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7-Day Family-Friendly Rail Adventure: Switzerland, France, and Italy

Viewed by 87 travelers

Day 1: Explore Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Schober

Begin your day with a delicious Swiss breakfast of freshly baked pastries and coffee at the charming Café Schober.
Walking distance from central Zurich hotels.
CHF 80, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Swiss National Museum

Dive into Swiss history and culture at the Swiss National Museum, where engaging exhibits captivate both kids and adults.
A short tram ride from the café.
CHF 30, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy a hearty Swiss lunch at the famous Zeughauskeller, known for its traditional sausage dishes and family-friendly atmosphere.
Walk back to central Zurich.
CHF 120, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Lake Zurich Cruise

Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Zurich, soaking in stunning views of the Alps and the vibrant city landscape.
Board from the lakefront at Bürkliplatz.
CHF 60, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Lindenhof Park

Finish your day unwinding with panoramic views of the city at Lindenhof Park, a perfect spot for kids to play.
A short walk from the lake.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Zurich

Day 2: Scenic Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel des Balances

Fuel up with a Swiss breakfast buffet at your hotel before heading to the train station.
Walking distance from your hotel.
CHF 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Lucerne

Catch an early train to Lucerne, where captivating views await just an hour away.
Zurich HB to Lucerne, 1-hour ride.
CHF 30, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Chapel Bridge

Explore the iconic Chapel Bridge and stroll along the waterfront as you soak in the charming atmosphere.
Located in the heart of Lucerne.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Savor traditional Swiss dishes such as rösti and fondue in a cozy, family-friendly eatery.
Short walk from Chapel Bridge.
CHF 150, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Boat Trip to Mt. Pilatus

Take a boat trip across Lake Lucerne followed by a cogwheel train ride to Mt. Pilatus for magnificent views.
Board from Lucerne's lakeshore.
CHF 90, 4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Pfistern

Relish dinner in a historic setting with lake views, featuring delightful local cuisine.
Walk back to Lucerne's town center.
CHF 160, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Lucerne

Day 3: Charming Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Les Armures

Indulge in a lavish breakfast buffet at this historic hotel known for its charm and comfort.
Walking distance from your hotel.
CHF 120, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Geneva

Travel south to Geneva, arriving in around 3 hours with beautiful landscapes along the way.
Lucerne to Geneva, 3-hour train.
CHF 60, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café du Centre

Enjoy fresh seafood and delicious local specialties in a family-friendly setting after your arrival.
Located near the train station.
CHF 130, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll through Jardin Anglais

Enjoy a relaxing walk in the beautiful English Garden, where the famous flower clock is located—a perfect photo op.
Just a short walk from the café.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit the Jet d'Eau

Marvel at one of Geneva’s most famous landmarks, the Jet d'Eau, shooting water 140 meters into the air.
A brief walk from Jardin Anglais.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant L'Arabesque

Experience a delightful Lebanese dinner with options suitable for all family members in a cozy atmosphere.
Short walk from the Lake.
CHF 150, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Geneva

Day 4: Historic Lyon

Lyon, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Kitchen Café

Enjoy a scrumptious French breakfast with fresh croissants, coffee, and homemade jams to start the day.
Walking distance from the hotel.
EUR 30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Lyon

Travel from Geneva to Lyon, an easy journey of approximately 2 hours through picturesque vistas.
Geneva to Lyon part-dieu.
EUR 60, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Vieux Lyon

Wander through the historic district of Vieux Lyon, known for its Renaissance architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
Walking distance from the train station.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Café des Fédérations

Relish traditional Lyonnais cuisine in this iconic eatery, famous for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious dishes.
Short walk in Vieux Lyon.
EUR 100, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Ascend to the stunning Basilica offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city, a delight for the whole family.
Take the funicular from Vieux Lyon.
EUR 15, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Brasserie Georges

Enjoy a festive dinner in a grand brasserie that serves an array of French delights, perfect for families.
A 15-minute walk from the basilica.
EUR 120, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Lyon

Day 5: Romantic Paris

Paris, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Start your Parisian adventure with organic breads, pastries, and coffee at this popular café.
Walking distance from your Lyon hotel.
EUR 30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Paris

Travel to Paris, a colorful journey of about 2 hours with excellent train service.
Lyon Part-Dieu to Paris Gare de Lyon.
EUR 50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café de Flore

Dine in bohemian style with classic French dishes in a renowned café that is central to Parisian culture.
Short walk from Gare de Lyon.
EUR 120, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Eiffel Tower

Capture unforgettable family photos at the iconic Eiffel Tower, and if time permits, ascend for breathtaking views.
Catch the metro from Saint-Germain-des-Prés to Trocadéro.
EUR 50 (entry fee optional), 2 hours

5:00PM

Stroll through Jardin du Luxembourg

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon walk in the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg, a great place for kids to run around.
Metro from Trocadéro to Luxembourg.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Les Ombres

Dine with a view of the Eiffel Tower at this elegant restaurant serving contemporary French cuisine.
Short taxi ride from the park.
EUR 160, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Paris

Day 6: Vibrant Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Marchesi

Enjoy a sweet Italian breakfast with delicious pastries and espresso in this historic patisserie.
Walking distance from your hotel.
EUR 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Milan

Leave Paris behind for a scenic train ride to Milan, lasting around 7 hours, including views of the French countryside.
Gare de Lyon to Milano Centrale.
EUR 100, 7 hours

5:30PM

Check-in at Hotel

Check into your hotel and freshen up after your long journey before heading out for dinner.
Located near Milano Centrale.
EUR 200, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Milanese

Indulge in authentic Milanese dishes in a warm and welcoming environment, perfect for families.
Short walk to the trattoria.
EUR 120, 2 hours

9:00PM

Evening Stroll at Duomo di Milano

Conclude your day with a magical evening stroll around the stunning Duomo di Milano, an architectural masterpiece.
Short walk to the Duomo.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Milan

Day 7: Enchanting Venice

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Gran Caffè Quadri

Begin your day with a fine Italian breakfast in one of Venice's most historic cafés, overlooking St. Mark's Square.
Walking distance from your hotel.
EUR 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Venice

Travel from Milan to Venice, a scenic train journey of about 2.5 hours, with beautiful views of the Italian countryside.
Milano Centrale to Venezia Santa Lucia.
EUR 40, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria al Gatto Nero

Savor delicious Venetian seafood dishes in Burano, a picturesque island known for its colorful houses.
Boat ride from Venezia Santa Lucia to Burano.
EUR 100, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Rialto Market

Wander through the iconic Rialto Market, rich with local produce and vibrant energy of Venetian life.
Return via boat to Venice.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Gondola Ride

Experience a classic Venetian gondola ride—magical for kids and the entire family while gliding through the canals.
Rental stations are available throughout Venice.
EUR 120, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere

Delight in an exquisite seafood dinner at this cozy restaurant, acclaimed for its fresh ingredients and atmosphere.
Short walk from the gondola station.
EUR 150, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Venice
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