How many days do you need in italy?

This itinerary covers 9 days in italy, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for italy?

Plan your perfect 9 days trip to italy. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

9-Day Family-Friendly Adventure in Italy and Switzerland: A Luxurious Train Journey through Nature and Cuisine

Day 1: Arrival in Rome

Rome, Italy

10:00AM

Explore the Colosseum

Start your Italian adventure with a guided tour of the iconic Colosseum, immersing yourself in ancient Roman history.

EUR 30, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Da Enzo al 29

Savor authentic Roman cuisine with a lunch of cacio e pepe at this family-friendly trattoria in Trastevere.

EUR 20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Vatican City

After lunch, head to Vatican City to witness the breathtaking artistry of St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.

EUR 40, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Stroll through Villa Borghese

Unwind with a leisurely walk through the expansive Villa Borghese gardens, a perfect spot for family relaxation.

Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Il Pagliaccio

Indulge in a luxurious dinner at Il Pagliaccio, blending Italian tradition with contemporary flavors.

EUR 100, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Rome

Day 2: Cultural Wonders of Florence

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Start your day with a typical Tuscan breakfast of pastries and cappuccino at this historic café.

EUR 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

Explore the stunning art collections at the Uffizi Gallery, featuring works from Botticelli to Michelangelo.

EUR 20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy a hearty Tuscan meal of ribollita and tagliatelle at this vibrant family-run eatery.

EUR 25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Ponte Vecchio and Gelato

Stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio, then stop for gelato at Gelateria La Carraia for a delightful treat.

EUR 7, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Boboli Gardens

Spend the afternoon wandering through the beautiful Boboli Gardens—perfect for family fun and exploration.

EUR 10, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Enoteca Pinchiorri

Experience a lavish dinner at this Michelin-starred restaurant featuring exquisite Italian dishes.

EUR 200, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Florence

Day 3: Glamour and Culture in Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delicious continental breakfast at your hotel.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of Milan’s famous cathedral and climb to the rooftop for breathtaking views.

EUR 15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Enjoy a quick and tasty lunch of traditional panzerotti from this well-loved establishment.

EUR 10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through this famous shopping gallery, experiencing Milanese luxury and style.

Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Castello Sforzesco

Explore this historic castle and its stunning museums and gardens—perfect for families.

EUR 10, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Ristorante Cracco

Indulge in a Michelin-starred dining experience at Ristorante Cracco, savoring creative Italian dishes.

EUR 150, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Milan

Day 4: Scenic Beauty of Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading to Switzerland.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Lucerne

Travel by train to beautiful Lucerne, surrounded by stunning mountains and a serene lake.

EUR 30, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Fritschi

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes like fondue at this charming restaurant with a cozy ambiance.

CHF 40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Tour Chapel Bridge and Old Town

Discover the iconic Chapel Bridge and the beautiful architecture of Lucerne’s Old Town.

Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Lake Lucerne Boat Cruise

Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, taking in the breathtaking views of surrounding mountains.

CHF 25, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Wirtshaus Galliker

Savor Swiss specialties such as rösti in an authentic local setting.

CHF 60, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Lucerne

Day 5: Adventure in Interlaken

Interlaken, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel featuring local Swiss pastries and coffee.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Interlaken

Travel to Interlaken, the adventure capital of the Swiss Alps, with breathtaking scenery.

CHF 20, 2 hours

11:00AM

Outdoor Adventure (Paragliding or Hiking)

Choose to either go paragliding for an adrenaline rush or hike one of the stunning trails showcasing the Alps.

CHF 180 (paragliding) or Free (hiking), 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Restaurant Blickfang

Delight in local dishes with gorgeous views of the landscape at this lakeside restaurant.

CHF 50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Harder Kulm

Take the funicular to Harder Kulm for panoramic views over Interlaken and Lake Thun.

CHF 38, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

Enjoy a hearty Swiss meal featuring local ingredients and specialties.

CHF 70, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Interlaken

Day 6: Zurich's Urban Sophistication

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delightful breakfast in your hotel to boost your energy.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Zurich

Travel to Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, known for its rich culture and charm.

CHF 20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Swiss National Museum

Discover Swiss culture and history at the famous museum with a fascinating collection.

CHF 10, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Zeughauskeller

Enjoy a hearty lunch with traditional Swiss cuisine, known for its warm atmosphere.

CHF 30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Old Town (Altstadt)

Wander through the charming streets of Zurich Old Town, admiring historical buildings and local shops.

Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Lake Zurich

Take a serene walk along Lake Zurich, enjoying the panoramic views and peaceful ambiance.

Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Pavillon

Savor a Michelin-starred dining experience at Restaurant Pavillon, blending Swiss and international cuisine.

CHF 150, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Zurich

Day 7: Enchanting Venice

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast overlooking a Venetian canal, soaking in the beautiful morning views.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Gondola Ride

Experience the magic of Venice with a gondola ride through its historic canals—a fun family adventure.

EUR 80 (for 4 people), 1 hour

11:00AM

St. Mark's Basilica

Explore the breathtaking architecture and art of St. Mark's Basilica, an absolute must-see in Venice.

EUR 10, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Enjoy delicacies such as squid ink pasta at this intimate restaurant known for its seafood.

EUR 40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Rialto Market Exploration

Immerse yourselves in the local culture at the bustling Rialto Market, filled with fresh produce and local delicacies.

Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at a Café

Unwind at a café with a panoramic view, enjoying a coffee while people-watching.

EUR 15, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Delight in a luxurious meal at Antiche Carampane, offering exquisite traditional Venetian dishes.

EUR 100, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Venice

Day 8: Gastronomic Delights in Bologna

Bologna, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a traditional Italian breakfast featuring pastries and espresso.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Food Walking Tour

Join a guided food walking tour to savor local specialties like tortellini and ragù.

EUR 75, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Trattoria Anna Maria

Enjoy a delicious homemade lunch featuring classic Bolognese dishes in a family-run trattoria.

EUR 30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Two Towers

Climb the Asinelli Tower for panoramic views over Bologna and its famous terracotta roofs.

EUR 5, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Bologna's Markets

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Bologna's markets, filled with fresh products and local delicacies.

Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Ristorante Da Cesari

Conclude your gastronomic adventure at Ristorante Da Cesari, indulging in exquisite regional dishes.

EUR 70, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Bologna

Day 9: Departure from Rome

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel, reflecting on the memorable journey you've experienced.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shopping at Via dei Condotti

Spend some leisure time shopping at Via dei Condotti, home to luxury boutiques and designer shops.

Free (excluding purchases), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pastificio Guerra

Grab a light lunch with fresh pasta and local sauces to fuel your day.

EUR 15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Transfer to Airport

Prepare for your departure, taking a scenic ride to the airport filled with last memories of Italy.

EUR 50, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Rome

Step 1 Outline Preview:

9-Day Family-Friendly Adventure in Italy and Switzerland: A Luxurious Train Journey through Nature and Cuisine

Day 1: Arrival in Rome

10:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Cultural Wonders of Florence

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Glamour and Culture in Milan

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:30PM

Day 4: Scenic Beauty of Lucerne

8:00AM

9:00AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

3:30PM

5:00PM

Day 5: Adventure in Interlaken

8:00AM

9:00AM

11:00AM

2:30PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Zurich's Urban Sophistication

8:00AM

9:30AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

4:30PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Enchanting Venice

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 8: Gastronomic Delights in Bologna

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

3:30PM

5:30PM

Day 9: Departure from Rome

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:00PM

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