Scenic Switzerland to Tuscan Charm: Zurich, Spiez, and Cortona 10-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Zurich Highlights

Zurich, Switzerland on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Sprüngli

Start your day with high-quality Swiss pastries and coffee at this historic café known for its Luxemburgerli macarons and fresh baked goods.

CHF20, 1h

9:30am

Old Town (Altstadt) Walking Tour

Discover Zurich’s medieval heart with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and landmarks like Grossmünster Church, offering a glimpse into the city's heritage.

CHF0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes such as Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (sliced veal) in a lively historic armory setting popular with locals and tourists alike.

CHF35, 1h

1:30pm

Lake Zurich Promenade Walk

Relax with a stroll along the scenic lake promenade, offering lovely views of the water, ferries, and surrounding Alps.

CHF0, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Explore one of Switzerland’s premier art museums featuring works from Swiss and international artists including Chagall and Giacometti.

CHF16, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Swiss Chuchi

Savor classic Swiss fondue or raclette in a cozy traditional atmosphere in Zurich’s Old Town.

CHF40, 1.5h

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Day 2: Travel to Spiez and Lakeside Leisure

Spiez, Switzerland on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Bakery

Enjoy a light breakfast at your Zurich accommodation or a nearby bakery before departure.

CHF15, 1h

9:00am

Train from Zurich to Spiez

Travel by direct train (approximately 2h 15min) through beautiful Swiss landscapes to Spiez on Lake Thun.

CHF40, 2h15m

11:30am

Check-In and Settle into Accommodation

Arrive and relax in your hotel or guesthouse with views of Lake Thun and the Alps.

Varies, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Schloss Spiez

Dine in the castle restaurant with fantastic views over the lake and enjoy Swiss and international cuisine.

CHF30, 1h

2:00pm

Spiez Castle & Wine Cellars Tour

Explore this medieval lakeside castle and its charming wine cellars to appreciate local history and viticulture. Open 9am-5pm daily.

CHF8, 1h

3:30pm

Lake Thun Boat Ride

Take a relaxing afternoon cruise on Lake Thun to enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and charming lakeside villages. Boats operate until around 5pm.

CHF25, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant Bellevue

Enjoy a cozy dinner featuring regional specialties in your hotel or nearby restaurant with lakeside ambiance.

CHF35, 1.5h

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Day 3: Explore Spiez & Surroundings

Spiez, Switzerland on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe am See

Start your day lakeside with fresh pastries and coffee at this charming café along the shore.

CHF15, 1h

9:30am

Hike to Faulhorn via Schynige Platte

Embark on a scenic hike or take the cogwheel train to Schynige Platte and continue to Faulhorn to capture stunning alpine vistas. The trail is well marked and the train runs 9am-5pm.

CHF50, 5h

3:30pm

Relax at Spiez Beach Park

Unwind on the sandy shores or enjoy watersports rental like paddleboarding and kayaking. Park open daylight hours, 7am-10pm.

CHF10 for rentals, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Friede

Dine on fresh, seasonal Swiss fare in a cozy setting popular with locals.

CHF35, 1.5h

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Day 4: Lake and Mountains

Spiez, Switzerland on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a full day outdoors.

Included, 1h

9:30am

Day Trip to Interlaken

Take a short train ride (around 30 minutes) to Interlaken. Visit Höhematte Park and try paragliding or explore local shops. Trains operate frequently all day.

CHF15 for train, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Taverne

Sample hearty Swiss dishes in Interlaken’s central location with mountain views.

CHF30, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Harder Kulm

Take the funicular up to Harder Kulm for spectacular panoramic views of the Jungfrau region. Open 9am-5pm.

CHF38, 2h

6:00pm

Return and Dinner at Spiez

Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Treib, known for local fish and seasonal menus.

CHF40, 1.5h

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Day 5: Relax and Departure to Italy

Spiez, Switzerland to Cortona, Italy on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a breakfast buffet featuring local cheeses, breads, and fruits.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Morning walk in Spiez Park and Marina

Take a relaxing morning stroll through the lakeside park and marina area enjoying fresh air and views before traveling.

Free, 1h

10:30am

Train from Spiez to Cortona (via Milan)

Travel by train from Spiez to Milan, then switch onto a train heading to Tuscany arriving at Cortona by early evening. Approximate total travel time 6-7h.

CHF120, 7h

6:00pm

Check in and Dinner in Cortona

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy your first dinner at La Bucaccia, a restaurant famous for Tuscan cuisine and local wines.

EUR35, 1.5h

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Day 6: Discover Cortona’s Charm

Cortona, Italy on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè dei Costanti

Enjoy freshly brewed Italian coffee and pastries in this historic café located in Cortona’s main square.

EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Walking Tour of Cortona

Explore the Etruscan roots and medieval streets of Cortona, visiting the Diocesan Museum and Piazza della Repubblica. Open 9am-1pm and 3pm-6.30pm.

EUR12, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Dardano

Taste authentic Tuscan dishes such as pici pasta and ribollita soup in a cozy family-run trattoria.

EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Museo Civico

Learn about Cortona’s art and archaeology at this museum set in a historic palazzo. Open 10am-5pm.

EUR6, 1.5h

5:00pm

Sunset at Fortezza di Girifalco

Walk up to the fortress for panoramic views of Cortona and the surrounding Tuscan countryside, ideal during golden hour.

Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria del Teatro

Enjoy a refined dinner of Tuscan specialties in a charming setting, perfect for a relaxed evening.

EUR40, 1.5h

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Day 7: Tuscany Countryside

Cortona, Italy on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast with fresh local products to start your day.

Included, 1h

9:30am

Day trip to Val di Chiana and Olive Groves

Tour the nearby agricultural valleys, visiting local olive oil producers and enjoying scenic drives and walks through vineyards.

EUR0-20 depending on tours, 5h

2:30pm

Lunch at Agriturismo Il Mandorlo

Savor homemade farm-to-table Tuscan cuisine at this charming countryside eatery surrounded by olive trees.

EUR30, 1.5h

5:00pm

Return to Cortona and Rest

Enjoy some downtime or explore Cortona’s shops and galleries.

Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Loggetta

Dine in a romantic atmosphere featuring seasonal dishes with local ingredients.

EUR35, 1.5h

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Day 8: Arts and Culture

Cortona, Italy on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Sant’Agostino

Enjoy excellent espresso and a light breakfast in this charming café near the city center.

EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit the MAEC: Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca

Explore a fascinating collection of Etruscan artifacts, Renaissance art, and local history in this renowned museum. Open 9am-7pm.

EUR10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Dine on traditional Tuscan fare in a rustic setting with an extensive local wine list.

EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Cooking Class in Tuscan Cuisine

Join a half-day cooking class to learn how to prepare classic Tuscan dishes using fresh local ingredients.

EUR70, 4h

7:00pm

Dinner at Enoteca la Fortezza

After your hands-on culinary experience, enjoy a relaxing dinner and sample local wines in the fortress area.

EUR40, 1.5h

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Day 9: Relax and Explore Nearby Towns

Cortona, Italy on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final full day with a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation.

Included, 1h

9:30am

Day trip to Arezzo

Travel 30 minutes by train or car to Arezzo, explore the Piazza Grande, local markets, and the Basilica di San Francesco. Trains run frequently all day.

EUR10, 5h