Excellent
7-Day Switzerland & Northern Italy Itinerary: Alpine Charms & Lakeside Glamour
7 Days
2 Stops
Private transfer
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From$5,210
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Trip curated by Roman Karin
ExpertGetting to Bellagio by ferry from Como rather than by road is a detail that sounds minor until you're on the boat watching the village approach from the water. The Lakes, Mountains and Adventures excursion from Zurich earns its position on day one: it opens the alpine register before you cross into Italy, so the shift to Lombard lake culture carries real contrast rather than arriving as an afterthought. Do the Milan walking tour before the Como day trip, not after; the city's medieval and Renaissance layers make the villa gardens read differently once you understand what the region was building toward.
Getting to Bellagio by ferry from Como rather than by road is a detail that sounds minor until you're on the boat watching the village approach from the water. The Lakes, Mountains and Adventures excursion from Zurich earns its position on day one: it opens the alpine register before you cross into Italy, so the shift to Lombard lake culture carries real contrast rather than arriving as an afterthought. Do the Milan walking tour before the Como day trip, not after; the city's medieval and Renaissance layers make the villa gardens read differently once you understand what the region was building toward.
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Zurich
Day 1 - 3
Zurich, or 'Zuri' as it is fondly known by its multicultural inhabitants, lies in northern Switzerland at the meeting point of a beautiful lake and river, with the magnificent snow-capped Swiss Alps standing guard high above it. This fairy tale city is renowned for its beauty, cleanliness, efficiency, and heritage. Explore medieval alleyways peppered with quirky corner cafes, steepled churches, trendy taprooms, and world-class galleries and restaurants. A day in Zurich can include browsing the unrivalled selection of luxury stores on it’s famous shopping strip, the Bahnhofstrasse; riding the Polybahn, the 19th-century funicular up a steep hill to admire the spectacular view; or ‘renting’ a free bike or skateboard to meander along the banks of picturesque Lake Zurich. The venerable palace of art at the Kunsthaus is also a major drawcard, containing numerous world-famous masterpieces.
Your accommodation
Central Plaza Hotel Zurich
Central Plaza Hotel Zurich is located directly on the Limmat, next to Zurich main station. It offers easy access to attractions such as Bahnhofstrasse, the lively old town of Niederdorf, the State Museum, the Kunsthaus, the Opera and Lake Zurich. Accommodation consists of guest rooms and suites, each equipped with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a Nespresso coffee machine, a safe, a hairdryer, a telephone and a minibar. Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant. Other amenities offered are internet access, a terrace and fitness centre.
Your activity
Lakes, Mountains & Adventures
Travel by comfortable coach through scenic Swiss countryside to the stunning Bernese Oberland. Enjoy approximately seven hours of free time in Interlaken to explore at your own pace and choose from a variety of optional activities, from relaxing lakeside experiences to exciting mountain adventures.
Stroll along the Höhematte promenade and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps, including the famous Jungfraujoch. Browse local shops for traditional souvenirs, Swiss watches, and fine jewellery, or ride the funicular to Harder Kulm for panoramic views over Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. You may also visit the charming village of Iseltwald by bus or boat, or explore the fascinating St. Beatus Caves on the shores of Lake Thun.
For adventure seekers, options include rafting, canyoning, or a thrilling jet boat ride on Lake Brienz, while nature lovers can enjoy a scenic journey on the Schynige Platte Railway with magnificent views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. After a memorable day, meet your guide for the comfortable return journey.
- Starting Time: 08:00 am
- Meeting Point: Zurich Sihlquai Bus Station near Zurich's main train station (Zurich HB)
- Group size / Maximum number of people: 45
Milan
Day 4 - 7
The vibrant metropolis of Milan is the capital of Italy’s Lombardy region in northern Italy. Always at the forefront of international fashion, Milan’s sleek, glamorous facade has earned it a reputation for superficiality and excessive consumerism. However, beneath the surface lies a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders—from its magnificent Gothic churches, Baroque mansions, and Art Nouveau palazzos to the striking modern skyscrapers of the Porta Nuova financial district. Must-see landmarks include the spectacular Milan Cathedral (Duomo), the glass-vaulted Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and of course, La Scala—one of the world’s most renowned opera houses. Milan offers something for everyone: those in search of high-end designer shopping will be more than satisfied, as will visitors interested in fascinating historical sites and extraordinary architectural achievements.
Your accommodation
NH Collection Milano President
NH Collection Milano President offers upscale comfort in the heart of Milan, just a short walk from the Duomo and top shopping streets. This stylish, centrally located hotel features a range of well-appointed rooms and suites, each equipped with air conditioning, coffee and tea makers, digital safes, and minibars—ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
You can enjoy a fresh, high-quality breakfast each morning, then take advantage of the on-site amenities including a modern fitness center, a refined restaurant, a chic bar, and seven versatile meeting rooms for events or conferences.
Your activity
Guided Walking Tour in Milan
Enjoy a private guided tour of Milan, led by your expert guide, and explore the city’s most iconic landmarks. Your experience begins with hotel pickup if your accommodation is located in the central area; otherwise, a convenient meeting point will be communicated. Start your adventure with a visit to the magnificent Duomo di Milano, where you will not only admire the stunning interior of this Gothic masterpiece but also have the chance to ascend to the terraces. With a ride in the elevator, you will reach the top for panoramic views of Milan, offering an unforgettable perspective of the city and the cathedral itself. The tour continues with external visits to the Sforza Castle, Colonne di San Lorenzo, and the famous Scala Opera House, among other important landmarks. Explore Milan’s rich history and culture as your guide shares fascinating insights along the way.
Starting time: 9:30 am approx.
From$5,210
per personAccommodations
Transportation
24/7 support
Activities
Meals
Tourlane App
Travel plan
Flights
Flexible cancellation policies
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Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
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Our experts plan and book for you.
9+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
5+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Why plan with an expert?
200+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
20+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
9+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
5+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Itinerary inspiration
Three nights in Zurich and three in Milan, with the Lakes, Mountains and Adventures excursion anchoring the Swiss section and the Lake Lugano and Lake Como excursion with Bellagio as the Italian highlight. The journey from the Alps to the Italian lakes is one of the more satisfying geographic transitions of any short European trip.
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My go-to recommendation for the Como excursion: arrive in Bellagio in the early afternoon and stay until the day-trippers have left. The staircase lanes above the waterfront, the gardens, and the view down both branches of the lake reward an unhurried late afternoon considerably more than a rushed midday visit.
Day 1–3: Zurich
Hotel: Central Plaza Hotel Zurich
The Lakes, Mountains and Adventures excursion is the right use of one full day — the surrounding alpine landscapes give context for everything that follows. The guided walking tour with the lake cruise fills the second day well. The Old Town lanes and the Kunsthaus are the right way to end any Zurich day at street level.
Day 4–7: Milan
Hotel: NH Collection Milano President
Three nights with the guided walking tour, the Lake Lugano and Lake Como excursion, and the Duomo and city center for the remaining time. The Duomo's rooftop terrace — walkable, not just viewable — gives you the city's roofline and the distant Alps in a way the street level simply doesn't. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II next door is the finest covered arcade in Italy and worth an unhurried hour.
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