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Scenic Swiss and Italian Adventure: Zurich to Rome via Lucerne, Spiez, Chur, Bernina Express, Cortona

Viewed by 134 travelers

Day 1: Zurich Arrival

Zurich, Switzerland on June 13, 2025

10:00am

Arrive in Zurich

Land at Zurich Airport and transfer to your accommodation in the city center to refresh and prepare for sightseeing.
CHF0, 1h0m

11:30am

Bahnhofstrasse and Old Town Walk

Explore Zurich’s famous shopping street, Bahnhofstrasse, and wander through the picturesque Old Town to admire historic churches and quaint shops.
CHF0, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes like rösti or sausage in this historic armory-turned-restaurant, open from 11:30am to 11:00pm.
CHF40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Lake Zurich Promenade

Take a relaxing stroll along Lake Zurich promenade, soaking in views of the lake and Alps in the distance.
CHF0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Explore Switzerland’s premier art museum featuring works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art. Open until 6:00pm.
CHF23, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Swiss Chuchi

Taste authentic Swiss fondue and other local dishes in this cozy restaurant in the Old Town. Open until 10:00pm.
CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 2: Lucerne Stopover

Zurich to Lucerne to Spiez, Switzerland on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Babu's Bakery & Coffeehouse Zurich

Enjoy fresh pastries and quality coffee before departing Zurich.
CHF15, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel from Zurich to Lucerne

Take a direct train from Zurich to Lucerne; duration approximately 45 minutes.
CHF25, 0h45m

10:00am

Explore Lucerne Old Town and Chapel Bridge

Walk through charming medieval streets and see the iconic covered Chapel Bridge, a symbol of Lucerne.
CHF0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Savor traditional Swiss fare in this beloved family-run Lucerne restaurant, open daily from 11:30am.
CHF35, 1h0m

1:00pm

Travel from Lucerne to Spiez

Board train and enjoy scenic ride to Spiez lasting about 2.5 hours.
CHF40, 2h30m

3:30pm

Check-in and settle in Spiez

Arrive and relax at your accommodation with beautiful views of Lake Thun.
CHF0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Walk along Spiez waterfront

Enjoy a gentle evening stroll along the lakefront promenade and see Spiez Castle from the outside, open for visits during the day only.
CHF0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Schloss Spiez

Dine in this stunning castle setting offering Swiss and European cuisine, open till 10pm.
CHF55, 1h30m
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Day 3: Spiez Exploration

Spiez, Switzerland on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Del Sol

Enjoy a hearty breakfast spot famous for fresh breads and great coffee overlooking the lake.
CHF20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Spiez Castle and Gardens

Tour the beautiful castle museum and extensive gardens; open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
CHF10, 2h0m

11:30am

Boat ride on Lake Thun

Take a 1.5-hour scenic boat tour to enjoy spectacular views of the Alps and lakeside villages.
CHF30, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Seegarten

Modern Swiss cuisine with lakeside terrace seating, open from 12:00pm.
CHF40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hike Spiez to Faulensee trail

Enjoy an easy 4km lakeside hike between Spiez and Faulensee taking about 1.5 hours round trip.
CHF0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Relax at hotel or local spa

Unwind with some wellness time at your hotel or explore Spiez spa facilities.
Varies, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Da Angelino

Enjoy casual dining with excellent pizza and pasta dishes, open until 10:00pm.
CHF30, 1h0m
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Day 4: Day Trip Adventure

Spiez, Switzerland on June 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Day trip to Interlaken

Take the train for a 30-minute ride to Interlaken, known for adventure sports and stunning views between Lakes Thun and Brienz.
CHF15, 0h30m

9:00am

Harder Kulm Funicular and Viewing Platform

Ride up to Harder Kulm for panoramic views over Interlaken and the surrounding mountains. Open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
CHF38, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant

Enjoy lunch with breathtaking views of the Jungfrau region, open from 10:00am.
CHF45, 1h30m

1:00pm

Explore Interlaken town

Stroll through Interlaken’s charming streets, visit Höhematte Park and local shops.
CHF0, 1h30m

2:30pm

Return to Spiez

Take the train back for a rest and freshen up before dinner.
CHF15, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Schloss Spiez

Return to your favorite spot in Spiez Castle for refined Swiss dining.
CHF55, 1h30m
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Day 5: Lake and Wine Day

Spiez, Switzerland on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café del Sol

Start your day with great coffee and Swiss pastries.
CHF20, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Lake Thun villages: Spiez to Oberhofen

Take a short train or boat ride to Oberhofen to visit Oberhofen Castle, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
CHF12, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Schloss Oberhofen

Enjoy lunch in the castle’s beautiful restaurant with views of the lake.
CHF40, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit local winery Wine & Friends Spiez

Book a tasting session to sample regional wines from 2:00pm, advance reservation required.
CHF30, 2h0m

3:30pm

Return to Spiez and relax

Enjoy leisurely afternoon at your accommodation or lakeshore.
CHF0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Bellevue Spiez

Refined dining with fresh local ingredients and stunning lake views.
CHF60, 1h30m
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Day 6: Outdoor Activities

Spiez, Switzerland on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Energy up with a breakfast buffet offered by your hotel.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Cycling around Lake Thun

Rent bikes and enjoy a scenic cycle route along parts of Lake Thun’s shore. Rental costs about CHF30 per day.
CHF30, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Seegarten Spiez

Grab a lakeside lunch with seasonal specialties and fresh fish dishes.
CHF40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Trummelbach Falls (Day Trip)

Take a half-hour train to Lauterbrunnen and a short bus to Trummelbach Falls, stunning glacier waterfalls inside the mountain. Open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
CHF12, 3h0m

6:00pm

Return to Spiez

Head back to Spiez for dinner and relaxation.
CHF0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Kornhaus

Cozy local restaurant offering Swiss and international cuisine.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Bernina Express Day

Spiez to Chur to Tirano then Sondrio, Switzerland and Italy on June 19, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast to prepare for your travel day.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel from Spiez to Chur by train

Board an early train to Chur, travel time about 3.5 hours with connections.
CHF50, 3h30m

11:30am

Light Lunch or Snack in Chur

Grab a quick meal or coffee near the station to prepare for the Bernina Express departure.
CHF15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano

Ride the stunning Bernina Express scenic train through the Alps to Tirano, about 4 hours duration.
CHF120, 4h0m

5:30pm

Transfer to Sondrio

Take a short drive or taxi (approx 30 minutes) from Tirano to your accommodation in Sondrio.
EUR30, 0h30m

6:00pm

Check-in and relax in Sondrio

Settle into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Da Rita

Savor traditional Lombardy dishes in this well-loved local restaurant, open till 10 pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Spiez to Chur to Tirano then Sondrio

Day 8: Drive to Cortona

Sondrio to Cortona, Italy on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a full breakfast in Sondrio.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Pick up rental car in Sondrio

Collect your rental car to begin your Italian road trip south to Cortona.
EUR0, 0h30m

9:30am

Drive Sondrio to Cortona

Enjoy picturesque driving through the Alps and Tuscan countryside; drive time approx. 3.5 hours.
EUR0, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch en route or upon arrival in Cortona

Eat at a charming trattoria like Trattoria Dardano, known for authentic Tuscan cuisine.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Check-in Cortona accommodation and rest

Settle into your lodging and relax after the drive.
EUR0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk Cortona Old Town

Explore narrow streets, visit Piazza della Repubblica and enjoy stunning views.
EUR0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Bucaccia da Romano

Savor refined Tuscan specialties using local ingredients, open late for dinner.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 9: Relax in Cortona

Cortona, Italy on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Etruscan Academy Museum

Discover Cortona’s ancient past at this museum displaying Etruscan artifacts; open 9:30am to 1:00pm.
EUR7, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk to Fortezza Medicea

Climb to the fortress for panoramic views of the Val di Chiana and Lake Trasimeno.
EUR3, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Il Borgo

Enjoy fresh, local Tuscan dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at hotel or explore local artisan shops

Spend your afternoon at leisure enjoying Cortona’s shops or your accommodation’s amenities.
EUR0, 2h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Loggetta

Dine on traditional Tuscan food with fine wines in a charming setting.
EUR45, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Cortona

Day 10: Tuscan Day Trips

Cortona, Italy on June 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to fuel your day trip.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Lake Trasimeno

Short 30-minute drive to Lake Trasimeno, popular for boating and lakeside towns.
EUR0, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Isola Maggiore

Take a ferry from Passignano sul Trasimeno to Isola Maggiore; enjoy walking trails and artisan shops.
EUR10 ferry round trip, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Cantina di Jack

Enjoy lakeside dining featuring fresh local fish and Umbrian dishes.
EUR35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Cortona

Relax with a scenic drive back and optional stop at local vineyards if desired.
EUR0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Evening stroll and gelato in Cortona

Enjoy the town’s piazza with gelato and sunset views.
EUR5, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Dardano

Traditional homestyle Tuscan cooking in a friendly setting.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 11: Cortona Leisure

Cortona, Italy on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Cooking class in Cortona

Join a half-day Tuscan cooking class to learn local culinary traditions (book in advance).
EUR80, 4h0m

1:30pm

Relaxed lunch at class or nearby eatery

Enjoy the meal you prepared or sample local dishes nearby.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Afternoon leisure

Spend your afternoon relaxing or visiting local markets and shops.
EUR0, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Bucaccia

End your day with delicious Tuscan flavors in a rustic ambiance.
EUR50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Cortona

Day 12: Final Cortona Day

Cortona, Italy on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Cortona.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Santa Margherita Sanctuary

Short walk to this lovely religious site on the edge of town with panoramic views.
EUR0, 1h0m

11:00am

Leisure and packing

Prepare for departure, shop for souvenirs, or relax in town.
EUR0, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Le Celle

Taste exquisite dishes in a setting overlooking Cortona’s hills.
EUR40, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax and rest

Enjoy your last afternoon in Cortona.
EUR0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at Trattoria I Sodi

Celebrate your trip with classic Tuscan dishes in a warm cozy venue.
EUR50, 2h0m
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Day 13: Bonus Day in Cortona

Cortona, Italy on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a relaxed breakfast to enjoy your last full day in Cortona.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Day trip to nearby towns (e.g., Montepulciano or Arezzo)

Explore nearby Tuscan towns, famous for wine, history, and art. Drive time about 1 hour each way.
EUR0, 6h0m

4:00pm

Return to Cortona and relax

Rest from your excursions and enjoy the evening at leisure.
EUR0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Loggetta

Dine on traditional Tuscan cuisine for your final night in town.
EUR45, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Cortona

Day 14: Drive to Rome Airport

Cortona to Rome Airport, Italy on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and check-out

Have a quick breakfast and prepare for your departure.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Cortona to Rome Fiumicino Airport

Allow approximately 3.5 to 4 hours for the drive including buffer time for traffic to reach Rome airport on time.
EUR0, 4h0m

12:30pm

Arrive at Rome Airport

Return your rental car and check-in for your flight home.
EUR0, 2h0m

2:30pm

Flight Departure

Board your flight home from Rome Airport.
Varies, Varies
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