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Ultimate Scenic and Culinary European Adventure: Zurich to Italy Itinerary

Viewed by 76 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Relax

Zurich, Switzerland on June 12, 2025

10:30am

Arrival at Zurich Airport

Land in Zurich at 10:30am and proceed to collect luggage and clear customs.
CHF0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hiltl Restaurant

Enjoy a vegetarian meal at Hiltl, the oldest continuously open vegetarian restaurant in the world, offering diverse international dishes.
CHF25-40, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Bahnhofstrasse

Take a stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich's famous shopping street for high-end boutiques and local shops.
CHF0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Check in at KAYA Zurich Apartment

Check in and settle into your accommodation at KAYA Zurich Apartment.
Included, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Lake Zurich Promenade

Walk along the scenic Lake Zurich promenade, enjoying views of the Alps and relaxing atmosphere.
CHF0, 1h15m

7:00pm

Dinner at Swiss Chuchi

Experience traditional Swiss cuisine with fondue specialties at Swiss Chuchi restaurant in the Old Town.
CHF40-60, 1h30m
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Day 2: Zurich to Spiez

Zurich to Spiez, Switzerland on June 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Enjoy coffee and Swiss pastries including Luxemburgerli macarons at the famed Café Sprüngli.
CHF15-25, 1h0m

9:00am

Train to Lucerne

Catch a train from Zurich HB station to Lucerne; journey is about 45 minutes through beautiful Swiss countryside.
CHF25-35, 0h45m

10:00am

Explore Lucerne Old Town

Walk through Lucerne’s charming Old Town visiting Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, soaking in the medieval atmosphere.
CHF0, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Restaurant Fritschi

Taste traditional Swiss dishes in a cozy, historic setting popular with locals and visitors alike.
CHF30-45, 1h0m

12:30pm

Train to Spiez

Depart Lucerne to Spiez by train; journey is around 1h30m with scenic views across Bernese Oberland region.
CHF35-50, 1h30m

2:00pm

Arrival in Spiez

Check into your accommodation in Spiez and take time to relax by Lake Thun.
Included, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Spiez Castle

Explore the historic Spiez Castle with its beautiful vineyards and panoramic views over Lake Thun.
CHF15, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Schloss Spiez

Dine at the castle’s restaurant featuring Swiss and international cuisine with lake views.
CHF45-60, 1h30m
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Day 3: Explore Spiez

Spiez, Switzerland on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Burehof

Start your day with fresh Swiss pastries and coffee at this local cafe offering lake views.
CHF15-20, 1h0m

9:30am

Boat Ride on Lake Thun

Take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Thun, admiring the picturesque mountains and charming docks.
CHF30, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Trummelbach Falls

Optional 30-minute drive or train ride to see the impressive glacier waterfalls inside a mountain.
CHF12, 2h0m

3:00pm

Leisure Time / Explore Spiez Town

Relax or stroll around Spiez town, visit local shops, or lakeside parks.
CHF0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gasthof Schiff

Enjoy classic Swiss dishes and fresh fish specialties in a cozy lakeside setting.
CHF40-55, 1h30m
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Day 4: Bernese Oberland Excursion

Spiez, Switzerland on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Local Bakery

Grab breakfast and coffee from a nearby bakery to fuel your day.
CHF10-15, 0h45m

8:30am

Day Trip to Interlaken and Harder Kulm

Take a train to Interlaken to enjoy views from Harder Kulm, the ‘Top of Interlaken’, with panoramic vistas of lakes and mountains. Open 9am–5pm.
CHF38, 6h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant

Enjoy lunch while soaking in the stunning panoramic views of the Bernese Alps.
CHF30-45, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Spiez

Take the train back to Spiez to rest after the day trip.
CHF15, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Lago

Enjoy Italian-inspired dishes near the lake, blending Swiss and Mediterranean flavors.
CHF40-55, 1h30m
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Day 5: Relax in Spiez

Spiez, Switzerland on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at KAYA Zurich Apartment or local café

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with local breads, cheeses, and coffee.
CHF15-20, 1h0m

9:30am

Vineyard Walk and Wine Tasting

Stroll through Spiez vineyards, followed by a wine tasting at a local winery between 10am and 12pm.
CHF25, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Seeblick

Savour fresh seasonal ingredients with beautiful lake views in a relaxed atmosphere.
CHF35-50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Free afternoon

Relax by Lake Thun or visit the Spiez Museum to learn about local history.
CHF10, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gasthof Hirschen

Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine in a welcoming and rustic setting.
CHF40-55, 1h30m
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Day 6: Outdoor Adventure

Spiez, Switzerland on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local café

Have an energizing breakfast before an active day outdoors.
CHF15-20, 1h0m

9:00am

Hiking around Spiez and Lake Thun

Choose one of the many scenic hiking trails with views of the lake, mountains, and castles; suitable routes include Blüemlisalp or the path to Faulensee.
CHF0, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Schloss Seeburg

Dine with lake views enjoying Swiss and European cuisine in a charming castle setting.
CHF35-50, 1h0m

2:30pm

Boat or Bike Rental

Rent a boat or bicycle to explore the lakeside at your own pace, available until 6pm.
CHF25-40, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Röschtuli

Try hearty Swiss rosti and other local favourites in a casual atmosphere.
CHF35-50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Local Culture Day

Spiez, Switzerland on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or café

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a cultural day.
CHF15-20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Thun Old Town

Short train (about 15 minutes) to Thun to explore its medieval old town, castle, and river promenade.
CHF20, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Stadthaus

Relish Swiss specialities in a historic building in the heart of Thun.
CHF35-50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Spiez & Relax

Head back to Spiez for some downtime and leisurely walks.
CHF10, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Bellevue

Conclude the day with elegant dining offering Swiss and international menus.
CHF45-65, 1h30m
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Day 8: Travel to Italy

Chur to Tirano to Sondrio, Italy on June 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Early breakfast to prepare for travel day.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Train from Spiez to Chur

Travel from Spiez to Chur by train; approx 3h30m journey through scenic routes.
CHF70-90, 3h30m

12:45pm

Arrive in Chur and prepare for Bernina Express

Get to Chur station to board the Bernina Express train departing at 1:30pm to Tirano, Italy.
Included in Bernina Express ticket, 0h45m

1:30pm

Bernina Express Train

Enjoy the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage train ride from Chur to Tirano, witnessing dramatic mountain scenery and glaciers.
CHF80-110, 4h0m

5:30pm

Travel to Sondrio

Take a local train or taxi from Tirano to Sondrio to reach your accommodation for the night.
EUR10-20, 0h30m

6:00pm

Check-in at Stanza in Sondrio Coal

Settle into your accommodation in Sondrio.
Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria La Caneva

Enjoy authentic northern Italian cuisine and pizza in a relaxed setting.
EUR25-40, 1h30m
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Day 9: Sondrio Exploration

Sondrio, Italy on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local café

Start your day with Italian coffee and fresh pastries nearby.
EUR5-10, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Valtellina Wine Region

Explore surrounding vineyards famous for Nebbiolo grapes and superb reds.
EUR20-30, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at local trattoria

Savour traditional Lombardy dishes featuring local cheeses and cured meats.
EUR20-35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Free afternoon or visit Casa della Resistenza

Visit the local museum dedicated to resistance history or enjoy leisure time exploring Sondrio.
EUR5, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Il Ronchetto

Enjoy a cozy meal with locally sourced ingredients and excellent wine selection.
EUR30-45, 1h30m
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Day 10: Wine Tasting Day

Sondrio, Italy on June 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at the accommodation

Light breakfast to prepare for the day.
Included, 0h45m

10:00am

Explore Sondrio markets

Visit local markets to see fresh produce, artisan food products, and crafts.
EUR0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Wine Tasting at Sottovoce

Enjoy a guided wine tasting experience at Sottovoce, discovering local Valtellina wines.
EUR40-60, 2h0m

2:30pm

Lunch nearby

Light lunch or snacks near the tasting venue.
EUR20-30, 1h0m

4:00pm

Free afternoon

Relax or explore more of Sondrio at your leisure.
EUR0, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at local pizzeria

Enjoy a casual dinner with Italian pizza and pasta options.
EUR20-30, 1h30m
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Day 11: Cooking Show

Sondrio, Italy on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local café

Start with espresso and fresh croissants.
EUR5-10, 0h45m

10:00am

Visit local artisan shops

Discover crafts, foods, and other specialties of Sondrio.
EUR0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria del Glicine

Enjoy local specialties in a quaint setting.
EUR25-40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax or short walk around town

Leisure time to prepare for the evening event.
EUR0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Cooking Show and Dinner

Attend an immersive cooking show at a local restaurant followed by dinner featuring dishes demonstrated. Usually lasts about 2.5 hours.
EUR70-100, 2h30m
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Day 12: Drive to Cortona

Sondrio, Italy to Cortona, Italy on June 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Early breakfast before car rental pickup.
Included, 0h45m

10:30am

Pick up rental car

Collect your rental car in Sondrio for the drive to Cortona.
EUR0 (rental cost separate), 0h30m

11:00am

Drive to Cortona

Approximately 3h30m scenic drive through Lombardy and Tuscany regions.
EUR0, 3h30m

2:30pm

Lunch stop en route

Stop for a quick lunch at highway rest stop or local trattoria.
EUR15-25, 0h45m

4:00pm

Check-in at Apartment Girabaldi

Settle into your Cortona accommodation.
Included, 1h0m

6:00pm

Walk around Cortona town

Explore the ancient hill town streets, visit piazzas and local shops before dinner.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Bucaccia da Romano

Savor traditional Tuscan cuisine in a charming and historic restaurant.
EUR35-50, 1h30m
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Day 13: Cortona Exploration

Cortona, Italy on June 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at a local café

Enjoy cappuccino and fresh pastries to start the day.
EUR5-10, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Etruscan Academy Museum

Explore the museum to learn about Cortona’s ancient Etruscan heritage. Open 9:30am-12:30pm and 3pm-6:30pm.
EUR7, 1h0m

11:00am

Walk to Fortezza Medicea

Visit the Medici Fortress for panoramic views of the town and countryside.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria del Teatro

Enjoy fine local dishes including wild boar pasta and fresh Tuscan breads.
EUR30-45, 1h0m

2:00pm

Afternoon stroll to Lake Trasimeno

Take a short drive or bus to nearby Lake Trasimeno, relax by the shore or visit the castle of Passignano sul Trasimeno.
EUR5-10, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Dardano

Enjoy casual yet delicious Tuscan cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
EUR30-45, 1h30m
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Day 14: Winery Tour

Cortona, Italy on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Easy continental breakfast before winery tour.
Included, 0h45m

10:00am

Leisure morning in Cortona

Relax or visit local shops and markets before lunch.
EUR0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch & Winery Tour at Baracchi Winery

Enjoy a guided winery tour and lunch, tasting local Cortona wines and learning about production.
EUR70-100, 3h0m

3:30pm

Return to Cortona & Relax

Rest after the afternoon tasting or enjoy the town's atmosphere.
EUR0, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Il Falconiere Ristorante

Dine in an elegant winery restaurant with refined Tuscan cuisine.
EUR50-70, 1h30m
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Day 15: Relax & Local

Cortona, Italy on June 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at local café

Cappuccino and fresh bread to start your day gently.
EUR5-10, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Santa Margherita Sanctuary

Take a beautiful walk or short bus ride up to this tranquil sanctuary above Cortona.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at La Loggetta

Light lunch featuring fresh Italian fare and salads in town.
EUR25-35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Cortona’s Art Galleries

Discover local artistry in small galleries showcasing Tuscan artists.
EUR0-5, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Pane e Vino

Enjoy Tuscan cuisine paired with local wines in a charming setting.
EUR40-55, 1h30m
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Day 16: Departure to Rome

Cortona, Italy to Rome, Italy on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Prepare for travel with a hearty breakfast.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive to Rome Airport

Approximately 3h30min drive from Cortona to Rome airport, plan to leave early to ensure on-time arrival.
EUR0, 3h30m

12:30pm

Car Rental Return

Return your rental car at Rome airport reception before your flight.
Included in rental, 1h0m

2:30pm

Flight Home

Depart Rome airport at 2:30pm, concluding your European adventure.
Included, ---
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