14-Day Family Friendly Road Trip Through Italy and Switzerland on a Budget

Day 1: Explore Historic Rome

Rome, Italy

9:00 AM

Colosseum Visit

Start your adventure with a visit to the iconic Colosseum, where history comes alive.
Take Metro Line B to Colosseo Station.
EUR 16, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Roman Forum Exploration

Wander through the ruins of the Roman Forum, once the heart of ancient Rome.
A short walk from the Colosseum.
Included with Colosseum ticket, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Forno Campo de' Fiori

Enjoy delicious Roman pizza al taglio at this famous bakery.
Walking distance from the Roman Forum.
EUR 10, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit the Pantheon

Marvel at the architectural wonder of the Pantheon, one of Rome’s best-preserved ancient buildings.
Take bus 30 or walk for about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Stroll through Piazza Navona

Relax in this lively square, famous for its beautiful fountains and street performers.
Walking distance from the Pantheon.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Da Baffetto

Savor authentic Neapolitan pizza in this popular local eatery.
Short walk from Piazza Navona.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Discover the Vatican

Rome, Italy

8:00 AM

Vatican Museums Tour

Explore the magnificent art collections housed in the Vatican Museums.
Take Metro Line A to Ottaviano Station.
EUR 17, 3 hours

11:30 AM

St. Peter's Basilica

Visit the stunning St. Peter's Basilica and climb the dome for panoramic views.
Short walk from the Vatican Museums.
Free (Climbing Dome: EUR 8), 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Trattoria Da Enzo al 29

Indulge in traditional Roman pasta dishes at this cozy trattoria.
Use public transport or a taxi.
EUR 12, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Castel Sant'Angelo

Explore Castel Sant'Angelo and its beautiful views over Pons Aelius.
Take a bus to the castle.
EUR 10, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Evening Walk Along the Tiber River

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Tiber River as the sun sets.
Walking distance from Castel Sant'Angelo.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner in Trastevere

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Trastevere and dine at Ristorante Pizzeria Cajo & Gajo.
Take a tram to Trastevere.
EUR 18, 2 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Florence

Florence, Italy

8:00 AM

Train to Florence

Catch an early train to Florence and enjoy the scenic ride through Tuscany.
From Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella.
EUR 35, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Check-in at Hotel

Drop off your bags and rejuvenate for the day's exploration.
Walking distance from the train station.
EUR 90 (for budget hotel), 1 hour

11:30 AM

Piazza della Signoria

Start your Florence adventure at the stunning Piazza della Signoria, full of life and history.
Walk to the square from your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Sample delicious local food at the bustling Central Market.
A short walk from the Piazza.
EUR 10, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

Dive into Renaissance art at the renowned Uffizi Gallery.
Walk from the market to the gallery.
EUR 20, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Ponte Vecchio

Stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, lined with jewelry shops.
Walking distance from Uffizi。
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy a family-friendly dinner with delicious Tuscan dishes.
A short walk from Ponte Vecchio.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Art and Gardens in Florence

Florence, Italy

9:00 AM

Accademia Gallery

Admire Michelangelo's David and other masterpieces at the Accademia Gallery.
Walk or take a short bus ride.
EUR 12, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Boboli Gardens Visit

Explore the beautiful Boboli Gardens behind Pitti Palace.
Take a 10-minute walk from Accademia.
EUR 10, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Cafe Giotto

Taste yummy paninis at this café with a lovely terrace.
Near Boboli Gardens.
EUR 8, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Gelato Tasting

Stop by Gelateria La Carraia and indulge in some authentic gelato.
A short walk from the cafe.
EUR 3, 30 minutes

3:30 PM

Santa Croce

Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce and learn about its famous tombs.
Walk over to the basilica.
EUR 8, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Enjoy a traditional Tuscan meal in a homely atmosphere.
Short walk from Santa Croce.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: A Day Trip to Pisa

Pisa, Italy

9:00 AM

Train to Pisa

Take a morning train to Pisa and start exploring.
Walk to Santa Maria Novella Station.
EUR 10, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Pisa Leaning Tower

Visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and grab that perfect photo.
Walk through the city.
EUR 18 (for tower access), 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch in Piazza dei Miracoli

Pack a picnic or grab a quick bite near the tower.
Nearby cafes.
EUR 8, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit the Baptistery and Cathedral

Explore the stunning architecture and history of these nearby landmarks.
Short walk from the tower.
EUR 5, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Gelato at Gelateria De' Coltelli

Relax with some gelato as a treat for the family.
Walking distance.
EUR 3, 30 minutes

4:00 PM

Return Train to Florence

Head back to Florence after a delightful day in Pisa.
Train to Santa Maria Novella Station.
EUR 10, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Trattoria ZaZa

End the day with a hearty dinner in Florence.
Walking distance from your hotel.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Journey to Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00 AM

Train to Milan

Catch a train to Milan as you take in the scenery of Northern Italy.
From Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Milano Centrale.
EUR 25, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your accommodations and refresh before exploring.
Walking distance from the station.
EUR 85 (for budget hotel), 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Spontini

Taste some famous Milanese pizza at Spontini, a local favorite.
Short walk from your hotel.
EUR 10, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit the Duomo

Explore the majestic Duomo di Milano and, if time permits, take a rooftop tour.
Walking distance.
EUR 15 (rooftop access extra), 2 hours

4:00 PM

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through elegant shopping arcade and grab a coffee.
Adjacent to the Duomo.
Free (coffee EUR 5), 1 hour

6:00 PM

Castello Sforzesco

Visit the historic Sforza Castle and its beautiful surrounding park.
20-minute walk from the Galleria.
EUR 5, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at Osteria dell'Acqua

Savor delectable Italian dishes in a cozy family-friendly environment.
Walk from Castello Sforzesco.
EUR 18, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Scenic Lake Como

Como, Italy

8:00 AM

Train to Como

Travel from Milan to Como for a day of natural beauty.
Catch a train from Milano Centrale to Como Lago.
EUR 10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Lake Como Boat Tour

Take a scenic boat tour across the stunning Lake Como.
Tickets available at the port.
EUR 15, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Ristorante Il Gatto Nero

Enjoy a sumptuous meal overlooking the lake.
By foot from the boat dock.
EUR 20, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Explore Bellagio

Stroll through the picturesque village of Bellagio.
Take a ferry from Como.
EUR 12 (ferry), 2 hours

3:30 PM

Gelato from Gelateria La Dolce Vita

Treat the family to delicious gelato in Bellagio.
Walking distance.
EUR 3, 30 minutes

4:30 PM

Return Ferry to Como

Make your way back to Como to catch your return train.
Ferry to Como.
EUR 12, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Trattoria Pizzeria Cavour

End the day with a delightful pizza dinner.
Short walk from Como station.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Crossing into Switzerland

Lugano, Switzerland

8:00 AM

Train to Lugano

Travel to the charming lakeside town of Lugano.
Train from Como to Lugano.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours

9:30 AM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle in your accommodations.
Walking distance from the station.
CHF 100 (for budget hotel), 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore Parco Ciani

Enjoy the lush greenery and views over the lake.
Located nearby the hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Ristorante Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola

Savor an exquisite lunch with a waterfront view.
Walking distance from the park.
CHF 30, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit the Swiss Miniatur

Explore this amazing park showcasing miniature versions of Swiss landmarks.
Bus or taxi ride.
CHF 15, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Take a Stroll Along Lake Lugano

Relax and enjoy the beautiful views from the lakeside promenade.
Walking distance.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Pizzeria da Fernando

End the day with traditional Swiss-Italian pizza.
Short walk from the lakeside.
CHF 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Adventures in Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland

8:00 AM

Train to Lucerne

Take a scenic train ride to the beautiful city of Lucerne.
Train from Lugano to Lucerne.
CHF 20, 2 hours

10:00 AM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your accommodation in Lucerne.
Walking distance from the station.
CHF 90 (for budget hotel), 1 hour

11:30 AM

Visit Chapel Bridge

Explore the iconic Chapel Bridge and its historical significance.
Walking distance.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Restaurant Fritschi

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes like cheese fondue and rösti.
Near Chapel Bridge.
CHF 25, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Lion Monument

Visit the poignant Lion Monument, honoring fallen Swiss Guards.
Walking distance.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Lake Lucerne Boat Cruise

Experience the stunning scenery of Lake Lucerne on a boat cruise.
Boat terminal nearby.
CHF 25, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Feral's

Indulge in a meal at this local favorite eatery.
Close to the lakeside.
CHF 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Thrill-seeking in Interlaken

Interlaken, Switzerland

8:00 AM

Train to Interlaken

Take a scenic train ride to Interlaken, nestled between two lakes.
Train from Lucerne to Interlaken.
CHF 30, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive at your hotel and get ready for adventure.
Short walk from the station.
CHF 80 (for budget hotel), 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Husi Bierhaus

Grab a quick bite to eat before your outdoor activities.
Walking distance from your hotel.
CHF 15, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Adventure Park Interlaken

Experience thrilling zip lines and obstacle courses for the whole family.
Bus to the adventure park.
CHF 40, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Harder Kulm

Ride the funicular to the lookout point and enjoy stunning views of Interlaken.
Funicular station nearby.
CHF 38 (for round trip), 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

End your day in Interlaken with a hearty Swiss meal.
Walking distance from Harder Kulm.
CHF 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Visit Zermatt

Zermatt, Switzerland

8:00 AM

Train to Zermatt

Catch an early scenic train to Zermatt, the gateway to the Matterhorn.
Train from Interlaken to Zermatt.
CHF 50, 3 hours

11:30 AM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle in at your hotel and refresh before exploring.
Walking distance from the station.
CHF 120 (for budget hotel), 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Restaurant Adrett

Savor delicious Alpine food while enjoying the mountain views.
Short walk from your hotel.
CHF 25, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Gornergrat Railway

Experience breathtaking views aboard this scenic railway.
Take the train from Zermatt Station.
CHF 90 (round trip), 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Walliserstube

Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine in a quaint setting.
Near Zermatt Station.
CHF 30, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Explore Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland

8:00 AM

Train to Geneva

Leave Zermatt and head to the cosmopolitan city of Geneva.
Train from Zermatt to Geneva.
CHF 50, 3 hours

11:30 AM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your accommodations and refresh.
Short walk from the station.
CHF 100 (for budget hotel), 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Cafe du Centre

Enjoy a casual lunch in the heart of Geneva.
Walking distance from the hotel.
CHF 20, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

United Nations Office

Take a tour of the historic United Nations building.
A short bus ride.
CHF 15, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Jet d'Eau

Check out Geneva's iconic water fountain in Lake Geneva.
Walking distance from the UN.
Free, 30 minutes

5:00 PM

Stroll Through Jardin Anglais

Relax in the beautiful English Garden beside Lake Geneva.
Short walk from Jet d'Eau.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Les Quatre Saisons

Enjoy delicious international cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Walking distance.
CHF 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 13: Day Trip to Bern

Bern, Switzerland

8:00 AM

Train to Bern

Take a morning train to the capital city of Switzerland.
Train from Geneva to Bern.
CHF 30, 1.5 hours

9:30 AM

Visit the Zytglogge

Explore the iconic clock tower and its astronomical clock.
Walk to the tower from the station.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Bear Park Visit

See the famous bears in the city's Bear Park.
Walk to the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Restaurant Meridiano

Taste local Swiss dishes while enjoying views over the Aare River.
Walking distance.
CHF 25, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Historical Museum of Bern

Learn about the history and culture of Bern through interactive exhibits.
Short walk from the restaurant.
CHF 12, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Stroll by the Aare River

Relax and enjoy views of the river as the sun sets.
Walking distance.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Klösterli Weidli

Unwind with delicious Swiss cuisine in a tranquil setting.
Short walk from the river.
CHF 30, 1.5 hours
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Day 14: Final Day in Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00 AM

Train to Zurich

Travel to Switzerland's largest city for your final day.
Train from Bern to Zurich.
CHF 30, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your accommodation before exploring.
Walking distance from the station.
CHF 100 (for budget hotel), 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit Lake Zurich

Take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Lake Zurich and enjoy the view.
Walking distance.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Restaurant Zurich

Indulge in excellent Swiss food at this casual eatery.
Walking distance from the lake.
CHF 25, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore the Old Town (Altstadt)

Wander through the charming streets of Zurich's Old Town.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Uetliberg Mountain Hike

Enjoy a hike to Uetliberg for panoramic views of Zurich.
Train from the city center to Uetliberg.
CHF 8 (return ticket), 3 hours

8:00 PM

Final Dinner at Swiss Chuchi

Celebrate your trip with a final Swiss fondue dinner.
Train back to Zurich.
CHF 35, 2 hours
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