14-Day Best of Italy and Switzerland Tour

For travelers who are visiting Italy and Switzerland for the first time and want to appreciate the great monuments of Italy and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Alps, this 14-day itinerary is a perfect choice.

You will start from ancient Rome, travel north to experience the artistic Florence, the fashion capital Milan, take a train across the Alps, Stopping at the peaceful towns to appreciate the beautiful landscape.

Each traveler may have their own unique dream trip. If this itinerary does not meet your needs 100%. Please let us know your thoughts. Your travel advisor will create wonderful memories for you.

• Days:14±
• Best for:frist-timers
• Best time:May. to Sep.
• Departure date:up to you
• Sample price:US$ on request

Brief Itinerary for Best of Italy and Switzerland Tour

Hitorical Italy and scenic Switzerland are a perfect combination. But when visiting, do you know how to choose churches, museums, Swiss sightseeing trains and snow mountains? Don't worry, leave everything to me, just enjoy your vacation.

• Monica Mo
• 8 years of travel advisor experience
• Has helped 5,000+ clients

Tour Highlights

Here are the awesome attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Highlights Travel (HT Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Highlights Travel (Only With HT) included in this tour:

Immerse yourself in history with a private tour of the Colosseum, a silent witness to countless triumphs and tragedies.

Explore the bustling piazzas of Florence and soak in the Renaissance spirit

Lose yourself in a sea of Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery.

Indulge your taste buds with the exquisite flavors of authentic Tuscan cuisine in Florence's vibrant San Lorenzo

Visit Milan Cathedral, the biggest Gothic cathedral, and admire its eternal beauty.

Penetrate a philosophical metaphor in front of the mural of The Last Supper, and understand why this painting is great.

Enjoy the most recognizable peaks of the Alps in a peaceful Alps town

Have fun with a thrill walk on "007" mountain

Get to the observation deck of the "top of Europe", Jungfrau Mountain.

Enjoy the unbelievable beauty of Alps towns on a typical Swiss train journey.

Journey Map (Suggested Route)

Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration

Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful tour for you.

Day 1

Rome Arrival

• Welcome to the Eternal CityâRome! Upon your arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, your friendly driver will meet you and transfer to the hotel with a good location in Rome.

the driver meet clients in the airport

Day 2

Rome | Explore Ancient Rome's Iconic Sites

• Enjoy a private transfer to the Vatican, where your expert guide awaits for a 7-hour tour.
• Visit the Vatican Museums, where artistic masterpieces like Laocoon and Apollo captivate your senses. Let the intricate frescoes and sparkling gems of the Gallery of Maps and Gallery of the Candelabra dazzle your senses.
• Be awestruck by the Sistine Chapel and feel the weight of Michelangelo's genius as "The Creation of Adam" sweeps across the ceiling.
• Then get back to Rome. Step into the Colosseum's hallowed arena, where epic battles unfolded, and feel the echoes of gladiators still resonating in the air.
• Journey to the Arch of Constantine, a triumphal testament to Roman power. Delve into the vibrant history of the Roman Forum as you wander across the verdant slopes of Palatine Hill.

Colosseum in Rome

Day 3

Rome to Florence | Walk Through the Beautiful Piazzas

• Embark on a captivating 3-hour walking odyssey through the most beautiful piazzas in Rome, led by your expert guide.
• Explore the Trevi Fountain and Michelangelo's influence on Capitoline Hill, unveiling hidden gems in the Jewish Ghetto. Refresh by the Turtle Fountain.
• Immerse yourself in the lively Campo de' Fiori market, then admire the artistic fountains of Piazza Navona.
• Travel to Florence by train in the afternoon.

Piazza Navona

Day 4

Florence | Journey Through the Heart of Italy

• Meet your private guide and enjoy a 4-hour walking tour.
• Explore Palazzo Vecchio and admire the statues in Loggia dei Lanzi.
• Marvel at the Duomo, Baptistery, Giotto's Bell Tower, and Brunelleschi's Dome.
• Skip-the-line access to the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery to see masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raphael, and David.
• In the afternoon, embark on a delightful 3-hour Florence food tour (Join in). Delve into the city's rich culinary history with a visit to the renowned San Lorenzo food market, savoring traditional Tuscan delights and unveiling the secrets of local cuisine.

Accademia Gallery

Day 5

Florence to Milan

• Take a high-speed train to Milan. Enjoy your free time to explore this charming city by yourself.

Milan Cathedral

Day 6

Milan | City Highlights

• Immerse yourself in Milan's grandeur on this captivating day tour. Witness the breathtaking beauty of the Duomo, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Explore the iconic Sforza Castle, steeped in history and housing artistic treasures.
• Gain exclusive access to see Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper (pre-booking required). Marvel at the intricate details and immerse yourself in this iconic scene.
• Stroll through the opulent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a luxurious shopping arcade adorned with stunning glass ceilings and mosaics. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere and window-shop in this historic landmark.

Milan Cathedral

Day 7

Milan to Zermatt | Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Excursion (self-guided)

• Travel to Zermatt from Milan by train.
• After dropping off your luggage at the hotel, do a self-guided tour to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – Klein Matterhorn. Take the route through Schwarzsee "Lake", with stop at Furi, Schwarzsee, and Trockener Steg. This route offers a unique view of the Matterhorn. It's also the most popular route since it is the most scenic and these gondolas run on a longer daily schedule in the summer.

Zermatt

Day 8

Zermatt | Gornergrat Mountain Excursion (self-guided)

• Take a train to Gornergrat. Then It is possible to hike a short distance to a lower train station or cable car station and return to Zermatt a different way. From Gornergrat, hiking to Riffelberg is recommended.
• Next to the Gornergrat train station is a wide terrace that offers a great view of the Matterhorn. Take in the view and then walk up to the main building.
• If you feel like exploring, follow the hiking trail off to the east. This trail is 0.4 km long and offers unique views of Gornergrat, the Gorner Glacier, and the Matterhorn.

Matterhorn

Day 9

Zermatt to Interlaken

• Leave Zermatt early in the morning and arrive at mid-morning in Interlaken with your Swiss Travel Pass ticket. Enjoy your free time to explore Interlaken.

Swiss village resort near Interlaken

Day 10

Interlaken | Schilthorn Excursion (self-guided)

• Take a cable car to from Lauterbrunnen to Murren, a car-free mountain village of Mürren (1,639 m), situated at the foot of the Schilthorn. This tour in the Bernese Alps in the canton of Bern impresses with its breathtaking views of the famous Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch triumvirate.
• From Murren, you can choose to continue going up by a cable car or hike up to Schilthorn. The distance is about 13 km (8 miles)

Schilthorn

Day 11

Interlaken | Jungfrau Excursion (self-guided)

• Take a train to Jungfraujoch from Lauterbrunnen. Jungfraujoch is a viewing point in the Bernese Alps, at an altitude of 3,454 m. A cable car andcogwheel train can get you there. It is the highest train station in Europe.
• At the Sphinx observatory. You can enjoy a 360° view here, both from the terrace and from the comfort of a building with panoramic windows.
• Go out in the snow and enjoy the view of the Grosser Aletsch glacier and the surrounding mountains.
• If the weather is good, Hiking across the glacier to the Mönchsjoch hut (3657 m). in about an hour is recommended.

cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch

Day 12

Interlaken to Lucerne | Pilatus Golden Round Trip (self-guided)

• Take the panoramic train from Interlaken to Lucerne (Golden Line Pass)
• Keep an eye out for highlights such as the sparkling Lake Brienz, picturesque Brienz village, and the majestic Lake Lungern.
• After arriving, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Lucerne and a view of the surrounding mountains. In Alpnachstad you will board the steepest cogwheel railway in the world to reach the summit of 2,132 opportunities.
• Glide down to Kriens on the aerial cableway "Dragon Ride" and on the Panorama gondolas. From the valley station it is a five-minute walk to the stop for Bus no. 1 and a convenient ride to Lucerne.

Pilatus Mountain

Day 13

Lucerne to Zurich

• Take a train from Lucerne to Zurich. Enjoy your free time to explore the city highlights or do some shopping.

View of Water Church and Limmat River

Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours

Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.

Hand-Picked Hotels

We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.

Hotel Artemide Rome

Grand Minerva Florence

Matterhorn Boutique Hotel

Grand Hotel Giessbach

Hotel Regina Murren

Hotel Bellevue des Alpes