How to Plan a Trip to Switzerland and Italy 2024

As two of the popular tourist destinations in Europe, Italy and Switzerland have much to explore, from historical charm to stunning towns at the foot of the Alps.

If you are planning a trip to Switzerland and Italy, this page may give you some tips and inspiration for your plan.

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How Many Days Are Needed for Italy and Switzerland?

If you want to fully enjoy the must-see cities in both countries on your first visit, we recommend spending about 2 weeks on your trip, with 1 week in Italy for its top cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice, and 1 week in Switzerland for its major cities and alpine scenery.

The duration of the tour should not be less than 10 days. If your time is too short, you would not be able to take in the highlights of both countries. You could mainly focus on Italy or Switzerland, with a brief trip to the other country (where you would only be able to visit one important city).

If you have 3 weeks or more, you could explore both countries more deeply. For example, you could extend your explorations to the south of Italy, including its coastal towns or islands, and you could also do some trekking in Switzerland or explore more towns in the Swiss Alps.

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Switzerland and Italy Itinerary Suggestions

Here are two suggested Italy and Switzerland itineraries for your inspiration.

1) 2 Weeks in Switzerland and Italy for Families

Cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch

• Days 1–3: Rome arrival and sightseeing
• Days 4–6: Venice highlights with a boat ride and an island hopping
• Days 7–9: Lucerne with a trip to Mount Tilits
• Days 10–12: Interlaken, Jungfraujoch sightseeing
• Days 13–14: Zurich sightseeing

In this 14-day itinerary, you would spend about 1 week in Switzerland and 1 week in Italy.

During your first week in Italy, we recommend a relaxed itinerary focusing on family-friendly activities in Rome and Venice. In Rome, embark on a private tour of the Colosseum for an enriched experience. We'll arrange skip-the-line tickets in advance, ensuring minimal waiting time, and guide you to the top floor for a serene bird's-eye view with fewer crowds. Explore the Vatican and meander through charming Italian plazas at your leisure.

In Venice, indulge in an interesting gondola ride along the picturesque canals, immersing yourselves in the city's enchanting ambiance. Venture on an island-hopping excursion to Murano and Burano, renowned for their vibrant glass artistry and colorful architecture.

Transitioning to Switzerland, begin your journey in Lucerne with a scenic boat trip on Lake Lucerne, reveling in its serene beauty. Ascend Mt. Titlis for awe-inspiring vistas of deep glacier crevasses and the majestic Alpine panorama. Proceed to Interlaken, nestled amidst the Swiss Alps, where you and your family could explore the charming town and marvel at snow-capped peaks. Take a cogwheel train from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station, for breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.

Concluding your family adventure in Zurich, embark on a comprehensive city tour, delving into the historic Old Town, admiring Zurich Cathedral, and visiting the family-friendly Lindt Home of Chocolate to uncover the secrets of Swiss chocolate making.

14-Day Italy and Switzerland Family TourDreamlike Summer Vacation for Families

2) An Italy and Switzerland Itinerary for 10 Days

Scenic view of Rome Colosseum at sunset

• Day 1: Rome arrival
• Day 2: Rome day tour
• Days 3–4: Rome to Florence, Florence sightseeing
• Days 5–6: Florence to Venice, Venice day tour
• Day 7: Venice to Zurich, Zurich sightseeing
• Days 8–9: Zurich to Lucerne, Old Town, Lake Lucerne, Mount Pilatus
• Day 10: Zurich to Geneva, Geneva sightseeing

This itinerary is a time-smart option. It would let you see the major highlights of the top tourist cities in these two countries.

In the 10 days in Italy and Switzerland, spend 6 days in Italy to explore its historical heritage, museums, and squares. For the other 3 or 4 days in Switzerland, you are recommended to spend more days in Lucerne. There, you could enjoy the alpine scenery. Ride the world's steepest cogwheel railway up to Mount Pilatus for panoramic views. If the weather permits, you could hike for an adventurous experience.

If you want to have a more relaxed travel pace, an itinerary of 12–14 days would be better. Feel free to contact us for a customized itinerary based on your preferences.

Best Times to Visit Switzerland and Italy

If you want decent weather with fewer crowds, you could consider visiting in May, early June, or September. Italy and Switzerland enjoy relatively warm and dry weather in these months.

October in Italy is still good for traveling. Switzerland becomes cool in October, averaging 7–15°C (45–59°F), and you would need some warm clothes. If you think such weather is fine, then October is also a good choice.

Late June, July, and August form the peak season in both Italy and Switzerland. Switzerland, located in the Alpine region, serves as an ideal summer retreat from the heat, attracting numerous tourists in summer. Despite the intense summer heat in Italy, tourists' enthusiasm for Italy only grows, drawing continuous streams of visitors.

Winter is the off-peak and rainy season in Italy but emerges as the peak season for Switzerland's skiing destinations. During the Christmas holiday, a particularly popular time, you could relish skiing, sledding, indulging in thermal spa treatments, and exploring Christmas markets in Switzerland.

You could get more weather and travel information on Best Times to Visit Italy.

14-Day Best of Italy and Switzerland Tour History, Art & Alpine Majesty

Costs for a Trip to Switzerland and Italy

The travel costs for Switzerland are more expensive than for Italy. For a private tour based on two people, it costs about 400 USD per person per day in Italy and about 600 USD in Switzerland.

The costs would include a private car service, a private guide service, transportation between Italy and Switzerland, train/flight tickets within Italy and Switzerland, 4-star hotels, tickets for attractions, and full-day itineraries.

The estimated price we have given is only for reference. If you want a more specific quote, please contact us. Our travel advisor would give you a detailed itinerary, and the corresponding budget options based on your travel time, group size, and other requirements.

If you want to get a reference price for a 2-week Italy and Switzerland tour, you could check out our 14-Day Best of Italy and Switzerland Tour.

How to Travel Between Switzerland and Italy

Bernina Express

Flying is the fastest and most popular way to travel between Switzerland and Italy. Major airports in Switzerland (usually Zurich or Geneva) have flights to various Italian cities, including Milan, Rome, Venice, and Florence.

Another popular way is by train. There are scenic train routes between Switzerland and Italy. The most famous is the Bernina Express, from Chur or St. Moritz in Switzerland to Milan in Italy or vice versa. The trip takes about 4–5 hours. The train ride provides excellent views, with spacious and comfortable carriages featuring large panoramic windows for you to enjoy the surrounding beauty.

To ensure a hassle-free experience, transportation between Switzerland and Italy would be included in our private tour service. We would book the flight/train tickets in advance according to your requirements.

Creating Your Italy and Switzerland Trip

Send us an inquiry for a private tour, and we'll design it to suit your schedule, interests, and requirements.