10 Day Luxury Vacation in Italy and Switzerland

Kick off your luxurious Swiss adventure in Zürich, a city that seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern sophistication. I recommend staying at the iconic Baur au Lac, a five-star hotel that offers stunning views of Lake Zürich and the Alps. For those seeking the ultimate in indulgence, the historic Dolder Grand, with its world-class spa or the boutique Widder Hotel in the heart of the Old Town are excellent alternatives.

On your first day, immerse yourself in Zürich's rich heritage with a guided tour of the Old Town's secret alleyways and hidden gems with a local expert. This half-day experience will unveil the city's lesser-known treasures and provide an authentic taste of Swiss culture. In the afternoon, indulge in a private cheese and wine tasting, sampling artisanal varieties paired with local wines – a must for any food lover. End the day with an unforgettable modern Swiss culinary experience at the Michelin-starred Mesa restaurant.

The next day, embark on a private boat tour of Lake Zürich, taking in the breathtaking alpine scenery and stopping to explore the charming lakeside villages of Küsnacht and Erlenbach. This three-hour tour offers a unique perspective on the city and its surroundings. In the afternoon, visit a local chocolate atelier for a hands-on workshop, learning the art of crafting Swiss chocolates from a master chocolatier. Conclude your day with an evening of live music and drinks at the trendy Bauschänzli biergarten, a beloved local spot.

On your third day in Zürich, start with a guided tour of the renowned Beyer Clock and Watch Museum, followed by a visit to a local watchmaker's atelier to witness the intricate craftsmanship that goes into these timeless pieces. For sports enthusiasts, an afternoon at the FIFA World Football Museum, with a former professional player as your guide, will provide insider insights into the beautiful game. For dinner, try a multi-course tasting menu at the two-Michelin-starred Pavillon, located in the lush Baur au Lac park, for an unforgettable culinary experience. It’s the perfect way to conclude your stay in Zürich.

After your Swiss sojourn, it's time to experience the unparalleled beauty and luxury of Lake Como in northern Italy. I highly recommend staying at the opulent Grand Hotel Tremezzo, a historic five-star hotel offering stunning views of the lake and mountains. For those seeking an alternative, the Villa d'Este in Cernobbio is another excellent luxury option.

On your first day in the Lake Como region, embark on a private boat tour to explore the lake's charming shoreline villages and opulent villas. This four-hour tour will take you to gems like Bellagio and Varenna, allowing you to soak in the area's natural beauty and old-world grandeur. In the evening, enjoy a hands-on cooking class at a local villa, learning to prepare traditional Lake Como dishes from a renowned chef – a perfect activity for food lovers.

The next day, lace up your hiking boots and embark on the iconic Sentiero del Viandante trail, taking in panoramic views of the lake and stopping for a picnic lunch at a local agriturismo. This four-hour hike offers a unique perspective on the region's natural splendor. In the afternoon, visit the stunning gardens of Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello, learning about their rich history from a local guide. For oenophiles, cap off the day with an evening of wine tasting at a family-run winery, sampling rare vintages and locally produced delicacies.

On your final day in Lake Como, explore the picturesque town of Como, visiting the Duomo and strolling through the charming piazzas and lakefront promenade. In the afternoon, take a private boat across the lake to the town of Cernobbio (approximately 30 minutes), and enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Michelin-starred Veranda restaurant at Villa d'Este. Spend your evening relaxing at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo's lavish spa, indulging in rejuvenating treatments inspired by local traditions – the perfect way to unwind before your next destination.

No Italian adventure would be complete without a stay in the iconic city of Venice. I recommend the Palazzina G, a luxurious boutique hotel located right on the Grand Canal, for an authentic Venetian experience. For those seeking the ultimate in opulence, the Aman Venice or the Belmond Hotel Cipriani are exceptional alternatives.

Begin your Venetian adventure on day one with a private guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica, including access to the breathtaking Basilica Terraces – a truly unforgettable experience. In the afternoon, take a behind-the-scenes tour of a historic gondola workshop, learning about the craftsmanship and traditions of this iconic Venetian mode of transportation.

On your second day in Venice, explore the city's hidden corners and local life with a guided tour through the atmospheric Cannaregio neighborhood, visiting local markets and artisan workshops. This half-day tour will provide an authentic glimpse into Venetian culture. In the afternoon, embark on a private gondola ride through Venice's iconic canals, serenaded by a local musician and sipping Prosecco – a must-do for any romantic getaway. For your final evening in Venice, indulge in a multi-course tasting menu at the renowned Quadri Restaurant, renowned for its innovative modern Venetian cuisine and outstanding wine cellar.

Conclude your unforgettable journey in the idyllic Swiss city of Lucerne, staying at the Grand Hotel National, a historic five-star hotel on the shores of Lake Lucerne. For those seeking alternative luxury accommodations, the Château Gütsch or the Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern are excellent options.

On your first day in Lucerne, start with a private guided tour of the historic Old Town, including the iconic Chapel Bridge and the Swiss Museum of Transport. This half-day tour will provide a comprehensive introduction to the city's rich history and culture. In the afternoon, take a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne, stopping to explore the charming village of Weggis (approximately 30 minutes from Lucerne) and enjoy a traditional Swiss lunch at a local restaurant. For dinner, indulge in a unique dining experience fusing Swiss and French culinary influences at the hotel's Michelin-starred Château Gütsch restaurant.

On your final day, embark on a day trip to the breathtaking Jungfrau region, taking the iconic cogwheel train to the Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station. This journey, which takes approximately two hours each way from Lucerne, will treat you to some of Switzerland's most stunning alpine scenery, including the Aletsch Glacier and the Sphinx Observation Deck. To end your Swiss and Italian adventure, enjoy a farewell dinner at the Grand Hotel National's elegant Château Gütsch Restaurant, toasting to an unforgettable journey through these remarkable destinations.