We are planning a very last minute trip to Switzerland arriving in Zurich >> leaving from Milan in July (yes, I know...). I'm with husband and 2 boys in their 20s- like to do nature/mild -moderate hikes, like culture, animals, unusual activities. Family wants to spend a day in Zurich even though I've seen posts saying just go to Lucerne- so booked a Lindt chocolate making activity. Then we want to end in Lake Como region and have a night in Milan. I'm stuck on the middle part. This is what I have so far:
Day 1: July 12, 2024 - Arrival in Zurich
Arrival in Zurich: Settle into your hotel.
Explore Zurich: Visit the Old Town (Altstadt), walk along Bahnhofstrasse, and enjoy Lake Zurich.
Hotel: Stay in Zurich.
Day 2: July 13, 2024 - Zurich to Lucerne
Morning: Take a train to Lucerne (about 1 hour).
Explore Lucerne: Visit Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and the Old Town.
Afternoon: Boat trip on Lake Lucerne.
Hotel: Stay in Lucerne.
Day 3: July 14, 2024 - Lucerne (Mt. Pilatus or Stanserhorn)
Mt. Pilatus: Take the world's steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad, hike, and enjoy the views. -
Evening: Return to Lucerne and relax.
Hotel: Stay in Lucerne.
Day 4: July 15, 2024 - Lucerne to Interlaken
Morning: Travel to Interlaken (about 2 hours by train).
Explore Interlaken: Walk around the town, visit Harder Kulm for panoramic views.
Hotel: Stay in Interlaken.
Day 5: July 16, 2024 - Jungfrau Region and St. Beatus Caves
Morning: Take the train to Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe". Enjoy the ice palace, glacier walks, and views.
Afternoon: Return to Interlaken and visit the St. Beatus Caves. Enjoy a guided tour and explore the cave system.
Hotel: Stay in Interlaken.
Day 6: July 17, 2024 - Interlaken to Lake Como
Morning: Travel from Interlaken to Lake Como (about 4-5 hours by train, with a scenic route through the Alps).
Afternoon: Arrive in Lake Como, check into your hotel, and explore the town of Como.
Hotel: Stay in Lake Como (booked in Mennagio bc other hotels full).
Day 7: July 18, 2024 - Lake Como
Explore Lake Como: Take a boat trip to Bellagio or Varenna, stroll through the picturesque streets, and enjoy the lakeside scenery.
Hotel: Stay in Lake Como (booked in Mennagio bc other hotels full).
Day 8: July 19, 2024 - Lake Como to Milan
Morning: Travel from Lake Como to Milan (about 1-1.5 hours by train).
Explore Milan: Visit the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Sforza Castle.
Hotel: Stay in Milan.
Day 9: July 20, 2024 - Milan
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, last-minute shopping, or sightseeing.
Departure: Head to Milan Malpensa Airport for your flight departing at 3 pm.
Is that crazy? Would Zermatt be important to include?