Switzerland & Lake Como 10-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Zurich & Car Pickup

Arrive at Zurich Airport (ZRH), pick up your rental car for the road trip, and drive to your accommodation.

Explore Zurich Old Town

Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Altstadt (Old Town), discover historical buildings, and visit landmarks like Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Many cafes offer great spots for a coffee break.

Lakeside Promenade Stroll

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the beautiful Lake Zurich promenade, taking in the serene views and city skyline as dusk approaches.

Dinner in Zurich

Savor traditional Swiss cuisine or international dishes at a restaurant in the city center.

Drive to Lucerne

Enjoy a picturesque drive from Zurich to Lucerne, approximately 45-60 minutes.

Chapel Bridge & Old Town

Explore Lucerne's iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and Water Tower, then stroll through the charming Old Town, admiring the painted buildings and medieval architecture.

Don't miss the frescos inside the bridge depicting Lucerne's history.

Lunch in Lucerne

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Lucerne's Old Town, perhaps with views of the Reuss River.

Visit Lion Monument

Visit the poignant Lion Monument, carved into a sandstone cliff, commemorating the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution.

Lake Lucerne Promenade

Take a relaxing walk along the shores of Lake Lucerne, enjoying the beautiful mountain backdrop.

Dinner in Lucerne

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Lucerne, perhaps trying local specialties.

Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip

Embark on the famous Golden Round Trip to Mount Pilatus.

This involves a boat ride across Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, ascending the world's steepest cogwheel railway to the summit, enjoying panoramic views, and descending via aerial cableway and gondola to Kriens, followed by a bus back to Lucerne.

Check weather conditions before you go. Dress in layers as it can be colder at the summit.

Relaxed Dinner in Lucerne

After a day of mountain adventures, enjoy a relaxed dinner in Lucerne.

Drive to Interlaken Region

Embark on a scenic drive from Lucerne to the Interlaken region, passing by beautiful lakes and mountains.

Settle into your accommodation in Lauterbrunnen or a nearby village.

Explore Lauterbrunnen Valley

Discover the breathtaking Lauterbrunnen Valley, known for its 72 waterfalls.

Visit Staubbach Falls, which plunges almost 300 meters from an overhanging rock face, and Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls inside the mountain.

Trümmelbach Falls requires an entrance fee and involves walking inside the mountain. Wear appropriate shoes.

Dinner in Lauterbrunnen

Enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant in Lauterbrunnen, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls.

Excursion to Jungfraujoch

Take an unforgettable journey by cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe'.

Explore the Ice Palace, enjoy panoramic views from the Sphinx Observatory, and walk on the Aletsch Glacier.

This is a full-day excursion. Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season. Dress warmly, even in summer. The journey itself offers incredible scenery.

Dinner in Interlaken Area

Enjoy a final dinner in the Interlaken region after your high-altitude adventure.

Journey to Jungfraujoch

Ascend to the 'Top of Europe' via a scenic cogwheel train from Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen.

Experience the Sphinx Observation Deck, Ice Palace, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding peaks.

Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season. Dress warmly, as it's cold at the summit. The journey itself is part of the experience.

Scenic Grimsel Pass Drive

Embark on a spectacular drive over the Grimsel Pass, connecting the Rhone Valley with the Haslital. Enjoy dramatic landscapes, reservoirs, and views of rugged mountains. (Note: Check pass opening status if travelling in early winter).

Ensure your vehicle is equipped for mountain driving. Stop at viewpoints for photo opportunities. An alternative is Susten Pass or Simplon Pass if Grimsel is closed.

Traditional Alpine Dinner

Savor a traditional Swiss dinner in a charming local restaurant, enjoying hearty regional specialties such as fondue, raclette, or Älplermagronen.

Lake Brienz Cruise

Enjoy a tranquil morning boat cruise on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, surrounded by towering mountains and charming lakeside villages.

Ferries run regularly. Check schedule for specific routes and timings.

Scenic Drive to Lake Como

Embark on a breathtaking drive from the Swiss Alps, crossing into Italy and making your way to the stunning Lake Como region.

The route offers diverse landscapes from alpine peaks to rolling hills.

Consider taking the Gotthard Pass or Splügen Pass route (check seasonal opening). Ensure you have a Swiss motorway vignette for Swiss highways. Be aware of border crossing procedures.

Hotel Check-in & Relax

Check into your hotel in Como, Italy, and take some time to settle in and relax after your drive.

Visit Como Cathedral

Explore the magnificent Cattedrale di Como, a beautiful example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Admire its intricate facade and stunning interior.

Dinner in Como

Enjoy an authentic Italian dinner at a local trattoria in Como, sampling regional Lombardian cuisine.

Self-Drive Boat on Lake Como

Experience the beauty of Lake Como at your own pace by renting a motorboat you can drive yourself.

Cruise past villas and picturesque towns.

No special license is required for smaller boats. Staff provide instructions. Pre-booking is recommended. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187837-d4454382-Reviews-Lake_Como_Boat-Varenna_Lake_Como_Lombardy.html?m=66827

Lunch in Bellagio

After returning the boat, take the ferry to Bellagio and enjoy lunch at a restaurant with stunning lake views.

Bellagio is known as the 'Pearl of Lake Como' for its beauty.

Explore Bellagio Village

Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Bellagio, visit local shops, and enjoy the beautiful gardens and panoramic viewpoints.

Don't miss the gardens of Villa Melzi or the Basilica di San Giacomo.

Return to Como & Dinner

Take a ferry back to Como and enjoy a leisurely dinner in the city center.

Ferry to Menaggio

Take a scenic ferry ride across Lake Como to the attractive resort town of Menaggio on the western shore.

Ferries offer beautiful views of the lake and surrounding villas.

Explore Menaggio Town

Wander through Menaggio's charming streets, visit local shops, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The town is known for its outdoor activities.

Explore Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi and the scenic promenade.

Stunning View of Menaggio Heart

Discover a perfect viewpoint to capture the iconic beauty of Menaggio's central square and the lake beyond.

Lunch with Lake Views

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a restaurant along Menaggio's waterfront, savoring fresh Italian flavors and the stunning lake scenery.

Lakeside Relaxation

Spend some time relaxing by the lake, enjoying the gentle breeze and picturesque surroundings of Menaggio before heading back to Como.

Return to Como & Evening

Take the ferry back to Como.

Enjoy a final evening walk along the Como waterfront and a relaxing dinner.

Morning Coffee by Lake Como

Enjoy a final Italian breakfast and coffee by the lake, soaking in the serene atmosphere before your journey back to Switzerland.

Scenic Drive to Lugano

Begin your return journey by driving north from Como into the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino in Switzerland, heading towards the beautiful city of Lugano.

Enjoy the changing landscapes as you cross the border. The drive offers stunning views.

Lunch in Lugano

Have lunch in Lugano, enjoying Swiss-Italian cuisine in this picturesque city on Lake Lugano.

Explore Lugano Lakeside

Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic promenade of Lake Lugano, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and beautiful views.

Prepare for Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, use this time for any last-minute souvenir shopping or preparations for your onward journey or departure from Switzerland (e.g., driving back towards Zurich if your flight is from there).

If returning to Zurich, the drive from Lugano is approximately 2.5-3 hours.