks; booking is strongly recommended. The restaurant is a short walk from the village center, but wear shoes with good grip—the streets can be steep and slippery after rain.

Morning

Take an early Rhätische Bahn regional train from St. Moritz toward Tirano, ideally around 08:00, and get off at Morteratsch for the first stop. The short glacier trail begins close to the station and takes about 1½ hours there and back; it is an easy, mostly level walk, though sturdy shoes are useful in September. The glacier has retreated considerably, so the trail’s markers showing its former position are part of the experience. Check the day’s train timetable carefully before setting out—the service is scenic but not frequent enough to improvise comfortably.

Rejoin the train at Morteratsch and continue through Pontresina and across the Bernina Pass. At Lago Bianco, remain on board for the broadest views, or use a scheduled stop if the timetable allows; the stark blue-white lake, alpine meadows, and railway engineering make this one of the route’s best photo sections. Regular regional trains are perfectly adequate and generally cost around CHF 35–45 to Tirano; panoramic Bernina Express cars require a separate reservation and supplement. Keep a jacket handy—the pass can feel wintry even when Tirano is warm.

Afternoon and Evening

Continue downhill through the Italian-speaking valley and make a brief stop at Brusio to see the celebrated Brusio Circular Viaduct. From the station, it is roughly a 10-minute walk to viewpoints near the village; allow about 30 minutes, then catch a following train into Tirano. Leave luggage at your accommodation or the station area before wandering through the compact historic centre. For dinner, settle in at Ristorante Merizzi, a dependable local choice near the old town, for Valtellina specialties such as pizzoccheri, bresaola, and regional wines. Expect approximately €25–45 per person; booking is sensible, particularly if you arrive on a weekend.

Early Morning and Rail Journey

Leave Tirano around 06:00–07:00 for the long rail day to Trieste, changing at Milano Centrale. Allow at least 30 minutes for the Milan connection—its platforms are spread across a large, busy station, and the onward Trenitalia train may depart from a different concourse. The complete journey usually takes 7½–8½ hours, so bring breakfast and water; combined tickets can be awkward, and it is worth checking both Trenord and Trenitalia schedules before departure. On arrival at Trieste Centrale, take a local taxi or walk roughly 15 minutes toward the central waterfront, depending on your hotel and luggage.

Late Afternoon on the Waterfront

After checking in and taking a short breather, head to Piazza Unità d’Italia, Trieste’s magnificent seafront square. Spend about 45 minutes admiring the Habsburg-era façades and the open view toward the Gulf; late afternoon gives the stone buildings a particularly warm glow. From here, a few minutes on foot along the waterfront brings you to Molo Audace. Walk to the end of the pier for sunset—the breeze can be surprisingly strong, so bring a light layer—and look back toward the city as the lights come on. This is an easy, atmospheric introduction to Trieste without trying to force in a museum after a full day on trains.

Dinner

For a classic Triestine first meal, walk inland to Buffet da Pepi near Via della Cassa di Risparmio. This no-frills institution specializes in boiled meats, sausages, sauerkraut, mustard, and other Central European-influenced dishes, generally costing about €20–35 per person. It is popular with locals and visitors alike, so arriving around 19:00 is sensible; opening hours can vary by day, and Sunday or holiday schedules are worth checking. After dinner, wander the nearby streets around Borgo Teresiano for a final coffee or an unhurried look at Trieste’s distinctive Italian-Austrian atmosphere.

Morning

Arrange a taxi or rental car from Trieste for an early departure toward Lokev and Škocjan Caves—allow roughly 30–45 minutes, including the border crossing and the short drive beyond Sežana. A car is by far the easiest option today, since the caves and village sites are spread across the Karst Plateau; confirm that an Italian rental car is permitted in Slovenia. Join a late-morning guided tour at Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO-listed underground canyon with immense chambers, bridges, and an underground river. The tour takes about two hours and involves stairs, uneven paths, and cool temperatures around 12°C, so wear proper shoes and bring a light layer. Tour times vary seasonally, and advance booking is wise; admission is generally around €24–30.

Afternoon and Late Afternoon

After a relaxed lunch near Matavun or Divača, drive about 15 minutes to Vilenica Cave, just outside Lokev. This is a quieter, more intimate cave experience than Škocjan, with a richly decorated passage and a long history as one of Europe’s oldest show caves. Allow about 1½ hours, and check the day’s tour schedule before setting out, as departures can be limited outside peak summer. Return to Lokev afterward for the most local part of the day: a Karst homestead or osmica experience featuring air-dried prosciutto, local cheese, bread, and ruby-red Teran wine. Plan on €15–30 per person; these informal farm tastings may accept cash only and often require advance confirmation.

Evening

Have dinner at Gostilna Muha in Lokev, a traditional village restaurant where the menu leans into Karst ingredients rather than tourist-friendly international dishes. Expect hearty seasonal cooking, cured meats, pasta or dumplings, and local wine, with dinner around €25–45 per person. It is a good idea to reserve ahead and ask your accommodation to confirm the opening hours—small restaurants in the Karst sometimes close on an unexpected weekly rest day. If you still have energy afterward, take a short, quiet walk through Lokev’s stone-built village lanes; the countryside is particularly atmospheric after sunset, when the day-trippers have gone.

Morning

This is best done by rental car or private taxi, since the four main stops are spread across the Slovenian Karst and the Trieste coast. Leave Lokev around 08:00 for Military History Park in Pivka, allowing about 35 minutes by car; parking is straightforward and free. The museum usually opens at 09:00, with admission around €10–15. Give yourself roughly two hours for the aircraft, armoured vehicles, tanks, and Cold War exhibits—the collection is much larger than its rural setting suggests. From Pivka, drive about 25 minutes to Predjama Castle, arriving close to midday. The castle is built directly into a cliff and cave system, so bring a light layer even in September; admission is generally around €18–20, and the visit takes about 1½ hours. Check the official schedule before leaving, as guided cave access and seasonal hours vary.

Afternoon and Evening

Continue for approximately 35 minutes to Lipica Stud Farm, where the historic white Lipizzan horses are bred. Allow two hours for the estate, stables, grounds, and—if the timetable matches—an equestrian presentation; admission is commonly around €18–25, with performances charged separately. From Lipica, drive roughly 35–40 minutes to Miramare Castle at Grignano, just outside Trieste. Aim to arrive by 16:00 so there is enough time for the richly furnished Habsburg residence and the seafront gardens before closing, typically around 19:00 in September; the combined visit is about €15. Parking near the castle can fill, so use the signed lot and walk through the park rather than trying to stop directly at the entrance. Finish in central Trieste at Antico Caffè Torinese, a short walk from Piazza della Borsa, for a traditional coffee and pastry—expect €8–15 per person. If you are returning to Lokev, allow about 35–45 minutes by car, and carry passports or identification for the Slovenia–Italy border even though checks are normally light.

Morning and Rail Journey

Leave Lokev around 07:00 by pre-arranged taxi or rental car for Sežana station; the transfer takes roughly 15–20 minutes, and allow extra time to return a car or find the platform. Take the planned train route via Ljubljana and Villach to Salzburg Hbf, allowing about 6–7 hours overall, including connections. Buy the ticket through ÖBB or Slovenske železnice and keep some snacks for the longer stretches—station cafés are limited on the Slovenian portions. On arrival, Salzburg’s local buses stop directly outside the station; most central hotels are about 10–15 minutes away, or a taxi is worthwhile if you have luggage.

Afternoon

After checking in, walk across the river into Neustadt for Mirabell Gardens. The formal parterres, clipped hedges, fountains, and marble statues make this a good gentle first look at Salzburg, especially in the late afternoon when the light catches Hohensalzburg Fortress beyond the gardens. Entry to the gardens is free; they generally remain accessible until dusk, although individual sections and the Mirabell Palace interiors have separate hours. Allow about an hour, then leave through Makartplatz and wander south toward the river—this is an easy 10-minute walk.

Evening

Spend 30 minutes on Makartsteg Bridge, where the Salzach opens up into one of Salzburg’s classic views: the Old Town rooftops and fortress rising opposite, with the river promenade below. It is busiest around sunset, so stand slightly downstream on the Franz-Josef-Kai side for a less crowded perspective. For dinner, continue into the Old Town to St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, tucked beside St. Peter’s Abbey. Reserve ahead, particularly for the historic dining rooms; expect approximately €35–60 per person before drinks. Afterward, take an unhurried walk through the narrow Getreidegasse lanes back toward the river—Salzburg’s centre is compact, and this is a pleasant way to settle into the city after the long train day.

Morning

Begin in the Salzburg Old Town with Salzburg Cathedral, ideally around 9:00 when the square is still relatively calm. The cathedral is free to enter for worship and sightseeing, though donations are welcome; allow about an hour to take in the vast Baroque interior, organ loft, and bronze doors. From here, walk a few minutes through Domplatz and Kapitelplatz to the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Take the funicular from Festungsgasse—the ride is quick and saves your legs for the fortress itself—or walk up if you want a steeper but scenic route. Allow roughly two hours for the courtyards, state rooms, museums, and panoramic views over the rooftops and Salzach River. Combined fortress tickets are generally around €15–20, with prices varying by whether you use the funicular and which areas are included.

Afternoon

Walk downhill through the Old Town and pause for lunch wherever the small lanes around Universitätsplatz appeal to you; this is a better area for a relaxed meal than eating directly beside the cathedral. Afterward, spend about an hour at St. Peter’s Cemetery and Catacombs, one of Salzburg’s most atmospheric corners. The cemetery is free, while the catacombs require a small admission fee—usually only a few euros—and involve stairs, so wear sensible shoes. Continue along Getreidegasse, where Mozart’s Birthplace occupies No. 9. The museum is open daily, commonly from around 9:00 to 17:30 or 18:00, and admission is approximately €15 for adults; allow 1½ hours for the preserved rooms, instruments, and exhibits. It can be crowded, so buying a timed or advance ticket is worthwhile.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Finish at Café Tomaselli on Alter Markt, Salzburg’s classic coffeehouse and an excellent place to slow the pace after the museums. Order a traditional coffee speciality and a slice of cake—expect roughly €10–18 per person—and take a table inside if the weather is cool, or outside for lively views of the square. Service can be unhurried in the old Viennese style, which suits this point in the day. From here, everything in the central Old Town is walkable; allow 10–15 minutes to return to your hotel, or use a trolleybus from the riverfront if you are staying farther out.

Morning

Take bus 25 from Salzburg toward Grödig and get off at the Untersbergbahn stop; allow about 35–45 minutes from the centre. Arrive close to the Untersberg Cable Car opening time—typically around 08:30 or 09:00, though schedules vary by season—and allow roughly 2½ hours for the return ride and a short walk on the summit. The ascent takes only a few minutes, but the views across the Salzburg Basin, Berchtesgaden Alps, and, on a clear day, toward the Dachstein are immense. Wear proper shoes and bring a layer: the summit can be dramatically colder and windier than town. A return ticket is usually around €30–35; check the weather and live operating status before leaving, as wind or cloud can affect service.

Midday and Afternoon

Continue by bus 25 toward Hellbrunn Palace, getting off near the palace entrance; the journey from the cable-car station is roughly 20 minutes. Spend about two hours at Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains, where the guided tour reveals the wonderfully mischievous water features built for Archbishop Markus Sittikus. Tours are timed and can sell out on busy September days, so reserve ahead if possible; combined admission is generally around €15–18. The palace grounds are pleasant for a slower wander afterward, and Park Café Schloss Hellbrunn is convenient for a light lunch, although you may find better value by picking up something in town before heading out. From Hellbrunn, bus 25 returns toward the centre; change around Hanuschplatz or Salzburg Hauptbahnhof as needed, then take bus 1 or 8 toward Maxglan for Stiegl-Brauwelt. Allow 30–40 minutes for the transfer and arrive in the late afternoon, when the museum and brewery atmosphere are still lively. The tour covers Salzburg’s brewing history and finishes with tastings; admission and tasting packages generally run about €15–30, and the full visit takes around two hours.

Evening

From Stiegl-Brauwelt, take bus 1 or 8 back toward the centre and continue to Schallmoos, where Die Weisse makes an excellent dinner stop. This is a relaxed, traditional wheat-beer brewery rather than a polished fine-dining room, with hearty Austrian plates such as schnitzel, sausages, dumplings, and seasonal specials alongside house-brewed beer. Budget roughly €20–35 per person before drinks, and try to arrive around 19:00 or reserve a table, particularly on a Saturday. After dinner, it is an easy 15–20-minute walk or short bus ride back toward central Salzburg; keep the evening unhurried after the full day outside town.

Morning and Arrival in Munich

Take a mid-morning direct regional train from Salzburg Hbf to München Hbf, allowing roughly 1½–2 hours. Aim for a departure around 09:00–10:00, when a Bayern Ticket may be worthwhile for groups; check whether your chosen train is covered, as the ticket is generally valid on regional services rather than faster trains. On arrival, leave luggage at your hotel or the station lockers, then walk toward the English Garden—the southern entrance is about 20 minutes from München Hbf, or take the U-Bahn to Odeonsplatz and continue on foot.

Afternoon in the English Garden

Begin at Eisbachwelle on Prinzregentenstrasse, where surfers ride the powerful standing wave year-round. Allow about 30 minutes, but stay behind the barriers and keep clear of the river edge; swimming and entering the wave are dangerous and prohibited. From there, stroll north through the English Garden toward the Chinese Tower, following the tree-lined paths for roughly 25–35 minutes. This is one of the best ways to ease into Munich: shaded woodland, broad lawns, and locals cycling or relaxing beside the streams. The walk and surrounding garden take around two hours at an unhurried pace. The beer garden at the Chinese Tower is a pleasant stop if open, with casual Bavarian dishes and beer generally costing €10–20 per person.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Head south into the Old Town—allow about 25 minutes on foot, or take the U-Bahn from Universität toward Marienplatz—for Viktualienmarkt. Browse the stalls and assemble a light meal from sausages, cheese, pretzels, fruit, or regional specialties; budget approximately €15–25 per person. Market hours are usually Monday–Saturday during the daytime, so arrive by about 16:30–17:00 for the fullest selection. In the evening, settle into Hofbräuhaus München on Platzl, a short walk away. Go around 18:00 to improve your chances of finding a table, and expect €25–45 per person for a traditional meal and drinks. The atmosphere is lively and tourist-friendly rather than intimate, but it is an easy first-night introduction to Munich’s beer-hall culture; reservations are useful for larger groups.

Morning

Start at Munich Residenz shortly after opening, ideally around 09:00. This is the best time to see the former royal palace before tour groups arrive; allow about 2½ hours for the palace rooms, Antiquarium, and treasury. The combined admission is generally around €10–15, depending on the areas open. Enter from Residenzstraße, and wear comfortable shoes—the route is indoors but involves plenty of walking. From here, it is only a five-minute walk through the Old Town to Marienplatz.

Midday and Afternoon

Spend about 45 minutes around Marienplatz, taking in the façade of Neues Rathaus and, if your timing works, the famous Glockenspiel performance at 11:00 or 12:00. Rather than lingering for a full meal in the square, walk south along Sendlingerstrasse to Asamkirche; the compact church is usually free to enter and takes roughly 30 minutes, though opening times can vary around services. Continue toward the river and cross to Museum Island for the Deutsches Museum. Give yourself around three hours, focusing on a few sections rather than trying to cover the enormous collection; admission is commonly about €15–18, and the museum is generally open until early evening. Allow 15–20 minutes to walk there from Asamkirche, or take an S-Bahn from Karlsplatz (Stachus) toward Isartor if you would rather save your legs.

Evening

Finish at Dallmayr on Dienerstrasse, a pleasant 15-minute walk back through the Old Town from Museum Island. Settle in for a carefully made coffee, pastry, or light meal—expect roughly €15–30 per person, more if you choose the formal restaurant. The café and food hall are typically open into the evening, but the restaurant has separate hours and benefits from advance booking. Afterward, take an unhurried walk through the quieter lanes around Hofgarten or return directly to your hotel; this is a full sightseeing day, so there is no need to add another major stop.

Morning

Leave München Hbf early, ideally on a train around 07:00–07:30 to Füssen; the journey takes about two hours, usually with a change at Buchloe. From Füssen station, take bus 78 toward Hohenschwangau—the stop is near the ticket centre—or use a taxi if you are travelling with luggage or a small group. Buy the castle tickets in advance through the official Hohenschwangau ticket centre, as same-day availability can disappear quickly. Aim for a late-morning timed admission to Neuschwanstein Castle, then take the shuttle bus uphill if operating; otherwise allow 35–45 minutes for the walk. The castle tour itself is about 35 minutes, but allow two hours in total for the ascent, viewpoints, and time around the courtyard. The famous Marienbrücke can be busy and may close in poor weather, so do not build your entire visit around it.

Afternoon

After Neuschwanstein, walk or take the short local connection back toward the village for Hohenschwangau Castle, the more intimate former royal residence of King Maximilian II. Its visit is also timed and lasts roughly 35–45 minutes, though allow about 1½ hours with the transfer and waiting time. If tickets for both castles are unavailable, keep your Neuschwanstein reservation and enjoy the village rather than risking a rushed visit. Have a simple lunch at Hotel Müller or Restaurant Alpenrose near the ticket centre—both are convenient, but service can slow at peak hours. Then stroll beside Alpsee for about an hour; the lakeshore path offers a peaceful contrast to the crowds and gives you excellent views toward the wooded foothills. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and expect some uphill walking even with the shuttle.

Evening

Return by bus 78 to Füssen and take the next practical train back to Munich, allowing roughly two hours and checking the final connections before leaving the lake. Back in town, head to Augustiner-Keller in Maxvorstadt, a short tram or U-Bahn ride from München Hbf, for dinner beneath the chestnut trees if the beer garden is still open, or inside the traditional vaulted hall. Order roast pork, schnitzel, or a vegetarian Bavarian dish with Augustiner beer; budget approximately €20–35 per person. This is a long day, so reserve a table if possible and avoid planning anything afterward—the return journey and castle walking usually make an early night welcome.

Morning and Arrival

Take the early EuroCity from München Hbf to Zürich HB, ideally departing around 07:00–08:00 so you reach Zurich shortly after midday. The journey takes roughly 4½ hours, though a little extra time is sensible for the international connection and possible delays. Once at Zürich HB, leave your luggage at your hotel or the station lockers; the Kunsthaus is about a 15-minute walk uphill, or a short tram ride toward Bellevue and Heimplatz.

Afternoon

Spend around two hours at Kunsthaus Zürich, Switzerland’s leading art museum, where the collection ranges from medieval works to major modern and contemporary pieces. The museum is generally open Tuesday–Sunday, with Wednesday often offering extended hours; admission is usually about CHF 24–30, depending on the exhibitions and collection access. Afterward, walk downhill through Niederdorf and across Bellevue to the Lake Zurich promenade. Follow the lakeside path toward Zürichhorn, a relaxed 1½-hour stroll with benches, lawns, and broad views toward the Alps. If you prefer not to walk the entire way, trams and occasional lake boats make easy alternatives.

Evening

Continue through Seefeld for dinner at Fischer’s Fritz, a casual lakeside restaurant known for fish, chips, and seafood dishes, with outdoor seating when the weather cooperates. Expect roughly CHF 35–60 per person, excluding drinks; reserve ahead for a waterfront table, especially on a pleasant September evening. From Zürichhorn, allow about 20–25 minutes by tram or a pleasant walk along the lake, and check the return connection to your hotel before settling in—the final boats and some less-frequent tram services wind down relatively early.

Morning

Have your final Swiss breakfast at Café Sprüngli on Paradeplatz, arriving around 8:30–9:00 before the city becomes busy. Order coffee with a pastry or light breakfast, and take a small box of Luxemburgerli macarons for the flight; budget approximately CHF 15–25 per person. The café is in the heart of Bahnhofstrasse, so leave a little time for one last stroll along the elegant shopping street and beside the Limmat before collecting your luggage. If you have bags stored at your hotel, allow at least 20–30 minutes to retrieve them.

Airport and Flight Home

From Zürich HB, trains to Zurich Airport run frequently and take about 10–15 minutes; the airport station is directly beneath the terminals. Leave central Zurich roughly three hours before your scheduled departure—earlier if you need to check luggage, arrange a tax refund, or are travelling during a busy period. At the airport, follow signs for your airline’s check-in area, then allow time for security and passport control. Your Zurich–Toronto flight will generally take about 8½–9 hours; keep your Toronto Pearson arrival plans simple, since customs and baggage collection can take some time after landing.