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Swiss & Italian Mountains and Lakes

10 Days / 9 Nights

Geneva, Lucerne, Lugano, Como

from$4,150 per person

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Could there be anything more breathtaking than exploring some of Switzerland and Italy's most beautiful lakes, amidst stunning alpine scenery? This customizable 10-day tour begins on the shores of Lake Geneva, then continues to Lucerne and Lugano, before crossing the border into Italy with a final stop at Lake Como.

This itinerary is completely customizable. You can add more nights, and any of our many destinations in Italy, Switzerland, and other neighboring countries. Add on some time in Zurich, Milan, Italy's Dolomites region, and many more. Choose from a wide selection of activities and day trips to make this tour your very own.

One of our team members in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and spacious apartments. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambiance.
Route for Geneva, Lucerne, Lugano, Como tour

2 Nights in Geneva

2 Nights in Geneva

3 days in Geneva
3 days in Geneva

2 Nights in Geneva

Switzerland's second city and main French-speaking metropolis, this proud "Protestant Rome" was once John Calvin's capital, but is now famous as the eminently livable "Capital of Peace." A cosmopolitan center of global diplomacy from the Red Cross to much of the UN, Geneva is the scenic spot where the Rhone leaves Lake Geneva. The watchmaker's Mecca, Geneva offers impressive shopping and fine dining, but one of the best activities is free: walking through the Old Town and by the lake. Most of the city is reminiscent of France (which nearly surrounds it) although the more bohemian Carouge district draws plenty of locals thanks to its Mediterranean atmosphere. An hour's drive away, Mont Blanc (the Alps' highest peak) is easy to spot.

Switzerland's second city and main French-speaking metropolis, this proud "Protestant Rome" was once John Calvin's capital, but is now famous as the eminently livable "Capital of Peace." A cosmopolitan center of global diplomacy from the Red Cross to much of the UN, Geneva is the scenic spot where the Rhone leaves Lake Geneva. The watchmaker's Mecca, Geneva offers impressive shopping and fine dining, but one of the best activities is free: walking through the Old Town and by the lake. Most of the city is reminiscent of France (which nearly surrounds it) although the more bohemian Carouge district draws plenty of locals thanks to its Mediterranean atmosphere. An hour's drive away, Mont Blanc (the Alps' highest peak) is easy to spot.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Geneva

Upon arriving to Geneva's airport, a driver will pick you up and take you to your accommodations.

Lakeside Allure

Suggestion to explore on your own

Just arrived in Geneva? Start your adventure by heading to the lake! The lakeside bars are perfect for sipping colorful cocktails, enjoying a glass of bubbly, or simply relaxing with a refreshing drink as you plan your exploration of this beautiful city. Don’t miss the iconic floating Bateau Lavoir, a charming spot reminiscent of the 19th-century "washing boats" where women once did their laundry.

Lakeside Allure

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Geneva

Geneva Old Town Private Walking Tour

Geneva Old Town Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Once the "Protestant Rome," Geneva has long been known for its leading role in the Protestant Reformation, as marked by its impressive St. Peter's Cathedral. On this tour, you will have the chance to get an insight into Geneva's history and life there today.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 2 hours

Beautiful Views of Geneva

Suggestion to explore on your own

Explore the English Garden ("Jardin Anglais") and its majestic Flower Clock, composed of about 12,000 plants. This park is a great place to spot swans swimming around the Jet d'Eau. On the other side of the lake stretches the La Perle du Lac, a peaceful park with fascinating views of the surrounding mountains, including Mont Blanc, which looms mightily on the horizon. Are you ready for some exercise in the heart of the Old Town? Climb the 157 steps of the St. Peter's Cathedral for postcard-like panorama photos. Similarly in the central area, you can also enjoy the best cathedral views from Rue Etienne Dumont.

Beautiful Views of Geneva

Day 3

Day 3 - Traveling to Lucerne by Train

Today you're off to Lucerne. Your driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you to the local train station. We have included second class train tickets, but you can upgrade to first class for an extra fee. The journey takes about two hours.

Lucerne by Train

You can upgrade your transfer

Upgrade to Lucerne by Private Transfer

Lucerne by Private Transfer

Upgrade for an additional cost
We also offer the following excursions in Geneva

An Evening Off the Coast – The Captain's Table Gastronomy Cruise
Easy3 hours
Chamonix Mont-Blanc Private Day Trip
Moderate9 hours
Chocolate Tasting Group Walking Tour
Light3 hours
Geneva Group Sightseeing Cruise
Easy50 minutes

3 Nights in Lucerne

3 Nights in Lucerne

4 days in Lucerne
4 days in Lucerne

3 Nights in Lucerne

If you only have time for one spot in central Switzerland, make it Lucerne. This charming lakeside town offers a memorable mountain panorama. The town's standout landmark is the 12th century Chapel Bridge (Europe's oldest covered bridge), which runs past the unique octagonal Water Tower. Visitors also tend to make a beeline for the Lion Monument, carved into a cliff, which commemorates the Swiss Guards who sacrificed their lives for the royal family during the French Revolution. Make sure to stop by the lesser-known covered Spreuer Bridge, with its Danse Macabre plaques. If you're fond of classical music, you're more than in luck, as the city offers frequent performances.

If you only have time for one spot in central Switzerland, make it Lucerne. This charming lakeside town offers a memorable mountain panorama. The town's standout landmark is the 12th century Chapel Bridge (Europe's oldest covered bridge), which runs past the unique octagonal Water Tower. Visitors also tend to make a beeline for the Lion Monument, carved into a cliff, which commemorates the Swiss Guards who sacrificed their lives for the royal family during the French Revolution. Make sure to stop by the lesser-known covered Spreuer Bridge, with its Danse Macabre plaques. If you're fond of classical music, you're more than in luck, as the city offers frequent performances.

Day 3

Day 3 - Arrival in Lucerne

Upon your arrival to Lucerne's main train station, we'll arrange for a driver to pick you up and take you to your accommodations.

Lucerne, Love, and Luxury

Suggestion to explore on your own

Lucerne's breathtaking beauty truly sets it apart as one of the world’s most enchanting cities. After checking into your accommodations, immerse yourself in its charm by taking a leisurely walk through the Old Town and across the picturesque Chapel Bridge. If you're up for a bit more adventure, climb the Musegg Wall for stunning views of the city and its scenic surroundings. To cap off your day, savor an aperitif or enjoy a traditional fondue, a local specialty. For an exceptional dining experience, consider the Schiff or Fondue House Du Pont restaurants.

Lucerne, Love, and Luxury

Day 4

Day 4 - Your First Full Day in Lucerne

Lucerne Private Walking Tour

Lucerne Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Discover the fascinating abundant heritage of Lucerne. Simply being there gives the feeling of being trapped in time, but strolling the streets and hearing true medieval stories from a local guide will definitely take you back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Eager to hear some recent history, art and culture? Your private guide is on top of these topics as well.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 2 hours

Be Trendy, Go Local

Suggestion to explore on your own

Every iconic place has its intriguing past, and Lucerne's trendy Bruch neighborhood is no exception. Once the site of a bustling cattle market from 1912 to 1971, Bruchstrasse was known for its lively trading and less-than-pleasant conditions. The market's closure marked a transformation, and today, Bruch is celebrated for its chic shops, vibrant restaurants, cozy cafés, lively bars, and eclectic art galleries. Just 2 km (1.25 miles) from the city center, you'll also find the Neubad Cultural Center, a unique venue housed in a repurposed indoor pool. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM, Neubad offers a mix of bistro dining, a bar, and a concert and music hall within its original pool space.

Be Trendy, Go Local

Day 5

Day 5 - Your Second Full Day in Lucerne

Mt. Pilatus Self-Guided Tour

Mt. Pilatus Self-Guided Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This self-guided tour takes you up to Mt. Pilatus, 2,132m (7,000 feet) above sea level, with stunning views of the Swiss plain and the Alps. In summer, you’ll likely start with a boat ride on Lake Lucerne, then ride the world’s steepest cogwheel train, and return by cableway and gondola. In winter, you'll take a bus to Kriens, followed by a gondola and cableway to the summit, returning the same way. Tickets and transport are all arranged, ensuring a seamless journey with breathtaking views year-round.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 6 hours

Just a Little Gambling

Suggestion to explore on your own

You don’t need to place a bet at the Grand Casino Lucerne to enjoy yourself, though a small wager on a spin or a hand of cards can certainly add a thrill. The Grand Casino also houses the elegant Olivo restaurant, a Neo-Baroque concert hall, a theater, and a vibrant club, offering plenty of ways to spend your evening. For those inclined to gamble, there are 250 slot machines with impressive jackpots, along with classic table games like American roulette, blackjack, punto banco, and poker, inviting you to dive into a world of excitement and entertainment.

Just a Little Gambling

Day 6

Day 6 - Traveling to Lugano by Train

Is the Gotthard Panoramic Express on your bucket list? Now is the opportunity to tick it off! Travel from Lucerne to Fluelen on a historical steamboat and sail across magical Lake Lucerne. After your boat ride to Fluelen you will change to the historical Gotthard panoramic express. The historical Gotthard Express will take you across the breathtaking Swiss Mountains and Valleys. We included second-class tickets with seat reservations for you and we can arrange the first class for an additional fee. The journey is about 6 hours, but with these breathtaking views, time will certainly fly by.

Lugano by the Gotthard Panoramic Express (boat ride & panoramic train)

You can upgrade your transfer

Upgrade to Lugano by Private Transfer

Lugano by Private Transfer

Upgrade for an additional cost
We also offer the following excursions in Lucerne

Bernese Oberland Pick and Mix Private Tour
Moderate10 hours
Bernese Oberland and Jungfrau Private Tour
Moderate10 hours
Chocolate, Mountains, and Medieval Towns Private Tour
Moderate8-9 hours
City and Fondue Private Tuk-Tuk Tour
Easy1 hour 30 minutes

1 Night in Lugano

1 Night in Lugano

2 days in Lugano
2 days in Lugano

1 Night in Lugano

The largest Italian city outside Italy, Lugano has been rivals with pricier neighbor Como for centuries. This border city (1/3 of its eponymous lake is Italian) is a charming exemplar of the architecture its southern neighbor is known for. Its palm trees complete the illusion of being somewhere else. Stroll the picturesque boulevards, and enjoy this city's excellent shopping, then venture beyond. Staying at a hotel in Lugano gives you a pass good for free public transportation throughout the surrounding Italian-speaking Ticino canton, including the network of ferries crisscrossing Lake Lugano. A classic activity is to ride a boat (as part of a cruise, or on your own) to one of the "grottos" across the lake, then tuck into one of the authentic rural meals these picturesque restaurants specialize in.

The largest Italian city outside Italy, Lugano has been rivals with pricier neighbor Como for centuries. This border city (1/3 of its eponymous lake is Italian) is a charming exemplar of the architecture its southern neighbor is known for. Its palm trees complete the illusion of being somewhere else. Stroll the picturesque boulevards, and enjoy this city's excellent shopping, then venture beyond. Staying at a hotel in Lugano gives you a pass good for free public transportation throughout the surrounding Italian-speaking Ticino canton, including the network of ferries crisscrossing Lake Lugano. A classic activity is to ride a boat (as part of a cruise, or on your own) to one of the "grottos" across the lake, then tuck into one of the authentic rural meals these picturesque restaurants specialize in.

Day 6

Day 6 - Arrival in Lugano

Upon your arrival to Lugano's main train station, we'll arrange for a driver to pick you up and take you to your accommodations.

Italian-Style Nightlife

Suggestion to explore on your own

After a day of exploration, dive into Lugano's vibrant nightlife. Begin with a cocktail at an upscale bar like the stylish "Speakeasy," known for its unique concept and ambiance. "The Market Lugano" bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a meal or a casual drink. From there, you'll find a diverse array of options to suit your mood, with an impressive selection of music and drinks to explore throughout the city.

Italian-Style Nightlife

Day 7

Day 7 - Traveling to Como by Private Transfer

Today you'll make your way to Lake Como. Our driver will pick you up from your accommodations in Lugano and take you directly to your accommodations in Italy, which should take about 40 minutes.

Lake Como by Private Transfer
We also offer the following excursions in Lugano

Castelgrande & Bellinzona Half-Day Private Day Trip
Easy4 hours
Food and Wine of Lugano Private Tour
Light4 hours
Group Lake Cruise and Cook in the Grotto Private Experience
Easy4 hours
Lugano Private City Tour with Wine & Gelato Tasting
Light4 hours

3 Nights in Como

3 Nights in Como

4 days in Como
4 days in Como

3 Nights in Como

Surrounded by stunning green hills, Como is the famous lake's main town. Dotted with charming squares, imposing churches, and gorgeous historical buildings, Como's Old Town overlooks the mesmerizingly beautiful Lake Como. For theater lovers, the Teatro Sociale di Como, the town's opera house, has hosted world-renowned musicians, such as Liszt and Paganini. Combining the magic of a typically Italian town with the utter beauty of the scenery that engulfs it, Como serves as the perfect base to explore the extended area of Lake Como and its charms.

Surrounded by stunning green hills, Como is the famous lake's main town. Dotted with charming squares, imposing churches, and gorgeous historical buildings, Como's Old Town overlooks the mesmerizingly beautiful Lake Como. For theater lovers, the Teatro Sociale di Como, the town's opera house, has hosted world-renowned musicians, such as Liszt and Paganini. Combining the magic of a typically Italian town with the utter beauty of the scenery that engulfs it, Como serves as the perfect base to explore the extended area of Lake Como and its charms.

Day 7

Day 7 - Arrival in Como

The driver will take you to your accommodation by Lake Como.

From the Silk Road to World-Class Design

Suggestion to explore on your own

The Silk Road and its myth need no introduction, so don't miss the opportunity to visit the territory and enjoy some good shopping! This area offers excellent shops and places to buy unique pieces. Your local Destination Expert will recommend several places to visit, from shopping outlets to local showrooms and museums showcasing silk and wood, which symbolize the wide range of products traditionally produced in the region.

From the Silk Road to World-Class Design

Day 8

Day 8 - Your First Full Day in Como

Best of Como Lakeside Private Driving Tour (from Como Town)

Best of Como Lakeside Private Driving Tour (from Como Town)

Included in your vacation package price.

Exploring Lake Como with a local at the wheel ensures you don't miss any must-see sights. Beginning in Bellagio, the journey unveils treasures like the lakefront Villa d'Este, George Clooney's residence in Laglio, and the ancient port of Brenno, among other stunning spots. Your itinerary allows for a leisurely lunch break at a local gem chosen by your driver. While some enticing side trips may involve water taxis or ferries, their costs are separate from the day trip. Additionally, if you opt to step inside the villas and museums, entrance fees are to be paid on-site.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 8 Hours

Day 9

Day 9 - Your Second Full Day in Como

1-Hour Lake Como Private Boat Tour

1-Hour Lake Como Private Boat Tour

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Experience the beauty of Lake Como aboard a private boat on this 1-hour excursion, exploring iconic villas and charming villages along the shore. Visit picturesque spots like Blevio, Torno, and the renowned Villa Balbianello, famous for its appearances in Star Wars and James Bond films. Cruise past historic villas, including George Clooney's Villa Oleandra, and admire the elegant streets and gardens of Bellagio and Tremezzo, concluding with a view of the luxurious Villa d'Este in Cernobbio.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 1 hour

Brunate Funicular and Viewpoints

Suggestion to explore on your own

While Brunate is a separate village and not part of the city of Como, going there by funicular is one of the most popular attractions in the area. The locals describe this hilltop village sitting just above the city of Como as a "balcony in the Alps." At an altitude of around 800m (2624 feet), Brunate offers glorious panoramic views and breathtaking landscapes over Como and the lake.

Brunate Funicular and Viewpoints

Day 10

Day 10 - Departure Day

Sadly your Italian adventure is over and it's time to say arrivederci, for you'll sure be back! We will arrange for a driver to take you from your accommodation on Lake Como to Milan's Malpensa airport in plenty of time for your departing flight.

We also offer the following excursions in Como

3-Hour Lake Como Private Boat Tour
Light3 hours
Full-Day Lake Como Private Boat Tour
Moderate8 hours
Lake Como Sightseeing Hike
Moderate3 hours
Lake Maggiore Private Day Trip (from Como Town)
Light8 Hours

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Geneva

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Geneva Airport Transfer
Geneva Old Town Private Walking Tour
Geneva Train Station Transfer
Geneva - Lucerne Train

Lucerne

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Lucerne Train Station Transfer
Lucerne Private Walking Tour
Mt. Pilatus Self-Guided Tour
Lucerne Train Station Transfer
Lucerne - Lugano by the Gotthard Panoramic Express (Boat & Train Combination in 2nd Class)

Lugano

1 Night Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Lugano Train Station Transfer
Lugano - Como Private Transfer

Como

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Best of Como Lakeside Private Driving Tour (from Como Town)
Como - Milan Malpensa Airport Private Transfer

package excludes:


  • Flights to and from Europe.
  • Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
  • Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
  • Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
  • Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by  an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.
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