Start your family-friendly trip in Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland. Visit the famous lakefront area and Zurich Old Town, known for its charming cobbled streets, colorful houses, trendy shops, and cafes. Don't miss the Swiss National Museum, rich in cultural and historical exhibits that will leave you in awe.
Head to Lucerne, a charming city at the foot of Mount Pilatus. Stroll along the picturesque Chapel Bridge, explore the medieval old town with its well-preserved buildings and fortifications, or take a boat ride on lovely Lake Lucerne. Kids will love the Swiss Transport Museum, a hands-on museum where visitors can learn about Switzerland's transportation history.
Interlaken, known as the adventure capital of Switzerland, has something for everyone. Kids (and adults) will love the Jungfrau Park, an amusement park with themed areas such as Lost Temple, Atlantis, and Pharaohs Land. Nearby is the Jungfrau region, one of the most scenic alpine destinations in Europe. Ski, snowboard, or sled down the slopes of Grindelwald, Wengen, or Mürren, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains.
Leave Switzerland behind and head to Italy's magical cities. Milan, a global capital of fashion and design, is home to the breathtaking Duomo cathedral, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and La Scala Opera House. Venice is known for its unique canals, romantic bridges, and stunning architecture. Take a gondola ride in the Grand Canal, visit the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, or lose yourself in the narrow streets of the charming Burano Island.
Visit Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, and immerse yourself in art, history, and beauty. See Michelangelo's David statue in the Accademia Gallery, admire the frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel, or climb to the top of the Duomo for a stunning view of the city. Head to gorgeous Tuscany, and explore the charming hilltop towns of Siena, San Gimignano, or Pienza, enjoy a wine tasting in a local vineyard, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the rolling hills.
End your epic journey in Rome, the Eternal City, and marvel at its ancient ruins, grandiose fountains, and world-famous landmarks. Visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon, throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, or stroll through the charming Trastevere neighborhood. Don't forget to taste the mouth-watering Roman cuisine, from pizza and pasta to gelato and espresso. Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
You can travel by train, bus, or car in Switzerland and Italy. Swiss trains and buses are reliable, punctual, and cover most destinations. Buy a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel on public transport and enjoy discounts on museums and other attractions. For Italy, consider renting a car to explore Tuscany or book a high-speed train for longer distances. Expect to spend around CHF 150=$150 on train and bus tickets, or EUR 200=$200 on a rental car.
If you have more time, consider visiting other Swiss cities such as Bern, Geneva, or Zermatt, home to the iconic Matterhorn peak. In Italy, visit the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, or the beautiful island of Sicily. If you have less time, skip Venice and Tuscany and spend more time in Rome or Milan. Be prepared for cold weather and snow in Switzerland, and check the opening times of ski resorts before your visit.
Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the largest airport in Switzerland, located 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) north of Zurich city center. It is a major hub for Swiss International Air Lines and offers flights to over 170 destinations worldwide. Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the main international airport serving Venice and the surrounding region. It is located 8 kilometers (5 miles) north of Venice and offers flights to several European and intercontinental destinations. Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is the largest airport in Italy, located 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) southwest of Rome city center. It is a hub for Alitalia and offers flights to many destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.