8-Day Northern Italy & Swiss Alps Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Milan & Lake Como

Morning: Arrive into Milan and explore the historic center, including a quick visit to the Duomo di Milano.

Afternoon: Travel by train or car to Lake Como. Stroll through the charming town of Como and enjoy lakeside views.

Evening: Dinner overlooking the lake and relax at your accommodation in Como.

Day 2: Como to Tirano

Morning: Enjoy a morning ferry ride on Lake Como visiting towns like Bellagio or Varenna.

Afternoon: Travel to Tirano, the starting point of the Bernina Express. Explore the quaint town center.

Evening: Early dinner and overnight in Tirano.

Day 3: Bernina Express to Zermatt

Morning: Board the Bernina Express for a scenic trip through the Alps to Chur.

Afternoon: Continue by train from Chur to Zermatt, legendary for the Matterhorn mountain.

Evening: Explore Zermatt village and enjoy dinner with mountain views.

Day 4: Zermatt to Lauterbrunnen

Morning: Take the cogwheel train up to the Gornergrat for amazing views of the Matterhorn.

Afternoon: Travel from Zermatt to Lauterbrunnen via train; appreciate the alpine scenery.

Evening: Walk through the picturesque village and have a traditional Swiss meal.

Day 5: Lauterbrunnen & Surroundings

Morning: Visit the famous Staubbach Falls and take a cable car to Schilthorn or Mürren.

Afternoon: Explore nearby hiking trails or visit the Trümmelbach Falls.

Evening: Relax in Lauterbrunnen and try local Swiss cheese specialties.

Day 6: Lauterbrunnen to Lucerne

Morning: Travel by train to Lucerne, check in and start exploring the old town.

Afternoon: Visit the Chapel Bridge and Lake Lucerne promenade.

Evening: Enjoy lakeside dining and stroll around the illuminated city center.

Day 7: Lucerne to Bern

Morning: Visit the Swiss Transport Museum or take a boat trip on Lake Lucerne.

Afternoon: Train to Bern, walk through the UNESCO-listed old town, visit the Bern Munster and the Zytglogge Clock Tower.

Evening: Dinner in Bern and relax in a cozy café or bar.

Day 8: Bern to Zurich & Departure

Morning: Travel to Zurich, explore Bahnhofstrasse for last-minute shopping or visit the Kunsthaus Zurich.

Afternoon: Relax by Lake Zurich or visit the Old Town (Altstadt).

Evening: Departure from Zurich Airport.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Duomo di Milano: 2 hours - €10 entry
• Lake Como ferry ride: 3 hours - €15
• Tirano town exploration: 1.5 hours - Free
• Bernina Express: 4 hours - Covered by Swiss Travel Pass
• Zermatt village & Gornergrat: 5 hours - Gornergrat train approx. CHF 95 (partial discount with Swiss Pass)
• Lauterbrunnen & Falls: 4 hours - Cable cars approx. CHF 40
• Lucerne city & boat trip: 3-4 hours - Boat approx. CHF 25
• Bern old town: 3 hours - Free sightseeing
• Zurich shopping & sightseeing: 3 hours - Free

Total Estimated Cost (excluding Swiss Travel Pass): Approximately €100 - CHF 160

Tips

• To extend the trip: Add extra days in Lake Como or Lauterbrunnen for hiking and lake activities, or explore nearby Swiss towns like Interlaken.
• To reduce duration: Skip the extended stay in Zermatt by taking an early Bernina Express directly to Lauterbrunnen, and omit Lucerne, going directly from Lauterbrunnen to Bern.