Lake Como, Italy & Swiss Alps, Switzerland 10-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive at Lake Como

Travel to your accommodation in Varenna, one of Lake Como's picturesque towns.

Settle in and enjoy the stunning lake views.

Trains run regularly from Milan Centrale to Varenna-Esino. Consider purchasing a regional ticket for this segment if saving Interrail days for longer journeys.

Explore Bellagio by Ferry

Take a short ferry ride across the lake to Bellagio, often called the 'Pearl of Lake Como.

' Wander through its cobbled streets, browse boutiques, and admire the elegant villas.

Ferry tickets can be purchased at the pier. Enjoy gelato while exploring!

Dinner with Lake Views

Enjoy a traditional Italian dinner in Bellagio, savoring local specialties like fresh fish from the lake, with beautiful views.

Visit Villa Melzi Gardens

Explore the stunning botanical gardens of Villa Melzi in Bellagio.

The gardens offer tranquil pathways, exotic plants, and classical statues with panoramic lake views.

A peaceful escape from the crowds. Check opening times, typically open seasonally.

Lunch in Varenna

Return to Varenna for a casual lunch at a lakeside trattoria.

Try a traditional pasta dish or a pizza.

Varenna Old Town & Castle

Spend the afternoon exploring the charming alleyways of Varenna, visiting the Church of San Giorgio, and walking up to Castello di Vezio for panoramic views (optional, requires a hike).

The walk to Castello di Vezio is steep but rewarding. Wear comfortable shoes.

Gelato & Lakeside Stroll

Enjoy a refreshing Italian gelato while strolling along the picturesque lakefront promenade of Varenna.

Travel to Lucerne, Switzerland

Embark on a scenic train journey from Lake Como (Varenna-Esino, connecting in Milan) to Lucerne, Switzerland.

Enjoy the changing landscapes from Italian lakes to Alpine foothills. This will be an Interrail travel day.

This journey will involve a change in Milan. Be sure to reserve seats for the longer segments, especially the international leg.

Check-in & Freshen Up

Arrive in Lucerne, check into your accommodation, and take some time to relax before exploring the city.

Chapel Bridge & Old Town

Walk across the iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) with its water tower, and explore Lucerne's charming Old Town, admiring the painted buildings and medieval architecture.

The Chapel Bridge is one of Switzerland's most famous landmarks. Entry is free.

Dinner in Lucerne

Dine at a restaurant in Lucerne's Old Town, sampling some Swiss specialities (which can be pricey, so look for budget-friendly options like fondue restaurants or casual eateries).

Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip

Experience the famous 'Golden Round Trip' to Mount Pilatus.

This includes a boat ride on Lake Lucerne, the world's steepest cogwheel railway up to the summit, and a gondola/aerial cable car ride down, followed by a bus back to Lucerne. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the top.

This is a full-day activity and highly recommended for stunning Swiss scenery. Interrail passes may offer discounts on the transport components (boat, cogwheel, cable car, bus).

Lake Lucerne Lakeside Relaxation

After your mountain adventure, relax by the shores of Lake Lucerne, perhaps with a snack or drink, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and mountain backdrop.

Casual Dinner in Lucerne

Find a local spot for a more casual and budget-friendly dinner, perhaps a kebab or a Swiss sausage.

Train to Interlaken

Take a scenic train from Lucerne to Interlaken.

This journey offers stunning views, often referred to as part of the 'Golden Pass Line'. This will likely be another Interrail travel day.

Enjoy the panoramic views of lakes and mountains from your window.

Lauterbrunnen Valley & Waterfalls

From Interlaken, take a short train ride to Lauterbrunnen, a valley famous for its 72 waterfalls.

Visit the iconic Staubbach Falls and explore the charming village.

The train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen is very frequent and included with your Interrail pass.

Trümmelbach Falls

Visit the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten glacier waterfalls inside the mountain, made accessible by a tunnel-funicular and paths.

It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an impressive natural wonder.

Wear comfortable, waterproof shoes. The falls are powerful and can be noisy. Interrail pass does not cover entry.

Dinner in Interlaken

Enjoy dinner in Interlaken, a hub for adventure sports, offering a variety of eateries ranging from casual to more upscale.

Seek out a budget-friendly option.

Scenic Train to Lauterbrunnen

Enjoy a picturesque train ride through the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley, famous for its 72 waterfalls and dramatic cliffs.

Cable Car to Mürren

Take a scenic cable car ascent from Lauterbrunnen to the car-free village of Mürren, offering incredible panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.

Explore Mürren & Short Hike

Wander through the charming village of Mürren.

Enjoy the mountain air and embark on an easy hike, such as the Northface Trail, for more stunning views without extreme effort.

Wear comfortable shoes. Bring water and snacks.

Lunch with a View

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch at a local cafe or bring a packed lunch to enjoy amidst the incredible mountain scenery.

Return to Interlaken

Take the cable car back down to Lauterbrunnen and catch a train back to Interlaken, your base for the evening.

Dinner in Interlaken

Dine at one of Interlaken's many casual restaurants, or enjoy a picnic by the Aare River.

Train to Lucerne

Travel by scenic train from Interlaken to Lucerne, enjoying the beautiful Swiss countryside.

Chapel Bridge & Old Town

Explore Lucerne's iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and Water Tower, then wander through the charming Old Town with its historical buildings and painted facades.

Mount Pilatus Golden Roundtrip

Experience the famous 'Golden Roundtrip' to Mount Pilatus.

This includes a boat ride across Lake Lucerne, the world's steepest cogwheel railway to the summit, and then a panoramic gondola and aerial cableway descent.

The Golden Roundtrip is a full experience. Check weather conditions before heading up. Bring layers of clothing as it can be cooler at the summit.

Dinner in Lucerne

Enjoy a well-deserved dinner in Lucerne, perhaps near the lake or in the Old Town, reflecting on your Swiss mountain adventures.

Train Travel to Zagreb

Embark on a long but scenic train journey from Lucerne, Switzerland, towards Zagreb, Croatia.

This will involve multiple changes, likely through Austria or Slovenia. Pack snacks and entertainment.

Bus from Zagreb to Plitvice

Upon arrival in Zagreb, transfer to a bus for the final leg of your journey to the Plitvice Lakes National Park region.

Check-in Plitvice Accommodation

Check into your accommodation near Plitvice Lakes National Park, relax after a long travel day, and prepare for exploring the park tomorrow.

Plitvice Upper Lakes Hike

Dedicate the morning to exploring the breathtaking Upper Lakes section of Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Marvel at the cascading waterfalls and pristine turquoise waters. Utilize the park's electric boat and panoramic train for easy navigation.

Arrive early to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy walking shoes. Stay on marked trails. Park entry tickets are required and should be booked online in advance, especially in high season.

Plitvice Lower Lakes & Veliki Slap

After a break, continue your exploration to the Lower Lakes, known for their dramatic canyons and the iconic Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall), Croatia's highest waterfall.

Don't miss Gradinsko Lake in this section.

The Lower Lakes can be busier. The paths can be wet, so exercise caution. Plenty of photo opportunities.

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Croatian dinner at a local restaurant near your accommodation, savoring local specialties like roasted lamb or fresh trout.

Leisurely Breakfast

Enjoy a final breakfast at your guesthouse or a nearby cafe before beginning your journey home.

Bus to Zagreb

Take a morning bus from Plitvice Lakes National Park back to Zagreb.

This allows for connections to flights or onward train journeys from the capital.

Departure Preparations in Zagreb

Arrive in Zagreb and head to the airport or train station for your onward journey, marking the end of your Interrail adventure.