12-Day Scenic and Cultural Tour Through Italy, Croatia, and Switzerland

Day 1: Rome Highlights

Rome, Italy on April 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Enjoy a delicious Italian breakfast of espresso and fresh pastries at this popular Roman café, open from 7am.
EUR 10, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Colosseum

Explore the iconic ancient amphitheatre and learn about Roman gladiatorial combats; open 8:30am-7pm.
EUR 16, 2h

11:45am

Walk to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Discover the ruins of ancient Rome’s government centre and the birthplace of Rome, next to the Colosseum.
Included, 1h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at Trattoria Vecchia Roma

Savour classic Roman dishes like carbonara in a cozy trattoria with a local atmosphere; open 12pm-3pm.
EUR 25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Marvel at Renaissance art and Michelangelo’s ceiling fresco; open until 6pm, pre-book tickets recommended.
EUR 30, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Emma

Enjoy authentic Roman-style pizza in a lively atmosphere, open until 11pm.
EUR 20, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Florence Art & Culture

Florence, Italy on April 27, 2025

7:30am

Train to Florence

Take an early high-speed train from Rome to Florence, approx. 1.5 hours travel time.
EUR 50, 1h30m

9:15am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Relax with excellent coffee and pastries in this trendy café near the city centre, open from 8am.
EUR 12, 45m

10:00am

Uffizi Gallery Tour

Visit one of the world’s most famous art museums showcasing Botticelli and Michelangelo masterpieces; opens at 8:15am until 6:45pm.
EUR 20, 2h

12:15pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy traditional Tuscan dishes in this bustling, family-run eatery, open 12pm-3pm weekdays.
EUR 25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Florence Cathedral (Duomo)

Climb the dome or admire the façade from outside, exploring this architectural treasure.
EUR 18, 1h

3:00pm

Walk across Ponte Vecchio

Stroll over the historic bridge lined with jewellers and enjoy views of the Arno River.
Free, 30m

3:45pm

Boboli Gardens

Explore the extensive Renaissance gardens behind Pitti Palace, open until 7pm in April.
EUR 10, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Indulge in romantic Tuscan cuisine with a warm ambiance, open until 11pm.
EUR 40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Venice Exploration

Venice, Italy on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Train to Venice

Early morning train from Florence to Venice, approx. 2 hours journey.
EUR 40, 2h

9:15am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Rosa Salva

Taste Venetian pastries and coffee at this centuries-old bakery, open from 7am.
EUR 10, 45m

10:00am

St Mark’s Basilica and Square

Discover the stunning Byzantine architecture and vibrant square, basilica open 9:30am-5pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:45am

Doge’s Palace Tour

Explore the seat of Venetian government including prisons and the Bridge of Sighs, open 9am-7pm.
EUR 25, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Enjoy fresh seafood specialties in a small but highly rated Venetian eatery, open until 3pm.
EUR 35, 1h

3:15pm

Gondola Ride

Experience Venice’s canals on a traditional gondola for about 30 minutes.
EUR 80, 30m

4:00pm

Walk through Rialto Market

Stroll past the bustling market with vibrant stalls selling fish, fruits, and vegetables.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Antiche Carampane

Feast on authentic Venetian dishes away from the main tourist routes, open until 11pm.
EUR 40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Dubrovnik Old Town

Dubrovnik, Croatia on April 29, 2025

7:00am

Flight to Dubrovnik

Morning flight from Venice to Dubrovnik (approx 1h15m), check flight times in advance.
EUR 70, 3h

10:00am

Breakfast at Gradska Kavana Arsenal

Settle in with coffee and pastries in this café with views over the old port.
EUR 10, 1h

11:15am

Walk Old Town Walls

Walk the ancient city walls for spectacular views of Dubrovnik’s red rooftops and sea, open 8am-7pm.
HRK 200 (about EUR 27), 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Konoba Dubrava

Sample local Dalmatian dishes in a family-run konoba, open until 3pm.
EUR 25, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Rector’s Palace

Explore this historic palace and museum with exhibits of Dubrovnik’s history, open until 5pm.
HRK 80 (approx EUR 11), 1h

4:30pm

Relax at Banje Beach

Unwind on this popular beach with views of the Old Town walls; open all day.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant 360

Dine in style with a Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the city walls; reservation required.
EUR 80+, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Split's Roman History

Split, Croatia on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Drive or bus to Split

Travel along the stunning Adriatic coast by bus or car from Dubrovnik to Split (approx 4.5 hours).
EUR 30, 4h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Konoba Hvaranin

Enjoy fresh Adriatic seafood in this relaxed coastal tavern, open until 3pm.
EUR 25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Diocletian’s Palace

Explore the extensive Roman emperor’s palace, now a vibrant part of Split’s Old Town, open all day.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Climb Marjan Hill

Walk or cycle to the top of Marjan Hill for panoramic views over Split and the sea.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar

Taste Croatian wines paired expertly with local cuisine in a trendy bar, open until 11pm.
EUR 35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Scenic Travel to Switzerland

Lucerne, Switzerland on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Fly from Split to Zurich

Morning flight, approx. 1h30m; check for direct flights or via Zagreb.
EUR 90, 3h including transfers

11:00am

Train from Zurich to Lucerne

A short 1-hour train ride brings you to Lucerne, the gateway to central Switzerland.
CHF 25 (approx EUR 27), 1h

12:15pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes like rösti or sausages in this historic inn, open 11am-10pm.
CHF 30, 1h

1:30pm

Walk the Chapel Bridge and Old Town

Discover Lucerne’s famous wooden bridge and lovely medieval streets, open freely all day.
Free, 1h30m

3:15pm

Visit the Lion Monument

See the iconic sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards from the 18th century.
Free, 30m

4:00pm

Lake Lucerne boat cruise

Take a scenic 1.5-hour cruise on Lake Lucerne, offering breathtaking mountain views; operates until early evening.
CHF 30, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Stern Luzern

Enjoy Swiss and European cuisine in a cosy setting, open until 10pm.
CHF 40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Zurich City Tour

Zurich, Switzerland on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Train to Zurich

Take an efficient 40-minute train from Lucerne to Zurich early in the morning.
CHF 15, 40m

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Enjoy Swiss chocolates, pastries and coffee at this luxury confectionery on Bahnhofstrasse, open from 8am.
CHF 20, 45m

10:00am

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Explore leading Swiss and international art collections, open 10am-6pm.
CHF 23, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Dine in this historic armory turned restaurant with hearty Swiss specialties, open 11:30am-10pm.
CHF 35, 1h

2:00pm

Stroll Old Town Zurich

Discover narrow, cobbled streets filled with shops, cafes, and historical landmarks.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Lake Zurich promenade

Walk along the lakeside for scenic views and relaxing atmosphere, open all day.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kronenhalle Restaurant

Experience fine Swiss dining and see famous artworks on the walls; booking recommended.
CHF 70, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Interlaken Alpine Day

Interlaken, Switzerland on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Train to Interlaken

Journey from Zurich to Interlaken approx 2h15m, early start recommended for full day.
CHF 50, 2h15m

9:30am

Breakfast at Café de Paris Interlaken

Enjoy a leisurely café breakfast with stunning mountain views, open from 7am.
CHF 20, 1h

10:45am

Harder Kulm Funicular

Ride to the top of Harder Kulm for panoramic views of the Jungfrau region, open daily 9am-5:30pm.
CHF 38 return, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant

Enjoy local Swiss dishes with a view at the summit restaurant.
CHF 30, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Interlaken town

Stroll through the charming town centre with shops and outdoor cafés.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Lake Thun or Lake Brienz boat ride

Choose one lake cruise offering beautiful alpine scenery, check seasonal schedules.
CHF 30, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

Relish Swiss cuisine in a cosy setting inside the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel.
CHF 50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Return to Italy - Milan

Milan, Italy on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Train from Interlaken to Milan

Travel south to Milan by train, approx 3h20m, crossing into Italy again.
EUR 45, 3h20m

12:00pm

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Try the famous street food panzerotti near the Duomo, open till afternoon.
EUR 10, 45m

1:00pm

Visit Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

Marvel at this gothic masterpiece and rooftop views, open 9am-7pm.
EUR 15, 2h

3:30pm

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Browse elegant shops and cafés in this historic arcade next to the cathedral.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Visit Sforza Castle

Explore the museum and grounds of this Renaissance fortress, closing at 5:30pm.
EUR 10, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Savini

Dine in style in Milan’s Galleria, offering classic Italian fine dining since 1867.
EUR 60, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Lake Como Day Trip

Como, Italy on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Train to Como

40-minute train from Milan to Como, early departure for full day at the lake.
EUR 10, 40m

9:00am

Breakfast at Bar Gelateria Lario

Enjoy coffee and croissants with lake views at this Como favourite, open 7am-8pm.
EUR 12, 45m

10:00am

Funicular ride to Brunate

Ride up the funicular for spectacular views over Lake Como, open 6:30am-11:30pm.
EUR 5 return, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk in Brunate village

Explore this charming mountain town with panoramic viewpoints.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Vista

Dine with a stunning terrace view of the lake while enjoying local cuisine.
EUR 30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Boat trip to Bellagio

Take a scenic ferry ride on Lake Como to the picturesque town of Bellagio.
EUR 15, 1h

4:15pm

Explore Bellagio

Wander the charming streets, shops, and lakeside promenade.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Milan

Ferry and train back to Milan for overnight stay.
EUR 25, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner near hotel

Choose a local trattoria near your accommodation for a relaxed Italian evening meal.
EUR 25, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Split Croatia or Relax

Split, Croatia or Milan, Italy on May 6, 2025

9:00am

Optional Travel to Split or Leisure day

Depending on interests, relax in Milan or travel back to Split to explore more or rest.
Varies, All day

12:00pm

Lunch at chosen location

Enjoy local cuisine at a recommended restaurant based on the preferred city for the day.
EUR 25-35, 1h

3:00pm

Sightseeing or relaxation

Visit any missed sites from earlier or enjoy spa, shopping, or a cafe.
Varies, Afternoon

7:00pm

Dinner at local eatery

Pick a well-reviewed local restaurant for a final cultural meal.
EUR 30-40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Departure

Milan, Italy on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast near hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast and pack for departure.
EUR 10, 1h

10:00am

Transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport

Arrange transport to the airport for your flight home.
EUR 30, 1h
View Hotel Availability