8-Day Northern Italy & Swiss Alps Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Milan & Transfer to Lake Como

Morning: Arrive into Milan and transfer to Lake Como. Settle into accommodation with stunning lake views.

Afternoon: Explore the lakeside town of Como, visiting the Como Cathedral and strolling the promenade.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner by the lake and an early night to prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 2: Lake Como & Travel to Tirano

Morning: Take a boat tour on Lake Como, visiting picturesque towns like Bellagio or Varenna.

Afternoon: Travel from Como to Tirano, a quaint town at the foothills of the Alps, gateway to the Bernina Express.

Evening: Explore Tirano and have dinner at a local trattoria, soaking up alpine ambiance.

Day 3: Bernina Express to Zermatt

Morning: Board the Bernina Express in Tirano for a scenic journey across the Alps, passing iconic landmarks like the Landwasser Viaduct.

Afternoon: Arrive in Zermatt. Check into your hotel and start exploring the car-free alpine village.

Evening: Enjoy dinner with views of the Matterhorn and a stroll along the charming streets of Zermatt.

Day 4: Zermatt to Lauterbrunnen via Swiss Travel Pass

Morning: Use your Swiss Travel Pass to travel from Zermatt to Lauterbrunnen, stopping for photos of alpine scenery along the way.

Afternoon: Explore the stunning valley of Lauterbrunnen, famous for its 72 waterfalls including the Staubbach Falls.

Evening: Relax in the village and try Swiss specialties at a local restaurant.

Day 5: Lauterbrunnen and Surroundings

Morning: Take a cable car or hike to the mountain villages of Wengen or Mürren for panoramic views of the Jungfrau region.

Afternoon: Visit the Trummelbach Falls, impressive glacier waterfalls within the valley.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening in Lauterbrunnen, perhaps an early night after a day of adventure.

Day 6: Lauterbrunnen to Lucerne & Evening in Bern

Morning: Travel with your Swiss Travel Pass to Lucerne, visiting the iconic Chapel Bridge and Old Town.

Afternoon: Explore Lucerne’s lakeside and perhaps visit the Swiss Museum of Transport or take a short cruise on Lake Lucerne.

Evening: Continue to Bern by train, enjoy walking around the historic Old Town and dine in a cozy café.

Day 7: Bern to Zurich via Swiss Travel Pass

Morning: Spend the morning further exploring Bern, visit the Zytglogge clock tower and the Federal Palace.

Afternoon: Use your Swiss Travel Pass to travel to Zurich. Explore the Bahnhofstrasse and the historic Old Town.

Evening: Enjoy Zurich’s vibrant dining scene or a peaceful walk along Lake Zurich.

Day 8: Departure from Zurich

Morning: Depending on departure time, visit Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic city views or relax in a café.

Afternoon: Prepare for departure. Head to Zurich Airport for your flight home.

Evening: N/A (travel day).

Time and Cost Estimates

• Lake Como – 1 day, €50 (boat tour and meals)
• Tirano – Half day, €20 (local transit, meals)
• Bernina Express – Half day, €75 (without Swiss Pass, included if Swiss Pass valid)
• Zermatt – 1 day, CHF 60 (local transport and meals)
• Lauterbrunnen – 2 days, CHF 50 (cable cars, local activities)
• Lucerne – Half day, CHF 30 (museum, boat cruise optional)
• Bern – Half day, CHF 20 (sightseeing, meals)
• Zurich – Half day, CHF 30 (local transport, meals)
• Swiss Travel Pass (6 days) – CHF 280 (covers most transport and trains)

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately CHF 535 / €1450

Tips

To extend your trip, consider spending extra days hiking around Lauterbrunnen or add a day in Interlaken for adventure sports. For a shorter trip, skip Bern and spend more time in Lucerne and Zurich to reduce train travel times.