Switzerland, Tuscany and Lake Como
August 26 to September 5, 2021
Planning and Lessons Learned
There really wasn’t much planning for this trip. We chose a general region in Europe, influenced by family who had recently traveled through Switzerland and by our curiosity about Italy and why it seems like everyone falls in love with it. We decided on Switzerland, Tuscany, and Lake Como because they matched our interests and were geographically manageable. About three months before the trip, we booked our flights into Zurich and out of Milan, then started reserving hotels. At that point, we had little experience planning a multi-country vacation, so we learned a lot along the way.
Do Some Research and Plan Ahead
It may sound obvious, but doing some research and having a plan really makes a difference. Try to schedule at least one main activity each day, along with a backup in case plans change. We started the trip with only a rough idea of where we would stay and a few points of interest nearby. As a result, we spent part of our trip figuring out what to do instead of simply enjoying where we were. On some days, we felt like we were missing out or not making the most of our time, and that was frustrating.
Don’t Rush and Leave Time to Recharge
One-night stays are usually too short. You lose time traveling, checking in and out, and settling in. In most cases, you only get a late afternoon and evening before moving on. We realized it’s better to stay in one place longer and actually enjoy it. We also learned the importance of rest. After a long overnight flight, you probably won’t want to jump into a packed schedule. Whether you're walking through cities, hiking, or just navigating unfamiliar roads, travel takes energy. Especially in summer, it is easy to burn out if you keep going without breaks. Make space each day to relax, even for a little while. If you can work in a beach day or a visit to a spa, even better.
Day 1: Arrival in Switzerland
We drove to JFK Airport for our nonstop overnight flight to Zurich. It was a convenient direct route and allowed us to start our trip in Switzerland without a layover. Flying overnight gave us the chance to rest on the plane and arrive in Europe the next morning, ready to begin our adventure.
We arrived in Zurich in the morning, picked up our rental car at the airport, and began the drive toward Bern. On the way, we made a short stop at Schloss Lenzburg to visit our first European castle. It was a great early highlight and a nice place to stretch our legs. Afterward, we continued on to Bern, checked into our hotel in the old town, and explored the area on foot. We had dinner at a nearby restaurant and went to bed early to rest up for the days ahead.
Day 2: Bern and Geneva
After the long overnight flight we woke up late and set out to explore Bern. We admired the Parliament building, watched the clock strike the hour at the Zytglogge, and wandered through the winding streets of the old town. We paused for coffee at Einstein Café and enjoyed views of the River Aare. In the afternoon we drove on to Geneva, but by the time we arrived many attractions were already closed. We did manage to catch a glimpse of the Alps in the distance on the way, which was exciting. We walked along the lakeshore, strolled through the Jardin Anglais, and found a cozy spot for dinner. Without a clear plan we felt like we might have missed some of the city’s best sights. By the end of the evening we decided to return to Bern to regroup and plan more carefully for the rest of the trip.
Day 3: Lucern and Interlaken
We checked out of our hotel in Bern and made our way to Lucerne, taking a scenic drive through some quiet back roads. Our goal for the day was to visit Mount Pilatus. We took the chairlift up the mountain and enjoyed the ride, with beautiful views unfolding as we climbed higher. Unfortunately, by the time we reached the top, the clouds had rolled in completely. From the viewing center we could only see a solid wall of white, which made the experience feel a little disappointing. On the way back down, however, we dropped below the cloud cover and were rewarded with sweeping views of the lake below, along with the peaceful sound of cowbells echoing through the hillsides.
After the descent, we stopped at Schloss Schauensee, a small but charming castle nearby, then continued our journey toward Interlaken. Along the way we pulled over a few times to admire the striking blue lakes and alpine scenery. Once we arrived in Interlaken, we checked into our hotel, had dinner at a local steakhouse, and got some rest for the next day.
Day 4: From the Alps to Tuscany
We woke up in Interlaken to crisp air and incredible views of snowcapped peaks, with paragliders floating overhead. After soaking it in, we drove into the mountains toward Grindelwald to get a closer look at the Eiger. The scale of the mountain was breathtaking. You could feel the cold glacial air flowing through the valley, and there was something magnetic about standing before it. We didn’t make it to Lauterbrunnen that day, which felt like another missed opportunity but gave us a strong reason to return to the area in the future.
From there we began making our way back toward Lake Geneva, following roads that hugged the edge of the Alps. We stopped often to admire the dramatic scenery, constantly in awe of the mountain landscapes. One highlight was visiting Chillon Castle, which sits right on the lakeshore and offered a peaceful break before the next stretch of travel.
That afternoon we began the long drive south toward San Gimignano, crossing into Italy via the Great Saint Bernard Pass. Our Swiss SIM card stopped working at the border, so we had to make a detour into Aosta to pick up one that worked in Italy. Once back on the road, we called ahead to the hotel and learned that no one would be at the desk overnight, which meant we had almost no time to spare. My first experience driving in Italy turned into a high-speed push down the autostrada in the dark. Against the odds, I managed to drive right up to the hotel entrance inside the walled city, even though it was technically prohibited. The concierge greeted us warmly, took our bags, and helped guide me back out to find legal parking. Exhausted, we finally made it to bed.
Day 5: Hello Tuscany
We woke up and opened the window to endless rolling fields of Tuscany. It was immediately clear we had entered a completely different world from Switzerland. The air was warmer and gentler, and the people felt much more welcoming. Stepping outside onto the medieval cobblestone streets, we were surrounded by ancient towers and lively piazzas. The atmosphere was simply magical. We treated ourselves to gelato and spent hours wandering through the town, soaking in the sights and sounds.
Later, we drove to Pisa to see the famous leaning tower. Afterward, we continued to the coast to watch the sunset and take our first dip in the Mediterranean Sea. Returning home, we enjoyed a delicious meal featuring fresh asparagus, pici pasta, and a perfectly cooked cut of beef. We went to bed early, ready to rest up for the big day ahead.
Day 6: Florence
We drove to Florence and found parking in a garage near the city center. Our first stop was the Boboli Gardens, where we enjoyed a peaceful stroll through beautifully landscaped grounds. From there, we walked through Palazzo Pitti and crossed the famous Ponte Vecchio to reach the Uffizi Gallery. We were captivated by the incredible art on display. For lunch, we ate on a terrace overlooking Piazza della Signoria, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere below.
After lunch, we ventured into the piazza itself and made our way toward the Galleria dell’Accademia. Along the way, we admired the intricate beauty of the old city and stopped to take in the magnificent Duomo. Although we did not go inside due to our packed schedule, the exterior was breathtaking. So large and striking, it almost felt otherworldly. We continued on to see Michelangelo’s David, which was far more massive than we had imagined. It truly is a masterpiece.
By then, we were quite tired and began heading back. On the way, we stopped at the Basilica of Santa Croce to rest and enjoy the lively piazza. As we made our way home, we were lucky to see the towers of San Gimignano silhouetted against a fiery orange Tuscan sunset. The sight left a lasting impression, a beautiful memory etched in our hearts and minds.
Day 7: Monteriggioni and Siena
The following day was much more relaxed compared to the one before. We began by driving to Monteriggioni, an ancient medieval walled town that was fascinating to explore. We visited the small church and walked along the city walls before enjoying a peaceful lunch in the shade of trellised vines.
After lunch, we headed to Siena. We spent a pleasant afternoon in Piazza del Campo, savoring gelato, reading, and simply relaxing under the Torre del Mangia. Eventually, we made our way to the Duomo, which stood out with its brilliant striped exterior. Inside, the space was visually stunning. Learning about the history of Siena’s Contrade, or districts, and seeing their flags and coat of arms displayed throughout the cathedral made it clear how connected and small the world once was.
When it was time to leave Siena, we returned to San Gimignano for our final night. We had dinner on a quiet street that was now free of tourists, allowing us to appreciate the natural, peaceful beauty of the stone-lined lanes. The atmosphere was calm, dark, and surprisingly safe, making it a perfect ending to the day.
Day 8: Arrival in Bellagio
We checked out and headed toward our final destination, Bellagio. In August 2021, Covid was still a global concern, and to fly home we needed a PCR test. We spent the morning arranging the test before continuing on our way. By the time we arrived in Bellagio, it was already evening. We had just enough time to check in, grab dinner, and rest after a long day of travel.
Day 9: Lago di Como
We woke up and made our way down to Lake Como, where we rented a boat to explore the lake on our own. Along the way, we passed many famous villas, charming and colorful lakeside towns, and enjoyed the stunning mountainous backdrop. After returning the boat, we spent time wandering through Bellagio’s main streets and quiet little paths. Later, we decided to visit the town of Como, where we explored the duomo and found a nice spot to enjoy gelato. Finally, we headed to our hotel near Milan Airport to prepare for our journey home.
