7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Italy and Switzerland

  • Day 1: Milan Shopping Outlets
    Estimated Time: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (8 hours); Distance from previous destination: 0 miles

    Start your trip with a visit to one of the great shopping outlets in Milan. You can find high-end brands at discounted prices and enjoy the Italian fashion experience. The area also boasts charming cafes and restaurants to rest your feet and enjoy some authentic Italian dishes.

  • Day 2: Lake Como, Italy
    Estimated Time: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (10 hours); Distance from previous destination: 41 miles

    Visit the beautiful Lake Como, located in the foothills of the Alps. The lake has been a popular destination for centuries because of its stunning landscapes and elegant villas. Take a boat tour to enjoy the views and visit the town's historic center to experience the life of the locals.

  • Day 3-4: Interlaken, Switzerland
    Estimated Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (2 days); Distance from previous destination: 204 miles

    Travel to Interlaken, a well-known resort town in the Swiss Alps. You can spend two days enjoying the natural beauty of the region by hiking, biking, or taking a cable car ride to see the stunning views of the mountains. The town also offers many other family-friendly activities and is known for its chocolates and cheeses.

  • Day 5: Lucerne, Switzerland
    Estimated Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (9 hours); Distance from previous destination: 40 miles

    Travel to Lucerne, a beautiful medieval city, surrounded by the Swiss Alps. The town is home to the Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden bridge running through the city center. There are many museums, shops, and restaurants to enjoy in the historic center, and you can also visit Mount Pilatus, one of the most iconic peaks in Switzerland.

  • Day 6-7: Zurich, Switzerland
    Estimated Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (2 days); Distance from previous destination: 32 miles

    Finish your trip in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, known for its financial institutions, old town, and museums. You can explore the city's historic center, take a stroll along Lake Zurich or visit some of the city's many museums. You can also take a day trip to Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall located near Zurich.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Milan Shopping Outlets (8 hours, varies)
  • Lake Como (10 hours, varies)
  • Interlaken (2 days, varies)
  • Lucerne (9 hours, varies)
  • Zurich (2 days, varies)
  • Total Estimated Costs: Varies depending on accommodation, activities, and dining.

Transportation

Adventurers may take a train to hop to Italy's main cities or head straight to Milan from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). From Milan, take trains and buses to other Italian cities and Switzerland. For exploring mountains, take cable cars, bike on scenic routes, or rent a car for personal explorations. To save money, buy a pack of train tickets, which includes travel by train, bus or boat.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit Florence or Rome in Italy, or visit other popular Swiss cities, like Geneva or Bern. If you have less time, you can skip one of the Swiss cities and extend your time at either Lake Como or Milan. Make sure to book transportation in advance and check the opening and closing times of popular tourist attractions to avoid missed opportunities.

Airports

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is one of the main airports in Italy and is located only 30 miles from Milan. Zurich Airport (ZRH) is Switzerland's largest airport, offering international and domestic flights daily, which is located 6 miles from the Zurich city center.

0