Duration
9 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Starting city
Zurich
Available
April 2024 / March 2025
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
This tour is part of our flexible coach touring range, guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people. Once the tour is booked, it is guaranteed so it will definitely go ahead, and will never cancel.
This tour is guided in English only. Please note if English speaking attendance numbers are low, the tour can become bilingual either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader providing explanations in both languages.
The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. By clicking 'Quote or Book,' you will have the choice to select your desired start and end dates and destinations within the tour's defined parameters. Given this flexibility, it's important to note that the same people, tour guides or drivers may not be on your entire journey.
IMPORTANT: Please note that hotel check-in time is typically at 14:00 p.m. If you need early room access, consider booking an additional night at the start of your trip.
If you have booked additional nights, your room will be prepared upon arrival, but your trip guide will generally only contact you when the scheduled activities begin. At reception, you’ll find a sign with contact details and assistance hours for our staff. Until the tour begins, your schedule is free, and the hotel staff can assist with any inquiries.
Optional activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. We recommend booking these activities well in advance through the Europamundo app or your "My Trip" link to ensure availability. Last-minute bookings may result in limited availability (e.g., tickets, coach seats).
Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.
Note: Today’s itinerary is unique, featuring a boat journey across Lake Zurich and a return trip by train. Depending on the number of travelers, transfers to and from the city center may be conducted using public transport. Please note that the boat schedules may change, and the itinerary may be adjusted accordingly.
09:00 a.m. - We’ll depart from the hotel for a tranquil day. Accompanied by our guide, we’ll take a leisurely walk-through Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and its financial and cultural hub. Renowned for its banking industry, Zurich has twice been recognized as the city with the best quality of life in the world.
10:30 a.m. - We’ll embark on an approximately two-hour cruise on Lake Zurich. The boat will make brief stops, allowing us to admire the charming villages along the way.
12:30 p.m. - Rapperswil - Arriving in this quaint and picturesque village, famous for its medieval castle, we’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch.
03:00 p.m. - We’ll return to Zurich by train, experiencing the efficiency and punctuality of the Swiss railway system. The journey back to Zurich will take just under 35 minutes. Afterward, you´ll have free time to explore the city on your own.
Note: Wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes and be sure to bring your camera. Please be aware that the cable car may not operate at certain times due to weather conditions (strong winds) or maintenance. If this happens, we will provide alternative transportation to a similar location.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Zurich for a scenic journey through stunning landscapes featuring tall mountains and lakes.
10:00 a.m. - Grindelwald. Enjoy a coffee break in this mountain resort in the Bernese Alps before taking the cable car to Grindelwald-First (tickets included), the largest ski area in the region. We’ll embark on a 30-minute walk along a path that offers breathtaking alpine views, including the "footbridge over the void," where you can marvel at the surrounding glaciers. Lunch is included for all passengers (vegetarian option available).
01:45 p.m. - Departure from Grindelwald, continuing on to Lucerne.
03:30 p.m. - Lucerne. You’ll have time to explore this charming Swiss city, including the Kapellbrücke, the covered bridge over the Reuss River, the Town Hall and Square with its Clock Tower, and the pedestrian streets filled with elegant shops. Enjoy a stroll through the city and dine before we head back to the hotel in Zurich.
07:00 p.m. - Departure from Lucerne.
08:00 p.m. - Arrival at the hotel in Zurich.
Note: The guide will offer an optional full-day excursion, starting in the morning. After some free time in Lucerne, we’ll take a rotating cable car to the summit of Mount Titlis. At over 3,000 meters above sea level, the alpine summit offers breathtaking views of the glacier and the Alps.
Scenery: Spectacular alpine landscapes, mountains and lakes. Be sure to bring your camera!
Note: Please keep your passport handy, as it may be required when crossing into Italy.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Zurich - We´ll leave early in the morning, crossing the Alps to reach the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland.
11:00 a.m. - Lugano - Arrival in the regional capital, an elegant city nestled among mountains and located beside a large lake. Take some time to explore this city known for its parks and flowers, charming villas, scenic viewpoints, and lovely lakeside walks. You´ll also have time for lunch.
01:30 p.m. – Departure from Lugano. We’ll continue our journey through this scenic region of lakes and mountains, and cross into Italy.
02:30 p.m. - Como - Arrival in this city, considered a jewel of Lombardy, known for its beautiful lakeside gardens promenade and stunning cathedral. Enjoy some time to stroll around and take in the sights.
04:00 p.m. – Departure from Como.
05:00 p.m. - Milan - Our guide will lead us to the impressive Piazza del Duomo, where you’ll have some time for a walk. Transfer to the hotel will be at 8:00 p.m.
Note: Due to ongoing roadwork and the temporary restriction on heavy vehicle traffic, we will be stopping in Como instead of Morcote for the time being.
Scenery: We´ll enjoy breathtaking Mediterranean views, with stunning seascapes and delightful scenery throughout the journey.
08:30 a.m. – We’ll depart from Milan, the financial heart of Italy, and head towards Pisa.
12:00 p.m. - Pisa - Upon arrival, we’ll take a charming little tourist train to the Piazza Dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles). Here, you’ll have time to admire one of Italy´s most captivating art complexes, including the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
03:00 p.m. – We’ll leave Pisa and continue our journey towards Rome.
08:30 p.m. - Rome.
Note: The schedule for this stage may vary, with possible later arrivals in Pisa and Rome to accommodate travelers joining us from Nice.
06:30 p.m. - In the evening, we’ll head to the Trastevere area. As we stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets of Trastevere, we’ll discover hidden gems like quaint medieval churches, unique shops, and vibrant local scenes. Many trattorias and osterias, brimming with Italian charm, are ready to serve you local dishes. You’ll also find restaurants offering Indian, Chinese, and other international cuisines in this lively area.
08:30 p.m. – Return to the hotel.
Scenery: Apennine Mountains and Tuscan vineyards.
Note: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes as the Florence tour involves walking.
08:00 a.m. - Depart from Rome, traveling through the Tiber Valley.
12:15 p.m. - Arrival in Florence, with our first stop at Piazzale Michelangelo, a viewpoint with spectacular city views. Don’t forget your camera! We’ll then take a two-and-a-half-hour walking tour with a local guide, visiting the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, Straw Market, Piazza della Repubblica, and Palazzo Vecchio. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city’s historic markets and museums.
Florence offers a wide range of restaurants serving both local and international cuisine for dinner. After enjoying your meal, we’ll return to the hotel.
Scenery: We’ll cross the Apennines and the Po Valley.
08:15 a.m. - Departure from Florence, enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery along the way.
12:00 p.m. – Arrival in Venice at Tronchetto terminal. From there, we´ll take a boat across the Giudecca Canal to the island. Enjoy a guided tour around St. Mark’s Square. We´ll also visit the Murano Glass Factory to see a demonstration of traditional glassmaking techniques. The afternoon will be free for you to explore at your leisure.
07:30 p.m. - Return to the mainland and transfer to the hotel. We’ll be staying in the Mestre district.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.