From Milan to Switzerland: Exploring Iconic Sights and Sweets

  • Day 1: Explore Milan's Artistic and Chic Neighborhoods
    Starting from your hotel in Milan city center (estimated time: 1 hour)

    Kick off your trip by exploring some of the most artistic and trendy neighborhoods that Milan has to offer. Visit the historic Brera district to admire its stunning architecture and art galleries. Walk around the pedestrian-only street of Corso Como for its chic cafes and boutiques. Lastly, enjoy the delightful Gelato Museum Carpigiani and learn about the history of gelato.

  • Day 2: Tour Milan's Iconic Sites and the Sansiro Stadium
    Starting from Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (estimated time: 3 hours)

    Visit Milan's uncovered treasures with Vatican tours, the sizeable cathedral or the "Duomo di Milano" which is the iconic symbol of the city. Next, see the splendid gardens of Sforza Castle and go for window shopping at the Quadrilatero della Moda or Golden Rectangle, Milan's fashion district. End your day with a tour of the legendary Sansiro Stadium which is home to Inter and Milan football clubs.

  • Day 3: Visit the Great Alp Run and Proceed to Lake Como
    Starting from Milan's Central Station (estimated time: 2 hour 30 minutes)

    Start your day with outdoor activities such as alp running or skiing, a great bonding experience with family. After the run proceed to Lake Como, one of the most popular summer destinations in Italy. Enjoy a boat ride to navigate the picturesque lake, visit the Villa del Balbianello or the Olcio Wharf. Cap off your day with a treat from Coffee Confectionery Confiserie Alimentari Radici e Capelli.

  • Day 4: Visit Luzern, The Lion Monument and Chocolate Museum
    Starting from your hotel in Lake Como (estimated time: 2 hours)

    Head to Luzern, Switzerland's iconic city that sits beside a tranquil lake. Take a tour of the legendary Lion Monument, a carving of a dying lion, to commemorate Swiss soldiers who died during the French Revolution. Next head to one of the best places Switzerland is known for, the Chocolate Museum, where you will learn how iconic Swiss chocolate is made, and a tasting session for everyone to enjoy. You can finish the night exploring the different local bars and restaurants Luzern has to offer.

  • Day 5: Head to Zermatt, the Matterhorn, and Gorner Gorge
    Starting from Luzern's Train Station (estimated time: 3 hours)

    Travel to Zermatt, Switzerland's mountain village, which is mostly car-free. See the towering Matterhorn, which is the most iconic peak in Swiss Alps. Go hiking in the Gorner Gorge, which is famous for its turquoise waters and naturally carved canyon.

  • Day 6: Cheese Fondue and High Alps Adventures
    Starting from Zermatt (estimated time: 2 hours)

    Take your family for high alpine adventure, you can opt for either Helicopter Tours or Skiing trips. Try the traditional Swiss fondue for lunch and then relax at your resort or hotel premises for the evening.

  • Day 7: Explore Geneva and Jan-Michal Arts Museum
    Starting from Zermatt (estimated time: 4 hours)

    Heading to Geneva, one of Europe's most cosmopolitan cities, with its UNESCO heritage sights and its nature-filled enclaves along with its collection of museums. Further, the town harbors an uncanny selection of restaurants to choose from, giving travelers the local felt.

  • Day 8: Wine Tasting at Vineyards and Departure
    Starting from Geneva's Train Station (estimated time: 1 hour)

    End you escape to Geneva with wine tasting in the lush vineyards of Lavaux where you and your family will take the flavor of the best swiss wines. Head back home with a smile on your faces having had one of the most excellent vacations with some of your fondest people.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Gelato Museum Carpigiani (1 hour, $20)
  • Sansiro Stadium tour (1 hour, $30)
  • Boat Ride on Lake Como (3 hours, $100)
  • The Lion Monument (1 hour, $10)
  • Chocolate Museum (2 hours, $25)
  • Gorner Gorge (2 hours, $20)
  • Helicopter Tour (4 hours, $500)
  • Jan-Michal Arts Museum (2 hours, $20)
  • Wine Tasting (2 hours, $50)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $775 per person

Transportation

Travelers need to arrange transportation primarily by train and boats throughout Italy and Switzerland, which is a fantastic way to enjoy scenic and mountainous routes. You can also hire a private transfer or take taxis for shorter distances. Travel costs would typically range from $50 to $150 per person for train transportation, $100 for a private transfer, and $50 for boat rides based on your choice of luxury and services.

Useful Tips

If you have more time to spare, you can extend your travels to Zurich or Bern, both of which are breathtaking Swiss cities with several museums and tourist spots to visit. On the other hand, if you have lesser active family members, it's best to plan fewer outdoor activities like skiing, so everyone can enjoy the stunning Swiss countryside.

Airports

The closest airport to Milan is Milan Linate Airport (LIN), which is approximately 20 minutes from the city center by taxi. In Switzerland, the two largest airports are Zurich Airport (ZRH), approximately 10 kilometers from Zurich, and Geneva Airport (GVA), approximately 5 kilometers from Geneva. Visitors from Milan can get direct flights to these cities, while others can travel through Milan's or Rome's airports to get a connecting flight to the Swiss Airports.

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