Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

5-Day Europe Itinerary: Exploring Switzerland and the Riviera

Viewed by 65 travelers

Day 1: Explore Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on March 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Start your day with a traditional Swiss breakfast featuring freshly baked bread and world-famous Luxemburgerli macarons.
CHF20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Lake Zurich

Enjoy a scenic stroll along Lake Zurich and admire the beautiful waterfront views. It's perfect for a refreshing morning walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Old Town (Altstadt)

Wander through the cobbled streets of the historic Old Town, featuring beautiful buildings, boutiques, and cafés.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Relax with some traditional Swiss sausages and rösti at this famous restaurant located in a former armory.
CHF35, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Swiss National Museum

Discover Switzerland's cultural history through engaging exhibits spanning various eras.
CHF10, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Hiltl

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian buffet at the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world, renowned for its diverse flavors.
CHF40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Zurich

Day 2: Day Trip to Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland on March 17, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out to Lucerne.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Lucerne

Take a train from Zurich to Lucerne; the picturesque journey takes about 1 hour.
CHF15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)

Explore this iconic wooden bridge adorned with historical paintings, a symbol of Lucerne.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Take a Boat Ride on Lake Lucerne

Experience the tranquil beauty of Lake Lucerne by boat; enjoy the stunning mountain views.
CHF25, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Restaurant Fritschi

Savor traditional Swiss cuisine at this charming restaurant featuring a lovely terrace.
CHF30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Mount Pilatus

Take the cogwheel train up to Mount Pilatus for breathtaking panoramic views.
CHF60, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Wirtshaus Galliker

Dine on local specialties, including Swiss cheese fondue, at this popular restaurant in Lucerne.
CHF45, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Zurich

Make your way back to Zurich via train.
CHF15, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Lucerne

Day 3: Travel to Milan

Milan, Italy on March 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the journey ahead with breakfast included at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Milan

Depart from Zurich to Milan by train; the journey takes approximately 4 hours.
CHF50, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Luini

Try the beloved panzerotto, a filled pastry that’s a must-eat in Milan, from this famous eatery.
EUR10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of Milan's famed cathedral, where you can also climb to the rooftop.
EUR15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through Italy's oldest shopping gallery and admire its beautiful architecture.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Pino

Enjoy authentic Italian pasta at a traditional trattoria that offers a cozy atmosphere.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Milan

Day 4: Cinque Terre Adventure

Cinque Terre, Italy on March 19, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a breakfast included at your hotel before heading to the coast.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Cinque Terre

Take an early train from Milan to La Spezia, followed by a regional train to Cinque Terre.
EUR30, 3 hours

11:30AM

Explore Monterosso al Mare

Relax at the beach and enjoy the seaside views in this gorgeous village in Cinque Terre.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Il Pirata

Enjoy fresh seafood pasta at this vibrant restaurant right by the beach.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hike to Vernazza

Take a scenic hike from Monterosso to Vernazza, offering stunning coastal views.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Explore Vernazza

Wander through the charming streets and enjoy the picturesque harbor.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante da Sandro

Dine on traditional Ligurian dishes at a restaurant with beautiful views of the harbor.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Return to Milan

Travel back to Milan via train.
EUR30, 3 hours
Find Hotels in Cinque Terre

Day 5: Relax in Nice

Nice, France on March 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in a delightful breakfast at your hotel before heading to Nice.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nice

Take an early morning train to Nice; the journey takes about 5 hours.
EUR70, 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Cours Saleya Market

Enjoy fresh local produce and unique delicacies in this vibrant open-air market.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Promenade des Anglais

Stroll along this famous beachfront promenade lined with palm trees and beautiful views of the Mediterranean.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Relax at Nice Beach

Unwind and soak up the sun at one of Nice's stunning public beaches.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at La Petite Maison

Savor Mediterranean cuisine at this renowned restaurant known for its ambiance and delicious dishes.
EUR50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nice
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About Europe trip for

Best Switzerland Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Europe trip for Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go