7-Day Italy and Switzerland Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Italy And Switzerland tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaItaly and Switzerland travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Italy & Switzerland, incl. Rome and Zurich

  A grand 7-day route through Italy and Switzerland showcases Vatican City, Florence's Renaissance core, Venice's canals, and Swiss Alpine wonders. Guided tours, mountain excursions, and cultural experiences unfold from Rome to Zurich.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Rome

    Get an early start at the Imperial Forums. Plan to arrive before 9 AM to avoid crowds and the midday heat. One traveler shared: "Lots of walking but that's expected for these kinds of tours! Pack light and efficiently and you'll be just fine!" Your evening takes you to Trastevere around 8:30 PM when the local restaurants come alive.

    
  • Day 3

    Florence

    The morning drive from Rome takes 3 hours through Tuscany's beautiful countryside. Start at Piazzale Michelangelo before lunch to catch the best light for photos of Florence. Spend your afternoon walking through the historic center to see the Ponte Vecchio and Duomo. Book your hotel in the Santa Maria Novella area to be close to tomorrow's train departure.

    
  • Day 4

    Venice

    After crossing the Apennines you'll reach Venice. Take a 20-minute boat ride across the Giudecca Canal to St. Mark's Square. The day includes a stop at the Murano Glass Factory to watch traditional glassblowing. Stay in Mestre on the mainland for better value accommodation. It's just a quick 15-minute bus ride into Venice.

    
  • Day 5

    Venice to Innsbruck to Zurich

    This full day of travel takes you through three countries. Stop in Innsbruck's historic center for lunch and try some local Tyrolean food. The entire journey takes about 8 hours with stops before reaching Zurich in the evening.

    
  • Day 6

    Swiss Alps Excursion

    Travel from Zurich to the Interlaken region. Your first stop is Grindelwald where you'll take a cable car to the mountain suspension bridge. Wear sturdy shoes since the path can get slippery. After lunch in the mountains head to Lucerne. You can add on a trip to Mount Titlis at 3,000 meters but bring warm clothes no matter the season.

    
  • Day 7

    Zurich Departure

    The tour ends after breakfast in Zurich. A late flight gives you time to see the Old Town or take a boat trip on the lake.

    

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• 7 Day Italy & Switzerland Itinerary, incl. Rome and Zurich

  Seven days of wonder span Rome's Vatican City, Florence's historic center, and Venice's St. Mark's Square before reaching Swiss Alps for Grindelwald bridge walk and Lucerne tours. Premium hotels and daily breakfast enhance the journey.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Rome

    Plan to arrive mid-morning to make the most of your first day. The trip from Fiumicino Airport to central Rome takes about 45 minutes but budget extra time during rush hour. Stay near Via Cavour for convenient access to main attractions and good restaurants. On your second day get to Vatican City by 8:00 AM before the big crowds arrive. Visit the Imperial Forums in late afternoon when the light is perfect for photos and tourist numbers drop. For dinner in Trastevere look for restaurants on the quieter streets west of Viale Trastevere where you'll find more authentic Italian food.

    
  • Day 3

    Florence

    Take the high-speed train from Rome to Florence. It's about 1.5 hours through the Tuscan countryside. Visit Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset for stunning views of the Duomo and city. The historic center has beautiful but uneven medieval streets so bring good walking shoes.

    
  • Day 4

    Venice

    The train ride from Florence takes about 2 hours. Skip the wheeled luggage in Venice. The bridges and cobblestones make them more trouble than they're worth. The Murano glass demonstrations are interesting but expect some sales pressure afterward. Consider staying in nearby Mestre. It costs less and you're just 15 minutes by train from Venice.

    
  • Day 5

    Venice to Innsbruck to Zurich

    This travel day takes you through three countries. On the bus through Brenner Pass between Italy and Austria sit on the right side for the best mountain views. You'll have about 2 hours to see Innsbruck's old town during your lunch break.

    
  • Day 6

    Swiss Alps and Lucerne

    The Grindelwald First suspension bridge offers incredible views of the Eiger from 45 meters up. One visitor advised: "Bring windproof layers even in summer - the temperature at the bridge can be 15°C cooler than in the valley." You can see Lucerne's Chapel Bridge and Old Town in a few leisurely hours.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Zurich

    Most hotels need you out by 10:00 AM but will store your bags for later flights. Trains to the airport run every few minutes and take just 10 minutes from the city center.

    

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• 7 Day Italy, Austria & Switzerland Itinerary, incl. Rome and Zurich

  Rome, Florence, and Venice form Italy's cultural triangle before Swiss adventures at Grindelwald First and Lucerne's Chapel Bridge in this 6-night expedition. Professional guides lead tours of iconic landmarks from Vatican City to Swiss Alps.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Rome

    Get to the Colosseum before 8:30 AM to avoid crowds and catch great morning photos of the Imperial Forums. Book your Vatican Museums tickets for early afternoon to skip the longest lines. Consider staying in Trastevere - it's close to ancient sites and local restaurants, with the #8 tram taking you straight to Piazza Venezia.

    
  • Day 3

    Florence

    Take the 1.5-hour high-speed train from Rome. Visit Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset for beautiful views of the Duomo glowing in the evening light. The historic center is easy to walk around, but bring good shoes since the cobblestones can get slippery. Book your Uffizi Gallery tickets online a day before to save time.

    
  • Day 4

    Venice

    The morning train gets you to Venice in about 2 hours. Take vaporetto line 1 along the Grand Canal for great views without the gondola prices. Watch the Murano glass artisans at work, but be ready for some sales pressure. Skip St. Mark's Square between 11 AM-4 PM when it's packed with cruise tourists. You'll find better hotel prices in Mestre on the mainland.

    
  • Day 5

    Innsbruck

    The train through the Dolomites takes about 4 hours. You can see the Old Town's highlights in a few hours. The Golden Roof looks best in late afternoon light. One visitor shared: "The city's location surrounded by mountains is breathtaking – take the Nordkette cable car up for incredible views of the Alps."

    
  • Day 6

    Swiss Alps Adventure

    Travel to Grindelwald (3 hours from Innsbruck) for easy access to Alpine views. Visit the First Cliff Walk early before afternoon fog rolls in. Bring extra layers since mountain weather changes quickly. Cable cars to First run every 30 minutes and take 25 minutes each way.

    
  • Day 7

    Lucerne & Zurich

    It's a scenic 2-hour train ride to Lucerne. Photograph the Chapel Bridge in morning light. From there, it's just an hour to Zurich where you can use the excellent tram system. The airport is a quick 10-minute train ride from the city center.

    

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