10 Day Journey from Switzerland to Italy

After arriving in Zurich and checking in to your accommodation, head out to explore Switzerland’s largest city at your leisure.

Stroll the city’s bustling streets and visit landmark sights such as the churches Grossmünster and Fraumünster. Or wander up Lindenhof Hill to enjoy unbeatable views from above.

Nearby, you could also go for a walk along Lake Zurich, where the promenade is an ideal place to catch some sun. There’s also countless world-class art galleries and museums to explore, while foodies can make the most of the vibrant restaurant scene here.

Spend the night in Zurich.

Start your road trip around Switzerland! Pick up your rental car and travel to the iconic Lake Geneva (“Lac Léman”). Your route will take you through Switzerland’s capital city, Bern.

Make sure to explore the enchanting towns that are dotted along the lake’s magical shoreline. Lausanne in particular is well worth a visit. Its lively city centre features cobbled streets and colourful architecture.

Wander through vine-covered walkways, indulge in local delicacies at charming cafés. Or simply relax by the sparkling lake and gaze upon the magnificent Alpine mountains that surround you.

Spend the night in the Lake Geneva area.

Average driving distance: 252 km / 157 mi

Begin your journey to Zermatt today. First, head into the Swiss Alps to the idyllic town of Montreux. Explore the enchanting Château de Chillon, a medieval castle perched on the edge of the lake, before you begin your drive into the mountains.

You’ll journey along the picturesque Rhone valley before stopping in the town of Sion, known for its 2 imposing hilltop castles.

To reach Zermatt you’ll need to leave your car at Täsch and board a short shuttle train, as Zermatt itself is car-free. As you enter the town keep an eye out for the iconic Matterhorn mountain.

Spend the night in the Zermatt area.

Average driving distance: 171 km / 106 mi

Spend today exploring the incredible sights of Zermatt. You could take a gondola ride through the clouds and enjoy unbeatable views of the immense natural landscape from a mountaintop.

You could also take a cogwheel train to the top of Gornergrat station, located almost 3,000 metres (10,000 feet) above sea level!

From the mountaintops, you can explore a huge range of hiking trails, and you’ll even find ski slopes that are open year-round.

And after a day of adventuring, you can unwind in one of Zermatt’s many mouth-watering restaurants.

Spend another night in the Zermatt area.

After breakfast, you’ll continue your travels through the Swiss Alps. You could explore the picture-perfect towns of Spiez, Thun and Sigriswil in the Lake Thun (“Thunersee”) area. Or stop at Interlaken to relax by the serene blue lake, with views of towering mountain peaks.

As you journey deeper into the heart of the Alps, you’ll reach the chalet-style village of Grindelwald.

Wander along its charming streets and gaze upon the immense Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. You can take your pick from the many hiking trails that weave through these mountains, or you could simply relax in the town instead.

Spend the night in Grindelwald.

Average driving distance: 129 km / 80 mi

Wake up in breathtaking Grindelwald with a whole day of exploration ahead of you.

You could take a hike through the mysterious Rosenlaui glacier gorge with its narrow pathways and hidden waterfalls. Venture up to the Jungfraujoch railway station for panoramic views of the breathtaking landscape and the incredible Aletsch Glacier.

Or check out the nearby Lauterbrunnen valley and the mesmerising Staubbach Falls, where water tumbles down a 300-metre (1,000-foot) drop.

Spend another night in Grindelwald.

Average driving distance: 34 km / 21 mi

Today, you’ll drive to Lake Lugano, making a few pit stops along the way.

First, head to the lakeside town of Lucerne. Stroll across the historic Chapel Bridge (“Kapellbrücke”) and admire the views of the monumental Mount Pilatus.

Hop back in the car to complete today’s journey, travelling over the jaw-dropping Gotthard Pass, nicknamed the “King of Mountain Passes”.

Upon arrival in the Mediterranean-influenced city of Lugano, make sure you head out to explore the incredible sights here. Discover pastel-coloured villas, the buzzing Piazza Riforma and the breathtaking Cattedrale di San Lorenzo.

Spend the night in Lugano.

Average driving distance: 251 km / 155 mi

Today you could go on an Italian adventure, and explore some of the charming towns that are dotted along the shores of the picturesque Lake Como (“Lago di Como”). You can easily hop between the towns by ferry.

Stroll past the pastel-coloured buildings of Menaggio, indulge in some shopping in Bellagio, or soak up the serene ambience of Varenna. The botanical gardens at both Villa Melzi in Bellagio and Villa Monastero in Varenna are particularly noteworthy.

And make sure you sample the local Italian delicacies before you head back to Lake Lugano! The north is known for its decadent risottos and melt-in-your-mouth osso buco.

Spend another night in Lugano.

Average driving distance: 56 km / 34 mi

Hit the road and cross the border into Italy today, as you drive towards Milan (“Milano”). If you fancy stretching your legs along the way, make a stop in the city of Como, on the shores of the famous lake of the same name. Stroll winding cobbled streets and visit the magnificent Como Cathedral (“Duomo di Como”).

Arriving in Milan, get ready to soak up more cultural and historical sights. Admire spectacular Gothic architecture at Milan Cathedral (“Duomo di Milano”). Marvel at Da Vinci’s world-famous painting, The Last Supper, at Santa Maria delle Grazie. Or indulge in some shopping in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Spend the night in Milan. 

Average driving distance: 85 km / 53 mi

Today, your adventure in Switzerland and Italy comes to an end. If your flight is scheduled for later in the day, spend the morning enjoying some more of Milan. You could buy some last-minute souvenirs or relax in a local café.

Later, make your way to the airport in time for your departure flight. You could take the train or, if you’d prefer a more comfortable journey, we can arrange a private transfer direct from your accommodation.