Looking for a fantastic trip that combines Italy’s idyllic medieval towns and famous lakes with Switzerland’s most popular cities and the renowned Swiss Alps? Then you’re in the right place. Our 10 days in Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary takes you on an absolutely amazing trip through Europe’s most beautiful regions.
Planning a trip of this magnitude can be challenging. With so much to explore, like a walking tour in a picturesque Italian town or a scenic train ride through the snowy Swiss Alps, you’re bound to miss some hidden gems.
This is why we created this Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary for you. This 10-day itinerary takes you to some of the most beautiful cities in Italy and Switzerland to discover their famous landmarks and historical and cultural attractions.
Perfect Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary you’ll love
Northern Italy and Switzerland Itinerary 10 days
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Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary | At a glance
Before we dive into this Switzerland and Italy itinerary, let’s have a look at what this amazing trip has in store for you:
Day 1 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Explore Bologna’s historical city centre
Day 2 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Experience the floating city of Venice
Day 3 and 4 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Discover Milan’s Art Nouveau buildings, shopping centers, and castles
Day 5 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Have a scenic escape in Lake Como
Day 6 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Explore Geneva’s best attractions
Day 7 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Experience the best of Bern
Day 8 and 9 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: Escape to the resort town of Interlaken
Day 10 of 10 Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary: End your Italy-Switzerland itinerary on a high in Zürich
Italy and Switzerland Itinerary with a scenic train ride (Bernina Express)
Day 1 and 2: Fly to Milan, explore for 2 days
Day 3: Day trip to Lake Como and Bellagio (Italy)
Day 4: Milan to Switzerland via the Bernina Express
Day 5: Visit Chur (arrive in Zurich in the evening, 1 hour train ride)
Day 6 and 7: Sightseeing in Zurich for 2 days
Day 8: Lucerne and Mount Titlis day trip
Day 9: Bern day trip
Day 10: Rhine Falls day trip
Italy and Switzerland Itinerary: Fly to Rome, and fly out from Zurich
Day 1 and 2: Rome
Day 3 : Florence day trip (or extend 2 nights in Florence and visit Siena or Pisa)
Day 4 and 5 : Visit and stay in Milan for 2 nights
Day 6: Train travel to Chur in Switzerland via Bernina Express (stay overnight in Chur)
Day 7: Explore Zurich for a day
Day 8 and 9: Interlaken and Jungfrau
Day 10: Bern (return to Zurich in the evening)
Switzerland and Italy Itinerary: Start in Zurich, end in Rome
Day 1 and 2: Fly to Zurich, explore for 2 days
Day 3 : Bern day trip
Day 4 : Lucerne and Mount Pilatus day trip
Day 5: Train travel to Tirano in Italy via Bernina Express. Make connections from Tirano to Milan
Day 6 and 7 : Visit and stay in Milan for 2 nights
Day 8: Explore Lake Como and Bellagio for a day (overnight in Milan)
Day 9 and 10: Travel to Rome and explore for the next 2 nights
Planning a Switzerland and Italy Trip Itinerary
Begin your Northern Italy and Switzerland trip plan with visa requirements and arrival airports.
Both countries are located in Europe and they follow Schengen visa requirements to allow non-visa-exempt passport holders to enter the country. Citizens of the United States and Canada can visit Italy and Switzerland visa-free and stay for 90 days.
Zurich Airport
At the border crossing, your passports won’t be checked. But when you touch down in either country, your passport and other documents will be checked by immigration.
Keep in mind, Switzerland is not a member of the European Union but Italy is. As mentioned, both follow the Schengen Agreement.
Italy uses Euros as the official currency, and Swiss Francs are used in Switzerland.
Rome Airport
For your flights from North America, destinations like Zurich, and Geneva (in Switzerland) and Milan and Rome (in Italy) are good options to fly into.
In the Italy Switzerland itinerary below, we have included samples where you can start in either country; and complete sightseeing using rental cars or public transportation.
To start in Northern Italy, fly to Milan Malpensa Airport (you can also arrive in Rome and then connect to Milan via high-speed trains)
To start in Switzerland, flying to Zurich International Airport makes sense
Once you’ve decided where to go and what you would like to explore, it’s time to start planning your itinerary . As with any trip, it’s important to determine transportation options within each destination.
Train to leave from Venice to Zurich HB
Both countries have a solid public transportation network, and depending on the duration of your trip, it may be best to purchase a rail pass that allows you to freely move between countries and cities.
Eurail Pass is a good option to consider here. Or you can opt for a country-specific pass with attractions access.
We always use the Swiss Travel Pass when traveling in Switzerland, and use a mix of city passes, and tours to get around in Italy. We recommend booking train tickets and passes prior to your trip to save money.
SWISS TRAVEL PASS
Get unlimited rides on trains, trams, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland with an all-in-one Swiss Travel Pass!
Buy it online, show your e-ticket on your phone, and start your Swiss Adventure with ease and stay on budget!
buy it online here
Note that in some cases, connections between cities via trains are faster as compared to a road trip in these two countries. Having said that you can always get a rental car, if that’s what you prefer.
There are a plethora of guided excursions also available in each country, so you may also decide to take a day trip or do an organized tour from your accommodation base.
Accommodation is another important factor to consider when planning a trip to Northern Italy and Switzerland. We have included top picks for each city/ town where an overnight stay is suggested.
Finally don’t forget to get travel insurance .
Get a free quote for Safety Wing Travel Insurance
Day 1: Northern Italy itinerary – Explore Bologna’s historical city center
Italy’s different regions and their unique offerings make the country one of the most visited in Europe.
In the northern region of Emilia Romagna, Bologna is world-renowned as Italy’s foodie capital. The city also has lots of beautiful architecture you can explore.
Decorated old portico with columns in Bologna, Italy
Admire Bologna’s porticoes
The porticoes of Bologna are a recently-declared UNESCO World Heritage Site waiting to be explored.
Spanning over 26 miles within the historic city center, Bologna’s porticoes and city walls are a symbol of the city’s bustling medieval era.
Take a walking tour or leisurely stroll through the longest portico in Bologna – Portico of San Luca — it has about 666 arches.
Or opt to tour the Portico Dei Servi, which extends towards Piazza Maggiore and has the widest corridors.
Grab lunch at Piazza Maggiore
As the heart of Bologna city center, Piazza Maggiore is the best place to hang around, people-watch, and get amazing views of some of the city’s best landmarks.
Enjoy a tasty lunch while looking out at the dramatic Basilica di San Petronio and Palazzo d’Accursio.
You’ll also find the Fountain of Neptune, depicting the god of the sea with a trident in hand and standing over four cherubs – the ultimate symbol of power.
Climb Asinelli Tower
From Piazza Maggiore, walk for about five minutes to the colossal Asinelli Tower. The 319-foot tower is the tallest leaning medieval tower in the world. It stands next to Garisenda Tower, and together they make Le due Torri.
Bologna vista from Asinelli tower
These two towers are the most well-preserved in the city, and Asinelli is the only one you can climb.
If you’re up for it, you can get an entrance ticket and climb up 498 steps to reach the top of the tower, where you’ll get stunning views of the city.
Take a food tour + private cooking class
If you’d like to take a piece of Bologna home with you, consider taking a food tour or private cooking class and learn how to make some tasty Italian delicacies.
As the culinary capital of the world, Bologna offers great food tours that, at times, include cheese and wine tasting.
Marvel at La Finestrella
Discover Bologna’s long-lost canals through a small window on Via Piella. Yes, the city of Venice is not the only place in Italy where you can find canals.
Bologna’s hidden canals date back to the Middle Ages when they were used for the transportation of goods and people.
Where to stay in Bologna:
Art Hotel Commercianti: Centrally located Art Hotel Commercianti offers a hearty breakfast, and modern amenities in every room. Rooms have a beautiful traditional/medieval charm to them. Book your stay here
NH Bologna De La Gare : Stay near the Bologna Centrale train station at the NH Bologna De La Gare! This hotel is conveniently located in the shopping district and about a 10-minute walk from Bologna Cathedral. It offers modern rooms, with a bar and parking on-site. Book your stay here
Note : Start early morning for Venice on day 2. Bologna to Venice is 1 hour 30 minutes by train and less than 2 hours by car
Day 2 Northern Italy itinerary – Experience the floating city of Venice
You can’t visit Northern Italy without making a stop in the City of Canals. Venice is dotted with stunning terracotta houses, medieval bridges, floating gondolas, and scenic canals that will make you fall in love.
Here’s how you can spend one day in Venice .
Take a Grand Canal tour
The Grand Canal is one of the most notable features in Venice. Whether you’re visiting on a day trip or spending one day in Venice, taking a tour of the Grand Canal is a must-do .
Venice Gondola Ride
You’ll enjoy a boat ride through hidden canals and get a front-row seat to attractions like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Gritti Palace, and the postcard-worthy Salute Church.
Tip: Not sure if you should use a vaporetto (water taxi) or a canal tour? This guide about whether a gondola ride in Venice is worth it has what you need to know to make your decision.
Stroll around Piazza San Marco
Sitting in the heart of Venice, Piazza San Marco is the most vibrant square in the city. Flanked by historically significant buildings like St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, this public square is a great place to take a guided tour
You can also climb to the top of St Mark’s Campanile, where you’ll get a spectacular view of the city.
Visit Doge’s Palace
Doge’s Palace is one of Venice’s most popular attractions, and it’s easy to see why.
Doge Palace Interiors
Aside from the gorgeous Venetian Gothic-style architecture, you’ll also have the palace’s ornate interiors to marvel at.
As a former residence of the supreme leader of the old republic, the museum is a great place to learn about the history of the city and see its stunning architecture. This Doge’s Palace entry ticket gives you access to the regal interiors and the Bridge of Sighs.
Get a book at Libreria Acqua Alta
If you’re a bookworm, you’ll love spending time at this cozy, eccentric bookstore. Libreria Acqua Alta is one of the best Instagram-worthy photo spots in Venice .
It boasts colorfully stacked books from floor to ceiling, some are stored in a bathtub and even a gondola.
Note: Libreria Acqua Alta is popular among tourists, and you may find it overcrowded.
Walk across Rialto Bridge
Spanning 66 feet over the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.
Rialto Bridge
And while it’s an absolutely beautiful piece of architecture to admire, Rialto Bridge also has a long history. It’s the oldest of the four bridges that cross over the Grand Canal.
Walking across the Rialto Bridge is a great way to get up close views of the architectural details. But if you want to ditch the crowds and see the bridge in solitude, take a gondola tour along the Grand Canal and get stunning views of Rialto Bridge as you’re serenaded.
Where to stay in Venice:
Palazzo Veneziano – Venice Collection: Gorgeous 4-star property, located in the neighborhood of Dorsoduro, the Palazzo Veneziano is perfect for sightseeing in Venice, and you will also find many bars and restaurants nearby. Read traveler reviews and check current availability
Hotel Campiello : This is an affordable 3-star hotel, located close to San Macro Piazza, and many other sightseeing areas. Check availability here
Note : Start for Milan the next day. You have 2 days of sightseeing here. Venice to Milan is 3 hours by the fastest train and car.
Day 3 – 4 Northern Italy itinerary – Discover Milan’s Art Nouveau buildings, shopping centers, and castles
Milan is the capital of the Lombardy Region of Northern Italy. This bustling metropolitan is also world-renowned as the fashion capital of the world.
It’s also home to some of Italy’s landmarks, like the Duomo di Milano and Sforza Castle.
Where to stay in Milan:
c-Hotel Atlantic Milano : c-Hotel Atlantic Milano is conveniently located near the central station, and is perfect for sightseeing, as well as for entering and leaving Milan. Plus you will find restaurants, bars with live music and parks nearby. Book your stay here (this hotel is also known as Atlantic Hotel Milano)
Park Hyatt Milan: Located close to the Milan Duomo in Zone 1, Park Hyatt is a luxury property with stunning views of the city. It is about a 4-5 minute walk from the Duomo. Some suites also have a private terrace, and you can wine and dine in their restaurant on-site. View more information here
Day 3 – Visit Milan’s top attractions
There’s so much to do in this beautiful city that it raises the question, “ how many days in Milan is enough?” — and rightfully so.
Your first day in the city of Milan takes you through all the city highlights. This is also a great one-day Milan itinerary if you can only stay for 24 hours or less.
Marvel at the Duomo di Milano
Milan’s pre-eminent cathedral, the Duomo di Milano, is one of the most magnificent churches in the world.
Rooftop view
The white marble Gothic cathedral was commissioned by the Archbishop of Milan, Antonio da Saluzzo, and it took nearly six centuries to complete, from 1386 to 1965.
Today, Milan Cathedral is one of the most celebrated landmarks in Italy. You can get an all-access ticket to the Duomo and get to see the cathedral’s museum, its terraces, and the rooftop. You’ll also get entry to the Chiesa di San Gottardo in Corte.
Tip: Read this in-depth guide to get the lowdown about visiting Milan Cathedral .
Wander through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is home to some of the oldest restaurants and shops in Milan. Operating since 1877, the Galleria is the oldest active shopping gallery in the city.
You’ll find a range of cafes, restaurants, and shops selling luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Prada, and more. And although some of these brands may be out of your budget, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is worth visiting for its Renaissance Revival architecture.
Stroll through Piazza Mercanti
Piazza Mercanti is one of Italy’s most idyllic squares. Located just a skip away from the magnificent Duomo, this quaint square is home to some of the most gorgeous medieval buildings in the world.
The piazza was the city’s center of government and industry during the Middle Ages. This is why you’ll find the former courts of justice, the notary seat, and the Chamber of Commerce dotted around the square.
See the Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie
Art aficionados will appreciate a visit to the Santa Maria delle Grazie for a sneak peek at Leonardo da Vinci’s 15th-century masterpiece, “The Last Supper.” The painting sits in its original place along the walls of the refectory.
Santa Maria delle Grazie church in Milan hosts the painting of Leonardo da Vinci: the Last Supper
To see the historical mural, take a guided tour of Santa Maria delle Grazie , where your expert guide will lead you through the viewing of the world-renowned painting for 15 minutes.
Day 4 – See Milan’s art and medieval architecture
The second day of your two days in Milan takes you through the city’s most famous art museums, galleries, and medieval architecture.
Wander through Sforza Castle + Arco della Pace
Sforza Castle is a Renaissance fortification built in the 15th century. The castle has served as a private residence for royalty, mainly the Visconti lords. It was also used as a weapons depot and as military barracks throughout its life.
Sforza Castle
Today, you can take an audio guide through the castle’s museums, each boasting interesting artworks and relics.
Stroll through the castle’s lush grounds while admiring medieval architecture before dashing over to Arco della Pace for incredible photos.
Besides being almost identical to the Arc de Triomphe in France, Arco della Pace is one of Milan’s significant Neoclassical monuments, symbolizing peace between European nations.
See masterpieces at Pinacoteca di Brera
Pinacoteca di Brera is Milan’s main public gallery and home to over 400 paintings dating between the 13th and 20th centuries.
You can browse through the museum via a guided tour and see paintings from artists such as Caravaggio, Piero della Francesca, and Raphael.
Brera District
Visit the La Scala Opera House
Teatro alla Scala is an iconic opera house in Milan famous for its absolutely amazing acoustics. The theater is known for premiering many popular operas, especially many of Giuseppe Verdi’s.
Book a ticket for the La Scala Museum tour , and get to see the famous stages, regal interior, and stunning crystal chandelier.
Note : You can extend your stay in Milan to day 5, and take a day trip to Lake Como and Bellagio.
Day 5 Northern Italy itinerary – Have a scenic escape in Lake Como
Lake Maggiore and Como offer the ideal tranquil getaway from the Lombardy Region’s bustling cities. Although Lake Maggiore is slightly bigger, the large lake doesn’t get as much tourist traffic as its counterpart.
Panoramic view of Cernobbio town (Como Lake, Italy)
Here are a few ways you could spend your day in Lake Como.
Stroll through Como Town
Visiting Lake Como is one of the most popular day trips numerous tourists take from Milan, and it’s not hard to see why.
But you can’t visit Lake Como without first making a stop at the picturesque city that gives the lake its name.
Spend some time walking along the city’s gorgeous waterfront promenade, exploring its museums, and visiting famous churches like the stunning Como Cathedral.
Explore Lake Como
Surrounded by rolling green hills, picturesque old towns, and beautiful lakeside mansions, Lake Como is one of the idyllic places to visit in Italy.
You can enjoy the upscale resort area and its beautiful scenery by taking a Lake Como cruise that ends with a stunning sunset. The lake also offers water sports opportunities, e-biking tours, and a lakeside dinner at a great restaurant.
Take a trip to Varenna
Varenna is a small village sitting along the eastern shores of Lake Como. This idyllic old town offers views of colorful homes, medieval streets, and the gardens of Villa Monastero. It’s a great place to escape the high tourist summer season in Lake Como.
Varenna Village in Lake Como, Italy.
Visit Bellagio
Bellagio is another postcard-worthy old town on the shores of Lake Como. You can reach this gorgeous lakeside village via a 50-minute drive from Como Town.
Once you arrive in Bellagio, hire a boat and take your own trip around the lake. End your day with a tasty meal at Ristorante Bilacus’s vine-covered terrace.
Tip: You can see the best of Lake Como, Varenna, and Bellagio with this day trip from Milan . The tour takes the most popular route to Lake Como, dotted with scenic villas and gardens.
Day 6 Switzerland itinerary – Explore Geneva’s best attractions
From here onwards, you will make your way to Switzerland. You have the option to either arrive in Zurich or Geneva to kickstart sightseeing here.
Either way, we recommend starting early in the morning from Italy. Here is the travel time for each,
Bellagio or Milan to Zurich is 3 to 4+ hours by train
Bellagio or Milan to Geneva is 5 to 6+ hours by train
As the capital of luxury watches and jewelry making, Geneva is a must-add to any Switzerland trip. This city boasts incredible views of the Swiss Alps, watchmakers, and many diplomatic headquarters to explore.
See the Jet d’Eau (Geneva Water Fountain)
Start this Switzerland trip with a visit to the star of Geneva Harbor. Shooting up to an altitude of 459 feet, Jet d’Eau is one of the largest fountains in the world. It is visible throughout the city and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Geneva.
Climb the tower of St. Pierre Cathedral
Nestled on the highest point of Geneva’s Old Town, St. Pierre Cathedral combines different architectural styles like Gothic and Ancient. The 12th-century cathedral boasts dramatic interiors and a tower you can climb for amazing views of the town.
Visit Palais des Nations + Red Cross Museum
As we touched on before, Geneva is home to several international headquarters, including the United Nations and the International Museum of the Red Cross. These buildings are of huge significance to all countries across the world and are perfect for taking pictures.
Take a half-day trip to Chillon Castle (optional)
If you’re looking for something out of a fairytale, look no further than the Gothic-style Chillon Castle.
Chillon Castle in Switzerland
Sitting on an island on Lake Geneva, this medieval castle boasts exhibitions across 36 gorgeous rooms and courtyards.
Where to stay in Geneva:
Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva: This is a stunning 5-star lakeside property located in the heart of Geneva. It has about 400+ rooms and is elegantly decorated. Plus it is only a 2-minute walk away from the ferry terminal. Hotel amenities include a pool, spa, and a bar & restaurant. Book your stay here
Hôtel des Tourelles: Hôtel des Tourelles is an affordable 2-star hotel, located about 10 minutes walk away from the city centre area. At less than $120 USD a night, this hotel serves its purpose. The hotel is pet friendly. Book your stay here
Note : Start for Bern the next day. Geneva to Bern is less than 2 hours by train or drive.
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