15-Day Family Itinerary: 10 Days in Switzerland & 5 Days in Rome with Cultural and Scenic Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on May 3, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Enjoy Swiss pastries and coffee at this iconic Zurich eatery known for its Luxemburgerli macarons.
CHF20, 1h0m

11:00am

Old Town Walking Tour

Explore Zurich’s historic Old Town featuring medieval buildings, narrow alleys, and landmarks like Grossmünster Church.
CHF0, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Traditional Swiss food in a historic armory setting with family-friendly atmosphere.
CHF30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Lake Zurich Boat Ride

Relax with a scenic boat cruise on Lake Zurich, great for family photos and enjoying nature.
CHF25, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check-in Hotel in Zurich

Rest and freshen up before dinner.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hiltl

Dine at Europe’s oldest vegetarian restaurant offering diverse healthy options great for families.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Explore Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland on May 4, 2025

7:30am

Train to Lucerne

Take a 1-hour scenic train ride from Zurich to Lucerne, early morning to maximize the day.
CHF25, 1h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Kaffee Klatsch

Start with a hearty Swiss breakfast at this cozy local café near the Chapel Bridge.
CHF20, 1h0m

10:15am

Chapel Bridge and Water Tower

Visit Lucerne’s famous 14th-century covered wooden bridge and adjoining landmarks.
CHF0, 1h0m

11:30am

Swiss Museum of Transport

Explore interactive exhibits on trains, automobiles, aviation and space travel perfect for children.
CHF32, 2h0m

1:45pm

Lunch at Restaurant Balances

Enjoy Swiss and international cuisine with a view by the river.
CHF35, 1h30m

3:30pm

Lake Lucerne Boat Tour

Take a 1-hour cruise to soak in the beautiful mountain and lake landscapes.
CHF25, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Lion Monument

Stop at the famous Lion Monument commemorating Swiss Guards, perfect for a family photo.
CHF0, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Wirtshaus Galliker

Traditional Lucerne specialties in a cozy, family-friendly setting.
CHF30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Interlaken Exploration

Interlaken, Switzerland on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Train to Interlaken

Travel from Lucerne to Interlaken by train through scenic Swiss landscapes; duration approx 2 hours.
CHF45, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Café de Paris

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at this charming Interlaken café.
CHF22, 1h0m

10:45am

Harder Kulm Visit

Take the funicular to Harder Kulm viewpoint offering panoramic views of Interlaken and surrounding peaks.
CHF38, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes with stunning vistas at the top.
CHF40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Boat Ride on Lake Thun

Relax on a family-friendly boat cruise on Lake Thun, admiring alpine scenery.
CHF25, 1h0m

5:00pm

Walk in Höhematte Park

Stroll through the central park with playgrounds and open spaces perfect for kids.
CHF0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

Try Swiss specialties with a cozy atmosphere welcoming families.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Day Trip to Bern

Bern, Switzerland on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Train to Bern

Travel from Interlaken to Bern, Switzerland’s federal city, approx 1 hour by train.
CHF30, 1h0m

8:45am

Breakfast at Café Fédéral

Enjoy a Swiss breakfast at this popular café near Bern’s train station.
CHF20, 1h0m

10:00am

Bern Old Town Walking Tour

Explore UNESCO World Heritage medieval old town with its sandstone buildings, arcades and the Zytglogge clock tower.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Lötschberg

Enjoy Swiss cuisine including rösti and fondue in a warm family-friendly setting.
CHF35, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Bear Park and Rosengarten

Watch the bears at the city’s bear enclosure and stroll through the rose garden with panoramic city views.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Interlaken

Train back to Interlaken for evening rest.
CHF30, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Laterne Restaurant

Enjoy hearty Swiss food popular with locals and families alike.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Travel to Montreux

Montreux, Switzerland on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Train to Montreux

Travel from Interlaken to Montreux, a picturesque lakeside town on Lake Geneva (approx 2.5 hours).
CHF50, 2h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Café Très

Enjoy morning coffee and pastries with lake views in Montreux.
CHF20, 1h0m

11:45am

Visit Chillon Castle

Explore Switzerland’s most famous historic castle located on the shore of Lake Geneva (open 9am–7pm).
CHF15, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Le Palais Oriental

Dine with views of the lake featuring Mediterranean-influenced cuisine.
CHF40, 1h30m

3:45pm

Walk along Montreux Lakeside Promenade

Stroll along this scenic lakeside path dotted with flower gardens and sculptures.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check-in Hotel Montreux

Relax and prepare for dinner.
Varies, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Museum

Swiss and French cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere in Montreux.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Explore Lausanne

Lausanne, Switzerland on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Train to Lausanne

Short 30-minute train ride from Montreux to Lausanne.
CHF15, 30m

8:45am

Breakfast at Le Barbare

Enjoy artisan pastries and coffee in the old town.
CHF20, 1h0m

10:00am

Olympic Museum Visit

Interactive and engaging museum dedicated to the Olympic Games, great for family visits (open 10am-6pm).
CHF18, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Brasserie de Montbenon

Classic Swiss and French brasserie food with park views.
CHF35, 1h30m

2:30pm

Lausanne Cathedral and Old Town Walk

Explore the gothic cathedral and stroll through the charming old town streets.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to Montreux

Train back to Montreux.
CHF15, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Arthurs Steakhouse Montreux

Family-friendly steak and grill restaurant offering a variety of dishes.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Relax at Montreux

Montreux, Switzerland on May 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel to start a leisurely day.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Rochers-de-Naye

Take the cogwheel train up to Rochers-de-Naye for spectacular views and family-friendly hiking trails (opened year-round, 8am-6pm).
CHF65, 4h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Chalet Suisse

Traditional Swiss fare near the Rochers-de-Naye station.
CHF30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Montreux

Relax for the rest of the afternoon by the lake.
Included, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Palais Oriental

Savor Mediterranean cuisine with stunning views of Lake Geneva.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Travel to Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Train to Zurich

Return by train to Zurich for last day in Switzerland (approx 2.5 hours).
CHF50, 2h30m

10:30am

Brunch at Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse

Enjoy a relaxed brunch with family-friendly menu options.
CHF25, 1h30m

12:00pm

Visit Zürich Zoo

Explore the Zurich Zoo with special focus on the Masoala Rainforest exhibit, perfect for children (open 9am-6pm).
CHF26, 3h0m

3:30pm

Shopping on Bahnhofstrasse

Explore Zurich’s premier shopping street with options for all age groups.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return to Hotel & Rest

Prepare for departure to Rome the next day.
Varies, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Kronenhalle

Upscale dining featuring Swiss classics and a family-friendly atmosphere.
CHF60, 1h30m
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Day 9: Travel to Rome

Rome, Italy on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Flight or Train to Rome

Travel from Zurich to Rome either by short flight (approx 1.5 hours) or train (approx 7 hours). Flight recommended for time efficiency.
EUR100 (approx flight), 2h30m

12:30pm

Check-in and Lunch

Check-in at hotel followed by lunch at nearby Trattoria Luzzi, casual Roman dining near Colosseum.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Colosseum Visit

Explore the iconic Roman amphitheater and its history (open 9am-7pm).
EUR18, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk Roman Forum

Admire ruins of Forum Romanum nearby (ticket included with Colosseum).
Included, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Ai Marmi

Family-friendly Roman pizzas with vibrant atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 10: Vatican & Historic Rome

Rome, Italy on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pastificio Guerra

Quick Italian breakfast near Vatican Museums.
EUR10, 30m

8:30am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Explore art treasures and Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes (open 9am-6pm).
EUR25, 3h0m

12:00pm

St. Peter’s Basilica

Visit the grand basilica and optionally climb the dome for views (open 7am-7pm).
Free, Dome climb EUR10, 2h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Arlù

Cozy dining with authentic Roman dishes.
EUR35, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk Castel Sant’Angelo and Tiber River

Visit this historic fortress and stroll along the scenic riverfront.
EUR15, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria della Suburra

Traditional Italian meals in family-friendly setting.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 11: Ancient Highlights & Shopping

Rome, Italy on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Sant’Eustachio

Famous for excellent espresso with light breakfast.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Pantheon Visit

Visit this extraordinary ancient Roman temple with a unique dome (open 9am-7pm).
EUR5, 1h0m

10:45am

Piazza Navona Exploration

Enjoy fountains, street artists, and cafés in this vibrant baroque square.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Cul de Sac

Eclectic wine bar with diverse Italian dishes perfect for family.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Shopping Via del Corso

Discover fashion and souvenir shops along this popular street.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Villa Borghese Gardens Relaxation

Spend quiet time with children in the spacious gardens and playgrounds.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma

Memorable dinner with views of Colosseum in elegant setting.
EUR60, 2h0m
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Day 12: Trastevere & Leisure

Rome, Italy on May 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Panella

Historic bakery offering fresh pastries and coffee.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:00am

Wander Trastevere

Explore charming cobbled streets, artisan shops and family-friendly cafes.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tonnarello

Savor traditional Roman dishes in lively atmosphere perfect for families.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Janiculum Hill

Enjoy panoramic views of Rome and peaceful park surroundings.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Gelato at Fior di Luna

Treat yourself to some of Rome’s finest gelato.
EUR5, 30m

6:00pm

Walk Piazza di Spagna

Witness the Spanish Steps and vibrant atmosphere at sunset.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hostaria da Pietro

Enjoy classic Roman cooking in a warm family-friendly setting.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 13: Excursion to Tivoli

Rome/Tivoli, Italy on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Train/Bus to Tivoli

Travel 1 hour to Tivoli to visit famous villas and gardens.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Tivoli Café

Start your day with a local breakfast near Villa d’Este.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:30am

Villa d’Este

Explore Renaissance villa renowned for its fountains and gardens (open 8:30am–7:45pm).
EUR15, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Sibilla

Dine close to Hadrian’s Villa, with Italian specialties and family-friendly service.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:45pm

Hadrian’s Villa

Visit the vast archaeological complex of the Roman Emperor’s retreat (open 9am-7pm).
EUR15, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Rome

Travel back for dinner and relaxation.
EUR12, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner near hotel

Enjoy a relaxed meal close to your accommodation after a full day.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 14: Leisure & Departure Prep

Rome, Italy on May 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Relaxed breakfast before your last full day in Rome.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Free Morning for Shopping or Museums

Choose a leisurely activity such as revisiting favorite spots or souvenirs shopping.
Varies, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Antico Caffè della Pace

Enjoy a charming setting for a memorable Roman meal.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Pack and Rest

Prepare luggage for departure the following day.
Varies, 2h0m

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Il Gabriello

End your trip with classic Roman cuisine in a warm family atmosphere.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 15: Departure Day

Rome, Italy on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before checkout.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Pack and Prepare for Departure

Final packing and hotel checkout.
Varies, 2h0m

12:00pm

Transfer to Airport

Travel to Rome Fiumicino Airport for flight home.
EUR50, 1h0m
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