10 Days in Switzerland and 5 Days in Italy: Family-Friendly Scenic and Cultural Journey

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on May 3, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Enjoy Swiss pastries and coffee at the famous Café Sprüngli, known for its Luxemburgerli macarons.
CHF20, 1h0m

11:00am

Old Town Walking Tour

Walk through Zurich’s medieval Old Town with sights like Grossmünster Church and charming narrow streets.
CHF0, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Savor traditional Swiss dishes in a historic armory setting for a cozy family meal.
CHF30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Lake Zurich Boat Ride

Take a relaxing and scenic 1-hour boat cruise on Lake Zurich, ideal for family photos and nature views.
CHF25, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check-in Hotel in Zurich

Rest and refresh before dinner.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hiltl

Enjoy diverse vegetarian delights at Europe's oldest vegetarian restaurant, family-friendly and healthy.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Discover Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland on May 4, 2025

7:30am

Train to Lucerne

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

9:00am

Breakfast at Kaffee Klatsch

Start the day with a Swiss breakfast near the iconic Chapel Bridge.
CHF20, 1h0m

10:15am

Visit Chapel Bridge and Water Tower

Explore Lucerne’s 14th-century covered wooden bridge and nearby historical sites.
CHF0, 1h0m

11:30am

Swiss Museum of Transport

Interactive exhibits about trains, aviation, space, perfect for kids and adults alike.
CHF32, 2h0m

1:45pm

Lunch at Restaurant Balances

Dine on Swiss and international dishes with scenic riverside views.
CHF35, 1h30m

3:30pm

Lake Lucerne Boat Tour

Enjoy a 1-hour cruise taking in stunning mountain and lake scenery.
CHF25, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Lion Monument

See the famous Lion Monument, a poignant sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards.
CHF0, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Wirtshaus Galliker

Traditional Lucerne cuisine served in a warm, family-friendly setting.
CHF30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Interlaken & Adventure

Interlaken, Switzerland on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Train to Interlaken

Travel 2 hours from Lucerne to Interlaken by train enjoying scenic vistas.
CHF45, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Café de Paris

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast at this cozy local café in Interlaken.
CHF22, 1h0m

10:45am

Harder Kulm Funicular

Ascend to Harder Kulm viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views of Interlaken and lakes.
CHF38, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant

Dine with a view while enjoying traditional Swiss dishes.
CHF40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Boat Ride on Lake Thun

Relax with a scenic family-friendly boat cruise on Lake Thun, surrounded by beautiful alpine views.
CHF25, 1h0m

5:00pm

Walk in Höhematte Park

Enjoy an evening stroll in this central park with playgrounds and open lawns perfect for families.
CHF0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

Try Swiss specialties in this child-friendly and cozy restaurant.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel to Zermatt

Zermatt, Switzerland on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Train to Zermatt

Travel by train from Interlaken to Zermatt through spectacular alpine scenery over 2.5 hours.
CHF70, 2h30m

10:30am

Breakfast in Zermatt at Café du Pont

Enjoy breakfast in this charming café with lovely mountain views.
CHF25, 1h0m

11:45am

Explore Zermatt Village

Stroll through the picturesque and car-free village, famous for Matterhorn views and shopping.
CHF0, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Schäferstube

Try hearty Swiss alpine dishes in a welcoming setting ideal for families.
CHF40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Matterhorn Museum

Learn about the history, culture, and mountaineering heritage of the iconic Matterhorn region.
CHF15, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel

Rest before dinner.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Whymper-Stube

Enjoy traditional Valais cuisine with a cozy ambiance suitable for families.
CHF45, 1h30m
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Day 5: Gornergrat Excursion

Zermatt, Switzerland on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the day with a hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Gornergrat Railway Ride

Take the cogwheel train to Gornergrat for stunning views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks (open 8am-6pm).
CHF95, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Kulmhotel Gornergrat

Enjoy lunch with spectacular alpine vistas at the summit hotel.
CHF45, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return to Zermatt and Leisure Time

Walk around village or visit shops.
Included, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Stafel

Alpine-inspired cuisine in a cozy mountain atmosphere welcoming families.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Train to Geneva

Travel approx 3 hours from Zermatt to Geneva by train with scenic views en route.
CHF75, 3h0m

11:00am

Breakfast at Boulangerie Fabrique

Enjoy freshly baked breads and treats at this popular Geneva spot.
CHF20, 1h0m

12:15pm

Walk along Lake Geneva

Enjoy walks by the lakeside with views of the Jet d’Eau fountain and boats.
Free, 1h30m

1:45pm

Lunch at Restaurant Le Gruyérien

Sample traditional Swiss fondue and other regional dishes in family-friendly setting.
CHF40, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

Educational museum with interactive exhibits suitable for older children (open 10am-5pm).
CHF15, 2h0m

6:00pm

Check-in Hotel Geneva

Rest and refresh before dinner.
Varies, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Café du Centre

Seafood and Swiss classics served in a vibrant downtown location ideal for families.
CHF45, 1h30m
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Day 7: Geneva Museums & Parks

Geneva, Switzerland on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chez Philippe

Start your day with croissants and coffee at this family favorite bakery.
CHF20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Natural History Museum

Explore engaging exhibits on animals and nature, perfect for kids (open 10am-5pm).
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Relais de l'Entrecôte

Famous for its steak-frites, simple and enjoyable for families.
CHF40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Parc des Bastions

Relax and enjoy this beautiful city park with playgrounds and chess boards.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Shopping at Rue du Rhône

Browse luxury shops and boutiques for souvenirs and gifts.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Lion d’Or

Enjoy classic Swiss dishes in a warm, family-friendly setting.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Travel to Milan

Milan, Italy on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Train to Milan

Morning train crossing from Geneva to Milan, duration approx 4 hours.
EUR55, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Luini

Try panzerotti, a Milanese favorite, perfect for a casual family meal.
EUR10, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Milan Cathedral (Duomo)

Tour the spectacular Gothic cathedral and rooftop terraces (open 9am-7pm).
EUR15, 2h0m

4:30pm

Stroll in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Explore this elegant 19th-century arcade with shopping and historic architecture.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Check-in Hotel Milan

Rest before dinner.
Varies, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Da Giacomo

Classic Milanese cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 9: Travel to Florence

Florence, Italy on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Train to Florence

High-speed train from Milan to Florence, approximately 2 hours.
EUR40, 2h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Savour coffee and breakfast sandwiches near Florence’s historic center.
EUR15, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Florence Cathedral (Duomo)

Explore the iconic cathedral and climb the dome for panoramic views (open 10am-5pm).
EUR20, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Family-friendly trattoria serving authentic Tuscan dishes.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Uffizi Gallery Visit

See Renaissance artworks by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo (open 8:15am-6:30pm).
EUR25, 2h0m

6:00pm

Leisurely Walk across Ponte Vecchio

Explore the historic stone bridge filled with jewelry shops and river views.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Latini

Lively Tuscan dining with hearty meals ideal for families.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 10: Travel to Rome

Rome, Italy on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Train to Rome

High-speed train from Florence to Rome, duration approx 1.5 hours.
EUR45, 1h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Enjoy coffee and pastries in the heart of Rome's historic center.
EUR20, 1h0m

11:30am

Colosseum Visit

Explore the legendary Roman amphitheater known for gladiatorial contests (open 9am-7pm).
EUR18, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Luzzi

Casual Roman trattoria near the Colosseum serving great pizza and pasta for families.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:45pm

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Discover ancient ruins adjacent to the Colosseum (open 9am-7pm).
Included with Colosseum ticket, 2h0m

6:00pm

Check-in Hotel Rome

Unwind before dinner.
Varies, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Ai Marmi

Enjoy Roman-style pizza in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 11: Vatican City

Rome, Italy on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pastificio Guerra

Grab an inexpensive Italian breakfast near the Vatican.
EUR10, 30m

8:30am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Explore world-class art collections and Michelangelo’s frescoes (open 9am-6pm, advance booking advised).
EUR25, 3h0m

12:00pm

Visit St. Peter’s Basilica

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

2:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Arlù

Cozy restaurant with authentic Roman dishes and family-friendly vibe.
EUR35, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk to Castel Sant’Angelo and Tiber River

Leisurely stroll along the river to the historic fortress (open 9am-7:30pm).
EUR15, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria della Suburra

Enjoy hearty Roman cuisine in a family-friendly setting.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 12: Ancient Rome & Shopping

Rome, Italy on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Sant’Eustachio

Start your day with Rome’s famous espresso and light breakfast options.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Pantheon Visit

Visit Rome’s ancient temple with its remarkable dome and history (open 9am-7pm).
EUR5, 1h0m

10:45am

Piazza Navona

Experience Baroque architecture, beautiful fountains, street artists and lively cafés.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Cul de Sac

Enjoy Italian wine and dishes in an eclectic, family-friendly wine bar and restaurant.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Shopping on Via del Corso

Explore one of Rome’s main shopping streets with options for all interests.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Villa Borghese Gardens

Enjoy outdoor time in Rome’s beautiful park with playgrounds, lakes, and gardens.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma

Treat yourself to dinner with stunning views of the Colosseum for a memorable family experience.
EUR60, 2h0m
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Day 13: Leisure Day in Rome

Rome, Italy on May 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Panella

Enjoy pastries and coffee at this historic Roman bakery.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:00am

Explore Trastevere

Wander the charming cobbled streets of this historic neighborhood with plenty of cafes and shops.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tonnarello

Casual dining with traditional Roman favorites in a family-friendly atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Janiculum Hill

Relax at this park spot with panoramic views overlooking Rome.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Gelato at Fior di Luna

Enjoy some of Rome's best gelato to cool off after sightseeing.
EUR5, 30m

6:00pm

Evening walk at Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps)

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and classic Rome views at sunset.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hostaria da Pietro

Classic Roman dishes served in a welcoming family ambiance.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 14: Departure Preparation

Rome, Italy on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed hotel breakfast before checkout.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Pack and Finalize Departure

Prepare belongings and check out of hotel.
Varies, 2h0m

12:00pm

Transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport

Head to the airport for your departure flight.
EUR50, 1h0m
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Day 15: Return Home

Travel Day on May 17, 2025

Varies

Flight Home

Complete your journey back home, carrying wonderful memories of Switzerland and Italy.
Varies, Varies
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