Switzerland & Italy Highlights Tour

Arrive at Zurich Airport and board the scenic train to Lucerne, a charming lakeside city framed by alpine peaks. After hotel check-in, spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the atmospheric Old Town, crossing the iconic Chapel Bridge and pausing at the poignant Lion Monument. If time allows, visit the interactive Swiss Transport Museum or take a tranquil Lake Lucerne boat cruise to admire the mountains from the water. Browse boutique shops and enjoy a lakeside café before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure and your first overnight in Switzerland.

After breakfast, depart by train to Engelberg for the unforgettable ascent to Mount Titlis. Enjoy three cable-car rides culminating in the rotating Rotair gondola that brings you to the snow-capped summit. Explore Glacier Paradise, walk through the dazzling Ice Cave, and experience the exhilarating Ice Flyer chairlift drifting above crevassed glaciers. Relax over alpine lunch at the summit restaurants with sweeping panoramic views, then spend the afternoon playing in the snow or taking photographs. Descend to Lucerne in the late afternoon, returning to the hotel for a peaceful evening and overnight stay.

After breakfast and check-out, board the scenic Swiss rail to Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Arrive mid-morning and check into your hotel before exploring the elegant Hoheweg Boulevard with its cafés, boutiques, and vantage points of the Jungfrau massif. In the afternoon enjoy a leisurely lakeside walk or opt for an optional boat ride on either lake to absorb alpine vistas and capture stunning photos. As evening falls, sample Swiss specialties at a local restaurant, unwind at your hotel terrace, and embrace Interlaken’s relaxed mountain ambiance before overnight stay.

Depart early for a breathtaking cogwheel train journey to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, passing through Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg. Arrive at the summit station to step onto panoramic decks and gaze across the immense Aletsch Glacier, Europe’s longest. Explore the sculpted Ice Palace, stroll the snowy paths, and take in alpine panoramas from the Sphinx Terrace. Enjoy lunch with unrivalled mountain views and time for snow activities or photography. Later descend to Interlaken by evening, where you can relax and dine while reflecting on a day of spectacular alpine scenery.

After breakfast, check out and board your international train via Brig, traversing alpine passes and picturesque valleys en route to Venice. Arrive by mid-afternoon and check into your hotel, then step into a maze of canals, bridges and narrow calli that give Venice its unique charm. Stroll toward iconic St. Mark’s Square, enjoy people-watching, and explore adjacent cafés and arcades. For a quintessential Venetian experience, consider an optional gondola ride on the Grand Canal at sunset, accompanied by soft music. Sample fresh seafood at a canal-side restaurant before returning to your hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast embark on a half-day lagoon tour to the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Watch master glassblowers in Murano create delicate works in blazing furnaces, then continue to Burano to admire the riot of painted houses and centuries-old lace traditions. Visit tranquil Torcello to explore its ancient basilica and quiet archaeological sites. Return to St. Mark’s Square by early afternoon to discover St. Mark’s Basilica and the ornate Doge’s Palace, or wander artisan workshops and cozy cafés. Evening is at leisure to soak in Venice’s twilight ambiance.

After breakfast check out and board a high-speed train to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, arriving near midday. After hotel check-in, begin exploring Florence’s artistic heart with a visit to the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and its terracotta dome. Wander through Piazza della Signoria, admire open-air sculptures, and cross the historic Ponte Vecchio lined with jewelry shops. Enjoy a leisurely lunch of Tuscan specialties in a family-run trattoria, then browse artisan workshops and leather markets. Conclude the day with an evening stroll and a scoop of renowned gelato before overnighting.

After breakfast depart for an enriching excursion to Pisa and the famed Piazza dei Miracoli, arriving mid-morning to admire the Cathedral, ornate Baptistery, and the world-renowned Leaning Tower. Those who wish may climb the tower’s 294 steps for sweeping vistas over Pisa’s rooftops. Enjoy lunch in a local trattoria before returning to Florence in the afternoon to explore the Uffizi Gallery or browse artisan quarters in Oltrarno. Evening is free for shopping, dinner at a traditional osteria, and a calm night in Florence.

Check out after breakfast and take a morning train to Rome, arriving by late morning and checking into your hotel. Spend the afternoon wandering the Eternal City’s iconic sites: gaze upon the ancient Colosseum, toss a coin into the romantic Trevi Fountain, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Piazza Navona with its fountains and street artists. Consider joining an optional guided evening tour to see Rome’s monuments beautifully illuminated. Finish the day dining in a classic Roman osteria sampling local dishes before retiring to your hotel.

After breakfast, board your Hop-On Hop-Off bus to explore Rome’s vast historical tapestry at your own pace, benefiting from recorded commentary as you travel between major landmarks. Hop off to wander the evocative Roman Forum, marvel at the architectural perfection of the Pantheon, and cross into Vatican City to experience the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica. Enjoy leisurely lunches at local trattorias, return to the bus to continue sightseeing, and in the evening stroll Rome’s historic lanes, sip espresso in a piazza, and reflect on the day’s extraordinary discoveries.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Rome Airport for your onward flight, carrying vivid memories of an exceptional journey. If time permits, enjoy a final stroll or last-minute shopping for souvenirs—ceramics, leather goods, or Swiss watches—and savor one last espresso at a sidewalk café. Reflect on the contrasts you experienced: Switzerland’s glacier panoramas and alpine lakes, and Italy’s canals, Renaissance masterpieces, and ancient grandeur. Keep photographs and memories to treasure, and consider Travel Comfort for future personalized European escapes.