10-Day Scenic Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary: Milan, Lake Como, Lugano, Lucerne, Lauterbrunnen & Stresa

Day 1: Explore Milan

Milan, Italy on May 17, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pavé

Enjoy a delicious Italian breakfast with fresh pastries and excellent coffee at this popular bakery in Milan.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Explore the iconic Gothic cathedral in the heart of Milan. Don't miss climbing to the rooftop for panoramic city views. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR15, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Taste Milan's famous panzerotti, savory stuffed pastries, for a quick and authentic lunch near the Duomo.
EUR8, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Sforza Castle

Tour this historic fortress and its museums showcasing Renaissance art and artifacts. Open 9:00am-5:30pm.
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Evening stroll at Brera District

Wander through this charming neighborhood filled with boutiques, galleries, and lively cafes.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Milanese

Savor traditional Milanese dishes like risotto alla Milanese in a warm, local ambiance.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 2: Lake Como Day

Lake Como, Italy on May 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Marchesi 1824, Milan

Start the day with quality pastries and espresso at this historic Milanese cafe before heading to Como.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Como by train

Take a scenic 40-minute train journey north to Como, the gateway to Lake Como.
EUR7, 40m

10:30am

Como town exploration and funicular ride

Stroll around Como’s historic center and take the funicular to Brunate for stunning views of the lake.
EUR6 funicular fare, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Sociale, Como

Enjoy traditional lake-cuisine dishes and fresh fish specialties in a cozy setting.
EUR30, 1.5h

2:00pm

Boat tour on Lake Como

Take a 2-hour boat tour stopping at picturesque towns such as Bellagio and Varenna. Operates daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR25, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Como and relax at lakeside promenade

Spend a relaxing evening walking alongside the lake and enjoying sunset views.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria del Gallo

Authentic Italian dining with a wide selection of local wines to close your Como day.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 3: Lugano Discovery

Lugano, Switzerland on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or local cafe

Light breakfast before leaving Como to Switzerland.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Travel by train to Lugano

A roughly 1-hour scenic train ride through the Alps to Lugano, a Swiss city on Lake Lugano.
CHF15, 1h

10:30am

Walk along Lugano’s lakeside promenade and Parco Ciani

Enjoy the beautiful lakeside park with flowers, sculptures, and views of the lake and mountains.
Free, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Grotto Morchino

Dine on traditional Ticino cuisine in a rustic grotto setting, popular among locals.
CHF35, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit the Swiss Miniature Park (open 9:00am-5:30pm)

Explore an extensive miniature park displaying famous buildings and scenes from all over Switzerland.
CHF18, 2h

5:00pm

Cable car to Monte Brè

Take the funicular to Monte Brè for spectacular panoramic views over Lugano and the Alps. Open until 6:00pm.
CHF15 round trip, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Arté al Lago

Experience fine dining with lake views and Mediterranean-inspired Swiss dishes.
CHF60, 2h
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Day 4: Lucerne Highlights

Lucerne, Switzerland on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at café near Lugano station

Start early with a coffee and pastry before the train to Lucerne.
CHF10, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Lucerne by train

Approximate 2-hour scenic train journey traveling northeast to Lucerne.
CHF40, 2h

11:00am

Walk the Chapel Bridge and Old Town

See Lucerne’s famous 14th-century wooden bridge and enjoy the historic streets with frescoed buildings.
Free, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Traditional Swiss cuisine in a cozy historic setting, highly rated by locals.
CHF35, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit the Lion Monument and Glacier Garden

Explore the poignant Lion Monument and then learn about Switzerland’s ice age at the Glacier Garden. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
CHF14 combined ticket, 2h

4:30pm

Lake Lucerne Boat Cruise

Take a relaxing 1.5-hour cruise on Lake Lucerne to admire alpine scenery. Cruises run until early evening.
CHF30, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Stern Luzern

Enjoy Swiss regional dishes with a lovely ambiance near the lake.
CHF50, 2h
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Day 5: Lauterbrunnen Adventure

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Fuel up for a day of nature and hiking.
CHF12, 1h

8:00am

Train to Lauterbrunnen

Travel approximately 2.5 hours from Lucerne via plane or train through Bern and Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen.
CHF50, 2.5h

11:00am

Visit Staubbach Waterfall

Walk to one of Europe’s highest free-falling waterfalls, spectacular in spring.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Oberland

Enjoy Swiss comfort food with mountain views in the village center.
CHF30, 1.5h

2:00pm

Hiking or cable car ride to Mürren

Take the cable car or enjoy a gentle hike to Mürren, a car-free mountain village above Lauterbrunnen.
CHF20 cable car, free hike, 3h

6:00pm

Return to Lauterbrunnen and relax

Leisurely evening to enjoy village ambiance and mountain scenery.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Weidstuebli

Traditional Swiss dishes with cozy alpine atmosphere.
CHF45, 2h
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Day 6: More Lauterbrunnen & Jungfrau Region

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast to prepare for alpine excursion.
CHF12, 1h

8:30am

Day trip to Jungfraujoch

Depart Lauterbrunnen for the Jungfraujoch - ‘Top of Europe’ via train. Open 8:00am-5:15pm, weather permitting.
CHF150 approx round trip, 7h

4:00pm

Return to Lauterbrunnen

Relax after a magnificent high alpine adventure.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Staubbach Restaurant

Enjoy hearty Swiss specialties with views of the valley’s waterfalls.
CHF45, 2h
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Day 7: Travel to Stresa

Stresa, Italy on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Lauterbrunnen hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for a travel day.
CHF12, 1h

8:00am

Train to Stresa

Approximate 4-hour train journey crossing from Switzerland to Italy, via Milan.
EUR50, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch in Stresa at Ristorante Il Vicoletto

Taste fresh lake fish and Italian specialties in a cozy atmosphere near the lakefront.
EUR35, 1.5h

2:00pm

Walk along Lake Maggiore promenade

Relax with lakeside views and explore charming shops and gardens in Stresa.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Villa Pallavicino Park and Zoo (open 9:00am-6:00pm)

Stroll the beautiful gardens and see animals in this historic villa park.
EUR10, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Rampolina

Enjoy fine Italian dining with lake views, perfect for a relaxing dinner.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 8: Isola Bella Excursion

Stresa, Italy on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a leisurely Italian breakfast.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Boat trip to Isola Bella

Take a short boat ride to Isola Bella, famous for its stunning Baroque palace and elaborate terraced gardens. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR15 round trip + EUR15 entrance fee, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch on Isola Bella at Locanda dell’Isola Bella

Dine on fresh lake fish and Italian classics right on the island with views of the gardens and lake.
EUR35, 1.5h

3:00pm

Return to Stresa and relax

Spend some time wandering the historic center and lakeside cafes.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Il Ristorante di Ranco

Enjoy fine dining specializing in Piedmontese and Italian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 9: Relax & Leisure Day

Stresa, Italy on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed Italian breakfast to start your leisure day.
EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Spa and wellness morning

Visit a local spa such as Hotel Regina Palace Spa for relaxation and wellness treatments (open 9:00am-7:00pm).
EUR60, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Caffè & Ristorante del Lago

Light lunch with fresh lake views, featuring salads and sandwiches.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:00pm

Free afternoon for shopping or lakeside walking

Explore the shops, local markets, or simply relax along the shores of Lake Maggiore.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Final dinner at Ristorante Le Isole

Celebrate your trip with a fine dining experience featuring local specialties and lake fish.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 10: Depart or Optional Milan Extension

Stresa, Italy or Milan, Italy on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last Italian breakfast at leisure.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Travel back to Milan by train (optional)

Approximate 1.5-hour train trip for departure or extra Milan exploration.
EUR25, 1.5h

11:30am

Optional last visit to Milan – La Scala Museum or shopping

Visit the famous opera house museum or shop in the fashionable Quadrilatero d'Oro district. La Scala open 9:00am-5:30pm.
EUR10, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Peck Pasticceria

Savor exquisite pastries and light meals at this gourmet Milanese deli before departure.
EUR20, 1h
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