Start your trip in the charming city of Zurich. Visit the Grossmünster Cathedral, famous for its twin towers and stained glass windows, and take a stroll along Lake Zurich. Kids will love a visit to the Zurich Zoo, which features over 4,000 animals from around the world.
Take a short train ride to the picturesque city of Lucerne. Walk across the iconic Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe, and visit the Lion Monument to see a sculpture dedicated to Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution. End the day with a boat ride on Lake Lucerne.
Head to Interlaken, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Take the Jungfrau Railway to the "top of Europe" and experience breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and ice landscapes. For a more laid-back experience, visit the St. Beatus Caves, a natural attraction with waterfalls and grottos.
Take a train south to Milan, an Italian city famous for its high-end fashion and gothic architecture. Visit the Duomo di Milano, the world's largest Gothic cathedral, and explore its intricate statues and stained glass windows. For a cultural experience, visit Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper, located in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church.
Head to Florence, the heart of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance. Visit the Duomo di Firenze, a stunning cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome, and the Uffizi Gallery, an art museum with works by Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Botticelli. End the day with a sunset stroll across the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge.
Travel to Rome, the capital city of Italy and home to the ancient Roman Empire. Visit the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater in the world, and learn about the incredible history of gladiators and emperors. Stroll through the Vatican Museums, home to famous art pieces such as Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, and end the day with a visit to the Trevi Fountain.
End your trip in Naples, a city famous for its pizza and rich history. Visit the Pompeii Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was buried under volcanic ash in 79 AD. Enjoy a relaxing walk through the Villa Comunale, a beautiful park with sea views, and end the day with an authentic Neapolitan pizza dinner.
Travelers will mainly use trains to travel between cities in Switzerland and Italy. Train tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the station on the day of travel. Travel times and costs will vary depending on the route and type of train. It is recommended to purchase a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited train, bus, and boat travel in Switzerland.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the Swiss Alps or a wine tasting experience in Tuscany. If you have less time, consider skipping Naples and spending more time in Rome or Florence. Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for entering churches and religious sites.
Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the largest airport in Switzerland and is located 13 km north of Zurich. Milan has two main airports: Milan Linate Airport (LIN), which is located 7 km east of Milan, and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), which is located 50 km northwest of Milan. Naples International Airport (NAP) is located 7 km northeast of Naples.