12-Day Scenic Tour in Italy, Croatia, and Switzerland Including Zermatt

Day 1: Rome Highlights

Rome, Italy on April 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Start your Roman adventure with espresso and fresh pastries at a popular local spot open from 7am.
EUR 10, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Colosseum

Explore the iconic ancient amphitheatre and the thrilling history of gladiatorial contests; open 8:30am-7pm.
EUR 16, 2h

11:45am

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Walk among the ruins of ancient Rome’s public heart and emperor’s palace, adjacent to the Colosseum.
Included, 1h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at Trattoria Vecchia Roma

Enjoy traditional Roman pasta like carbonara in a lively, authentic trattoria, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR 25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Admire Renaissance art and Michelangelo’s ceiling fresco, museums open until 6pm with pre-booked tickets advisable.
EUR 30, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Emma

Savour classic Roman-style pizza in a vibrant atmosphere, open until 11pm.
EUR 20, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Florence Art & Culture

Florence, Italy on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Train to Florence

Catch an early high-speed train from Rome to Florence taking approximately 1.5 hours.
EUR 50, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Relax with expertly brewed coffee and pastries at a cosy café near Florence’s city centre, open from 8am.
EUR 12, 45m

10:00am

Uffizi Gallery Visit

View the incomparable Renaissance collection featuring Botticelli and Michelangelo; museum open 8:15am-6:45pm.
EUR 20, 2h

12:15pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Taste authentic Tuscan classics in a lively local favourite, open 12pm-3pm weekdays.
EUR 25, 1h

1:30pm

Florence Cathedral (Duomo) exploration

Climb Brunelleschi’s dome or take in the gothic façade and interior, open 10am-5pm.
EUR 18, 1h

3:00pm

Walk Ponte Vecchio

Experience the historic bridge known for its jewellery shops stretching over the Arno River.
Free, 30m

3:45pm

Boboli Gardens Stroll

Wander the Renaissance gardens filled with sculptures and fountains behind Pitti Palace; open until 7pm.
EUR 10, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Enjoy memorable Tuscan dishes in a romantic setting, open until 11pm.
EUR 40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Venice Exploration

Venice, Italy on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Train to Venice

Morning train from Florence to Venice, approximately 2 hours travel time.
EUR 40, 2h

9:15am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Rosa Salva

Try delicious Venetian pastries and coffee in this historic bakery open from 7am.
EUR 10, 45m

10:00am

St Mark’s Basilica & Square

Admire the Byzantine architecture and lively square, basilica open 9:30am-5pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:45am

Doge’s Palace Tour

Explore Venetian history in this grand palace and adjoining prisons, open 9am-7pm.
EUR 25, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Savour fresh seafood in this well-loved intimate restaurant, open until 3pm.
EUR 35, 1h

3:15pm

Gondola Ride

Glide through scenic Venetian canals on a 30-minute gondola experience.
EUR 80, 30m

4:00pm

Rialto Market Visit

Walk the colourful market area filled with fresh food stalls near Rialto Bridge.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Antiche Carampane

Dine on classic Venetian dishes outside main tourist routes, open until 11pm.
EUR 40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Croatian Coast - Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia on April 29, 2025

6:00am

Bus Ferry to Split, then Bus to Dubrovnik

Travel north along the Adriatic coast via ferry from Venice to Split (overnight ferry recommended), then bus to Dubrovnik, avoiding flights.
EUR 120 total approx, 15h combined - overnight ferry plus bus

9:00am

Breakfast at Gradska Kavana Arsenal

Enjoy coffee & pastries with harbour views upon arrival in Dubrovnik old town.
EUR 10, 1h

10:15am

Walk Dubrovnik Old City Walls

Take in panoramic views walking this medieval fortification, open 8am-7pm.
HRK 200 (EUR 27), 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Konoba Dubrava

Savour traditional Dalmatian fare in a warm family atmosphere, open until 3pm.
EUR 25, 1h

2:30pm

Rector’s Palace Visit

Explore Dubrovnik’s history with art and exhibitions, open until 5pm.
HRK 80 (EUR 11), 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Banje Beach

Enjoy sea views with old city walls as backdrop, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant 360

Dine Michelin-star style overlooking the old city, booking advised.
EUR 80+, 2h
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Day 5: Split Roman History

Split, Croatia on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Bus from Dubrovnik to Split

Travel by bus through scenic Croatian coast, approx 4.5 hours, no flights.
EUR 30, 4h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Konoba Hvaranin

Enjoy fresh local seafood specialties in a welcoming setting, open until 3pm.
EUR 25, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Diocletian’s Palace

Wander the Roman emperor’s palace complex now bustling with shops and cafés, open all day.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Climb Marjan Hill

Take a walk to the summit for beautiful views over Split and the Adriatic Sea.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar

Sample Croatian wines and contemporary cuisine in a stylish setting, open late.
EUR 35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne, Switzerland on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Bus and Train to Lucerne via Trieste and Milan

Journey day by bus from Split to Trieste, then train through Milan to Lucerne, avoiding flights. Check schedules carefully; approx 10-12 hours total travel.
EUR 100 approx, 12h

8:00pm

Dinner at Wirtshaus Galliker

After arrival in Lucerne, enjoy traditional Swiss dishes at this historic inn open until 10pm.
CHF 30, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Lucerne Sights & Lake Cruise

Lucerne, Switzerland on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Ville

Relax with coffee and pastries in central Lucerne, open from 7am.
CHF 15, 45m

9:00am

Walk Chapel Bridge & Old Town

Discover Lucerne’s iconic wooden bridge and charming medieval streets, accessible all day.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Lion Monument Visit

See the poignant sculpture commemorating fallen Swiss Guards.
Free, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Stern

Enjoy Swiss specialities in a lovely atmosphere, open 11:30am-10pm.
CHF 35, 1h

1:30pm

Lake Lucerne Boat Cruise

Take a 1.5-hour scenic boat ride surrounded by mountains; cruises run until early evening.
CHF 30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax or explore more Old Town

Spend your late afternoon at leisure discovering Lucerne or relaxing by the lake.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Balances

Dine beautifully on Swiss and international cuisine in a scenic setting near the river.
CHF 50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Day Trip to Zermatt

Zermatt, Switzerland on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Train Lucerne to Zermatt

Travel through scenic Swiss Alps via train, approx. 3.5 hours, with connections in Visp.
CHF 80 return, 3h30m

10:30am

Visit Gornergrat

Take the cogwheel train from Zermatt to the Gornergrat summit for unforgettable Matterhorn views; train operates from 7am-7pm.
CHF 90 return, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat

Dine with spectacular alpine scenery at one of Europe's highest hotels, open year-round.
CHF 40, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Zermatt Village

Walk around the charming car-free village with shops and cafes and admire the Matterhorn views.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return Train to Lucerne

Travel back to Lucerne, arriving in early evening.
Included in return ticket, 3h30m

8:30pm

Light Dinner in Lucerne

Enjoy a casual meal at nearby café or your hotel to unwind after your alpine day.
CHF 20, 1h
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Day 9: Interlaken Alpine Day

Interlaken, Switzerland on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Train Lucerne to Interlaken

Take the scenic train route to Interlaken, approx 2h15m journey.
CHF 50, 2h15m

9:30am

Breakfast at Café de Paris Interlaken

Start your day with coffee and pastries with mountain views, open from 7am.
CHF 20, 1h

10:45am

Harder Kulm Funicular

Ride to the observation platform for panoramic views of the Jungfrau region; open 9am-5:30pm.
CHF 38 return, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant

Enjoy local Swiss dishes accompanied by stunning alpine views.
CHF 30, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Interlaken

Stroll around the town’s shops, parks, and cafés.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Boat ride on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz

Take a relaxing boat trip on one of Interlaken’s lakes, check seasonal schedules for availability.
CHF 30, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

Enjoy Swiss cuisine in an elegant setting within the Victoria Jungfrau Hotel.
CHF 50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Return to Milan

Milan, Italy on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Train Interlaken to Milan

Travel via Swiss-Italian border by train to Milan, approx 3h20m journey.
EUR 45, 3h20m

12:00pm

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Famous for delicious panzerotti close to Milan Cathedral, open till afternoon.
EUR 10, 45m

1:00pm

Visit Milan Cathedral

Explore the iconic Gothic cathedral with rooftop terrace, open 9am-7pm.
EUR 15, 2h

3:30pm

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through Milan’s elegant arcade filled with shops and cafés.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Sforza Castle visit

Tour the historic castle and museums, closing at 5:30pm.
EUR 10, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Savini

Enjoy classic Italian fine dining in the Galleria, open till late evening.
EUR 60, 1h30m
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Day 11: Lake Como Day Trip

Como, Italy on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Train Milan to Como

A quick 40-minute train ride takes you to Como for a scenic lake day trip.
EUR 10, 40m

9:00am

Breakfast at Bar Gelateria Lario

Enjoy lakeside coffee and croissants at this popular bar open 7am-8pm.
EUR 12, 45m

10:00am

Funicular to Brunate

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

11:30am

Explore Brunate

Wander the charming hillside village and enjoy the vistas.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Vista

Meals with breathtaking lake views in an elegant setting.
EUR 30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Boat to Bellagio

Scenic ferry ride to the picturesque Bellagio town, amid Lake Como’s beauty.
EUR 15, 1h

4:15pm

Explore Bellagio

Stroll quaint streets and visit shops or relax by the lakeside.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Milan

Boat and train journey back to Milan for your last night in Italy.
EUR 25, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner near hotel

Choose a local trattoria for a relaxed final Italian dinner.
EUR 25, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Departure

Milan, Italy on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast near hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast and final packing before departure.
EUR 10, 1h

10:00am

Transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport

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