Two-Week Swiss and Italian Alpine Adventure: Zurich to Cortona

Day 1: Departure Day Toronto

Toronto, Canada on May 29, 2025

6:30pm

Pre-flight Dinner

Enjoy a relaxing dinner near Toronto Pearson Airport at 'Jump Restaurant' offering comfort food with a modern twist before your international flight.
CAD40, 1h

8:15pm

Flight to Zurich

Depart Toronto Pearson International Airport on your overnight flight to Zurich.
Included in ticket, 8h15m
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Day 2: Arrival Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on June 13, 2025

10:30am

Arrive Zurich Airport

Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland. Collect luggage and proceed to city via train or taxi.
CHF6 for train, 1h

11:30am

Brunch at Cafe Sprüngli

Enjoy Swiss pastries and coffee at this famous Zurich patisserie known for its Luxemburgerli macarons—open 8am-7pm.
CHF25, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Old Town (Altstadt)

Walk through Zurich’s medieval Old Town featuring historic buildings, cobbled streets, and boutiques. Great for photo ops and light shopping.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Check-in at KAYA Zurich Apartment

Settle into your accommodation and rest after your journey.
Prepaid, Flexible

6:30pm

Dinner at Zeughauskeller

Dine at this traditional Swiss restaurant famous for hearty local dishes including Zürcher Geschnetzeltes; open until 10pm.
CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 3: Zurich to Spiez

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

7:30am

Breakfast at Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse

Start your day with delicious fresh baked goods and coffee, open from 7am.
CHF20, 1h

9:00am

Visit Lake Zurich Promenade

Take a morning stroll along Lake Zurich’s scenic promenade with serene water views and the Alps in the distance.
Free, 1h

10:15am

Train to Lucerne

Board train from Zurich HB to Lucerne (about 50 minutes) to explore en route to Spiez.
CHF25, 50m

11:15am

Short Lucerne City Walk

Walk through Lucerne’s Old Town and see the Chapel Bridge; plan a quick visit before continuing on.
Free, 1h

12:15pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Taube

Sample Swiss comfort food in a cozy traditional setting; open 11:30am-2:30pm.
CHF35, 1h

1:30pm

Train to Spiez

Continue your journey to Spiez, reaching by approximately 2:45pm for check-in day.
CHF30, 1h15m

3:00pm

Check-in at Spiez accommodation

Settle into accommodations in Spiez, perfect for exploring the lake and mountains.
Prepaid, Flexible

5:00pm

Evening walk by Lake Thun

Enjoy the beautiful lakeside views and mountain backdrop during a relaxing sunset walk.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Schloss Spiez

Dine in a historic castle setting with regional specialties and lakeside atmosphere, typically open until 9:30pm.
CHF60, 1h30m
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Day 4: Explore Spiez

Spiez, Switzerland on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Restaurant Schweiz

Enjoy a hearty Swiss breakfast buffet near your accommodation; open from 7am.
CHF20, 1h

9:30am

Spiez Castle Tour

Tour the beautiful lakeside castle and its gardens dating back to the 10th century; open 10am-5pm.
CHF12, 1h30m

11:30am

Boat trip on Lake Thun

Take a scenic boat ride around Lake Thun providing stunning views of the Alps and nearby villages; various departures until 5pm.
CHF25, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Seerestaurant Spiez

Contemporary lakeside restaurant specializing in fresh fish and Swiss cuisine; open noon to 9pm.
CHF45, 1h

3:00pm

Hike in Niederhorn

Take a local bus or drive to Niederhorn for moderate hiking with panoramic views over Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps.
Transport CHF10, Hiking free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gasthof Bären

Traditional Swiss tavern serving regional dishes in a warm setting; open until 10pm.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Day Trip Bernese Oberland

Spiez and Surroundings, Switzerland on June 16, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy a quick breakfast to fuel up for the day's alpine adventures.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Train to Interlaken

Short scenic train ride to Interlaken, gateway to Bernese Oberland mountains.
CHF10, 20m

8:30am

Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch

Take the famous train to Europe’s highest railway station Jungfraujoch for breathtaking views; open 8am-4pm, reserve tickets in advance.
CHF120, 6h

2:30pm

Late Lunch at Bergrestaurant Jungfraujoch

Dine with an incredible mountain panorama; small menu with Swiss dishes.
CHF40, 1h

3:45pm

Return Train to Spiez

Descend back to Spiez by train for a relaxed evening.
Included, 2h

6:00pm

Light Dinner or Aperitif

Grab a light bite or drinks at a local café such as Cafe Bar Freundlich to unwind.
CHF25, 1h
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Day 6: Leisure in Spiez

Spiez, Switzerland on June 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Astoria

Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries at this cozy lakeside café, opens 8am.
CHF15, 1h

10:00am

Visit St. Beatus Caves

Explore these magnificent caves overlooking Lake Thun, open 9am-6pm during summer; guided tours available.
CHF18, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Beatus

Eat at the cave restaurant with beautiful views and excellent Swiss cuisine.
CHF40, 1h

2:00pm

Relax by the Beach Spiez

Spend a restful afternoon swimming or sunbathing on the lakeside beach.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Rössli

End your day with local dishes focusing on seasonal ingredients in a traditional setting.
CHF45, 1h30m
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Day 7: Day Trip in Bernese Oberland

Spiez, Switzerland on June 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Start your day early with breakfast in your lodging to prepare for a scenic trip.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Train to Lauterbrunnen

Travel by train to the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley, famous for waterfalls and hiking.
CHF20, 1h

9:30am

Explore Lauterbrunnen

Visit Staubbach Falls, Trümmelbach Falls, and enjoy walking trails; open year-round, falls accessible free or small ticket price for Trümmelbach (CHF12).
CHF12, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Oberland

Dine while enjoying Lauterbrunnen’s charming village atmosphere.
CHF40, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Spiez

Relax on the train journey back to your home base in Spiez.
Included, 1h

4:00pm

Free time or local shopping

Explore shops or relax in Spiez before dinner.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Seeperle Restaurant

Specialize in fish and Swiss cuisine by the water, perfect for a final Spiez dinner.
CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 8: Travel to Chur & Bernina Express

Spiez to Chur, then Tirano, Italy on June 19, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Accommodation

Have an early and quick breakfast in Spiez to prepare for the travel day.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Train from Spiez to Chur

Start your scenic train ride to Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, arriving by 12:30pm to allow buffer before Bernina Express.
CHF60, 4h30m

12:30pm

Brief Lunch or Snack in Chur

Grab a sandwich or light meal at 'Café Wagner' close to the station before boarding the Bernina Express.
CHF15, 30m

1:30pm

Bernina Express to Tirano

Enjoy one of the most scenic train rides in the world through the Alps, arriving Tirano after about 2.5 hours of panoramic views.
CHF90, 2h30m

4:15pm

Transfer to Sondrio

Take a short regional train or taxi to Sondrio for your overnight stay.
EUR15, 45m

5:00pm

Check-in at Stanza in Sondrio Coal

Get settled into your accommodation and relax after the day's travel.
Prepaid, Flexible

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Barabba

Taste classic Italian dishes with local Valtellina wines; open till 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 9: Explore Sondrio, Italy

Sondrio, Italy on June 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Macchi

Enjoy Italian pastries and fresh coffee at this popular local bakery, open from 7am.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Walk through Sondrio historic center

Visit Piazza Garibaldi and Church of Saint Mary Of the Assumption to experience local culture and history.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at La Gallina Ballerina

Savor regional specialties with fresh locally sourced ingredients in a cozy setting.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Parco Bartesaghi

Stroll or relax in this urban green park with picnic areas and playgrounds.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Osteria degli Amici

Traditional Valtellina cuisine beautifully paired with regional wines, open until 11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Sondrio & Wine Tasting

Sondrio, Italy on June 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bar Centrale

Coffee and light breakfast to start your day, open 7am.
EUR10, 45m

10:30am

Morning Leisure

Explore local shops or relax before wine tasting event.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Wine Tasting at Sottovoce

Enjoy a curated wine tasting session highlighting local varietals, learn about winemaking; appointment booked at noon.
EUR30, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Sottovoce Osteria

Delicious Italian small plates paired with fine wines post tasting.
EUR35, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore nearby vineyards or relax

Optional light hike or visit nearby vineyards for photos or purchase.
Varies, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Al Portico

Unique dining experience with locally sourced ingredients and a warm atmosphere.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 11: Cooking Show Evening

Sondrio, Italy on June 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at local bakery

Start with fresh coffee and croissants at a nearby pastry shop.
EUR10, 45m

10:00am

Visit Valtellina Wine Museum

Learn about the region’s rich winemaking history and culture, open 9am-1pm, 2pm-6pm.
EUR7, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Da Alfonso

Classic pizzas and Italian dishes in a friendly atmosphere.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Afternoon at leisure

Rest or explore Sondrio at your own pace.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Cooking Show Event

Participate in or observe an interactive cooking show at a local restaurant showcasing Italian cuisine; booked for 6:30pm.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 12: Drive to Cortona

Sondrio to Cortona, Italy on June 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Enjoy a calm morning meal before checkout.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Pickup Rental Car

Collect your rental car at 10:30am for your Tuscany road adventure.
Prepaid, 30m

10:30am

Drive to Cortona

Begin approx. 4-hour scenic drive through Northern to Central Italy to reach Cortona.
Fuel costs approx EUR60, 4h

3:30pm

Check-in at Apartment Girabaldi

Settle into your Tuscan apartment and unwind after the drive.
Prepaid, Flexible

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Dardano

Enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine in Cortona’s charming atmosphere, open until 10pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 13: Explore Cortona

Cortona, Italy on June 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at La Loggetta

Start your day with excellent coffee and pastries in this popular café.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Etruscan Academy Museum

Discover Cortona’s ancient Etruscan history and artifacts; open 9am-1pm, 3pm-7pm.
EUR8, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Osteria del Teatro

Enjoy exquisite Tuscan dishes made with local ingredients in a cozy setting.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Walk Through Historic Cortona

Explore narrow streets, piazzas, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Val di Chiana valley.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Bucaccia

A charming restaurant focusing on traditional local recipes and a warm ambiance.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 14: Winery Tour Day

Cortona, Italy on June 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Have a simple breakfast before your wine-filled day.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Morning Leisure in Cortona

Optional stroll around town or visit small shops before winery tour.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Baracchi Winery Lunch and Tour

Enjoy a guided vineyard tour and lunch with wine tasting at this renowned Cortona winery; booked for noon.
EUR70, 3h

3:30pm

Return to Cortona

Leisure time rest or visit Cortona’s artisans’ shops.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Grotta

Experience authentic Tuscan flavors in a rustic setting to end your day.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 15: Leisure in Cortona

Cortona, Italy on June 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Doria

Relax with morning coffee and Italian pastries.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Day trip option to Montepulciano or Arezzo

Drive or bus to nearby picturesque towns famous for wine and arts, explore medieval streets and markets.
Fuel/ticket EUR20, 5h

3:00pm

Return to Cortona

Relax and prepare for your final evening in town.
Free, Flexible

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Ristorante Il Falconiere

Dine amidst elegant Tuscan surroundings with superb regional cuisine and wine selection.
EUR65, 2h
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Day 16: Drive to Rome Airport

Cortona to Rome, Italy on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Have your last breakfast in Cortona, savoring Italian flavors.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Rome Airport

Begin approximately 3.5 to 4-hour drive to Rome Fiumicino Airport for rental car drop-off.
Fuel approx EUR50, 4h

10:30am

Rental Car Drop-off at Rome Airport

Return rental vehicle on time for your departure flight preparations.
Included, 30m

12:00pm

Airport Lunch

Grab lunch at Rome airport's eateries before security and boarding.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Flight Departure

Board your flight home departing from Rome.
Included, N/A
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