10-Day Scenic and Cultural Journey Through Switzerland and Italy

Day 1: Zurich City Exploration

Zurich, Switzerland on June 5, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Enjoy Swiss pastries and coffee at this iconic Zurich café, known for its Luxemburgerli macarons.
CHF15, 1h

10:30am

Old Town (Altstadt) Walking Tour

Explore Zurich's historic district featuring medieval lanes, the Grossmünster church, and charming shops.
CHF0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Relish traditional Swiss fare in a historic armory setting downtown open 11:30am-11pm.
CHF30, 1h

2:00pm

Lake Zurich Promenade Walk

Stroll along Lake Zurich for scenic views and relax at the peaceful lakeside parks.
CHF0, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Discover Swiss and international art spanning centuries in Zurich’s premier art museum, open until 6pm.
CHF16, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hiltl

Dine at the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant with diverse international dishes, open till 10pm.
CHF35, 1h30m

Day 2: Lucerne & Lake Views

Lucerne, Switzerland on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Train to Lucerne

Take the efficient 1-hour train ride south to Lucerne, known for its preserved medieval architecture.
CHF25, 1h

9:30am

Breakfast at Bachmann Confiserie

Sample Swiss baked goods and coffee at this local favorite bakery.
CHF12, 1h

10:30am

Chapel Bridge and Water Tower

Visit Lucerne’s emblematic covered wooden bridge and historic water tower by the Reuss river.
CHF0, 1h

11:30am

Swiss Museum of Transport

Explore interactive exhibits on all modes of transport; the museum is open 9am-5pm.
CHF32, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Rathaus Brauerei

Enjoy Swiss-German specialties and fresh beer at this brewery near the river on the terrace.
CHF30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Lake Lucerne Boat Tour

Take a 1.5-hour afternoon cruise to admire the stunning mountainous scenery around the lake.
CHF25, 1h30m

5:00pm

Leisurely city stroll & shopping

Wander through Lucerne’s pedestrian streets for souvenir shopping and local crafts.
CHF0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Wirtshaus Taube

Experience authentic Swiss cuisine in a cozy traditional inn open until 10pm.
CHF35, 1h30m

Day 3: Alpine Adventure: Interlaken

Interlaken, Switzerland on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Train to Interlaken

Journey 2 hours via scenic rail crossing the Bernese Oberland mountains.
CHF40, 2h

10:30am

Breakfast at Café de Paris

Grab a hearty breakfast with great views of surrounding peaks.
CHF20, 1h

11:30am

Harder Kulm Panorama

Ride the funicular to Harder Kulm viewpoint to enjoy sweeping views over Interlaken and lakes.
CHF38, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Laterne

Try traditional Swiss dishes in a relaxed mountain town setting.
CHF30, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Höhematte Park and Shopping

Relax in the central park with mountain vistas and browse local shops in the pedestrian zone.
CHF0, 1h

5:00pm

Optional Paragliding Experience

For thrill-seekers, book a tandem paragliding flight to soar above Interlaken (advance booking required).
CHF150, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ox Restaurant & Grill

Enjoy grilled specialties and regional wines in a cozy atmosphere open until 10pm.
CHF40, 1h30m

Day 4: Lauterbrunnen Valley

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Train to Lauterbrunnen

Short 20-minute train ride to the valley famous for towering waterfalls and alpine beauty.
CHF10, 20m

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Oberland

Start the day with a traditional Swiss breakfast in the valley’s heart.
CHF18, 1h

9:30am

Trümmelbach Falls Hike

Visit the impressive glacier waterfalls inside the mountain, open 9am-5pm.
CHF12, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Staubbach Falls

Walk to one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe, just a short stroll from town.
CHF0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Staubbach

Enjoy Swiss comfort food with stunning waterfall views.
CHF25, 1h

2:00pm

Cable car to Mürren

Take an aerial cable car to the charming car-free village of Mürren for alpine hiking and views.
CHF25, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Kirchbühl

Savor casual Italian-style pizzas and local dishes, popular with visitors, open until 10pm.
CHF20, 1h30m

Day 5: Milan City Highlights

Milan, Italy on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Train to Milan

Travel about 3 hours by train crossing from Switzerland to Italy, arriving in fashion capital Milan.
EUR40, 3h

11:00am

Breakfast at Pavé

Enjoy a modern Italian breakfast featuring delicious pastries and espresso.
EUR12, 1h

12:00pm

Visit Milan Cathedral (Duomo)

Explore this stunning Gothic cathedral and climb to the rooftop for panoramic views. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Taste iconic Milanese stuffed panzerotti, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
EUR10, 30m

2:00pm

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Shopping

Walk through Milan’s elegant 19th-century shopping arcade featuring luxury brands and cafés.
EUR0, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Sforza Castle

Tour this historic fortress housing museums and art collections, open until 5:30pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Nabucco

Dine on traditional Milanese cuisine in the vibrant Brera district, open until 11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 6: Lake Como Serenity

Lake Como, Italy on June 10, 2025

8:30am

Train to Lake Como (Como town)

Short 1-hour train ride from Milan to the picturesque town of Como on the lake shore.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Teatro

Enjoy coffee and pastries overlooking Como’s town square.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Como Cathedral and Lakeside Walk

Visit Como’s beautiful Gothic-Renaissance cathedral and stroll along the scenic promenade.
EUR0, 1h

11:30am

Ferry Ride to Bellagio

Take a 45-minute ferry crossing to Bellagio, known as the ‘Pearl of the Lake’, for stunning views.
EUR10, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Punta

Dine on fresh seafood and Italian dishes with lakeside views in Bellagio.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Walk Through Bellagio Village

Explore charming cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and gardens.
EUR0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Ferry Back to Como and Train to Milan

Return ferry and subsequent train to Milan for an overnight stay.
EUR20, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Eataly Milan

Enjoy diverse Italian regional dishes and wine in a vibrant marketplace setting open until 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 7: Venice Canals

Venice, Italy on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Train to Venice

Early 2.5-hour train ride to Venice, arriving mid-morning to avoid crowds.
EUR40, 2h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Start the day with excellent Venetian pastries in a historic cafe.
EUR12, 1h

11:00am

St. Mark’s Basilica and Square

Visit the iconic cathedral, admire its Byzantine mosaics and explore the vibrant piazza. Open 9:45am-5pm.
EUR3, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Enjoy fresh seafood in an intimate Venetian eatery, one of the city’s best, open for lunch 12-3pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Gondola Ride

Take a classic 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s scenic canals for an unforgettable experience.
EUR80, 30m

3:00pm

Visit Doge’s Palace

Explore the former residence of the Doge of Venice with its impressive art and architecture. Open until 7pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Al Gazzettino

Try hearty Venetian classics in a welcoming atmosphere, open until 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 8: Florence Renaissance

Florence, Italy on June 12, 2025

7:30am

Train to Florence

Travel approximately 2 hours from Venice to Florence, Italy’s cradle of Renaissance art.
EUR45, 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Enjoy Tuscan breakfast pastries and coffee in historic Florence café.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Visit Uffizi Gallery

Discover masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo in one of the world’s greatest art museums. Open 8:15am-6:30pm.
EUR20, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy traditional Florentine dishes in a lively, family-run eatery open 12-2:30pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Walk the Historic Center

Explore the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria on foot.
EUR0, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Boboli Gardens

Relax in these expansive Renaissance gardens offering sculptures and views. Open 8:15am-6:30pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Savor Tuscan specialties in an elegant atmosphere in central Florence open until 11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 9: Pisa & Arrival in Rome

Rome, Italy on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Train to Pisa

Take a 1-hour train from Florence to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower early before crowds.
EUR10, 1h

8:00am

Breakfast near Pisa Station

Light breakfast at a café near the train station for convenience.
EUR10, 30m

8:45am

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Visit the iconic tower and surrounding Field of Miracles; climb the tower for a thrilling experience. Open 9am-8pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

10:30am

Train to Rome

Journey approx 3 hours to Italy’s capital city, Rome.
EUR40, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Pizzeria Ai Marmi

Famous Roman-style pizza in Trastevere neighborhood, open till late afternoon.
EUR15, 1h

3:00pm

Colosseum and Roman Forum

Explore the legendary amphitheater and ancient ruins with guided or self tours. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR18, 2h

6:00pm

Check-in Hotel and Rest

Relax at your hotel before evening activities.
N/A, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Roscioli

Enjoy refined Roman cuisine in an atmospheric deli-restaurant hybrid open till midnight.
EUR45, 1h30m

Day 10: Rome Ancient & Vatican

Rome, Italy on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sant'Eustachio Il Caffè

Try one of Rome’s best espresso and pastries to start your day.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Explore vast art collections and Michelangelo’s masterpiece ceiling; book skip-the-line tickets. Open 9am-6pm.
EUR25, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Arlu

Enjoy homemade Roman style pasta dishes near Vatican City.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

St. Peter’s Basilica

Visit the grand basilica and climb the dome for spectacular Roman views; open 7am-7pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps

Stroll through central Rome landmarks, enjoy gelato and street atmosphere.
EUR5, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Il Gabriello

Complete your trip with authentic Roman dishes in a welcoming trattoria, open 7pm-11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m