There’s something soul-stirring about watching the Swiss Alps roll past your train window — sparkling lakes, snow-dusted peaks, and chocolate-box towns that look painted by hand. Add the Italian glamour of Milan, and you’ve got a dream route that blends nature, luxury, and culture perfectly.

This is our 9-day Switzerland + Milan itinerary, experienced first-hand — a scenic rail journey through mountains, lakes, and timeless cities.

Why We Chose a Train Journey

Switzerland’s trains aren’t just transport — they’re moving panoramas. Every ride is an experience: from the revolving Rotair cable car at Titlis to the glass-domed GoldenPass Express. With punctual trains, clean stations, and breathtaking views, this was the easiest and most beautiful way to explore the heart of Europe.

Highlights of our trip

• GoldenPass Express panoramic train
• Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe”
• Glacier 3000 adventure
• Lindt Chocolate Factory in Zurich
• Italian charm in Milan’s Duomo & Navigli

Day 1 – Zurich & Lindt Chocolate Factory: A Sweet Start

We landed in Zurich early morning, stored our luggage at Zurich HB lockers and stepped into the city. Zurich’s Old Town charmed us with cobbled lanes, boutique cafés, and elegant window displays along Bahnhofstrasse.

• Midday tram ride to the Lindt Home of Chocolate — watch molten cocoa flow from the world’s largest chocolate fountain.
• Afternoon IR train to Lucerne (~50 min). Sit on the left side for Lake Zurich views.
• Overnight: Ibis Lucerne. Evening walk across the Chapel Bridge and lakeside promenade.

Day 2 – Mount Titlis & Lucerne Old Town

Morning train to Engelberg and the Titlis Rotair revolving cable car — snow-capped peaks, Glacier Cave, and the Cliff Walk.

Afternoon: Return to Lucerne to wander the Old Town with frescoed buildings and lakeside cafés.

Overnight: Ibis Lucerne

Day 3 – Pilatus Golden Round Trip & Half-Day in Bern

Pilatus Golden Round Trip: lake boat, steep cogwheel train, and panoramic cable car descent. Views of Lucerne below were spectacular.

Afternoon: Quick visit to Bern — Zytglogge, Bundeshaus, and charming riverside paths. Return to Lucerne for the night.

Overnight: Ibis Lucerne

Day 4 – Lucerne → Interlaken via GoldenPass Express + Lake Brienz Cruise

GoldenPass Express to Interlaken — one of Europe’s most scenic train rides (sit right for best vistas). Check in at Hotel Beausite Interlaken.

• Lake Brienz cruise with a stop at the dreamy village of Iseltwald.
• Visit Seeburg Waterfall and enjoy dinner with mountain views.

Overnight: Beausite Interlaken

Day 5 – Lauterbrunnen, Wengen & Bollywood Magic

Explore Lauterbrunnen valley (72 waterfalls), then cable car/train to Wengen — a car-free village with breathtaking alpine panoramas.

Back in Interlaken, visit the Yash Chopra Statue and enjoy the lively Interlaken center.

Overnight: Beausite Interlaken

Day 6 – Gstaad, Glacier 3000 & Montreux Magic

GoldenPass train to Gstaad for chic streets and coffee, then onward to Glacier 3000 — Peak Walk by Tissot and panoramic alpine adventures. Finish the day in Montreux beside Lake Geneva.

Overnight: Beausite Interlaken

Day 7 – Grindelwald & Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe

The crown jewel — Jungfraujoch excursion from Interlaken Ost via Grindelwald and Kleine Scheidegg. Cogwheel trains, tunnels through mountains, and the Sphinx Observatory await at the Top of Europe.

Highlights: Ice Palace, glacier panoramas, and crisp alpine air.

Overnight: Beausite Interlaken

Day 8 – Interlaken → Milan: Duomo Dreams & Italian Style

EuroCity train to Milan (sit left for Alpine descent). Check in at NH Fiera Milano.

• Visit the Duomo di Milano and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
• Espresso at a beautiful café; evening stroll in central Milan.

Overnight: NH Fiera Milano

Day 9 – Art, Shopping & Sunset at Navigli

Brera District galleries, Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science & Art, and more shopping at the Galleria. Finish with aperitivo and sunset at Navigli, Milan’s canal district — the perfect farewell.

Overnight: NH Fiera Milano

Day 10 – Goodbye Alps, Hello Memories

Early checkout and transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport. As the plane ascends, the snow-tipped Alps peek through the clouds — a final postcard view of a journey filled with wonder.

Scenic Train Highlights

Route	Best Side	Experience
Zurich → Lucerne	Left	Lake Zurich & city views
Lucerne → Engelberg	—	Access to Titlis
Engelberg → Titlis Rotair	Front cabin	Rotating mountain panorama
Lucerne → Bern	Left	Swiss countryside
Lucerne → Interlaken (GoldenPass)	Right	Lakes & alpine villages
Interlaken → Jungfraujoch	Left uphill	Glacier & Eiger views
Interlaken → Gstaad / Montreux	Right	Classic scenic route
Zermatt → Milan	Left	Southbound Alps descent

Travel Tips for Your Trip

• Pack light: Keep main luggage at hotels during day trips when possible.
• Reserve early: Book GoldenPass Express, Jungfraujoch, Glacier 3000 & EuroCity to Milan in advance.
• Start early: Best weather and fewer crowds in the morning.
• Luggage storage: Most hotels offer storage before check-in in Lucerne, Interlaken, and Milan.
• Window tip: Left side for Zurich–Bern–Jungfrau routes; right side for Lucerne–Interlaken & Gstaad–Montreux.

Final Thoughts

This 9-day Switzerland + Milan journey felt like living inside a travel movie — from the snow of Titlis to the sparkle of Milan’s Duomo. Every train, every view, every quiet lakeside café added a scene to the story. If you dream of combining Alpine serenity with Italian energy, this itinerary delivers it all — the comfort of trains, magic of mountains, and warmth of cities.

Switzerland isn’t just a destination — it’s a feeling that stays long after you’ve left the station.