Best Italy and Switzerland Itinerary 7 Days – Plan Trip to Switzerland and Italy

Combining the rustic romance of Italy with the majestic elegance of Switzerland is the perfect formula for a trip of a lifetime. Whether sipping espresso in a bustling Italian piazza or gazing at snow-dusted peaks on a scenic Swiss train ride, this 7-day Italy and Switzerland itinerary offers a seamless blend of cultural charm, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences.

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Italy and Switzerland Itinerary 7 Days – Tour of Switzerland and Italy – Trip to Switzerland and Italy

This 7-day trip to Switzerland and Italy will take you through postcard-perfect villages, iconic cities, and scenic routes that are nothing short of magical. It’s the ideal Italy Switzerland itinerary 7 days for first-time travelers who want to experience the best of both countries without feeling rushed.

Day 1: Arrive in Milan, Explore the Italian Fashion Capital

In Milan, Italy’s cosmopolitan hub, ancient cathedrals meet high fashion. While often overshadowed by cities like Rome or Florence, Milan’s charm lies in its vibrant streets, sleek design, and world-class art scene.

Things to Do:

• Start with a visit to the Duomo di Milano, a Gothic masterpiece offering stunning rooftop views.
• Explore the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for both luxury shopping and architectural splendor.
• Don’t miss Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church (book in advance!).
• Stroll through the Navigli District in the evening, known for its canals and buzzing aperitivo scene.

How to Reach & Distance – Fly into Milan Malpensa Airport. From most European hubs, Milan is well-connected and easy to access by train or plane.

Overnight Stay – Check in at Hotel Berna, a comfortable and mid-budget stay just five minutes from Milano Centrale station.

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Day 2: Milan to Lake Como – A Romantic Day by the Water

Lake Como is the embodiment of Italian romance. Surrounded by hills, quaint towns, and opulent villas, it’s the ideal destination to unwind and take in la dolce vita.

Things to Do:

• Take a train to Varenna (1 hour), a charming village with cobblestone streets and lakeside cafes.
• From there, catch a ferry to Bellagio, dubbed the “Pearl of the Lake.”
• Spend your afternoon exploring gardens like Villa Melzi and relaxing by the lake with gelato.

How to Reach & Distance – From Milan Centrale, it takes about 1 hour by train to Varenna, and then a 15-minute ferry to Bellagio.

Overnight Stay – Stay at Hotel Du Lac Bellagio, which offers lake-view rooms at a mid-range price and an unbeatable location.

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Day 3: Lake Como to Lucerne – Explore Swiss Paradise

Lucerne, a storybook city between a lake and mountains, is the perfect introduction to Switzerland. Its medieval old town, charming bridges, and Alpine backdrop make it one of the highlights of any tour of Switzerland and Italy.

Things to Do:

• Visit the iconic Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, then explore the Old Town with its painted buildings and hidden squares.
• Don’t miss the Lion Monument, a poignant tribute carved into rock.
• Take a scenic walk along the lake promenade or hop on a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne for panoramic views.

How to Reach & Distance – Take the train from Varenna to Lucerne via Milan and Arth-Goldau. The journey is about 4.5 to 5 hours, but incredibly scenic.

Overnight Stay – Book your stay at Hotel des Balances in Lucerne’s Old Town. It offers classic Swiss charm with modern comfort and lake views.

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Day 4: Lucerne to Interlaken via Golden Pass Train

Switzerland is best seen through its train windows. The Golden Pass Line from Lucerne to Interlaken is one of the most scenic train routes in the world. As the mountains rise and valleys stretch, you’ll witness a Switzerland that feels straight out of a painting.

Things to Do:

• Once in Interlaken, the adventure capital of Switzerland, choose your thrill – paragliding, hiking, or even a chocolate-making workshop.
• Explore the charming Höheweg promenade and enjoy fondue at a local restaurant.

How to Reach & Distance – Take the Golden Pass panoramic train from Lucerne to Interlaken (approx. 2 hours), passing through stunning Swiss countryside.

Stay overnight at Hotel Interlaken, a mid-budget hotel in a peaceful garden with easy access to Interlaken East and West stations.

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Day 5: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

No Italy Switzerland itinerary is complete without a trip to the Top of Europe. Jungfraujoch is Europe’s highest train station and a marvel of engineering, perched amidst glaciers and alpine peaks.

Things to Do:

• Take the train via Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg to reach Jungfraujoch.
• At the top, explore the Ice Palace, walk on the Aletsch Glacier, and enjoy panoramic views from the Sphinx Observatory.
• Stop at Grindelwald or Wengen on the way down for a scenic mountain village experience.

How to Reach & Distance – From Interlaken, it takes about 2.5 hours to go one way via scenic cogwheel trains.

Tours to Book – Book a Jungfraujoch Day Tour from Interlaken or Lucerne for hassle-free transfers and guides.

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Day 6: Interlaken to Zermatt – The Iconic Matterhorn

Zermatt is home to the Matterhorn, one of the most photographed mountains in the world. The car-free village is a haven for nature lovers and offers unforgettable alpine experiences.

Things to Do:

• Take the Gornergrat Bahn cogwheel train for an epic view of the Matterhorn.
• Explore the Matterhorn Museum and stroll through Zermatt’s charming streets lined with chalets.
• You can also enjoy short hikes like the Five Lakes Walk, perfect for postcard shots.

How to Reach & Distance – From Interlaken, travel to Zermatt via Spiez and Visp. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Overnight Stay – Book a room at Hotel Bristol Zermatt, which offers warm hospitality and rooms with Matterhorn views at a mid-range price.

Day 7: Zermatt to Milan – Farewell to the Alps

After days of natural beauty and cultural charm, it’s time to loop back into Italy, soaking in final views of the Alps as you return to Milan for your departure or a short city break before heading home.

Things to Do:

• Depending on your schedule, take a final stroll in Milan or relax in Sempione Park.
• Visit Castello Sforzesco or enjoy a last gelato at CioccolatItaliani near the Duomo.

How to Reach & Distance – Take the train from Zermatt to Milan via Visp and Brig (around 4 hours).

Overnight Stays – If you’re flying the next day, stay again at Hotel Berna near Milano Centrale for convenience.

Tour of Switzerland and Italy – Tours to Book 

• Lake Como Day Tour with ferry rides and guided villa visits 
• Lucerne Lake Cruise – perfect for a scenic and peaceful afternoon
• Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Day Trip.
• Zermatt Gornergrat Train Experience
• Milan Historical Walking Tour including skip-the-line Last Supper tickets

Helpful Tips for Planning a Trip to Switzerland and Italy:

• Book train tickets on the Trenitalia (Italy) and SBB (Switzerland) websites early. Consider a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel in Switzerland.
• Pack layers, especially for Switzerland, where mountain temperatures can drop even in summer.
• Travel light, especially with train journeys and cobblestone streets in towns like Bellagio or Zermatt.
• Carry Euros and Swiss Francs – Italy uses Euros, Switzerland uses Francs (though cards are widely accepted in both).
• Download train apps like SBB Mobile and Trenitalia for live updates and easy bookings.
• Travel insurance is highly recommended, especially for alpine activities or mountain train rides.

This detailed Italy and Switzerland itinerary 7 days lets you experience the best of both worlds: Italy’s art, food, lakeside romance, and Switzerland’s alpine grandeur, efficient trains, and serene villages. Whether you’re planning your honeymoon, an adventure-packed week, or a scenic getaway, this trip to Switzerland and Italy blends wonder, culture, and relaxation in perfect harmony.

From sipping espresso in Milan to standing atop Jungfraujoch, each day of this Italy and Switzerland itinerary 7 days is crafted to inspire and delight. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and prepare for a tour of Switzerland and Italy that you’ll remember forever.

Picture Courtesy – CanvaPro

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