Luxury 10-Day Itinerary: From Stresa to Lugano and Scenic Swiss Train to Zurich

Day 1: Arrive in Stresa

Stresa, Italy

10:00AM

Check-in at Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees

Start your luxury experience by checking into the historic Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees, known for its opulence and beautiful lakeside views.
Short drive from Milan Malpensa Airport to Stresa.
EUR300, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Hotel's Restaurant

Enjoy a gourmet lunch overlooking Lake Maggiore at the Grand Hotel's renowned restaurant, Il Borromeo.
On-site dining.
EUR50, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Boat Tour of the Borromean Islands

Take a private boat tour to explore the beautiful Borromean Islands, where you can visit Isola Bella and its stunning gardens.
Board your private boat at the hotel dock.
EUR150, 3 hours

5:30PM

Evening Stroll in Stresa

Take a leisurely walk along the beautiful lakeside promenade of Stresa, soaking in the picturesque scenery.
Approximately 15-minute walk from your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Villa Aminta

Indulge in a delightful dinner at Ristorante Villa Aminta, featuring a range of Italian specialties and an impressive wine list.
5-minute drive from your hotel.
EUR80, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Stresa

Stresa, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with a lavish breakfast buffet overlooking the lake at your hotel.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Villa Pallavicino Park

Explore the beautiful gardens and wildlife of Villa Pallavicino, offering a perfect family-friendly experience.
10-minute drive from your hotel.
EUR12, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ristorante Il Portico

Savor local delicacies and Mediterranean dishes at the charming Ristorante Il Portico.
15-minute walk from the park.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Church of Santa Marta

Admire the stunning architecture and art within the Church of Santa Marta, a true gem in Stresa.
Short 10-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax at your Hotel Spa

Unwind and rejuvenate with luxurious spa treatments available at Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees.
On-site.
EUR100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Cocktails at Bar degli Angeli

Enjoy aperitivo at Bar degli Angeli, an elegant bar offering breathtaking views of the lake.
15-minute walk from your hotel.
EUR25, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at L’Approdo

Savor a gourmet dinner featuring fresh seafood and local specialties at this upscale restaurant by the lake.
10-minute walk from the bar.
EUR70, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Lugano

Lugano, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast and Check-out

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and prepare for your journey to Lugano.
On-site breakfast before check-out.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Lugano

Embark on a scenic drive to Lugano, admiring the beautiful Italian and Swiss landscapes along the way.
Rental car drive: 1 hour.
EUR30 (fuel), 1 hour

10:00AM

Check-in at Hotel Splendide Royal

Arrive in Lugano and check into the luxurious Hotel Splendide Royal, boasting stunning views of Lake Lugano.
Drive from car park to hotel.
CHF350, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at the Hotel's Restaurant

Dine on Italian-inspired dishes at the hotel’s refined dining area with picturesque lake views.
On-site dining.
CHF60, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Parco Ciani

Stroll through the beautiful Parco Ciani and enjoy the lush gardens and serene lake views.
5-minute walk from your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Lugano Arte e Cultura

Explore the impressive arts and culture center of Lugano, featuring exhibits and performances.
15-minute walk from the park.
CHF25, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Evening Cocktails at Lido Sezione

Relax with cocktails at Lido Sezione, a vibrant lakeside spot with modern vibes.
20-minute walk from the arts center.
CHF30, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Grotto Morchino

Enjoy a flavorful traditional meal at Ristorante Grotto Morchino, famous for its rustic charm and local recipes.
10-minute drive from the bar.
CHF70, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Explore Lugano

Lugano, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at Hotel Splendide Royal, fueling up for a day of exploration.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Funicolare Railway Ride

Take the funicular railway to Monte Brè for stunning panoramic views of the lake and mountains.
20-minute walk to the funicular station.
CHF20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Monte Brè

Savor lunch at the mountaintop restaurant with breathtaking views and seasonal dishes.
On-site at Monte Brè.
CHF50, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Nature Walk on Monte Brè

Enjoy a scenic nature walk around Monte Brè, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
Starting from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Richard Wagner Museum

Discover the fascinating life of composer Richard Wagner through exhibits in his former home.
30-minute drive from Monte Brè.
CHF15, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Evening Aperitivo at Bar Riva

Sip on refreshing drinks as you unwind with views of Lake Lugano.
15-minute drive from the museum.
CHF25, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Ristorante La Cucina di Alice

Indulge in gourmet Italian cuisine with a sophisticated touch at Ristorante La Cucina di Alice.
15-minute drive.
CHF85, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Day at Leisure in Lugano

Lugano, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast with local treats at Hotel Splendide Royal.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shopping on Via Nassa

Explore the chic boutiques and luxury shops along Lugano's famous shopping street, Via Nassa.
10-minute walk from the hotel.
Variable, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante A Cantunera

Dine in a cozy atmosphere while enjoying risottos and local specialties at Ristorante A Cantunera.
5-minute walk from shops.
CHF40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Swiss Miniature Park

Experience miniature representations of iconic Swiss landmarks at this enthralling park.
Short 15-minute drive.
CHF15, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Lido di Lugano

Spend a leisurely afternoon soaking up the sun at Lido di Lugano, an upscale beach resort on the lake.
10-minute drive.
CHF10, 2.5 hours

6:30PM

Cocktails at Bar 5

Enjoy cocktails at this lively bar with a chic atmosphere and excellent lake views.
5-minute drive.
CHF30, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Savoy

End your day with innovative Swiss cuisine in an elegant setting at Restaurant Savoy.
Short 5-minute drive.
CHF80, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Scenic Train Day

Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before departing for a scenic train journey.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Take the Bernina Express

Board the Bernina Express train to experience breathtaking landscapes from Lugano to St. Moritz.
Catch the train at Lugano Railway Station.
CHF70, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch on the Train

Enjoy a specially curated meal served on the train while taking in the stunning views.
On the train.
CHF30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore St. Moritz

Pause in charming St. Moritz, known for its beautiful lake and luxury atmosphere.
Short walk from the train stop.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Board the Glacier Express

Continue your journey with the Glacier Express, renowned for its picturesque route through the Swiss Alps.
Catch the train from St. Moritz station.
CHF90, 4 hours

8:00PM

Dinner in Zermatt

Enjoy a splendid dinner at a local eatery while marveling at the breathtaking backdrop of the Matterhorn.
Arrive in Zermatt from the Glacier Express.
CHF85, 2 hours

10:00PM

Check in at a Boutique Hotel in Zermatt

Retire for the night at a charming boutique hotel nestled in Zermatt.
On foot from the train station.
CHF250, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Continue Scenic Exploration

Zermatt, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start the day with a delightful breakfast at your boutique hotel in Zermatt.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Gornergrat

Take the cogwheel train to Gornergrat, where you can enjoy majestic views of the Matterhorn.
Train station in Zermatt.
CHF70, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Restaurant Gornergrat

Savor Swiss cuisine with a view at Restaurant Gornergrat, situated at the top.
On-site.
CHF40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Hiking Trail around Gornergrat

Explore hiking trails around Gornergrat, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.
Start near the restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Zermatt

Take the cogwheel train back to Zermatt after your day of exploration.
Train station.
CHF30, 1 hour

6:30PM

Evening Aperitif at Elsie's Bar

Unwind in style at Elsie's Bar, a cozy spot offering a wide selection of drinks.
Short walk from your hotel.
CHF25, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at The Omnia

Conclude your day with a lavish dinner at The Omnia, known for its culinary excellence and ambiance.
10-minute walk.
CHF120, 2 hours
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Day 8: Travel to Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast and Check-out

Enjoy breakfast before checking out of your hotel, getting ready for Zurich.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Zurich

Embark on a scenic train ride back to Zurich, surrounded by the breathtaking Swiss landscape.
Train station in Zermatt.
CHF50, 3.5 hours

12:30PM

Check-in at Baur Au Lac

Arrive in Zurich and check into the opulent Baur Au Lac, overlooking Lake Zurich.
Walking distance from the train station.
CHF400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at the Hotel's Restaurant

Savor exquisite dining at the hotel’s restaurant with a refined atmosphere.
On-site dining.
CHF70, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll around Lake Zurich

Take a leisurely walk around Lake Zurich, taking in the beautiful views and fresh air.
Short walk from your hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Explore the renowned Kunsthaus Zurich, Switzerland's most important art museum.
15-minute walk from the lake.
CHF25, 2 hours

6:30PM

Cocktails at Les Trois Rois

Enjoy cocktails at one of Zurich's most iconic venues with a stunning terrace overlooking the river.
15-minute walk from the museum.
CHF30, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Pavillon

Delight in a culinary journey at the Michelin-starred Restaurant Pavillon, characterized by its modern French cuisine.
Short taxi ride from the bar.
CHF180, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Discover Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with a lavish breakfast buffet at Baur Au Lac.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Old Town (Altstadt)

Explore Zürich’s Old Town filled with narrow lanes, medieval buildings, and local shops.
Short walk from the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Zurich Zoo

Wander through Zurich Zoo to see a variety of animals and the impressive Masoala Rainforest.
30-minute tram from the Old Town.
CHF26, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Zoo Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the Zoo Restaurant, surrounded by nature.
On-site.
CHF35, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Bahnhofstrasse

Walk down Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich's famous shopping street lined with luxury goods and boutiques.
30-minute tram ride.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Afternoon Tea at Cafe Sprüngli

Indulge in exquisite pastries and coffee at the historic Café Sprüngli.
5-minute walk.
CHF25, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Zunfthaus zur Waag

Experience classical Swiss cuisine in this beautifully preserved guild house.
10-minute walk from the café.
CHF70, 2 hours
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Day 10: Departure from Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a final sumptuous breakfast at Baur Au Lac.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check-out and Departure to Zurich Airport

Check-out of your luxurious stay and head to Zurich Airport for your flight home.
Short taxi ride to the airport.
CHF50, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability