8-Day Mid-Budget Italy and Switzerland Road Trip from Dubai to Zurich

Day 1: Arrival and Afternoon in Rome

Rome, Italy on April 26, 2025

2:30pm

Arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport

Land at Rome's main airport, clear immigration and get your rental car for the road trip.
Included in flight, 1h

4:00pm

Check-in at Hotel

Check in at a mid-budget hotel such as 'Hotel Artemide' located in central Rome, convenient for sightseeing.
EUR 120 per room approx., 30m

5:00pm

Visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum

Explore the iconic Colosseum and walk around the Roman Forum, witnessing ancient Roman history in the heart of the city. Pre-book tickets to avoid queues.
EUR 18 per person, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria da Enzo

Enjoy traditional Roman cuisine at this well-reviewed trattoria offering classic dishes like Cacio e Pepe.
EUR 25-30 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Rome Full Day

Rome, Italy on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Regoli

Start your day with authentic Roman pastries and coffee at this popular bakery open from 7 am.
EUR 7 per person, 45m

9:00am

Tour Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Discover the Vatican's incredible art collections and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling. Tickets should be booked in advance.
EUR 30 per person, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pizzeria La Montecarlo

Enjoy a delicious and budget-friendly Roman pizza at this lively restaurant near Piazza Navona.
EUR 15 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Leisurely walk to these famous landmarks for photos and a relaxing afternoon stroll.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Villa Borghese Gardens

Enjoy a peaceful walk or a boat ride on the small lake at this beautiful park.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria dell'Ingegno

Savour traditional Italian dishes in a charming setting in central Rome.
Around EUR 30 per person, 1h30m
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Day 3: Rome to Pisa Day Trip

Rome to Pisa, Italy on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast to begin your road trip towards Pisa.
Included in hotel, 30m

7:30am

Drive Rome to Pisa

Start your scenic 3.5-hour drive northwest to Pisa by rental car.
Fuel and toll approx. EUR 40, 3h30m

11:00am

Visit Piazza dei Miracoli and Leaning Tower of Pisa

Explore the famous Leaning Tower, Cathedral, and Baptistery in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Climbing the tower requires pre-booked tickets.
EUR 20 per person for tower climb, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante da Bruno

Enjoy tasty Tuscan dishes and fresh pasta in a friendly atmosphere, close to the tower.
EUR 25 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Drive Pisa to Lucerne, Switzerland

Set off on a longer drive approx. 5.5 hours through beautiful landscapes arriving in Lucerne in the evening.
Fuel and toll approx. EUR 60, 5h30m

8:30pm

Check-in and Dinner in Lucerne

Stay at a mid-range hotel such as Hotel des Balances and dine at their restaurant for convenience and mid-budget pricing.
Hotel approx. CHF 150 per room; dinner CHF 35 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Lucerne and Lake Day

Lucerne, Switzerland on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a Swiss style breakfast buffet at your hotel to fuel your day.
Included, 45m

9:00am

Visit Chapel Bridge and Old Town Lucerne

Stroll along the iconic 14th-century wooden bridge and through the charming medieval old town.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Boat Ride on Lake Lucerne

Take a relaxing scenic one-hour boat cruise on the impressive Lake Lucerne to admire surrounding mountains.
CHF 25 per person, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Taste hearty Swiss dishes like Luzerner Chügelipastete in this traditional family restaurant.
CHF 30 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Swiss Museum of Transport

Explore one of Switzerland’s most popular museums covering trains, planes, automobiles and more. Open daily 10:00 to 5:00pm.
CHF 32 per person, 2h

5:00pm

Relax in Lucerne

Enjoy evening relaxation at the lake promenade or your hotel.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bistro Balances

Dine by the Reuss river with a well-priced menu blending Swiss and Mediterranean flavours.
CHF 35 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Jungfrau Region Adventure

Lucerne to Interlaken, Switzerland on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and Checkout

Start your day early with breakfast and prepare for the drive to Interlaken.
Included, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Interlaken

A 1.5-hour scenic drive through Swiss countryside to Interlaken.
Fuel approx. CHF 20, 1h30m

10:00am

Jungfraujoch Excursion (Top of Europe)

Take the train from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station. Enjoy stunning Alpine views and snow activities. Check weather in advance; open daily from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
CHF 150 per person approx., 6h

4:30pm

Return to Interlaken

Relax and stroll around Interlaken town after your alpine adventure.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Husi Bierhaus

Casual dining with Swiss specialities and a great selection of beer, perfect for a mid-budget meal.
CHF 30 per person, 1h30m

9:00pm

Overnight Accommodation

Stay overnight in Interlaken at a mid-range hotel such as Hotel Interlaken.
CHF 140 per room approx., Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Interlaken to Zurich

Interlaken to Zurich, Switzerland on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Enjoy breakfast before driving towards Zurich.
Included, 45m

9:00am

Drive from Interlaken to Zurich

A roughly 2-hour drive heading northeast towards Switzerland’s largest city.
Fuel approx. CHF 25, 2h

11:00am

Check-in Hotel and Drop Bags

Stay at a well-rated mid-budget hotel like Motel One Zurich.
CHF 150 per room approx., 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes like Rösti in this historic armory-turned-restaurant in downtown Zurich.
CHF 30 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Old Town Zurich and Bahnhofstrasse

Explore Zurich’s historic centre with narrow alleys, medieval buildings, and the famous shopping street Bahnhofstrasse.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich (Art Museum)

View one of Switzerland’s most important art collections. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm.
CHF 16 per person, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax by Lake Zurich Promenade

Enjoy an evening walk by Lake Zurich and perhaps a coffee at a lakeside café.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Rosso

Taste Italian-inspired dishes with a Swiss twist in a relaxed setting ideal for a mid-budget dinner.
CHF 35 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Zurich Leisure & Departure Prep

Zurich, Switzerland on May 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Try legendary Luxemburgerli macarons and fresh coffee at this famous Zurich café.
CHF 15 per person, 45m

9:30am

Visit Uetliberg Mountain

Take a short train or drive to Uetliberg for panoramic views of Zurich and the Alps. Great for outdoor photos and fresh air.
Train ticket CHF 10 round trip, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hiltl

Enjoy a hearty vegetarian buffet at one of the oldest vegetarian restaurants in the world, popular and affordable.
CHF 25 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Afternoon Leisure and Souvenir Shopping

Stroll local shops or revisit any favourite spots in Zurich before packing.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Early Dinner at Café des Amis

Relax with a casual meal near the hotel, ideal before the next day’s departure.
CHF 30 per person, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Departure Day

Zurich, Switzerland on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast and check out.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Zurich Airport

Allow at least 1 hour to drive and return car rental before your flight.
Included in car rental, 1h

10:00am

Arrive at Zurich Airport

Complete check-in and security for your 15:00 flight back to Dubai.
Included in flight, 1h
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