Self-drive road trip · Switzerland, Italy
A flexible Swiss-Italian self-drive journey through Zurich, Lugano, Lake Maggiore and Lucerne
Per person, estimatedUS$597
Discover the perfect blend of Swiss alpine beauty and Italian lakeside charm on this 7-night Fly & Drive journey from Zurich. Travel from cosmopolitan Zurich through the spectacular Alps to elegant Lugano, continue to beautiful Stresa on Lake Maggiore, and finish in picture-perfect Lucerne before returning to Zurich Airport.
Enjoy scenic drives, lakeside promenades, mountain views, charming old towns, boat cruises and relaxed Mediterranean-style evenings. This itinerary is fully flexible, allowing you to add or remove nights and create the journey that fits your travel style.
One epic road trip through Switzerland and Italy
Flexible itinerary — add or drop nights to suit you
Four distinct destinations on a single journey
Boat cruises on Lake Zurich, Lugano and Maggiore
Swiss mountains meet Italian lakeside culture
Wide choice of hotels from cosy 3-star to grand 5-star
Drive at your own pace with no group schedule
Every stop has a hotel already chosen for you. Open a stop to swap the hotel, add activities or stay longer. The price updates as you go.
Want more time somewhere? Open any stop and tap Add a night. Every day after it moves back, and your dates and price update automatically.
Stay longer or shorter in Zurich | 2 Nights
Your stay in Zurich | 2 NightsDays 1–3
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Pick up your car at ZURICH (ZRH), from 10:00. It's yours for all 8 days.
Arrive at Zurich Airport.
Collect your rental car and drive into Switzerland's largest city.
Spend the afternoon exploring:
Bahnhofstrasse
Zurich Old Town
Lake Zurich promenade
Lindenhof
Fine Swiss restaurants
Overnight in Zurich.
second day is yours to enjoy.
Highlights suggested:
Boat cruise on Lake Zurich
Visit the Swiss National Museum
Uetliberg Mountain panoramic views
Shopping along Bahnhofstrasse
Optional excursion to Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall.
Overnight: ibis Styles Zurich City Center, night 1 of 2
“Discover the charm of ibis Styles Zurich City Center, perfectly positioned steps from the train station and main attractions. Guests rave about the spotless, modern rooms with comfortable beds, exceptional service from a welcoming team, delicious breakfast variety, and the calm, inviting atmosphere that makes every stay special.”
Included in your trip2 Nights, Stampfenbachstrasse 60
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Zurich | 2 Nights surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Lugano | 2 Nights
Your stay in Lugano | 2 NightsDays 3–5
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Approx. 137 mi (220 km) | 3 hours
Drive south through spectacular Alpine scenery toward Switzerland's Italian-speaking region.
Depending on the season, consider travelling via the historic Gotthard Pass for unforgettable mountain views, or take the modern tunnel for a faster journey.
Lugano offers a wonderful blend of Swiss efficiency and Mediterranean lifestyle.
Highlights:
Lake Lugano promenade
Piazza della Riforma
Monte Brè
Monte San Salvatore
Lakeside cafés
Shopping
Optional lake cruise
Overnight: La Santa, night 1 of 2
Included in your trip2 Nights, 2 Via Merlina
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Lugano | 2 Nights surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Stresa & Lake Maggiore | 2Nights
Your stay in Stresa & Lake Maggiore | 2NightsDays 5–7
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Approx. 43 mi (70 km) | 1 hour
Cross into Italy and arrive in elegant Stresa, one of the jewels of Lake Maggiore.
Surrounded by mountains and beautiful gardens, Stresa has attracted visitors for generations.
Cruise to the famous Borromean Islands
Explore magnificent Isola Bella Palace
Visit Isola Madre
Walk the lakeside promenade
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine
Optional excursion to Ascona on the Swiss side of the lake
Relax and enjoy one of Europe's most elegant lake destinations.
Overnight: Hotel Boston, night 1 of 2
“This charming Lake Maggiore hotel in Stresa delights guests with its exceptional location just steps from the lakefront, ferry terminal, and train station, combined with outstanding value for money. Visitors rave about the warm staff, clean and updated rooms with stunning lake views, expanded breakfast offerings, and modern amenities—making it an ideal retreat for couples and families seeking comfort and convenience.”
Included in your trip2 Nights, Viale Duchessa Di Genova 13
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Stresa & Lake Maggiore | 2Nights surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Lucerne | 1Night
Your stay in Lucerne | 1NightDays 7–8
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Approx. 118 mi (190 km) | 2½ hours
Today's scenic drive returns you to central Switzerland and the beautiful city of Lucerne.
Surrounded by mountains and one of Switzerland's most beautiful lakes, Lucerne offers the perfect finale to your Fly & Drive.
Highlights include:
Chapel Bridge
Old Town
Lion Monument
Lake Lucerne promenade
Optional excursion to Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi
Sunset dinner overlooking the lake
Overnight: ibis Styles Luzern
“Experience the charm of Luzern at this perfectly located hotel, just steps from the Lion Monument and beautiful lake, where guests consistently praise the exceptionally welcoming and helpful staff, clean comfortable rooms, and excellent breakfast. The convenient proximity to the train station and local amenities makes it an ideal base for exploring this picturesque Swiss destination.”
Included in your trip1 night, Friedenstrasse 8
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Lucerne | 1Night surprise you.
Return your car at ZURICH (ZRH) by 10:00, then check in for your flight home.
8th Day Departure
Approx. 34 mi (55 km) | 45 minutes
Enjoy breakfast before making the short drive back to Zurich Airport.
Return your rental car and board your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of Alpine peaks, sparkling lakes, charming villages and the unique blend of Swiss and Italian culture.
Departure day · No overnight stay
A rental car is included for all 8 days. Want more room or comfort? Upgrade below.
Pick up, day 1ZURICH (ZRH), from 10:00
Return, day 7ZURICH (ZRH), by 10:00
Good to knowUnlimited miles. Rates assume a driver aged 30 or over.
Operated by Avia Travek & Tours.
Download this tour's PDF brochure and plan offline: every day, your hotels, the car and our phone numbers.
Our travel experts know these roads. Call and we'll tailor the trip with you.
Estimated total, 2 travelersUS$1,194
How this road trip stacks up against similar self-drive tours, side by side.
| Tour | |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price, per person | ||||
| From | US$597 | US$510 | US$822 | US$580 |
| Per night | US$85 / night | US$73 / nightBest | US$117 / night | US$83 / night |
| The trip | ||||
| Duration | 8 days, 7 nights | 8 days, 7 nights | 8 days, 7 nights | 8 days, 7 nights |
| Stops | 4 | 5 | 2 | 3 |
| Places | Zürich, Lugano, Stresa, Lucerne | Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg, Maastricht, Rotterdam | Rome, Naples | Imperia, Menton, Turin |
| Start and finish | Zurich | Amsterdam | Rome – Naples | Turin |
| On the road | ||||
| Total driving | About 405 km | About 810 km | About 265 km | About 235 km |
| Longest drive day | About 195 km | About 235 km | About 265 km | About 180 kmBest |
| Car included | Compact | Economy | Economy | Intermediate |
| Stays and extras | ||||
| Hotels included | 3-star hotels | 3 to 4-star hotels | 3-star hotels | 3 to 4-star hotels |
| Hotel choice | About 12 hotels per stop | About 10 hotels per stop | About 19 hotels per stopBest | About 11 hotels per stop |
| Airport transfer | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included |
| You're viewing this tour | View tour | View tour | View tour |
"From" prices are per person for 2 travelers sharing, at the cheapest hotels. Driving is estimated from the stop locations.
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