1-Day Itinerary: Switzerland and Italy for Families

  • 9:00AM: Leonardo da Vinci Museum (Switzerland)
    30 minutes (12 miles) from Malpensa Airport

    Learning about Leonardo da Vinci's inventions is both fun and educational for the whole family. The museum highlights the Italian artist's works via interactive exhibits and video documentaries.

  • 11:00AM: Medieval Castello (Italy)
    15 minutes (6.2 miles) from Leonardo da Vinci Museum

    The Medieval Castello is a 15th-century fortress located in the heart of Milan. It’s a magnificent building, perfect for taking captivating pictures. Inside the structure, visitors can learn more about the history of the castle and Milan through the Museum of Milan.

  • 1:00PM: Lake Como (Italy)
    50 minutes (64.7 miles) from Medieval Castello

    Lake Como is a picturesque lake perfect for families seeking a relaxed environment. The scenery is incredible, and the activities range from swimming to paddleboating. Visitors can bring their own food to enjoy a picnic or dine at the nearby restaurants.

  • 3:30PM: Swiss National Museum (Switzerland)
    1 hour and 30 minutes (132.2 miles) from Lake Como

    The Swiss National Museum is one of the essential museums in Europe. It showcases artifacts from Swiss history, as well as temporary exhibitions that are unique and captivating. The museum even provides children's activities designed to make the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Leonardo da Vinci Museum (1 hour, 10 CHF)
  • Medieval Castello (2 hours, 6.50 Euro per person)
  • Lake Como (2 hours, Free unless food/drink is purchased at nearby restaurants)
  • Swiss National Museum (2 hours, 10 CHF for adults and 5 CHF for children)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 26.50 Euro per person

Transportation

Travelers can drive rental cars or hire taxis to get around. Most tour companies in the area offer packages specifically for families with small children. Based on the itinerary, the estimated transportation cost is around 100-150 Euro per family, and the commute time is around 3-4 hours.

Useful Tips

For a more relaxed itinerary, consider dropping the Swiss National Museum from the list. For those who are fans of vineyards, add a tour of the vineyards around Lake Como. Families can even consider trading in the museums for day hikes or strolls in either Switzerland or Italy's scenic routes.

Airports

The nearest airport is Malpensa Airport (MXP), also known as the City of Milan Airport, which is located 31 miles north-west of Milan city center. The closest airport to the Swiss National Museum is Zurich Airport (ZRH), which is located around 6 miles north of Zurich city center. Both airports offer shuttle and taxi services, and the commute time from either airport to the location is around one hour.

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