12-Day Switzerland and Italy Itinerary from New Delhi: Scenic Alpine Escape and Italian Charm

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Sprüngli

Enjoy Swiss pastries and coffee at Cafe Sprüngli, a renowned spot famous for its Luxemburgerli macarons, perfect to start your Swiss adventure.
CHF20, 1h

9:30am

Zurich Old Town Walking Tour

Discover the charming medieval streets, the Grossmünster Church, and the picturesque Lake Zurich waterfront. Walking tours typically run throughout the day.
CHF15, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Dine on authentic Swiss sausages and rösti at this historic armory-turned-restaurant located in the heart of Zurich Old Town.
CHF35, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Explore one of Switzerland’s most important art museums, showcasing works from classical to contemporary art, open till 6pm.
CHF23, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Swiss Chuchi

Savor a traditional Swiss fondue dinner at Swiss Chuchi, located in the atmospheric Old Town.
CHF50, 1h30m

Day 2: Lucerne and Lake Views

Lucerne, Switzerland on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Cafe Bodu

Start your day with fresh coffee and pastries at Cafe Bodu near the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne.
CHF15, 1h

9:00am

Chapel Bridge and Old Town

Stroll across the iconic wooden Chapel Bridge and explore Lucerne’s medieval Old Town with its colorful frescoed buildings.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Lion Monument Visit

See the poignant Lion Monument, a carved rock relief commemorating Swiss Guards who died in 1792.
Free, 30m

11:30am

Lake Lucerne Boat Cruise

Enjoy a 2-hour scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Alps.
CHF30, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Fritschi

Taste Swiss specialties including Luzerner Chügelipastete (a local puff pastry) in a cozy traditional setting.
CHF40, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Swiss Museum of Transport

Explore Switzerland’s leading transport museum with interactive exhibits about trains, cars, and planes, open till 5pm.
CHF32, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Wirtshaus Taube

Enjoy relaxed Swiss-German cuisine in a warm atmosphere, perfect for winding down your day in Lucerne.
CHF45, 1h30m

Day 3: Interlaken Adventure

Interlaken, Switzerland on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast at your hotel before heading to the adventure town of Interlaken.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel from Lucerne to Interlaken

Scenic train journey through the Swiss Alps from Lucerne to Interlaken, approximately 2 hours.
CHF50, 2h

11:30am

Harder Kulm Funicular

Ride to Interlaken’s viewpoint at Harder Kulm to enjoy sweeping views of lakes Thun and Brienz and the surrounding mountains.
CHF38, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Taverne

Sample Swiss and international dishes in Interlaken’s serene atmosphere.
CHF40, 1h

3:00pm

Paragliding or Adventure Sports

Experience paragliding over Interlaken or choose from other adventure activities. Book in advance as slots fill quickly.
CHF120, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Husi Bierhaus

Enjoy hearty Swiss fare and craft beers in a cozy, historic tavern setting.
CHF45, 1h30m

Day 4: Zermatt and Matterhorn

Zermatt, Switzerland on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before a scenic train ride to Zermatt.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train to Zermatt

Travel from Interlaken to Zermatt via scenic train routes, approx 2.5 hours.
CHF60, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Whymper-Stube

Traditional Swiss cuisine in a rustic mountain setting near the train station.
CHF40, 1h

1:30pm

Gornergrat Railway

Take the cog railway to Gornergrat for stunning views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks; open until 7pm.
CHF94, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Schäferstube

Enjoy local Valais dishes like raclette and hearty alpine stews in Zermatt’s charming atmosphere.
CHF50, 1h30m

Day 5: Travel to Milan

Milan, Italy on April 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Kickstart your day with hotel breakfast before departure to Italy.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train Zermatt to Milan

Scenic journey crossing Swiss-Italian border; takes about 3.5 hours.
EUR50, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Luini

Try famous panzerotti, a delicious Milanese street food near the Duomo, perfect for a quick lunch.
EUR10, 45m

1:30pm

Visit Milan Cathedral (Duomo)

Explore the iconic cathedral and optional rooftop access for panoramic city views, open till 7pm.
EUR15, 2h

4:00pm

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Shop or window shop in this historic 19th-century shopping gallery adjacent to the Duomo.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Milanese

Experience classic Milanese dishes like risotto alla Milanese in an elegant yet cozy setting.
EUR45, 1h30m

Day 6: Lake Como Day Trip

Como, Italy on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Morning breakfast at the hotel before heading to Lake Como.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train Milan to Como

Short 40-minute train ride to beautiful Como.
EUR6, 40m

9:15am

Boat Tour on Lake Como

Take a public ferry or private boat tour to visit picturesque towns like Bellagio and Varenna, with stunning lake and mountain views.
EUR25, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Mistral in Bellagio

Enjoy fine dining with lake views featuring regional Italian cuisine.
EUR50, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Bellagio

Wander the cobbled streets, gardens and waterfront promenades in the 'Pearl of the Lake'.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return Train Como to Milan

Travel back to Milan, arriving by early evening.
EUR6, 40m

8:00pm

Dinner at Eataly Smeraldo

Visit this vibrant marketplace and restaurant serving a variety of Italian delicacies to cap off your day.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 7: Travel to Rome

Rome, Italy on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for travel to Rome.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train Milan to Rome

High-speed train journey takes approximately 3 hours, arriving midday.
EUR60, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria da Enzo al 29

Enjoy authentic Roman pasta dishes like cacio e pepe in the Trastevere neighborhood.
EUR35, 1h

2:00pm

Colosseum Tour

Explore the iconic ancient amphitheater with expert guides; open till 7pm (last entry 6pm). Book tickets in advance.
EUR20, 2h

5:00pm

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Visit the adjacent ruins for a comprehensive look at ancient Rome’s civic and religious centre; included in Colosseum ticket.
Included, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma

Fine dining with a view overlooking the Colosseum, perfect for your first dinner in Rome.
EUR70, 2h

Day 8: Vatican Museums and Rome Sights

Rome, Italy on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin your day with breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Pre-book early entrance tickets to avoid queues and marvel at Raphael’s Rooms and Michelangelo’s ceiling; open from 9am to 6pm.
EUR30, 3h

12:00pm

St. Peter’s Basilica

Free entry to the world’s largest church; climb the dome for breathtaking views for a small fee (EUR10).
Free, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Borgo Pio

Relax with traditional Italian pasta and antipasti along this charming street near the Vatican.
EUR40, 1h

3:00pm

Piazza Navona and Pantheon

Explore these iconic Roman landmarks with their stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Gelato at Giolitti

Enjoy some of Rome’s most famous gelato near the Pantheon, a perfect afternoon treat.
EUR5, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria del Pegno

Cozy atmosphere serving classic Roman dishes like saltimbocca and carbonara.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 9: Ancient Rome and Trastevere

Rome, Italy on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your final full day with a leisurely breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Visit two of Rome’s most iconic landmarks early to avoid crowds and enjoy spectacular photo opportunities.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Villa Borghese Gardens and Gallery

Book tickets in advance to visit the Borghese Gallery with its celebrated art collection; gardens perfect for a stroll.
EUR25, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Roscioli

Sample Italian cured meats, cheeses and pasta in this popular deli and restaurant near Campo de’ Fiori.
EUR45, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Trastevere

Wander the charming cobblestone streets of Trastevere, a lively neighborhood known for its nightlife and quaint piazzas.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Da Enzo al 29

Return to this beloved Trastevere restaurant to savor authentic Roman dishes and soak up the atmosphere one last time.
EUR50, 2h

Day 10: Departure From Rome

Rome, Italy on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a final breakfast at the hotel and prepare for your return journey.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport

Travel to the airport with ample time for your international flight back to New Delhi.
EUR50, 1h