8-Day Cultural Immersion Itinerary in Northern Italy and Southern Switzerland

1. Day 1: Milan, Italy
   From Milan Malpensa Airport to city center: 50 minutes (30 km)

   Visit the iconic Gothic Cathedral of Milan, explore the grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and discover Italian art at Pinacoteca di Brera.

2. Day 2: Como, Italy
   From Milan to Como: 40 minutes (50 km)

   Experience the beautiful lakeside town of Como and visit Villa del Balbianello, explore the historic walled city and enjoy lake views from the funicular.

3. Day 3: Bellagio, Italy
   From Como to Bellagio: 50 minutes (20 km)

   Stroll the charming old town of Bellagio, admire the gardens of Villa Melzi d'Eril, and take a ferry to the picturesque Lake Como towns.

4. Day 4: Lugano, Switzerland
   From Bellagio to Lugano: 1 hour 30 minutes (60 km)

   Discover the Swiss city of Lugano, its exquisite Monte San Salvatore and the breathtaking views of Lake Lugano from Olive Trail.

5. Day 5: St. Moritz, Switzerland
   From Lugano to St. Moritz: 4 hours 30 minutes (222 km)

   Explore the snowy paradise of St. Moritz, ride the famous Glacier Express train, and indulge in Swiss cuisine at Haus Weisbaden.

6. Day 6: Zermatt, Switzerland
   From St. Moritz to Zermatt: 3 hours (143 km)

   Admire the majestic Matterhorn, take Europe's highest open-air cogwheel train to Gornergrat, and hike through scenic trails.

7. Day 7: Locarno, Switzerland
   From Zermatt to Locarno: 3 hours (144 km)

   Explore the beautiful lake town of Locarno, enjoy the Mediterranean climate, and visit the 12th-century castle of Castello Visconteo.

8. Day 8: Lugano, Switzerland
   From Locarno to Lugano: 45 minutes (41 km)

   Spend some more time in Lugano by visiting the charming Gandria village or enjoying the luxury shopping district before departing.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• Duomo di Milano (2 hours, free)
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (1 hour, free to enter, shopping costs vary)
• Pinacoteca di Brera (2-3 hours, €10 admission fee)
• Villa del Balbianello (2-3 hours, €20 admission fee)
• Bellagio old town (1-2 hours, free)
• Villa Melzi d'Eril (1-2 hours, €10 admission fee)
• Monte San Salvatore (2-3 hours, CHF30 round trip ticket)
• Olivenweg (1-2 hours, free)
• Glacier Express train (8 hours, CHF 152.80 one way)
• Haus Weisbaden (2 hours, CHF 30-70 for a main dish)
• Gornergrat (2-3 hours, CHF 99 round trip ticket)
• Castello Visconteo (1-2 hours, CHF 10 admission fee)
• Gandria village (1 hour, free)

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, consider adding a stop in Zurich or Lucerne, or spending extra days in Milan, Como, or Lugano. You can also consider subtracting a day or two if you prefer a faster pace or have a shorter travel period. Make sure to double-check the opening times and make any necessary reservations beforehand.