Best of Switzerland and Italy

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Tour Details

There is nothing more beautiful in nature than seeing the allure of the Alps and the picturesque Lake Lucerne in Switzerland and Lake Como in Italy in person. This 10 day journey will take you on cogwheel trains, boats, and rails to see the best that Switzerland and Northern Italy has to offer. With a private guide to assist you throughout your trip, the only thing you will have to get ready for is to have the time of your life exploring world renowned mountain tops of Jungfraujoch, the clear waters of Lake Como and lakeside village of Belagio, and a trip back to the city of Milan to fulfill those shopping desires. There’s no better time to get lost through the charming streets of Lucerne, look at the storybook views of Interlaken, and eat delicious Swiss and Italian food. This trip will take you on both an adventurous journey and relaxing vacation, and there’s no time to waste.

1 Day in Zurich
2 Days in Lucerne
2 Days in Interlaken
1 Day in Lugano
2 Days in Como
1 Day in Milan

Weather and Climate

Weather in Italy depends on the region. Temperatures in the south are generally hotter than in the north. You can usually rely on sun between May and September with the hottest temperatures in July and August. Beaches along the coast are at their busiest in August. During spring (April to June) and early autumn (September and October), weather is generally good without much rain. For up-to-date forecasts, check weather.com.

The Alps cause many climatic variations throughout Switzerland. In the higher Alpine regions temperatures tend to be low, while the lower land of the northern area has higher temperatures and warm summers. Overall the hottest months are July and August, though these are also the busiest. Those looking to ski should visit Switzerland between December and April, when snow is good in the Alps. The months of May and September are great times to visit for those looking for sunny and mild days, but without the throngs of tourists.

Day 1 :Zurich - ½ Day Guided Walking Tour

Your first day in Zurich starts with a private airport transfer to your hotel and a representative to answer any questions and assist you through a speedy check in where you’ll also receive a welcome package. Then, you’ll go on your walking tour of Zurich to see the business district, window shop through the shopping district, visit the Old Town, and relax along the lake.

Day 2 :Zurich - Lucerne (45 Minutes) ½ Day Walking Tour

Your guide will take you to your 45 minute train ride to Lucerne where your journey begins with a stroll across the Chapel Bridge and Mill Bridge to see the “Dance of Death” paintings. Then, you’ll have time to see the famous Musegg Wall, visit Town Hall, and revel the Lion Monument. You will also have the option to visit the Swiss Transport Museum for all things transportation.

Day 3 :Lucerne - 6 Hour Mount Pilatus Tour

Get ready for the first day of getting in touch with nature on your boat ride on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad. From there, board a cogwheel train to take in the spectacular views atop Mount Pilatus, the highest point in Europe. Then, you’ll descend aboard an aerial cable car to Fraenkmuentegg to view the pine forests and mountain meadows to the village of Kriens.

Day 4 :Lucerne - Interlaken (2 Hours) 1 Hour Horse Carriage Tour

Depart from Lucerne and board a train for 3 hours to Interlaken. You’ll then be greeted by your guide to go enjoy a one hour horse and carriage ride, the perfect way to enjoy the charm of this quaint city. Then, you will head to your hotel by private transfer.

Day 5 :Interlaken - 8 Hour Excursion to Jungfraujoch

Get ready for a self-guided excursion to the Bernese Alps. Walk to Interlaken Ost station and aboard a train to Waterfall Valley of Lauterbrunnen to transfer 2.5 hours to Jungfraujoch surrounded by stunning scenery. Then, you can visit the Ice palace and Sphinx Terraces to overlook the gorgeous Aletsch Glacier. After a meal, return down to Grindelwald, a village known for winter sports.

Day 6 :Interlaken - Lugano (5 hours) ½ Day Walking City Tour

Depart Interlaken to Lugano where you’ll go on a 2 hour guided tour of a city known as the “Little Rio de Janeiro” and stroll through the cobble stoned Old Town and marvel at the numerous piazzas you’ll pass on the way. Landmarks to be sure to hit are the Monument of Independence the Piazza Riforma, and the Santa Maria degli Angioli.

Day 7 :Lugano - Como (45 Minutes) ½ Day Walking Tour

After a quick ride to Como, you’ll receive a welcome package for Italy and begin your journey on a 2 hour walking tour of the town. This gem of a city is steeped with Roman history which is clear from the villas and squares teeming with famous works of art. You’ll be able to see the Gothic and Renaissance Cathedral as you walk alongside the breathtaking lake.

Day 8 :Como - ½ Day Bellagio & Lakeside Villages Boat Tour

Your day will start with an enjoyable boat ride on a Venetian style boat heading towards Bellagio at which time you can gaze ancient villas and churches. This strip of the Laglio has the perfect view of Villa Erba, Villa D’Este, Villa Pizzo, and Villa Fontanelle. Then, you’ll visit the gardens of Villa Melzi where you can capture the beauty of the flowers with a backdrop of the Alps.

Day 9 :Como - Milan (1 Hour) ½ Day City Tour with Last Supper

After a transfer to Milan, you’ll set out on a tour of the phenomenal city of Milan. Begin with a stop at the grand Cathedral of Milan. Then, you’ll visit Sforza Castle, a palace built for a Duke, and La Scala, a world renowned opera house. Your last stop will be the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church to see the Last Supper painted by da Vinci. This day will be full of postcard moments.

Day 10 :Milan

Enjoy a last lovely breakfast in Milan before you meet your private driver to head to the airport to conclude this magnificent journey through Switzerland and Northern Italy.

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Zurich
Lake Zurich, Old Town (Altstadt), Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich), Uetliberg Mountain, Zoo Zurich, Lindenhofplatz, Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmunster, Church of Our Lady (Fraumunster), Rietberg Museum

Lucerne
Explore the Old Town, Walk the Medieval Wooden Covered Bridges, Hike Mt Rigi or Mt Pilatus, Walk the Fortress Walls, Cruise on the Lake by boat, Visit the Lion Monument, Visit Jesuit Church, Visit the many Museums, Check out the Glacier Garden, take some pictures at the Bourbaki Panorama

Como
Bellagio, Como, Villa Serbelloni, Villa Carlotta, Villa d`Este, Villa del Balbianello, Menaggio, Varenna

Milan
The Last Supper by Michelangelo, The Duomo, Pinacoteca di Brera, Quadrilatero d'Oro, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Scala museum and theatre, Piazza Fontana. Arco della Pace, the churches of Santa Maria delle Grazie and San Lorenzo, Corso Venezia and Piazza San Babila and Sforzesco Castle

Zurich:Eat

Zunfthaus Zur Waag

Truly a culinary jewel in the city of Zurich, Zunfthaus Zur Waag serves authentic Swiss cuisine with a charming atmosphere. This historic building dates back to 1315 but the menu is carefully crafted to elevate traditional cuisine.

Restaurant Weisses Rossli

Weisses Rossli serves fresh French cuisine using only the highest quality seasonal products paired with spectacular wines from Italy and Switzerland to give diners the best experience they could offer.

Stay

Hotel Adler Zurich - 3 Star

This bestselling hotel is located in Old Town and close to all the main Zurich attractions. The Hotel Adler Zurich provides free high speed internet and other amenities like laundry service and minibar and refrigerators in every room. You can enjoy a complimentary breakfast as well as dine at the famous Swiss Chuchi Restaurant to savor Swiss specialties.

Ambassador a L`opera - 4 Star (B) (Superior)

With its unique location in the heart of Zurich, the Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador à l’Opéra has always been the first choice for a discerning clientele: lovers of culture and the arts and holiday guests from all over the world. Each room is equipped with a smartphone to use free of charge. The stylish and very individual hotel rooms, with free Wi-Fi and many other high-end amenities, make for a memorable, eventful stay in Zurich. Enjoy true sleeping comfort in luxurious, electronically adjustable beds. The hotel is just steps away from beautiful Lake Zurich, and the opera house; galleries, museums, the world-famous and exclusive Bahnhofstrasse shopping street within walking distance. On-site dining options include breakfast, a rooftop bar, and well-appointed tasting menus. Guests can use the nearby "Silhouette" gym free of charge.

Atlantis by Giardino - 5 Star

Experience the best of what Zurich has to offer at Atlantis by Giardino which perfectly harmonizes the bustle of the city and the calm of nature. When you stay here you can take advantage of the various amenities they offer like pools, hot tubs, spas, and a fitness center to rewind from a day of traveling. They also offer breakfast service in the morning and a restaurant, bar, and room service, all great dining options. Each of the rooms comes equipped with a minibar, free high speed WiFi, and laundry services. Be sure to take advantage of the free parking, airport transportation, and babysitting services. At the foot of the Üetliberg mountain, this hotel will sweep you off your feet and provide the perfect accommodations for an amazing trip.

Lucerne:Eat

Wirtshaus Galliker

If you are looking for some homey food, you can look no farther than the Wirsthaus Galliker. The Galliker family has been serving authentic Swiss food for over a century already. You’ll feel just like a regular dining here for a comfortable and pleasant meal.

Hotel des Balances

Balances is the perfect name for a restaurant that strikes the perfect balance in all ways. Their historical design is matched with modernity, the ambience of a local restaurant with the flair of a culinary delights. Chef Andy Fluri makes Swiss dishes that amuse your palates and is sure to be a meal to remember.

Lucerne:Stay

Hotel des Alpes - 3 Star

Hotel des Alpes is a charming hotel in the center of Lucerne where you can get a breathtaking view of the lake and the Kapellbrücke. Guests are also in close proximity to restaurants, boutiques, shops, museums, the Chapel Bridge, and many more attractions. When you come to check in, you’ll be greeted by multilingual staff to help you throughout your stay. Each of the rooms comes with complimentary WiFi access and dry cleaning services. This hotel also features a great bar and restaurant for you to taste Swiss delights. Relax at this homely hotel for a feeling of home away from home.

Wilden Mann - 4 Star (B) (Classic)

Wilden Mann Hotel an oasis of charm and hospitality snuggled in the picturesque old town of Lucerne. Each room is individually and beautifully decorated with a flair for detail. Wilden Mann is 200 meters from Lucerne’s most famous landmark, the Chapel Bridge. Lucerne train station and Lake Lucerne can be reached within an 8 minutes’ walk. The Wilden Mann Hotel has become synonymous with a creative cuisine with 3 on site restaurants, perfect service and top-quality facilities in a unique setting. A gem with the incomparable charm of bygone days, it currently extends across seven townhouses. Each room is individually and beautifully decorated with a flair for detail. A feeling for tradition harmoniously linked with modern comforts.

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern - 5 Star

Situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne and adjacent to the city of Lucerne, this hotel provides a luxurious stay based on the history of the Hotel which has been owned by the Hauser family since 1852. Each award winning room is based on a visit of a famous writer, musician, or actor. Guests can also enjoy the food from the both the Pavillon and Galerie for culinary delights or have a drink at the Schweizerhof Bar. From the concierge service, fitness center, dry cleaning services, air conditioning, business center, and minibar, your stay is designed to be as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Interlaken:Eat

Benacus

Dinner isn’t just a time to eat, it should be a full culinary experience. Benacus is a romantic restaurant in the historic center. With an intimate setting, fresh seasonal dishes, and a vaulted cellar, diners can expect to be delighted.

Stay

Hotel Beausite - 3 Star

This cozy hotel is located centrally in Interlaken surrounded by nature so that wherever you stay you can wake up to the sun peaking over the Swiss Alps. Perfect for families or a ski trip, they offer an in house restaurant and bar as well as ski storage, game room, library, and garden. Hotel Beausite is the perfect place to relax amidst the majesty of the nature.

Krebs - 4 Star

Hotel Krebs is located in the heart of Interlaken and is surrounded by the Bernese Alps, just a short walk from Interlaken-West train station and Burgseeli Natural Lido Lake. With over 140 years of warm hospitality, the contemporary designed guest rooms offer elegance and comfort suitable for all guests and there is complimentary WiFi access in all rooms. Krebs features a cozy bar and a bright Swiss restaurant which offers sumptuous culinary creations.

Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa - 5 Star

The Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is a gem of Interlaken. Overlooking the Bernese Highlands, this hotel offers an unparalleled ambience in Switzerland. Their rooms are beautifully decorated fully stocked with laundry service, room service, in room refrigerators, and minibar. The hotel offers even more amenities like a 20 meter indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, tennis courts, fitness centers, business centers, and a concierge. Not to mention the world class Spa Nescens that is the ultimate getaway relaxation destination. The Ristorante e Pizzeria Sapori serves the best of Italian cuisine and La Terrasse serves exquisite Mediterranean influenced dishes. The Victoria also has a beautiful outdoor terrace and Victoria Bar for finger foods and drinks all day.

Lugano:EAT

Antica Osteria del Porto

Opened in the 19th century, goods were unloaded from the Cassarate and workers and travelers would come to the Osteria del Porto for great Mediterranean food, and this tradition continues today with the Osteria as a notable restaurant in Lugano. Guests can enjoy dishes made with fresh local ingredients while overlooking the Lake with a classy glass of wine for an unforgettable evening.

Lugano:STAY

Hotel Gabbani - 3 Star

Opened in 2012, the Hotel Gabbani is truly a crossroads between the the past with their medieval courtyards and the present with its architecture and central patio design by Domenico and Francesco Gabbani. They accentuate the tranquil ambience with sumptuous Ticino and Mediterranean food and wine from their restaurant as well as a full bodied complimentary breakfast. They also offer find food shops for all those gourmet delights you were craving. The Hotel Gabbani is in a central location, just a short walk away from both the train station and the Lake.

Hotel Lugano Dante - 4 Star

Located in the heart of Lugano, their prime location is so close to both the train station and 200 meters from Lake Lugano, it is perfect for a quick walk to get on with your day trip and close enough for a romantic evening stroll along the lakeside. The hotel offers 83 rooms, free minibar, parking space, a huge variety for their breakfast buffet, and even electric vehicle charging stations. Staying here, you are sure to get unparalleled views of the city of Lugano alongside the nature views. To top it all off, they also offer free transportation and discounts on the main tourist attractions in Ticino.

Splendide Royal - 5 Star

The Hotel Splendide Royal sits along the enchanting Lake Ceresio in the heart of Lugano and within walking distance to Museo d'Arte Moderna and more. The hotel is housed in a beautifully maintained late 19th-century palace and features opulent guest accommodations and welcoming staff who provide meticulous personal service, inspiring loyalty among its clients. Splendide Royal offers excellent Italian cuisine and refreshing cocktails at its restaurant & bar, ideal places to start and conclude a day's adventure. Its beauty dominates the lake front, La Riva Caccia, which connects to the centralized and elegant Via Nassa. The town center can be reached by foot in a few minutes by walking along the enchanting lakefront.

Como:EAT

Ristorante i Tigli in Theoria

If you are looking for fine dining, Ristorante i Tigli in Theoria is the restaurant for you. Their menu is well crafted to bring the best of Italian and Mediterranean food. With four distinct rooms, each are made to replicate a family intimacy and rustic atmosphere as the perfect setting for a gastronomic experience.

Kitchen

When dining at the Kitchen, you don’t just eat great food, you have a culinary experience. Prepared by their executive chef, Kitchen does great modern Italian food with spectacular views to go along with it of their garden and the Lake.

Como:STAY

Hotel Europa - 3 Star

Founded in 1973 and proudly run by the same family for over three generations, Hotel Europa offers a stay based on simplicity and comfort. You can dine on the home cooking of Mamma Angela who makes homemade pasta, fish dishes, specialty desserts, and more on their beautiful terrace with a view of the lake. Or enjoy a great breakfast of cold cuts, cakes, bread, cheese, yogurt, eggs, coffee, and fruit juices before you get on your day. This is truly a home away from home.

Palace Hotel - 4 Star (B) (Classic)

In the center of Como, overlooking the lakefront, this historical Art Nouveau palace is divided into two buildings: the 19th Century grand mansion il Plinius and the modern wing Pianella. The Hotel features spacious and elegant spaces with 94 rooms boasting fantastic views of the lake or the city from the balconies and windows. The Garden Bar Ceccato with its romantic terrace is located in the extensive gardens which open out onto the docks. The splendid Antica Darsena Restaurant is great for an elegant lunch or dinner in a remarkable setting. And finally the relaxing Hotel Bar is a perfect way to end the evening.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo - 5 Star

A must stay in Como, the grand Hotel Tremezzo is the whole package. Whether you want a relaxing place to come back to after a long day of traveling or want to indulge in a wellness day, this is the place for you. They offer the panoramic T Spa for treatments and pools, including one that floats on the lake. Maestro Gualtiero Marchesi, famous Italian Chef, has collaborated with their own Executive Chef Osvaldo Presazzi to design well crafted menu for La Terrazza or in one of the five upscale dining venues on site. Even still, their views are just as good as their food with the most romantic and beautiful views Lake Como from any of their 76 rooms and 12 suites. Stay at the Tremezzo and realize the unique atmosphere you can only find here.

Milan:EAT

Ristorante Yawaza Milano

Japanese food isn’t the stereotypical food you would expect to be exceptional in Milan but Yawaza exceeds everyone’s expectations. They serve only the best cuts of Wagyu A5 grade beef that usually can only be eaten in Japan. Feast on the marbling and tenderness of the beef on the yakiniku grill for a delicious taste of Japan in Milan.

Sikelaia Ristorante

Sike means figs and elaia means oliva, two crucial components of Sikelaia for the color, perfume, and sicilian tastes that they intend to spread. This restaurant modernizes sicilian cooking with impeccable plating and romantic ambience.

Milan:STAY

Gran Duca di York

Located in the very heart of Milan, Gran Duca di York is a charming establishment in a quiet street just a short walk from two major Metro Stations and the Duomo. With the lobby decorated with authentic frescoes, you’ll feel surrounded by the culture and ambience of this historical city. Their 33 guest rooms are newly renovated and equipped with free Wifi and free water and soft drinks in the minibar. Guests also receive complimentary breakfast buffet, perfect to get a kick start on a beautiful day to explore the city of Milan.

UNA Cusani Milano - 4Star (B) (Classic )

The elegant UNA Cusani Milano welcomes guests to Italy’s most fashionable city with warm Italian hospitality and authentic Milanese style. Set on a bustling cobblestone street, this sleek hotel is ideally situated for exploring Milan between the Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, Brera District and the Scala Theatre allowing guests to make the most of their stay in Milan. Enjoy a wonderful meal at the hotel’s on-site restaurant while gazing out at the magnificent view of the city. With it’s modern, spacious guestrooms and thoughtful design, this delightful hotel promises a refined and comfortable stay filled with Italian charm.

Chateau Monfort

Chateau Monfort is the cross between glamour and comfort and a place where art and passion and fused in the very best ways. Located just a few minutes away from the city centre and the main fashion district in Milan, this hotel is great for exploring the city and shopping in the world’s fashion capital. Each of their 77 rooms are inspired by fairy tales, musical works, and great ballets and operas, which is sure to invoke childhood memories and become memorable for years to come. Their Rubacuori Restaurant is a symphony of Mediterranean tastes sure to strike the right note with your palate. They also offer a Amore & Psiche SPA for the most relaxing experience for guests.

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Zurich

Small-Group Chocolate and Sweets Walking Tour of Zurich’s Old Town

This special way to tour Old Town is the perfect balance of history and cuisine. Enjoy an intimate 2.5 hour walking tour of Zurich chocolate shops and become an expert on why Swiss confections are what the country is famous for.

Switzerland Mountains, Cheese and Chocolate Tour from Zurich

This full day tour of the countryside is a perfect day trip to see the fine cultural traditions this Swiss city has to offer with a guided coach tour to a cheese factory in Stein and a visit to the world class chocolate maker Lindt, and top it off with an aerial cable car to Mount Hoher Kasten for breathtaking views of the Rhine Valley.

Lucerne

Chocolate factory visit & create your own chocolate bar, with private tour guide

Chocolate is one of those things we love to eat but never really know how it’s made. Now is the perfect opportunity to change that with this 3 to 4 hour tour on the art of chocolatiering to a visit to Aeschbach Chocolatier where you can enjoy samples and even make your very own chocolate creation.

Interlaken

Tandem Paragliding Experience from Interlaken

There’s just nothing that can compare to an aerial view of snow capped mountains and after going on this 1.5 hour paragliding experience, you can believe in that too. The alpine landscape the a sight to behold and flying over the Swiss Alps is the perfect way to do that.

Helicopter Skydive in Interlaken

For the thrill seekers out there, skydiving is surely a bucket list item and there truly is no better place to skydive than over the Swiss Alps. For 2.5 hours, you can take a helicopter tour of the Eiger, the Monch, and the Jungfrau, and then leap from 14,000 feet for an experience you’ll never forget.

Milan

Milan Food Walking Tour of Brera

This 3 hour guided tour of Brera takes you through the streets of Brera with six different stops to indulge in the best of local delicacies like cheese, prosciutto, craft beer, and Milanese dishes. For the foodies out there, there’s no better way to personally experience Milanese cuisine.

Italian Cooking Class in Milan

Italian cuisine is among the tastiest in the world. What better place to learn how to cook authentic Italian food than in Milan with professional chefs. Here, in 4 hours, they will teach you how to make a four course meal of risotto, gnocchi, ravioli, tiramisu, and panna cotta. After all that hard work, you’ll be able to taste the fruits of your labor with a complimentary glass of local wine for an unforgettable learning and dining experience.

Italian Wine Tasting in Milan

Among other famous things that Italy is known for, wine is definitely one that tops the list. In Lombardy, sit down for a 1.5 hour Italian wine tasting with a professional sommelier to learn about the wine from the region and taste three different Italian wines with cheese and cold cuts.

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