The ultimate Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary

Planning a trip to Northern Italy and Switzerland? Whether you’re looking for a whirlwind city break getaway or an in-depth adventure of the region’s highlights, here is the ultimate Northern Italy Switzerland itinerary.

One of the questions I get asked most often as a full-time traveller is what my favourite countries are, and while I can’t decide on a number 1 favourite (impossible!), Italy and Switzerland are always in the top five.

I love both of these so much that I just keep coming back to them. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Italy eight times and Switzerland five times, and I’m already planning my next trip for later this year! I generally spend three months in Europe each year and it would be a crime for me to set foot on the continent without a taste of authentic Italian cuisine and some downtime in the Swiss Alps.

With my personal experience of navigating the train network, determining what places are worth a visit and sticking to an acceptable budget, I’ve put together this super detailed Northern Italy & Switzerland itinerary to help you plan your trip.

If you’re reading this then I’m going to guess that you either can’t choose exactly where to go in Northern Italy and Switzerland, or you’re not sure of the most cost-effective and time-efficient ways to get from A to B, or you’re not sure what to see and do in the spots on your list so far. Or maybe it’s all three!

Don’t stress, in this blog post I’ve included the highlights of the Northern Italy and Switzerland region, suggested routes for different lengths (10 days, 2 weeks and 3 weeks), listed my top recommendations for hotels, restaurants and activities, and I’ve also answered a bunch of FAQs to help you make the most of your time and your money on the road.

This is a long one, but I promise you’ll come out of it with a much better plan of your perfect Northern Italy and Switzerland itinerary. Andiamo!

Overview of the best Northern Italy and Switzerland itineraries

There are loads of potential stops in Northern Italy and Switzerland to fill your itinerary, and the perfect ones for you will really depend on your travel preferences.

If you just want a quick overview of the region’s highlights and some suggested routes then I’ve got those for you below, but you can scroll down for more info on each destination, how to get between them, things to do and more detailed itineraries at the end of this post.

Summary of highlights from Northern Italy and Switzerland

Northern Italy highlights:

• Milan
• The Dolomites
• Venice
• Bologna
• Florence
• Cinque Terre
• Genoa
• Turin
• Lake Como

Switzerland highlights:

• St Moritz
• Zermatt
• Interlaken
• Lucerne
• Basel
• Zürich

There are some places I haven’t listed as a ‘highlight’ but that I mention as options for day trips or easy stops en route to your next destination, like Verona, Pisa and Lausanne.

Northern Italy and Switzerland map of highlights

Summary of 10 days in Northern Italy and Switzerland

• 2 days Zermatt
• Glacier Express to St Moritz
• Bernina Express to Tirano and onto Milan
• 2 days Milan
• Option one: 3-4 days in Genoa + Turin
• Option two: 3 days in Florence via Bologna or Cinque Terre
• Option three: 3-4 days Venice via Verona
• Option four: 3-4 days in the Dolomites

Summary of two weeks in Northern Italy and Switzerland

• 2 days Milan
• Bernina Express to St Moritz
• Glacier Express to Zermatt
• 2-3 days in Interlaken
• 2 days in Lucerne
• 2 days in Lake Como
• Option one: 3-4 days in Venice via Verona
• Option two: 3-4 days in the Dolomites
• Option three: 2 days in Turin, 2 days in Genoa
• Option four: 2 days in Cinque Terre, 2 days in Florence
• Option five: 1 day in Bologna, 3 days in Florence

Summary of three weeks in Northern Italy and Switzerland

Either the two week itinerary at a slower pace, or if you want to see as much as possible you could follow this itinerary:

• 2 days in Zürich or Basel
• 2 days in Lucerne
• 2-3 days in Interlaken
• 2 days in Zermatt
• Glacier Express to St Moritz
• Bernina Express to Tirano and continue to Milan
• 2 days in Milan
• 2 days in Turin
• 2 days in Genoa
• 1 day in Cinque Terre
• 2 days in Florence
• Bologna day trip, back to Milan
• Or skip Turin/Genoa, and add either Venice or the Dolomites onto the end

This would be VERY quick though, so it would be best to cut 2-3 of these options out to slow down a bit.

Planning your Northern Italy & Switzerland itinerary

When is the best time to visit Northern Italy & Switzerland?

As with any trip, the best time to travel will really depend on your personal preferences and budget, but here’s a quick rundown of what to expect each season in Switzerland and Northern Italy.

☀️ Summer (June to August)

June is kind of pre-summer, with warm weather, long days and plenty of tourists but before the insane school holiday crowds. Great for hiking in the mountains, coastal activities in Italy and an iconic Euro summer vibe without the chaos of July and August.

July and August are exactly that: chaotic! Cities get a bit quieter because they’re unbearably hot and all the locals escape to the coast or mountains, and therefore the coast and mountains are extremely busy and expensive. You’ll need to pre-book hotels and trains, and there will be big groups of tourists everywhere you go. If you don’t mind the crowds and higher prices then it’s still worth it, but I just want you to be aware of the reality of European summer travel!

🍂 Autumn (September to November)

Mild weather, food festivals and stunning autumn colours, my favourite time to visit Northern Italy and Switzerland.

September is ideal for post-summer alpine hiking and the Italian coast, most European schools generally go back first week of Sept so crowds are thinner but there will still be plenty of tourists enjoying fewer kids being around and slightly lower prices.

October sees trees turning all shades of red and orange, noticeably less crowds and cheaper accommodation, with slightly unpredictable weather.

November gets chilly but if you can handle the cold you’ll be able to take advantage of great deals and snowy landscapes in the mountains. Just be aware that some seasonal destinations shut up shop (like Cinque Terre) or prepare for winter skiing (like the Dolomites) so if you have specific activities or restaurants on your list, they might be closed or run on a limited schedule in the off season.

❄️ Winter (December to February)

The winter experience in this part of Europe is very dependent on where you go.

Switzerland in December means beautiful Christmas markets and magical mountain landscapes, but weather can be unpredictable and very cold. Italy’s Christmas markets are nowhere near as impressive, except for the Dolomites where the Austrian influence has put Bolzano and Trento’s markets on the map.

In skiing destinations you’ll find they’re busy all of January, February and March, and obviously this changes each year but in recent years March has offered some fantastic snow conditions. In non-skiing destinations you’ll find January and February a bit gloomy weather-wise but that means lower prices and fewer crowds, ideal for things like museum visits, foodie trips and general relaxation.

💐 Spring (March to May)

Ski season runs right through to April in the Dolomites and Swiss Alps, while cities start getting lighter, warmer and more lively from March onwards. Coastal destinations start prepping for summer in April and April/May are ideal for visiting these spots before the crowds descend. May also brings beautiful wildflowers to the mountains after the snow has melted, and it’s a gorgeous time to get amongst some alpine adventures.

How to get around Switzerland and Northern Italy

🚂 Trains: I would highly, highly recommend travelling Northern Italy and Switzerland by train. Both countries have fantastic public transport networks that connect everywhere I’ve mentioned in this itinerary, and with a rail pass and a bit of planning it can be a really affordable way to explore. I’m a total train convert for Europe travel!

🚗 Rental car: If you’re travelling with kids or as a group, a rental car might end up being a more convenient option depending on where you’re going. Parking is an absolute nightmare in Italian cities and some Swiss alpine towns are car-free, but with 3-4 people it miiiight work out better if you don’t mind dealing with the logistics. Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay tolls and gas on top of your rental car price.

How much to budget for your Switzerland and Northern Italy itinerary

Switzerland is much more expensive than Northern Italy, so if you’re on a budget then you might want to skew your trip to spend more time below the border.

Things to do in Milan

• Head to the Duomo di Milano for sunrise
• Wander down Corso Vittorio Emanuele II for boutique retailers and luxury design stores
• Catch an opera performance at Teatro alla Scala
• Experience the viral TikTok-famous spa, the QC Termemilano, where there’s a pool room that simulates a thunderstorm
• See Da Vinci’s masterpiece “The Last Supper” at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church (book tickets well in advance)
• Take an aperitivo food tour in Navigli and then join in the nightlife
• Search for the best street art in the Isola district
• Treat yourself to a fancy dinner in Brera
• Grab a drink with a view at the famous Terrazza Aperol (average service but you’re paying for the view!)
• Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio for architecture nerds
• San Siro Stadium tour or game for football fiends

Where to stay in Milan

Budget:

• Ostello Bello Grande (simple social hostel right by the train station with great facilities)
• Atmos Luxe (small, quiet hostel in Navigli)

Mid-range:

• Milano Dreams (affordable guesthouse)
• B&B La Terrazza di Barbara (cosy B&B with good links to the main train station)
• Boutique Hotel Martini 17 (funky boutique hotel)
• Hotel Indigo Milan (a top-rated 4* hotel)

Luxury:

• INTOMilan Aparthotel (stylish design and great facilities)
• ODSweet Duomo Milano (ultra-Instagrammable)
• Château Monfort (v fancy 5* luxury hotel)
• Duomo Cathedral View or Unique Duomo Luxury Property for Duomo views

Things to do in the Dolomites

• Hike to the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo for one of the most famous views in the world
• Row a boat on Lago di Braies or visit Lago di Carezza for an equally beautiful scene
• Catch the gondola to Alpe di Suisi, the largest alpine plateau in Europe
• Hike the Seceda ridgeline, sunrise here is pure magic
• Get out of your comfort zone with a via ferrata, a cable climb up sheer cliffs! Super safe but definitely a mental and physical challenge.
• Indulge in local cuisine which is a melting pot of Italian, German and Austrian influences
• Eat some of the best pasta I’ve ever had at Pastalab in Bolzano (and that’s saying something because I have eaten A LOT of pasta)
• Witness the magical Enrosadira, where the mountains glow a fiery red at sunset
• Take a private tour to the best photo spots in the region

Where to stay in the Dolomites

Budget:

• The only affordable accommodation options in the Dolomites are guesthouses, agriturs and B&Bs but they’re mostly only accessible by car, check booking.com for your travel dates and switch over to the map view to see the options
• Ostello Giovane Europa in Trento has okay reviews but if you’re using it as a base you’d still need a car to get to and from the Dolomites mountains
• Rosa Resort in Cavareno offers excellent value if you do have a car
• Maison My Life is by far the best budget option in Bolzano but it’s a single apartment so gets booked up well in advance
• If you’re on a tight budget you might want to book a cheap guesthouse and try find another traveller staying in the area who you can share a ride with

Mid-range:

• LOOM Hotel in Bolzano is a beautiful boutique hotel with a huge focus on sustainable design, each room is totally different so you’ll be surprised when you walk in! It’s a bit out of the city in an industrial area so best for those who have a car or you can rent a bike from the hotel.
• Corte Varola B&B Zia Marisa in Belluno
• Loft Naturalpina Dolomiti Farm in Belluno
• B&B Villa Angelino in Ortisei
• Hotel Cosmea in Ortisei
• Palais Hörtenberg in Bolzano

Luxury:

• Schloss Freudenstein is a literal castle
• Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti
• Villa Eden
• ADLER Lodge RITTEN

Things to do in Venice

• Get lost in the magic ✨ The city is a floating mess of narrow streets, historic bridges and hole-in-the-wall eateries and bars with so much to discover
• Take a gondola ride, it has to be done!
• Cross the iconic Rialto Bridge
• Marvel at the magnificent paintings of Doge’s Palace and the mosaics inside St Mark’s Basilica
• Catch a vaporetto (water bus) to the colourful town of Burano or the glass-blowing capital of the world, Murano
• Enjoy traditional Venetian cuisine with a food tour
• Visit Acqua Altadi Venezia, the floating bookshop for a cool photo spot

Where to stay in Venice

Budget:

• Generator Venice (not fantastic reviews but the closest hostel to actual Venice, just a quick vaparetto away)
• MEININGER Venezia Mestre (best hostel on the mainland)
• Il Veliero Romantico (affordable guesthouse in Santa Croce with dorms and private rooms)

Mid-range:

• B&B Hortus (top-rated B&B in a quiet part of Venice)
• Casa Sulla Laguna (gorgeous apartment in Murano, an island near Venice)
• Al Mascaron Ridente (small hotel offering excellent value)

Luxury:

• The Venice Venice Hotel (stunning design hotel on the water)
• Nolinski Venezia (very fancy boutique hotel)
• Gritti Palace (next level luxury in a historical building)

Things to do in Bologna

• You can’t visit Bologna without joining a food tour, and Mattia from Delicious Bologna runs the best one in town. I won’t spoil the experience by telling you what to expect but lets just say you need to wear loose clothing, you certainly won’t be going home hungry.
• Stand under Bologna’s leaning towers, one of them puts Pisa to shame
• Watch free outdoor movies at Piazza Maggiore throughout the warmer months
• See the unfinished San Petronio church
• Take a day trip to Modena for balsamic vinegar tastings and Maranello for the Ferrari Museum
• Take a day trip to Parma for antipasto heaven

Where to stay in Bologna

Budget:

• Hostel Il Nosadillo (very cheap basic hostel with decent reviews)
• Dopa Hostel (boutique hostel that’s a fancier option)
• B&B Casa Santina (budget-friendly B&B slightly out of the city)

Mid-range:

• Savhotel (perfect location, comfortable rooms, great prices)
• Zanhotel Regina (simple, affordable hotel in an ideal location)
• Residence le Porte (top-rated mid-range apartments in the middle of the city)
• Savoia Regency (rooms are dated but the hotel grounds are stunning, great if you want a relaxing escape)

Luxury:

• Grand Hotel Majestic gia’ Baglioni (the only 5* hotel in Bologna, fantastic reviews)

Things to do in Florence

• See the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, we all know it’s beautiful but the history behind it is equally as fascinating. Buy skip-the-line tickets with a guided tour to avoid a long wait, or this Duomo complex ticket includes access to climb Brunelleschi’s Dome
• Meet Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery
• Travel back to Renaissance times at the Uffizi Gallery to see art from Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo (da Vinci, not the turtle)
• Grab a sandwich from the original All’Antico Vinaio, the most-reviewed sandwich shop in the world with a 4.5/5 rating from more than 39,000 reviews
• Treat yourself to a leather belt or bag from one of the artisan leather workshops in Piazza Santa Croce
• See the gold sparkle at the stalls of the Ponte Vecchio bridge
• Eat your way around Mercato Centrale, a foodie paradise
• Pack a picnic and watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
• Try your hand at cooking your own Italian dishes with a cooking class
• Take a day trip to the vineyards and rolling hills of Tuscany’s countryside

Where to stay in Florence

Budget:

• YellowSquare Hostel is my budget pick (top-rated social hostel with a kitchen, co-working space and even a rooftop pool!)
• Hostel Archi Rossi (a more basic backpacker hostel that’s cheaper but still has good reviews)
• B&B In Centro (cheap and cheerful B&B with a friendly host)

Mid-range:

• BB Hotels Aparthotel Michelangelo (stylish and well-priced apartments in a great location)
• Canto degli Scali (top-rated hotel and apartments near the Uffizi Gallery)
• numa I Felice Rooms & Apartments (design apartments that are cheap for Florence!)

Luxury:

• Palazzo Portinari Salviati Residenza D’Epoca (epitome of Italian style and opulence)
• Portrait Firenze (modern and elegant suites with river views)
• Hotel La Gemma (gorgeous hotel with aesthetic design and world-class service)

Things to do in Cinque Terre

• Visit each of the five villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso
• Hike the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) that links the villages, you can do the whole thing or just a segment. The last bit of the trail has been closed for years but apparently is meant to open in July 2024 🤞🏼 (check here for official updates)
• Take a boat tour to see the villages from the sea
• Indulge in ocean-to-table seafood
• Sip Aperols and eat pesto pasta at Nessun Dorma (download the app to reserve a table)
• Take a dip at Monterosso’s beach, the only sandy beach in the Cinque Terre

Where to stay in the Cinque Terre

Your options inside the villages are very limited and very expensive, the best places to stay are La Spezia and Levanto which both offer easy access to the Cinque Terre by train.

Budget:

• Costello (best hostel in La Spezia)
• Ostello Tramonti (very cheap backpacker hostel, out of the way but a bus links it with La Spezia train station)
• Casa Vacanza il Portico (budget-friendly apartment connected by bus and then train to the villages)

Mid-range:

• B&B Casa Celsi (very affordable B&B in central La Spezia)
• Allo Scalo Dei Mille (probably the cheapest actual Cinque Terre option, right by Riomaggiore Beach)
• Sotto Sale-5 Terre (another Riomaggiore option, light and bright with great reviews)
• Affittacamere Arbasia De Ma (surprisingly affordable studio apartments with unbeatable views)

Luxury:

• The Sunset Line (dreamy modern hotel rooms with coastal views)
• Il Sogno di Manarola by The First (romantic apartments and rooms in Manarola)

Things to do in Genoa

• Eat pesto! Pesto is honestly one of my favourite things in the world and Genoa is where it hails from. You’ll find pesto trofie (the traditional pasta to pair it with) on most menus, but the ones that really blew me away were Pastificio Artigianale di Canneto (cheap and cheerful, get the half-and-half with their walnut ravioli too), Trattoria delle Grazie (a bit fancy) and Trattoria dell’Acciughetta (casual family-run restaurant but the pesto blew me away)
• Join this top-rated food tour for the ultimate Genoa foodie experience
• Wander through the incredible halls of the Palazzo Reale
• Marvel at the golden ceiling of the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato
• Get lost in the maze-like Caruggi (alleys of the old town) or take a walking tour to learn about the city’s history
• Head to the colourful fishing village of Boccadesse for sunset
• Catch the train or ferry to Portofino for a fancy day trip

Where to stay in Genoa

Budget:

• Ostello Bello Genova (top-rated hostel in town and my personal recommendation, social vibe, right by the train station, big kitchen and lots of freebies like a welcome drink, pasta and fresh vegetables, earplugs and more)
• B&B Fossatello affittacamere (central location, clean and comfortable private rooms)
• B&B Blue Home (cheap and cheerful with good reviews)

Mid-range:

• Hotel Astoria (affordable hotel with great reviews for comfort and service)
• Hotel Doria (simple and stylish hotel right in the city centre)
• Locanda Villa Moderna (15 mins out of Genoa but a beautiful family-run hotel if you want a relaxing getaway)

Luxury:

• Grand Hotel Savoia (tasteful 5* hotel right by the train station)
• Grand Hotel Miramare (5* luxury hotel on the coast near Portofino)
• Hotel Bristol Palace (regal style hotel with world-class service)

Things to do in Turin

• A chocolate tour has to be top of your list, either an organised one (worthwhile to learn about chocolate history) or a self-guided one to Caffarel, Il Gianduiotto, Guido Gobino and Peyrano 
• Visit the Egyptian Museum, one of the best outside of Egypt
• Soak up the view from the top of the Mole Antonelliana, which you might recognise from the 2 cent euro coin
• Take a tour of the National Museum of Cinema and the Mole Antonelliana
• See how the Savoy dynasty lived at the Royal Palace of Turin
• Go truffle hunting in the woods of Piedmont if you’re there in the right season
• Eat life-changing truffle risotto at Ristorante Alba or Brün
• Spot cute sculptures in Valentino Park like the ‘Bench of the Lovers’
• Take a day trip to La Venaria Reale (the Versailles of Northern Italy!)

Where to stay in Turin

Budget:

• Tomato Backpackers is my recommended Turin hostel, really chill vibe with a kitchen, laundry facilities, hang out area with games, lots of work-friendly space and really comfy beds. Walking distance to the train station and lots of incredible food places nearby.
• Hotel Vittoriano is great for a budget hotel

Mid-range:

• Liberty Hotel (dated style but very good reviews and affordable rooms)
• TURINHOMETOWN Apartments (fantastic reviews for their mid-range apartments)
• Porta Nuova Luxury Apartments (slightly fancier but still not too expensive)

Luxury:

• Royal Palace Hotel (channel your inner Savoy and treat yourself to a fancy stay)
• Principi di Piemonte (super stylish 5* with a beautiful wellness area)

Things to do in Lake Como

• Admire the exquisite villa gardens, Villa Carlotta was my favourite but some other good ones are Villa del Balbianello and Villa Monastero
• Take a ferry to the other side of the lake or book a boat tour to see the villas and villages from the water
• Catch the funicular to Brunate for epic Como views
• Enjoy the slow-paced lakeside life
• Indulge in fresh seafood at a small trattoria, Trattoria del Porto is a top-rated option in Careno
• Do a day hike on the Sentiero del Viandante
• Take a water taxi to Isola Comacina, the only island in the lake

Where to stay in Lake Como

Budget:

• Ostello Bello Lake Como (top social hostel in Como)
• Lecco Hostel & Rooms (stylish dorms and private rooms in Lecco)
• Agriturismo La Derta (best-rated agriturismo option around Lake Como)

Mid-range:

• Hotel Adler (best-rated affordable hotel in Menaggio)
• Hotel Fioroni (best-rated affordable hotel in Bellagio)
• Hotel Alberi (best-rated affordable hotel in Lecco)
• Hotel Vista Lago (best-rated affordable hotel in Brunate)

Luxury:

• Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como (stunning luxury option on the lake)
• MUSA Lago di Como (modern 5* hotel away from the crowds)
• Grand Hotel Tremezzo (Wes Anderson level of aesthetically pleasing!)

What is the Bernina Express?

The Bernina Express is of the most scenic train rides in the world, and the best way to link Northern Italy and Switzerland! It’s only a 2.5 hour journey from Tirano in Italy to St Moritz in Switzerland, or 4h 15m for the full journey to Chur.

👉🏼 Read more: All you need to know about the Bernina Express

St Moritz, Switzerland

How long to stay: 1-2 days

Who should go there: Skiers/snowboarders in winter, hikers in summer or anyone looking for a luxe alpine experience year-round

About St Moritz

St Moritz is a chic ski resort town that actually invented winter tourism in the 1860s. It wasn’t my favourite place in Switzerland (I’m too poor to really enjoy it haha) but it’s a good overnighter between the Bernina Express and your next epic train journey, the Glacier Express.

Things to do in St Moritz

• Walk the lake trail, it’s an easy 4.4km loop
• Ski in winter!
• Get pampered with a visit to one of the many day spas in town
• Sample upscale restaurants, the View at Hotel Grace La Margna and Restaurant Krone are two top-rated options
• Browse designer boutiques

Where to stay in St Moritz

Unique:

• Sternwarte by Randolins is a SUPER unique accommodation option, you sleep inside a rotating observatory! One of the coolest places I’ve ever stayed for sure. You get access to a small lobby area with a mini fridge, kettle and private bathroom, and then you climb the ladder to reach your bedroom inside the observatory dome. There’s controls for you to rotate, you can open the window for stargazing or mountain views, and there’s a heater to keep you nice and warm. You also get access to Randolins wellness area with a sauna, steam room and indoor and outdoor pools. One for the bucket list!

Budget:

• St Moritz Youth Hostel (basic but cheapest place in St Moritz)
• Hotel Waldhaus am See (cheapest hotel with decent reviews, right by train station)
• B&B St Moritz (another affordable option, simple but comfortable)

Mid-range:

• Berghotel Randolins (modern rooms, epic views and a beautiful wellness area)
• Crystal Hotel Superior (super central, fantastic breakfast)
• Hauser Hotel St. Moritz (light and bright rooms, great reviews)
• Boutique Hotel Cervus (a bit more expensive that the other mid-range options but with more character)

Luxury:

• Suvretta House (traditional Swiss hospitality coupled with elegant design and insane views)
• Hotel Grace La Margna (new boutique hotel that opened in 2023, brilliant reviews online)
• Kulm Hotel (part of the Leading Hotels of the World brand, which really tells you everything you need to know!)

Where to stay in Interlaken (or nearby)

Budget:

• Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof is the best hostel in Interlaken, simple but really comfortable, lovely staff and great facilities (huge kitchen, games room, co-working space)
• Arnolds B&B in Interlaken (cheap guesthouse with lovely views)
• Valley Hostel in Lauterbrunnen (budget option in the maybe most picturesque village in the world)

Mid-range:

• Swiss Inn & Apartments in Interlaken (top-rated 3* hotel)
• Hotel Spinne Grindelwald (the cheapest hotel in Grindelwald that has a pool/spa)
• Hotel Interlaken (4* hotel with cosy and affordable rooms)

Luxury:

• Bergwelt Grindelwald is my top pick if you want to treat yourself, staying here was a dream! 4* but feels like a 5*, stunning interiors, super serene wellness area, incredible mountain views and a brilliant on-site restaurant.
• Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa in Interlaken (iconic 5* hotel right in the middle of town with rich history and a heavenly day spa)
• BEATUS Wellness & Spa Hotel (9km from Interlaken on the shore of Lake Thun, 5* luxury hotel)

Things to do in Lucerne

• Head to the mountains! The best options from Lucerne are Pilatus, Titlis, Stanserhorn and Rigi (and I’ve got a Lucerne mountain comparison guide to help you decide which ones to visit)
• Join a city tour to learn about Lucerne’s medieval history, there’s this walking & boat tour, a self-guided walking tour & scavenger hunt, or I love the look of this top-rated Night Watchman Historical Tour
• See the city and mountains from a lake cruise
• Learn about trains, planes and boats at the Swiss Museum of Transport
• Experience local cuisine a food tour or get amongst the wine scene with a small group wine tasting tour
• Join a photography walking tour if you’re a budding shutterbug

Where to stay in Lucerne

Budget:

• Backpackers Luzern (cheap and cheerful)
• Hotel Sonnenberg (top-rated budget hotel out of the city but easily reached by funicular)
• Hotel Beau Séjour Lucerne (simple budget hotel with great value private rooms)

Mid-range:

• The Lubo (smart hotel right in the old town, super spacious with a kitchenette and access to laundry facilities which is rare in Swiss city hotels)
• Hotel des Balances (classy 4* hotel with fantastic views)
• Hotel Rebstock (comfortable 3* full of character)

Luxury:

• Lucerne Lake View Apartments (best option in town if you want an apartment)
• Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort (25 mins from Lucerne, alpine luxury hotel)
• Hotel Villa Honegg (a bucket list stay thanks to its famous infinity pool)

Things to do in Basel

• Get your art fix! The Kunstmuseum is the city’s jewel but there’s also Fondation Beyeler for modern art, the Fine Arts Museum and Tinguely Museum for weird and wonderful kinetic sculptures
• Admire Basel Münster and the view across the river
• Wander through the Altstadt (Old Town) or take a walking tour to learn about the city at the same time
• Take a cruise down the Rhine, or just jump in and float like the locals do!

Where to stay in Basel

Budget:

• SILO Hostel is ideal for budget travellers that want a bit of comfort, it’s a design hostel located in the super sustainable neighbourhood of Erlenmatt. The hostel has spacious private rooms or stylish dorms, plenty of work-friendly space and one of the fanciest hostel breakfasts I’ve seen, with freshly baked bread, local cheeses and fancy pastries.
• Hotel by Hyve Basel (more expensive but right next to the main train station)

Mid-range:

• Hotel Spalentor (top-rated small hotel with comfortable rooms)
• Hotel Volkshaus (boutique design hotel with fantastic reviews)
• BALEGRA City Hotel (smart-hotel offering excellent value for money)

Luxury:

• Hotel Les Trois Rois (5* luxury hotel in the heart of the city)

Things to do in Zürich

• Join a free walking tour of Altstadt
• Head to Lindenhof Square for a fantastic view over the river
• Taste Swiss chocolate at the world-class chocolatiers that call Zürich home, like Teuscher, Vollenweider and Sprüngli
• Take a tour of the Lindt Home of Chocolate
• Climb the tower of Grossmünster and admire the church’s stained glass windows
• Do a fondue and wine tour on an eco-friendly tuktuk
• Relax in the infinity pool at the Hürlimann Baths & Spa
• Tick off a few museums, popular ones are Kunsthaus Zürich for art, Landesmuseum for Swiss history and culture, FIFA Museum for football and Uhrenmuseum Beyer Zürich for watches and clocks (sounds weird but it’s honestly so cool)
• Indulge in some fine dining, we tried the degustation menu at Carlton and it was impeccable
• Take a day trip to St Gallen to see the famous Abbey Library

Where to stay in Zürich

Budget:

• Zurich Youth Hostel (basic backpacker hostel)
• MEININGER Hotel Greencity (simple but stylish but a bit far from the city centre)
• Capsule Hotel Zurich Airport for easy access to the airport

Mid-range:

• 25hours Hotel Langstrasse (my top personal recommendation for a mid-range stay, a funky design hotel in the vibrant Langstrasse district)
• Marktgasse Hotel (brilliant location in the Old Town)
• Hotel Adler (historic hotel with affordable single rooms for solo travellers)

Luxury:

• B2 Hotel is a bucket list stay for booklovers, this place has a two storey floor-to-ceiling library room that holds more than 30,000 books! It’s digital nomad friendly with a co-working space, delicious buffet breakfast and you get half price access to the Hürlimann Baths & Spa I mentioned above.
• Mandarin Oriental Savoy (elegant 5* luxury hotel)
• Baur au Lac (very fancy 5* with a 2 Michelin star restaurant)

Suggested Northern Italy Switzerland itineraries for different timeframes

3 weeks in Northern Italy and Switzerland

With three weeks you could do one of those itineraries at a slower pace, or if you really wanted to cram loads in (and don’t mind a very quick trip!) you could do:

• 2 days in Zürich or Basel
• 2 days in Lucerne
• 2-3 days in Interlaken
• 2 days in Zermatt
• Glacier Express to St Moritz
• Bernina Express to Tirano and continue to Milan
• 2 days in Milan
• 2 days in Turin
• 2 days in Genoa
• 1 day in Cinque Terre
• 2 days in Florence
• Bologna day trip, back to Milan
• Or skip Turin/Genoa, and add either Venice or the Dolomites onto the end

Suggested Northern Italy Switzerland itineraries for different interests

If you have any specific questions you need answered then have a look through my other Switzerland and Italy blog posts below, and if you’re still stuck then let me know in the comments and I will get back to you as soon as I can!

MORE SWITZERLAND TRAVEL INSPIRATION:

• How to spend 5 days in Switzerland
• How to spend 10 days in Switzerland
• 33 Instagrammable places in Switzerland
• Rigi vs Pilatus vs Titlis vs Stanserhorn: Which one to visit?
• See all Switzerland blog posts

MORE SWITZERLAND TRAIN GUIDES:

• Swiss Travel Pass vs Half Fare Card: Which one is best?
• The ultimate Swiss Travel Pass guide
• The ultimate Swiss Half Fare Card guide
• Is the Glacier Express worth it?
• Is the Bernina Express worth it?
• Bernina Express vs Glacier Express: Which one should you choose?
• Is the Jungfrau Travel Pass worth it?
• Is the Tell Pass worth it?

MORE ITALY TRAVEL INSPIRATION:

• The ultimate Italy bucket list
• A travel guide to the Dolomites
• How to spend 2 days in Milan
• How to spend 24 hours in Florence

MORE EUROPE TRAVEL INSPIRATION:

• The perfect two month Europe itinerary
• The ultimate three month Europe itinerary (build your own dream trip!)
• A Europe Christmas market itinerary by train
• How to spend 3 weeks in Scandinavia by train
• How to spend 2 weeks in Poland by train
• How to spend 2 weeks in the Balkans by bus
• The most beautiful train rides in Europe
• 27 Europe holiday ideas to inspire you
• How to use a Eurail Pass
• Is a Eurail Pass worth it?
• The ultimate Italy bucket list
• See all Europe blog posts

MY GO-TO TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES

Flights ✈️ I use Skyscanner to find the best flights for my trip and then I’ll always book direct with the airline to protect myself from having to deal with dodgy third parties if anything goes wrong.

Trains 🚂 If I’m travelling through Europe, I try to travel by train wherever possible! For an extended trip (2+ weeks) I’ll calculate if a Eurail Pass is worth it, or I’ll book point-to-point tickets through RailEurope or the local train operator.

Accommodation 🛎️ I book almost all of my accommodation through booking.com, they have a user-friendly website + app and many of their options are free cancellation, easily cancelled with a simple click of a button.

Activities 🗽I use GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator to look for activities in the places I visit, or I just Google ‘things to do in [city]’! P.S. If you book anything on Klook you can use the promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK to get 10% off

Travel cards 💳 I’m a Wise gal through and through, they’ve been my chosen travel card for more than five years now. You can easily top up your card from your bank account or through Apple Pay, convert your money to local currency, and spend money with minimal fees and the best exchange rates around.

Travel insurance 🩺 I use Cover-More NZ travel insurance for my own trips, I have a comprehensive policy and I’ve only had good experiences with them. Cover-More also has an Australian company, but if you’re from elsewhere then two popular insurance options for global travellers are SafetyWing (cheaper policy, lower coverage) and World Nomads (more expensive but significantly better coverage).

Luggage 💼 I travel with Samsonite Cosmolite suitcases, one 75cm check in bag and a 55cm carry on bag, and I absolutely adore them and will never travel with anything else! They are SUPER lightweight (2.8kg and 1.9kg respectively) so I have much more space for my actual stuff.

Camera gear 📸 I use a iPhone 15 Pro Max for phone photos/videos, and my camera kit includes a Lumix S9 (incredible lightweight full-frame camera, a game changer for travel creators!) with a 20-60mm lens, a Lumix G9 with an 8-18mm and 12-60mm lens, a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone and a GoPro Hero 10. I do all my writing and editing on my ASUS Zenbook 14, it’s lightweight but powerful enough for photo editing and intense blogging sessions.