Comprehensive 11-Day Itinerary: Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, Bern & Italy’s Milan and Rome

Day 1: Zurich Arrival & Tour

Zurich, Switzerland on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Sprüngli

Start your Zurich adventure with famous Luxemburgerli macarons and Swiss pastries in this iconic cafe.
CHF15, 1h0m

9:30am

Zurich Old Town Walking Tour

Explore narrow medieval streets and landmarks like Grossmünster and Fraumünster Churches.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Traditional Swiss cuisine in a historical armory setting, popular for sausages and rösti.
CHF30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lake Zurich Boat Cruise

Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour cruise on Lake Zurich, taking in beautiful lakeside villas and nature. Operating hours 10:00am-5:00pm.
CHF25, 1h30m

5:30pm

Dinner at Swiss Chuchi

Savour authentic fondue and raclette in a cosy Old Town setting.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Zurich Museums & Uetliberg

Zurich, Switzerland on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse

Enjoy fresh-baked bread and specialty coffees to fuel your day.
CHF20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Switzerland’s premier art museum, showcasing modern and classic works. Open 10:00am-6:00pm.
CHF16, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Frau Gerolds Garten

Urban garden setting offering Swiss and Mediterranean dishes, lively atmosphere.
CHF25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Hike or Train to Uetliberg

Up to panoramic mountain views over Zurich and the Alps; train runs till evening. Fare CHF10.
CHF10, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kronenhalle

Fine dining with Swiss and European dishes in a historic artist-frequented venue.
CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Lucerne & Explore

Lucerne, Switzerland on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Train Zurich to Lucerne

Approx 1-hour scenic train ride along Lake Zurich to Lucerne.
CHF30, 1h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Schober

Historic cafe famous for Swiss pastries in Lucerne’s old town.
CHF15, 1h0m

10:30am

Chapel Bridge and Water Tower

Iconic 14th-century wooden bridge and medieval Water Tower in the city center.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Hearty traditional Swiss food in a welcoming family-run restaurant.
CHF30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Swiss Museum of Transport

Interactive transport exhibits; open 10:00am-5:00pm.
CHF32, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Balances

Modern Swiss and international cuisine on the riverfront in Lucerne.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Lucerne to Interlaken via Scenic Train

Interlaken, Switzerland on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Bakery

Light breakfast before starting your scenic train journey.
CHF15, 0h45m

9:00am

Golden Pass Line Scenic Train to Interlaken

Enjoy breath-taking views on the Lucerne to Interlaken route via scenic Golden Pass Line, approx 2h.
CHF60, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Confiserie Schuh

Pastries and coffee in Interlaken town center.
CHF15, 1h0m

12:45pm

Hohematte Park & Town Walk

Relax amid mountain views and charming town streets.
Free, 1h30m

2:30pm

Harder Kulm Funicular

Ride the funicular for stunning views of lakes and Alps; open 9:00am-5:00pm.
CHF38, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

Swiss and international favorites in cozy alpine ambiance.
CHF45, 1h30m
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Day 5: Jungfrau Region Excursion

Interlaken, Switzerland on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Grab Quick Breakfast

Take a light, energizing breakfast before a full-day alpine trip.
CHF10, 0h30m

7:30am

Train to Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe

Scenic train journey via Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg to Europe’s highest railway station; open 8:00am-4:00pm.
CHF120, 8h0m

5:30pm

Return & Rest

Relax at your accommodation after your alpine adventure.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Laterne Restaurant

Local Swiss dishes and wine in a relaxed setting.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Day Trip to Bern

Bern, Switzerland on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Train Interlaken to Bern

Direct train takes about 1 hour, offering pleasant views en route.
CHF35, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Fédéral

Try local pastries and coffee in Bern’s old town center.
CHF20, 1h0m

10:45am

Explore Bern Old Town

UNESCO World Heritage Site with medieval arcades, clock tower (Zytglogge), and historic fountains.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kornhauskeller

Historic vaulted cellar serving Swiss and international cuisine in elegant ambiance.
CHF40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Bern Historical Museum & Einstein Museum

Discover Bern’s cultural history and Einstein’s legacy; open 10:00am-5:00pm.
CHF15, 2h0m

5:30pm

Train Bern to Zermatt

Travel approx 2 hours via Visp to car-free Zermatt, gateway to the Matterhorn.
CHF50, 2h0m

7:45pm

Dinner at Chez Max Julen

Swiss mountain cuisine in a traditional Zermatt setting.
CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Zermatt & Matterhorn Experience

Zermatt, Switzerland on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Hearty breakfast before the Matterhorn excursion.
CHF20, 1h0m

9:00am

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car

Take the highest cable car in Europe to 3883m for spectacular panoramic views and glacier activities; open 8:00am-4:30pm.
CHF100, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Panorama Restaurant

Mountain dining with vistas of the Matterhorn and Alps.
CHF35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Zermatt Village

Walk around the charming Alpine village, visit local shops and museums.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Whymper-Stube

Traditional Swiss food with cozy alpine atmosphere.
CHF45, 1h30m
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Day 8: Zermatt to Milan Scenic Transit

Milan, Italy on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for your scenic journey into Italy.
CHF20, 1h0m

8:30am

Train Zermatt to Milan via Brig

Scenic train ride through the Swiss and Italian Alps lasting about 3.5 hours, crossing national borders.
EUR50, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch near Milan Central Station at Panificio Pattini

Casual Italian bakery with sandwiches and pastries.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Duomo di Milano

Visit Milan’s iconic cathedral and climb onto the rooftop for architectural and skyline views. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

5:00pm

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Explore the elegant 19th-century arcade with luxury shopping and grand cafes.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Nabucco

Traditional Milanese cuisine in the artsy Brera district.
EUR50, 2h0m
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Day 9: Milan to Rome

Rome, Italy on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Train Milan to Rome

High-speed train taking approximately 3 hours to Rome Centrale station.
EUR60, 3h0m

11:30am

Breakfast and Espresso at Panella

Start your Roman day with classic Italian pastries and strong coffee.
EUR15, 0h45m

12:15pm

Colosseum & Roman Forum Visit

Explore Rome’s iconic ancient amphitheater and the ruins surrounding it. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR18, 3h0m

3:30pm

Lunch at Aroma Restaurant

Fine dining with a view of the Colosseum serving modern Italian cuisine.
EUR60, 1h30m

5:30pm

Walk to Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps

Enjoy Rome’s historic baroque fountains and lively city steps, open at all times.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria da Enzo al 29

Authentic Roman dishes in a charming neighbourhood eatery, reservation recommended.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Rome Sightseeing

Rome, Italy on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Delicious Italian coffee with pastries in central Rome.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:00am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Home to the Pope and world-famous art collections; pre-book tickets. Open 9:00am-6:00pm.
EUR25, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pizzarium Bonci

Famous for gourmet Roman-style pizza al taglio, casual quick lunch option.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

St. Peter’s Basilica & Dome Climb

Explore the basilica and climb the dome for spectacular views over Vatican City and Rome.
Free, Dome climb EUR8, 2h0m

5:00pm

Piazza Navona and Pantheon Visit

Baroque square and ancient Roman temple, both open and free to explore.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Dell’Ingegno

Enjoy modern Italian cuisine with a historic city center vibe.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 11: Rome Departure

Rome, Italy on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your onward journey.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:00am

Transfer to Rome Airport

Depart for Fiumicino or Ciampino airport as per your flight schedule.
EUR15 (taxi or train), 1h0m
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