Scenic Swiss and Tuscan Adventure from Zurich to Cortona

Day 1: Arrival and Relax

Zurich, Switzerland on June 13, 2025

10:30am

Arrival in Zurich

Land at Zurich Airport and prepare to transfer to accommodation. Enjoy the morning relaxing after the flight.
CHF0, 1h0m

3:00pm

KAYA Zurich Apartment Check-in

Check-in to your apartment in Zurich and settle in. The apartment offers comfortable accommodation in a convenient location.
Included, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Haus Hiltl

Enjoy dinner at Haus Hiltl, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world, offering a variety of delicious and healthy meals in a cozy atmosphere.
CHF30, 1h30m

Day 2: Lucerne and Spiez

Lucerne to Spiez, Switzerland on June 14, 2025

9:00am

Depart Zurich for Lucerne

Travel by train from Zurich to Lucerne, approximately 1 hour, to start the day’s sightseeing.
CHF25, 1h0m

10:30am

Mt. Titlis and Ice Cave Visit

Take the Titlis Rotair cable car to explore Mt. Titlis and the glacier cave, experiencing stunning alpine views and a unique ice adventure. Open 8:30am-5:00pm.
CHF92, 3h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Panorama Restaurant on Mt. Titlis

Enjoy a scenic lunch with alpine views, featuring Swiss specialties at the mountain restaurant.
CHF35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Travel to Spiez

Take train from Lucerne to Spiez (approx. 2.5 hours).
CHF40, 2h30m

6:00pm

Check in at La Belle Vue Hotel

Settle into your hotel in Spiez with beautiful views of Lake Thun.
Included, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant La Belle Vue

Dine on traditional Swiss cuisine within the hotel’s restaurant, enjoying fresh local ingredients and lake views.
CHF45, 1h30m

Day 3: Harder Kulm and Interlaken

Spiez and Interlaken, Switzerland on June 15, 2025

9:00am

Morning in Spiez

Relax or take a morning walk along Lake Thun’s promenade, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Harder Kulm

Take the funicular from Interlaken to Harder Kulm, the ‘Top of Interlaken’, for panoramic views of the Jungfrau region. Open 8:00am-7:00pm.
CHF38, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant

Relish lunch with spectacular views over Interlaken and the lakes, serving regional dishes.
CHF40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Interlaken

Walk around Interlaken’s town center, visit Höhematte Park and local shops.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return to Spiez

Travel back to Spiez for dinner and rest.
CHF20, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Seeblick

Enjoy a lakeside dinner at Restaurant Seeblick, specializing in Swiss and international cuisine with local wines.
CHF50, 1h30m

Day 4: Lake Cruise and Relaxation

Spiez and Lake Thun, Switzerland on June 16, 2025

9:30am

Boat Cruise on Lake Thun

Take a scenic boat cruise departing from Spiez, enjoying views of castles, mountains, and lakeside towns. Cruises generally operate 9:00am-6:00pm with varying durations.
CHF35, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Schloss Schadau Restaurant

Dine at this castle restaurant located in Thun, featuring Swiss specialties and a charming setting.
CHF40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Leisure Afternoon in Spiez

Explore Spiez Castle and gardens or enjoy lakeside walking paths, perfect for photos and relaxation.
CHF10, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant La Belle Vue

Another opportunity to enjoy local flavors at your hotel’s cozy dining room.
CHF45, 1h30m

Day 5: Exploration Day

Spiez, Switzerland on June 17, 2025

9:00am

Free Morning

Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring any sites missed or take a short hike in the nearby hills.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Strandbad

Casual meal with fresh sandwiches and salads in a lakeside café atmosphere.
CHF25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Nearby Town of Thun

Short train ride to Thun (20 minutes) to stroll its old town and waterfront.
CHF15, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Restaurant Yucatan

Enjoy diverse international cuisine in a lively atmosphere near Spiez center.
CHF35, 1h30m

Day 6: Relax and Prep Travel

Spiez, Switzerland on June 18, 2025

9:30am

Relaxing Morning

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and pack for upcoming travel, maybe a spa visit in hotel if available.
Included, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel La Belle Vue

Savor your last lunch in Spiez with lake views and Swiss dishes.
CHF45, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk by Lake or Shopping

Take final walk by lake shore or browse a few local shops or markets.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Zur Hofstatt

Enjoy a final Swiss dinner, featuring local specialties and cozy atmosphere.
CHF40, 1h30m

Day 7: Bernina Express Journey

Spiez to Tirano via Chur, Switzerland to Italy on June 19, 2025

6:30am

Depart Spiez for Chur

Catch early train from Spiez to Chur (approx. 3.5 hours) to arrive before 1:00pm for Bernina Express.
CHF60, 3h30m

1:30pm

Bernina Express Train

Board scenic Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano, Italy, marveling at stunning alpine landscapes along the UNESCO World Heritage route.
EUR72, 4h0m

5:30pm

Train to Sondrio

Take local train from Tirano to Sondrio, about 30 minutes.
EUR5, 30m

6:15pm

Check-in at Stanza in Sondrio Coel

Settle in for overnight stay at your accommodation in Sondrio.
Included, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Local Trattoria

Enjoy traditional Italian dining in Sondrio with local specialties such as pizzoccheri and polenta.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 8: Drive to Cortona

Sondrio to Cortona, Italy on June 20, 2025

9:00am

Morning in Sondrio

Enjoy breakfast and explore town prior to pickup of rental car.
EUR0, 1h30m

10:30am

Rental Car Pickup

Collect your rental car in Sondrio for road trip to Tuscany.
EUR0, 0h30m

11:00am

Drive from Sondrio to Cortona

Drive roughly 4 hours through northern Italy towards Cortona, enjoying scenic countryside views.
Fuel approx. EUR40, 4h0m

3:30pm

Apartment Girabaldi Check-in

Check-in to your apartment in Cortona, a beautiful town perched atop the Tuscan hills.
Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria del Teatro

Dine on authentic Tuscan cuisine at this charming Cortona restaurant, known for its local ingredients and warm ambiance.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 9: Wine Tasting Cortona

Cortona, Italy on June 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Local Café

Enjoy Italian espresso and pastries at a nearby café to start your day.
EUR8, 1h0m

10:00am

Morning Exploration in Cortona

Stroll Cortona’s narrow streets, visit churches and panoramic viewpoints.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Wine Tasting at Sottovoce

Enjoy a curated wine tasting experience featuring regional wines from Cortona’s renowned wineries.
EUR25, 2h0m

3:00pm

Relax Afternoon

Return to apartment for rest or enjoy nearby parks and shops.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Bucaccia

Dinner in a traditional Tuscan restaurant offering hearty dishes and fine local wines.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 10: Cooking Show Evening

Cortona, Italy on June 22, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast and Leisure

Enjoy a quiet breakfast and optional morning visit to a local market.
EUR8, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit to Local Art Galleries or Museums

Explore Cortona’s art and history at sites such as Diocesan Museum and Etruscan Academy Museum.
EUR10, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Dardano

Sample fresh pasta and regional dishes at this popular local eatery.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Afternoon Rest or Optional Excursion

Relax at apartment or take a short drive to nearby villages for sightseeing.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Cooking Show

Attend the interactive cooking show at a local restaurant, learning Tuscan recipes and enjoying the dishes prepared.
EUR60, 3h0m

Day 11: Florence Day Trip

Florence, Italy on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Florence

Drive approximately 1.5 hours from Cortona to Florence early to maximize sightseeing.
Fuel approx. EUR15, 1h30m

10:00am

Florence Walking Tour

Explore famous sites: Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria. Museums open 9:00am-6:00pm.
EUR30, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy traditional Tuscan home cooking at this popular local spot near the market.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Boboli Gardens or Shopping

Relax in the beautiful Boboli Gardens or explore Florence’s shops and boutiques.
EUR10, 2h0m

6:00pm

Drive back to Cortona

Return by car to your home base to rest after a full day.
Fuel approx. EUR15, 1h30m

Day 12: Hot Springs Day

Cortona and Surroundings, Italy on June 24, 2025

9:00am

Drive to Terme di Rapolano

About 1-hour drive to the Rapolano hot springs for a relaxing day in thermal waters known for wellness benefits.
EUR30, 1h0m

10:30am

Thermal Spa Visit

Spend the day enjoying pools, saunas, and spa treatments within the natural thermal springs complex.
EUR40, 4h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Spa Café

Light lunch or snack available at the on-site café to replenish energy.
EUR20, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Cortona

Drive back to Cortona to enjoy the evening at leisure.
Fuel approx. EUR10, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner in Cortona

Choose a casual trattoria for a relaxed dinner to round out your day.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 13: Winery Tour Day

Cortona, Italy on June 25, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Apartment

Start with a leisurely breakfast before heading to the winery.
EUR8, 1h0m

12:00pm

Baracchi Winery Tour and Lunch

Participate in a guided winery tour followed by a traditional lunch paired with local wines, experiencing the best of Cortona’s vineyards.
EUR70, 3h0m

3:30pm

Afternoon Rest

Return to Cortona apartment for relaxation after a wine-filled day.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Alla Corte del Re

Enjoy a refined dinner with creative Tuscan cuisine and an excellent wine list.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 14: Leisure and Final Cortona Day

Cortona, Italy on June 26, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast and Shopping

Enjoy breakfast at a café followed by shopping and strolling in Cortona’s charming streets.
EUR15, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Eremo Le Celle

Tour this peaceful hermitage founded by Saint Francis of Assisi with lovely gardens and historic ambiance.
EUR8, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Taste traditional Tuscan dishes in a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
EUR35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Afternoon Free

Relax at the apartment or take a last walk to capture memories.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at La Loggetta

Celebrate your last evening with exquisite local cuisine and beautiful views.
EUR50, 2h0m

Day 15: Departure

Cortona to Rome Airport, Italy on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Pack and Breakfast

Prepare for your departure, enjoy a quick breakfast at the apartment or nearby café.
EUR8, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Rome Airport

Drive approximately 2 hours to Rome Airport to return the rental car ahead of your flight.
Fuel approx. EUR25, 2h0m

10:30am

Car Drop-off at Rome Airport

Return your rental car to the airport rental center.
Included, 0h30m

12:00pm

Airport Check-in

Check in for your 2:30pm flight home, complete security procedures, and relax before departure.
Included, 2h30m