15-Day Family Trip Through Switzerland’s Iconic Sites & Italy’s Rome and Milan Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on May 3, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Delight in Swiss pastries and legendary Luxemburgerli macarons at this iconic Zurich café, a perfect energizer after your arrival.
CHF20, 1h0m

11:00am

Old Town Walking Tour

Wander Zurich’s medieval Old Town with its cozy alleys, historic churches like Grossmünster, and charming squares.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy traditional Swiss fare, including hearty sausages and rosti, in a historic armory that welcomes families.
CHF30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Lake Zurich Boat Cruise

Relax on a scenic 1-hour boat ride on Lake Zurich enjoying beautiful views of the city and surrounding Alps.
CHF25, 1h0m

5:00pm

Hotel Check-in and Rest

Settle into your hotel and rest for the evening.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hiltl

Dine at Europe’s oldest vegetarian restaurant offering creative and delicious meals to please all family members.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus

Lucerne, Switzerland on May 4, 2025

7:30am

Train to Lucerne

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

9:00am

Breakfast at Kaffee Klatsch

Have a hearty breakfast at this cozy café situated near the Chapel Bridge.
CHF20, 1h0m

10:15am

Chapel Bridge & Water Tower

Visit Lucerne’s famous medieval covered wooden bridge and the Water Tower beside it.
Free, 1h0m

11:30am

Excursion to Mt. Pilatus

Take the world’s steepest cogwheel train up Mt. Pilatus – stunning panoramic Alpine views awaits (open 8am-6pm).
CHF72, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Pilatus Kulm Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy scenic views while dining on local Swiss specialties at the summit restaurant.
CHF40, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to Lucerne and Visit Swiss Museum of Transport

Explore interactive exhibits on trains, planes, and automotive history – fun and educational for kids (open 10am-5pm).
CHF32, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Wirtshaus Galliker

Experience classic Lucerne cuisine in a family-friendly rustic setting.
CHF30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Interlaken and Travel to Zermatt

Interlaken & Zermatt, Switzerland on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Train to Interlaken

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

9:30am

Breakfast at Café de Paris Interlaken

Enjoy a fresh, wholesome breakfast in a welcoming atmosphere.
CHF22, 1h0m

10:45am

Funicular to Harder Kulm

Ascend to Harder Kulm viewpoint via funicular for breathtaking views of Interlaken and nearby peaks.
CHF38, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant

Sample Swiss classics while absorbing stunning alpine vistas.
CHF40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Train to Zermatt

Travel to Zermatt, gateway to the Matterhorn; approx 2.5-hour train ride, car-free village for peace and charm.
CHF55, 2h30m

6:00pm

Hotel Check-in and Leisure

Settle into your accommodation and explore the car-free village atmosphere.
Varies, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Du Pont

Enjoy family-friendly traditional Swiss dishes in the heart of Zermatt.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Zermatt, Switzerland on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast to prepare for your alpine excursion.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car

Take the highest cable car station in Europe for breathtaking views and snow activities year-round (open 8am-5pm).
CHF100, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Panorama Restaurant

Dine with stunning panoramic views of surrounding peaks at the Glacier Paradise facility.
CHF40, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Zermatt Village

Stroll through charming boutiques, visit Matterhorn Museum focusing on alpine history and mountaineering.
CHF10, 2h0m

6:00pm

Relax at Hotel

Unwind and rest ahead of travel to Montreux.
Varies, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Whymper-Stube

Enjoy Valais regional dishes in a warm alpine setting great for families.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Montreux and Chillon Castle

Montreux, Switzerland on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Train to Montreux

Travel from Zermatt to Montreux by scenic train ride along alpine and lake scenery (approx 3 hours).
CHF60, 3h0m

11:30am

Breakfast at Café Très

Relax with morning coffee and delicious pastries by Lake Geneva.
CHF20, 1h0m

12:45pm

Visit Chillon Castle

Explore this captivating medieval lakeside castle with beautiful gardens and interactive exhibits (open 9am-7pm).
CHF15, 2h0m

3:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Le Palais Oriental

Mediterranean inspired dishes with a view of Lake Geneva, perfect for families seeking flavorsome food.
CHF40, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk along Montreux Lakeside Promenade

Leisurely stroll amidst floral gardens and sculptures with lake vistas ideal for kids to explore.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Check-in Hotel Montreux

Rest and enjoy hotel amenities ahead of next day.
Varies, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Museum

Dine on regional Swiss and French favorites at this family-friendly Montreux restaurant.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Lausanne and Geneva

Lausanne & Geneva, Switzerland on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Train to Lausanne

Catch a short 30-minute train from Montreux to Lausanne to begin your day.
CHF15, 30m

8:15am

Breakfast at Le Barbare

Enjoy artisan pastries and coffee in Lausanne’s charming Old Town.
CHF20, 1h0m

9:30am

Olympic Museum Visit

Explore interactive exhibits dedicated to world Olympic history and spirit, fun and engaging for kids (open 10am-6pm).
CHF18, 2h0m

11:45am

Train to Geneva

Travel 35 minutes from Lausanne to Geneva by train.
CHF15, 35m

12:30pm

Lunch at Café du Soleil

Taste authentic fondue and other Swiss specialties in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
CHF40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Jet d’Eau and English Garden

Enjoy the iconic water fountain and scenic lakeside garden perfect for a family stroll.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

United Nations Office Tour

Take a guided family-friendly tour of the UN European headquarters (advance booking recommended).
CHF15, 1h30m

5:30pm

Train Back to Montreux

Return to Montreux for overnight stay.
CHF20, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Arthurs Steakhouse

Casual dining with family-friendly options to relax after a full day.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Train to Milan

Milan, Italy on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Train to Milan

Travel from Montreux to Milan by train via scenic route passing through the Alps; approx 4 hours.
EUR60, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Sample famous Milanese panzerotti just a short walk from the Duomo – an informal, family-favourite meal.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Milan Cathedral (Duomo)

Explore the magnificent Gothic cathedral and its rooftop views over Milan (open 9am-7pm).
EUR15, 2h0m

3:45pm

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Shop and admire the historic arcade full of boutiques and cafés – great for family window shopping.
Free, 1h15m

5:00pm

Sforza Castle Outdoors

Enjoy the castle’s expansive courtyards and nearby park, perfect for children to play.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante da Oscar

Traditional Milanese and Italian dishes served in a casual setting suitable for families.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 8: Milan Museums & Leisure

Milan, Italy on May 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pavé

Start your day at this bakery known for fresh pastries and excellent coffee.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:45am

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper

Pre-book tickets to see the famed mural (open 8:15am-7pm), a cultural highlight for visitors.
EUR20, 1h0m

11:00am

Pinacoteca di Brera

Explore Milan’s premier art gallery containing Renaissance artworks, accessible for families with art interest.
EUR15, 2h0m

1:15pm

Lunch at Osteria della Conca Fallata

Savor delicious northern Italian cuisine in a welcoming environment.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Free Time or Visit Acquario Civico

Relax or explore the small city aquarium, ideal for kids and open till 6pm.
EUR6, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Hotel, Rest

Get ready for next day’s travel to Rome.
Varies, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Milanese

Classic Milanese dishes in a cozy, family-friendly venue.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 9: Travel to Rome

Rome, Italy on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Train to Rome

Take a high-speed train from Milan to Rome (approx 3 hours) for a quick, comfortable journey.
EUR70, 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Trattoria Luzzi

Enjoy delicious Roman cuisine near the Colosseum, welcoming to families.
EUR25, 1h30m

1:30pm

Visit Colosseum

Explore Rome’s iconic amphitheater and marvel at centuries of history (open 9am-7pm).
EUR18, 2h0m

4:00pm

Walk Roman Forum

Discover ancient ruins near the Colosseum, included with your ticket, great for curious minds.
Included, 1h30m

6:00pm

Hotel Check-in and Relax

Rest before dinner after your arrival and sightseeing.
Varies, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Ai Marmi

Enjoy family-friendly Roman-style pizzas in a lively and casual atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 10: Vatican City Highlights

Rome, Italy on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pastificio Guerra

Start with a light Italian breakfast near the Vatican Museums.
EUR10, 30m

8:30am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Visit world-renowned collections culminating in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling (open 9am-6pm).
EUR25, 3h0m

12:00pm

St. Peter’s Basilica

Admire this monumental basilica, and optionally climb the dome for panoramic city views (open 7am-7pm).
Free, Dome climb EUR10, 2h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Arlù

Enjoy authentic dishes in a charming Roman venue near the Vatican.
EUR35, 1h30m

4:00pm

Castel Sant’Angelo & Tiber River Walk

Explore this historic fortress and enjoy a scenic walk along the river with family-friendly ambiance.
EUR15, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria della Suburra

Experience classic Roman cuisine with family-friendly service.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 11: Ancient Rome & Shopping

Rome, Italy on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Sant’Eustachio

Famous espresso paired with light Italian breakfast in the historic center.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Pantheon Visit

Discover the architectural wonder of this ancient Roman temple with its iconic dome (open 9am-7pm).
EUR5, 1h0m

10:45am

Piazza Navona

Enjoy lively square with fountains, street performers, and cafés perfect for a family stroll.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Cul de Sac

Eclectic wine bar offering diverse Italian dishes, great for families seeking authentic flavors.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Shopping on Via del Corso

Browse a range of shops and boutiques, from fashion to souvenirs, along Rome’s bustling main shopping street.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Villa Borghese Gardens

Relax and let the kids play in one of Rome’s largest parks with playgrounds and bike rentals.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma

Elegant dining with spectacular Colosseum views, perfect for ending a day in Rome.
EUR60, 2h0m
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Day 12: Trastevere Exploration & Leisure

Rome, Italy on May 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Panella

Historic bakery serving classic Italian pastries, a perfect start in the charming Trastevere district.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:00am

Explore Trastevere

Wander the cobbled streets, visit artisan shops, and enjoy the lively but relaxed atmosphere.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tonnarello

Traditional Roman pasta dishes in a bustling, family-friendly trattoria.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Janiculum Hill Views

Take in panoramic views of Rome from this peaceful green space, ideal for family photos and relaxation.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Gelato at Fior di Luna

Treat yourselves to some of the best gelato in Rome in this artisan gelateria.
EUR5, 30m

6:00pm

Spanish Steps Visit

Visit the iconic steps and lively surrounding area, perfect to take in the Roman evening atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hostaria da Pietro

Cozy family-friendly trattoria serving beloved Roman dishes.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 13: Day Trip to Tivoli

Rome/Tivoli, Italy on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Tivoli

Catch train or bus to Tivoli (about 1 hour) to explore Renaissance villas and gardens.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Tivoli Café

Enjoy a local breakfast near Villa d’Este to fuel your day of discovery.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:30am

Villa d’Este

Visit this magnificently landscaped villa with remarkable fountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site (open 8:30am-7:45pm).
EUR15, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Sibilla

Dine in elegant surroundings near Hadrian’s Villa, with menus suitable for families.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:45pm

Hadrian’s Villa

Explore the extensive archaeological ruins of this ancient Roman emperor’s retreat (open 9am-7pm).
EUR15, 2h0m

5:30pm

Return to Rome

Travel back to Rome to relax after an inspiring day.
EUR12, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner near hotel

Low-key dinner at a nearby family-friendly restaurant to unwind.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 14: Leisure Day & Farewell Dinner

Rome, Italy on May 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast and take your time preparing for the day.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Free Morning for Shopping or Museums

Pick any favorite spot to revisit, shop for souvenirs, or visit smaller museums at your leisure.
Varies, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Antico Caffè della Pace

Enjoy a lovely meal in a historic and charming setting, perfect for reminiscing your trip.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Pack and Relax

Spend the afternoon resting and finalizing your luggage.
Varies, 2h0m

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Il Gabriello

Celebrate your memorable family trip with exquisite Roman cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 15: Departure Day

Rome, Italy on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Rome before checkout and departure.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Pack and Checkout

Complete packing and check out from the hotel.
Varies, 2h0m

12:00pm

Transfer to Airport

Take a taxi or shuttle to Rome Fiumicino Airport for your flight home.
EUR50, 1h0m
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