Extended Autumn Journey: Milan to Zurich via Lake Como and the Swiss Alps

Day 1: Arrival in Milan

Milan, Italy on October 3, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Marchesi

Enjoy classic Milanese pastries and fine coffee at this historic pastry shop, open from 7:30am, perfect for a relaxed start after arrival.
EUR20, 1h0m

10:30am

Duomo di Milano visit

Explore Milan’s magnificent Gothic cathedral with its rooftop terraces offering panoramic city views, open from 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Taste Milan’s beloved street food panzerotti, warm stuffed pastries located near the cathedral; open all day.
EUR8, 45m

2:00pm

Visit Pinacoteca di Brera

Discover a rich collection of Italian Renaissance art at the Brera Art Gallery, open from 8:30am to 7:15pm on Fridays.
EUR15, 2h0m

5:00pm

Aperitivo in Navigli

Experience Milan’s vibrant aperitivo culture along the picturesque Navigli canals, with many bars opening around 5:00pm.
EUR15 approx., 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Osteria del Binari

Savour traditional Milanese dishes in a cosy historic setting, open from 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Lake Como Visit

Lake Como, Italy on October 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bar Gelateria Lario, Como

Have a lakeside breakfast with fresh coffee and pastries, open from 7:00am, perfect before your lake day.
EUR10, 1h0m

8:30am

Ferry to Bellagio

Take a scenic ferry ride across Lake Como to Bellagio, providing stunning views of the alpine lake, with services from early morning.
EUR12, 1h15m

10:00am

Bellagio exploration and Villa Melzi gardens

Wander the charming village streets and visit the beautifully maintained Villa Melzi gardens, open 9:00am–6:00pm in autumn.
EUR7, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria San Giacomo

Enjoy traditional Como lake cuisine in this authentic restaurant open till late afternoon.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return ferry to Como

Relax on the ferry as you return to Como, appreciating autumnal hues on the lake.
Included in ferry ticket, 1h15m

4:00pm

Visit Villa Olmo gardens

Explore the elegant grounds of Villa Olmo, perfect for autumn strolls; gardens open until dusk.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Sociale

Dine on seasonal northern Italian dishes in Como’s historic centre, open evenings from 6:30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Bern Highlights

Bern, Switzerland on October 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Fédéral

Start your day with a Swiss breakfast near the Federal Palace, open from 7:00am.
CHF15, 1h0m

9:00am

Walk through Bern Old Town

Explore Bern’s UNESCO World Heritage Old Town and witness the Zytglogge clock tower's hourly display, accessible throughout the day.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Bern Historical Museum

Visit Switzerland’s second largest historical museum featuring notable art and Einstein exhibitions, open 10:00am–5:00pm.
CHF16, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Altes Tramdepot

Enjoy Swiss cuisine and local craft beer next to the Aare River, open for lunch from noon.
CHF35, 1h15m

3:00pm

Rosengarten Park for city views

Relax in the rose gardens with panoramic views of Bern's skyline, open daily and free to enter.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Visit Bear Pit

See Bern's symbolic bears in their historic enclosure in the city centre, accessible throughout the day.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Kornhauskeller

Dine in an atmospheric vaulted cellar with exquisite Swiss dishes, open evenings from 6:30pm.
CHF55, 1h30m
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Day 4: Zermatt and Matterhorn

Zermatt, Switzerland on October 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Fuchs Bistro

Enjoy coffee and fresh baked goods in a relaxed Zermatt café, open from 7:00am.
CHF15, 1h0m

8:30am

Gornergrat Bahn up to Gornergrat

Scenic cogwheel train ride with spectacular views of the Matterhorn and Alpine peaks, operating from early morning.
CHF95 return, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat

Relax at Europe's highest hotel restaurant while taking in striking mountain vistas, open midday.
CHF40, 1h0m

1:30pm

Matterhorn Museum visit

Discover the mountain’s history and mountaineering culture in this engaging museum, open 9:00am–5:00pm.
CHF16, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Zermatt village

Stroll the car-free village streets with shops, cafés, and alpine charm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Schäferstube

Taste hearty Alpine fare such as fondue and raclette in a cosy atmosphere, open until 9:30pm.
CHF45, 1h30m
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Day 5: Interlaken Outdoors

Interlaken, Switzerland on October 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Paris

Begin with freshly brewed coffee and pastries in a quaint café, open from 7:30am.
CHF15, 1h0m

9:30am

Boat cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz

Enjoy a peaceful 2-hour cruise on one of the nearby lakes, open in autumn with scheduled daily departures.
CHF35, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Steinbock

Savour local Swiss dishes in a relaxed restaurant setting, open from noon onward.
CHF30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Harder Kulm funicular ride

Take the funicular up to Harder Kulm for stunning autumn views over Interlaken and surrounding mountains, operating until 7:00pm.
CHF38 return, 2h0m

5:00pm

Höheweg promenade walk

Leisurely stroll through Interlaken’s bustling main street lined with shops and cafés.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

Relax with classic Swiss and international dishes, open from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Lucerne Landmarks

Lucerne, Switzerland on October 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Confiserie Bachmann

Enjoy Swiss pastries at this historic bakery, open from 7:00am, perfect before sightseeing.
CHF15, 1h0m

9:30am

Chapel Bridge and Water Tower

Visit Lucerne’s iconic covered wooden bridge and adjacent medieval water tower for photo opportunities.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Swiss Museum of Transport

Interact with Austria’s largest museum dedicated to all modes of transport and communication, open 10:00am–5:00pm.
CHF30, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Taste traditional Swiss dishes in a cosy, family-run inn open for lunch until mid-afternoon.
CHF30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Lake Lucerne lakeside walk

Enjoy the crisp autumn air on a gentle stroll along the lake promenade with beautiful views.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit the Lion Monument

See Lucerne’s poignant sculpture commemorating fallen Swiss Guards, located near the old town.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Balances

Dine overlooking the Reuss river with contemporary Swiss cuisine, open until 10:00pm.
CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Arrive Zurich & Relax

Zurich, Switzerland on October 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Start your Zurich stay indulging in renowned Swiss chocolates and coffee, open from 8:00am.
CHF20, 1h0m

9:30am

Check-in and rest

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a restful morning after transit.
Varies, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hiltl

Experience the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant with diverse, healthy dishes, open from noon.
CHF30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lake Zurich promenade walk

Take a gentle lakeside walk to relax and enjoy autumnal lake views.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Old Town exploration

Stroll Zurich's Altstadt with its historic alleys, shops and cafés, open generally without time restrictions.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Kronenhalle

Enjoy classic Swiss fine dining surrounded by artworks from Chagall and Picasso, open until 11:00pm.
CHF70, 1h30m
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Day 8: Zurich Museums & Culture

Zurich, Switzerland on October 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Babu's Bakery & Coffeehouse

Enjoy artisan bakery treats and excellent coffee, open from 7:30am.
CHF20, 1h0m

9:30am

Kunsthaus Zurich

Visit the premier art museum with masterpieces from classic to contemporary art, open 10:00am–6:00pm.
CHF23, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sternen Grill

Famous for their traditional Zurich sausages, open during lunch hours until early afternoon.
CHF20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Swiss National Museum

Explore Swiss cultural history in a castle-like setting, open 10:00am–5:00pm.
CHF10, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax in the Lindenhof district

Enjoy the peaceful park area with views over the old town, great for a late afternoon break.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Clouds Restaurant

Fine dining with panoramic views from Prime Tower, Zurich’s tallest building, open until 11:00pm.
CHF65, 1h30m
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Day 9: Day Trip: Rhine Falls & Stein am Rhein

Zurich, Switzerland on October 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Fuel up early for a day of sightseeing, choose a local café or your hotel buffet, many open from 7:00am.
CHF20, 1h0m

8:30am

Train to Rhine Falls

Travel by train to Europe’s largest waterfall, with multiple connections daily and arrival mid-morning.
CHF40 round trip, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Rhine Falls

View the impressive falls from walkways and boat rides (weather permitting), open year-round.
CHF5–25 depending on activities, 1h30m

12:00pm

Train to Stein am Rhein

Short train ride to this charming medieval town known for frescoed houses.
CHF15, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Stein am Rhein

Dine at Gasthof Hirschen featuring traditional Swiss cuisine, open till 3:00pm.
CHF30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Stein am Rhein

Stroll the picturesque streets and admire frescoed buildings and town walls, accessible throughout the day.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return train to Zurich

Relax on the train back, arriving by late afternoon for a peaceful evening.
Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Zeughauskeller

Enjoy classic Swiss dishes in an atmospheric former armory, open until 10:00pm.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Relaxed Zurich Day

Zurich, Switzerland on October 12, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Henrici

Enjoy artisan coffee and breakfast options in Zurich’s old town, open from 8:00am.
CHF20, 1h0m

10:30am

Botanical Garden visit

Explore the University of Zurich’s botanical garden featuring over 15,000 species, open daily.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Frau Gerolds Garten

Outdoor garden restaurant offering seasonal Swiss fare, open till early evening.
CHF30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Limmat river boat tour

Relax on a 1-hour scenic boat tour along the Limmat river through the city centre.
CHF15, 1h0m

4:00pm

Free time for shopping or museums

Explore malls or revisit museums, based on personal preference, open generally till early evening.
Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Razzia Restaurant

Enjoy historic ambiance with modern Swiss cuisine, open till 11:00pm.
CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 11: Day Trip: Uetliberg Mountain

Zurich, Switzerland on October 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Backerei Konditorei Schober

Start the day with exquisite pastries in Zurich’s old town, open from 7:30am.
CHF20, 1h0m

9:30am

Train to Uetliberg

Reach the summit on the Uetliberg train line, offering panoramic views of Zurich, Alps and Lake Zurich.
CHF15 return, 1h0m

10:30am

Hiking and sightseeing atop Uetliberg

Enjoy an accessible hike on well-marked trails and stunning vistas, perfect for autumn colours.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Uto Kulm Hotel Restaurant

Dine with sweeping views from the mountain-top restaurant, open daily for lunch.
CHF45, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return to Zurich city

Descend by train and enjoy afternoon free to explore or relax at leisure.
Included, 1h0m

4:00pm

Leisure time in Zurich

Take time to shop, visit cafés or parks based on your interest.
Varies, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Maison Manesse

Experience avant-garde Swiss gastronomy in a relaxed setting, open until 10:30pm.
CHF80, 1h30m
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Day 12: Day Trip: Appenzell Region

Zurich, Switzerland on October 14, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a full day away with a nutritious breakfast at your accommodation.
CHF20, 1h0m

7:30am

Train to Appenzell

Take a scenic train journey via St. Gallen to Appenzell region, famous for alpine pastures and traditional culture.
CHF50 return, 2h30m

10:00am

Explore Appenzell village

Walk the charming streets adorned with decorated facades and quaint shops, open throughout the day.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Hike or cable car to Ebenalp

Access the Ebenalp plateau via cable car for impressive mountain views and the Aescher cliff restaurant, with lifts open till late afternoon.
CHF35 return, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Gasthaus Aescher

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes at the iconic cliff-side restaurant with spectacular scenery.
CHF40, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Zurich

Relax on the return train journey arriving early evening.
Included, 2h30m

7:30pm

Dinner near hotel

Opt for light dinner or local bistro to wind down after a full day, options vary by location.
CHF30, 1h0m
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Day 13: Free Day in Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on October 15, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Noir

Relax with coffee and breakfast in a stylish setting, open 8:00am onward.
CHF20, 1h0m

10:30am

Shopping and strolling

Use this free day to revisit favourite spots or shop along Bahnhofstrasse and nearby boutiques.
Varies, 4h0m

2:30pm

Optional visit to Rietberg Museum

Art and culture museum focusing on non-European art, open till 5:00pm, perfect for a quiet afternoon.
CHF15, 1h30m

5:30pm

Evening coffee or aperitif

Enjoy a calm aperitif at a local bar or café to soak in Zurich’s atmosphere.
CHF15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Salle

Conclude with refined contemporary dining in Zurich, open until late evening.
CHF60, 1h30m
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Day 14: Day Trip: Lucerne or Relax

Zurich, Switzerland on October 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Comfortable breakfast to prepare for day trip or relaxation, depending on preference.
CHF20, 1h0m

9:30am

Train to Lucerne

A scenic 50-minute train ride for exploring Lucerne’s charming old town and lake scenery.
CHF30 return, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Chapel Bridge and Old Town

Explore Lucerne’s wooden bridge and quaint streets with vibrant shops and cafes.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Taube

Taste Swiss classics in an inviting traditional tavern, open for lunch till 2:30pm.
CHF30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lake Lucerne promenade walk

Enjoy an autumnal stroll by the lake with mountain views, very peaceful in October.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return train to Zurich

Head back for a relaxed late afternoon in Zurich.
Included, 1h0m

6:00pm

Casual dinner near hotel

Choose a nearby bistro for a light, restful meal to prepare for departure day.
CHF25, 1h0m
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Day 15: Final Zurich Day

Zurich, Switzerland on October 17, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Felix

Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries in a bright modern café, open from 8:00am.
CHF18, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Fraumünster Church

See the famous Chagall stained glass windows in this historic Zurich church, open 9:00am–5:00pm.
CHF5, 45m

11:30am

Shopping or museum revisit

Spend time acquiring any last souvenirs or revisiting favourite museums.
Varies, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Café des Amis

Relax with a Swiss-style light lunch in a relaxed setting, open midday till 3:00pm.
CHF30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Pack and prepare for departure

Return to hotel to organise luggage and prepare for next day’s departure.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at Restaurant Bindella

Celebrate your trip’s end with refined Italian-Swiss cuisine in Zurich’s vibrant district, open till 11:00pm.
CHF70, 1h30m
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Day 16: Departure Day

Zurich, Switzerland on October 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before your journey, with time to rest and final preparations.
CHF20, 1h0m

9:00am

Transfer to Zurich Airport

Take taxi or train to Zurich Airport allowing sufficient time for check-in and security.
CHF40 approx., 1h0m
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