Switzerland and Italy Grand Tour: Zurich to Tuscany with Scenic Trains, Wine Tastings, and Culinary Experiences

Day 1: Departure Day

Toronto, Canada on May 29, 2025

6:00pm

Pre-flight Dinner

Enjoy an early dinner at the CN Tower's 360 Restaurant for spectacular city views before heading to the airport.
CAD80, 1h30m

8:15pm

Flight to Zurich

Board your overnight flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Zurich, arriving the next day.
Included in airfare, 8h
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Day 2: Arrival and Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on June 13, 2025

10:30am

Arrive in Zurich

Land at Zurich Airport and collect luggage. Take public transport or taxi to city centre.
CHF0 (public transport ticket approx. CHF6.80), 1h

11:30am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Enjoy traditional Swiss pastries and coffee at this famous Zurich chocolatier and café, perfect for a light breakfast.
CHF20, 1h

12:30pm

Zurich Old Town Walking Tour

Explore the historic Altstadt district with its medieval streets, boutiques, and landmarks such as Grossmünster Church.
Free, 2h

2:30pm

Check in at KAYA Zurich Apartment

Relax and settle into your accommodation with time to unwind before evening plans.
Included, N/A

4:00pm

Visit Lake Zurich Promenade

Stroll along the lakeside promenade for scenic views and photo opportunities. Option for a short boat ride if time permits.
Boat ride CHF8, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Zeughauskeller

Dine in this historic cellar restaurant serving hearty traditional Swiss dishes like Zürcher Geschnetzeltes.
CHF45, 1h30m
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Day 3: Zurich to Spiez via Lucerne

Zurich to Spiez, Switzerland on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Babu's Bakery & Coffeehouse

Start the day with artisanal coffee and fresh baked goods in a cozy atmosphere near your apartment.
CHF20, 1h

9:30am

Morning departure to Lucerne

Take the train from Zurich to Lucerne; approximately 1 hour journey, enjoy the Swiss countryside scenery.
CHF25, 1h

10:30am

Explore Lucerne Highlights

Visit the iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and Lion Monument. Walk along the beautiful lakefront promenade.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Taube

Enjoy authentic Swiss cuisine including rosti or local fish in this historic Lucerne tavern.
CHF35, 1h

1:30pm

Travel Lucerne to Spiez

Board a train to Spiez, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes; enjoy views of Lake Thun en route.
CHF30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Check in and relax in Spiez

Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Spiez, preparing for multiple day explorations in the area.
Included, N/A

5:00pm

Visit Spiez Castle

Explore this lakeside medieval castle with its museum, gardens, and stunning views over Lake Thun.
CHF10, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Schloss Spiez

Dine at the castle’s restaurant featuring refined Swiss and international cuisine with lake views.
CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 4: Spiez Exploration

Spiez, Switzerland on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty Swiss breakfast at your accommodation to fuel your day of sightseeing.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Boat Trip on Lake Thun

Take a scenic boat tour around Lake Thun to admire alpine vistas and charming lakeside villages.
CHF35, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Gasthof Seegarten

Stop for a casual lakeside lunch featuring fresh fish and local specialties.
CHF30, 1h

1:30pm

Hike or Cable Car to Niesen Mountain

Take the Niesen funicular railway or hike the trail for panoramic views over Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps.
CHF30, 3h

5:00pm

Relax at Apartment or Visit Local Markets

Spend the late afternoon unwinding or perusing local markets in Spiez town centre.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria Orfeo

Enjoy Italian-Swiss fusion cuisine and informal dining in this well-reviewed pizzeria.
CHF30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Day Trips from Spiez

Spiez, Switzerland on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Local Café

Start your day with fresh coffee and pastries at a charming Spiez café.
CHF15, 1h

9:00am

Excursion to Interlaken

Take a short train ride to Interlaken and explore its lakes, shops, and mountain sports options.
Train CHF25, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Schuh

Taste traditional Swiss dishes in the heart of Interlaken with views of the Jungfrau mountains.
CHF40, 1h

1:30pm

Lake Brienz Cruise or Visit Harder Kulm

Choose a relaxing cruise on Lake Brienz or ride the funicular to Harder Kulm viewpoint for stunning vistas.
Cruise CHF30 / Funicular CHF38, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Spiez

Travel back to Spiez by train, rest or stroll along the lake at sunset.
CHF25, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Spiezerhof

Dine in style at this hotel’s restaurant, featuring Swiss and international cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 6: Relax and Local Sites

Spiez, Switzerland on June 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Apartment

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation with local fresh produce.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Visit Thun Day Trip

Short train ride to Thun to explore the charming old town, castle, and riverside parks.
Train CHF15, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Rathauskeller Thun

Lunch with a Swiss menu in one of Thun’s most historic settings, with views over the town square.
CHF35, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Spiez and visit Local Museums

Explore Spiez Museum or enjoy lakeside leisure time in the afternoon.
CHF10, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Lindenhof

Casual dining serving Swiss and European comfort food with friendly service.
CHF35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Alpine Adventure Day

Spiez, Switzerland on June 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Fuel up early for a full day of alpine activities with breakfast in your apartment.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Day trip to Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe

Take train from Spiez to Jungfraujoch region via Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen, enjoy sightseeing at Europe’s highest railway station (3454m) and ice palace.
CHF150, 8h

5:00pm

Return to Spiez

Travel back to your apartment to relax after the long but breathtaking journey.
Included, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Pizzi

Casual Italian pizza and pasta dining in Spiez, an easy and satisfying option after a full day.
CHF25, 1h30m
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Day 8: Prepare for Chur and Bernina Express

Spiez to Chur, Switzerland on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Apartment

Pack and enjoy a peaceful breakfast before your travel day.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Travel Spiez to Chur by Train

Depart by train to Chur ensuring arrival by 1:00pm at the latest for Bernina Express connection.
CHF60, 3h

1:00pm

Explore Chur Briefly

Stretch your legs with a quick walk around the oldest town in Switzerland before boarding Bernina Express.
Free, 0h30m
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Day 9: Bernina Express to Italy

Chur to Tirano to Sondrio, Italy on June 20, 2025

1:30pm

Bernina Express Scenic Train Ride

Board Bernina Express from Chur at 1:30pm to Tirano, experiencing spectacular alpine landscapes and UNESCO heritage sites.
CHF100, 4h

5:30pm

Train to Sondrio

Travel by regional train from Tirano to Sondrio, approximately 30 minutes.
EUR5, 0h30m

6:00pm

Check in at Stanza in Sondrio Coal

Settle into your accommodation and relax after your journey.
Included, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Cavour

Enjoy local Valtellina cuisine with rustic flavors and locally sourced ingredients in Sondrio’s charming restaurant.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Wine Tasting in Sondrio

Sondrio, Italy on June 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Start the day with a simple Italian breakfast of coffee and pastries.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Explore Sondrio Old Town

Walk through the historic center visiting local shops, churches, and piazzas.
Free, 1.5h

12:00pm

Wine Tasting at Sottovoce

Attend the midday wine tasting session to enjoy fine regional wines and learn about local varieties.
EUR25, 1.5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria del Teatro

Savor traditional Italian dishes made with fresh local ingredients in a cozy setting.
EUR30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax or Visit Local Museum

Spend the afternoon resting or visiting the Museo Valtellinese di Storia e Arte.
EUR5, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Casa Rachele

Experience authentic Valtellina cuisine with local wines at this well-regarded restaurant.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 11: Cooking Show Evening

Sondrio, Italy on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Typical light Italian-style breakfast with espresso and croissants.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Day Relaxation or Local Sightseeing

Spend a leisure day exploring or relaxing in Sondrio—visit parks or nearby nature spots.
Free, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Café

Light lunch at Café Concerto in the town centre.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Preparation and Rest

Relax and prepare for the cooking show in the evening.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Cooking Show Dinner

Attend an interactive cooking show at a local restaurant where you will watch and learn while enjoying the meal.
EUR60, 2h
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Day 12: Travel to Cortona

Sondrio to Cortona, Italy on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy your final Italian breakfast in Sondrio before departing.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Pick up Rental Car

Collect your rental car at Sondrio at 10:30am to begin your drive to southern Tuscany.
Included with booking, 1h

10:30am

Drive to Cortona

Drive approximately 4.5 hours through scenic northern and central Italy to arrive in Cortona.
Fuel approx. EUR70, 4h30m

4:00pm

Check in at Apartment Girabaldi

Settle into your comfortable accommodation in historic Cortona, known for its Etruscan roots and charming streets.
Included, N/A

6:00pm

Evening Walk and Dinner at La Bucaccia

Enjoy a stroll through Cortona’s old town and dine at La Bucaccia, serving traditional Tuscan specialties.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 13: Explore Cortona and Surroundings

Cortona, Italy on June 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bar Il Girasole

Delicious cappuccinos and pastries at a local favourite café in downtown Cortona.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Historical Sites

Tour Cortona’s Roman Theatre, Diocesan Museum, and the city walls for stunning hilltop views.
EUR15, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria del Teatro

Enjoy rustic Tuscan dishes such as pici pasta with wild boar sauce in an intimate setting.
EUR40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Afternoon Visit to Lake Trasimeno

Short drive to Lake Trasimeno for lakeside walks or boat excursions.
Boat ride EUR15, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Dardano

Experience authentic Tuscan home cooking with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 14: Wine & Dine Day

Cortona, Italy on June 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast to prepare for your winery tour.
Included, 1h

11:30am

Drive to Baracchi Winery

Arrive early to Baracchi Winery and prepare for the lunch and winery tour starting at noon.
Included with tour, N/A

12:00pm

Baracchi Winery Tour and Lunch

Enjoy a led tour of the winery grounds with wine tasting and a paired lunch featuring local delicacies.
EUR80, 3h

3:30pm

Return to Cortona and Rest

Drive back to Cortona for a rest or casual evening stroll.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Celebrate the day with elegant wine pairing dinners and Mediterranean cuisine.
EUR55, 2h
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Day 15: Leisure in Cortona

Cortona, Italy on June 26, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Centrale

Enjoy coffee and fresh baked goods at this lively Cortona café.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Shopping and Art Galleries

Explore local artisan shops and galleries featuring Tuscan crafts and artwork.
Free to browse, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hostaria La Chiocciola

Sample authentic Tuscan flavors with homemade pasta and seasonal vegetables.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Spa or Relaxation Time

Consider booking a spa treatment or enjoy a peaceful afternoon in the Cortona countryside.
EUR70, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Il Pozzo

Enjoy a farewell Tuscan dinner with local wines and homemade desserts.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 16: Departure to Rome

Cortona to Rome, Italy on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Pack and have a quick breakfast before your drive to Rome airport.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Rome Airport

Drive approximately 2 hours from Cortona to Rome Fiumicino Airport to return rental car.
Fuel approx. EUR40, 2h

10:30am

Car Drop Off

Return rental car at Rome airport ahead of your flight.
Included, 30m

2:30pm

Flight Home

Board your flight from Rome to Toronto concluding your remarkable European journey.
Included, 8h
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