Switzerland and Northern Italy
- shimonsolof
- Jul 31, 2025
- 11 min read
Day 1– Friday: Arrival in Switzerland
Straight from the airport, we stopped at Kosher City in Zurich to stock up on some basics. We had planned to visit the butcher and bakery separately, but the grocery store had a great selection of meats and baked goods, so it ended up being a one-stop shop.
We then headed to Lucerne and checked into our apartment for Shabbos. After settling in, we went to a local grocery store for fruits and vegetables. Jet-lagged and exhausted, we skipped any major exploration and opted for some much-needed naps.
Closer to Shabbos, we walked a block to the nearby river. The kids had a great time splashing in the water. If we’d had more time, we definitely would have tried tubing; locals were using the river that way, and the current was strong and perfect for it.
Day 2– Shabbos in Lucerne
We enjoyed beautiful Shabbos meals with the local Chabad community, Friday night at the Rabbi’s home, and Shabbos day at the Chabad House. The building is beautiful and has a large playroom that our kids loved! The food was delicious, the atmosphere warm, and the company inspiring. We especially enjoyed shmoozing with the Rabbi, Rebbetzin, and local families.
Later in the afternoon, we took a leisurely walk back to our apartment, soaking in the Lucerne charm.
For shalosh seudos, we enjoyed fresh fruits, veggies, and a delicious challah we had baked in our bread machine before Shabbos. The produce in Switzerland is truly something special.
Day 3– Sunday: Interlaken Adventures
We started the day with a drive to Interlaken. The scenery along the road was breathtaking. At one highway rest stop, we stretched our legs at a playground and grabbed some coffee.
Our first activity in Interlaken was the Harder Kulm funicular, which brings you to a mountain summit with panoramic views. The wait was about 30 minutes. Come prepared with drinks, as it can get hot. The ride up was worth every minute, and the views from the top were spectacular: turquoise lakes (Lake Thun and Lake Brienz), green valleys, and towering peaks.
The kids enjoyed the summit playground, and we loved the lookout deck with a direct view of the glacier across the valley.
We then enjoyed walking around Interlaken, taking in the beautiful sites of towering mountains and beautiful rivers all around us.
From there, we drove to Iseltwald to rent a motorboat at Abegglen Bootsvermietung. The rental process was quick, smooth, and easy, with multiple boat options to choose from. Cruising on Lake Brienz was incredible; the clear, jewel-toned water against the dramatic mountain backdrop made for an unforgettable ride.
Next, we attempted to visit Trümmelbach Falls, but it was already closed. Instead, we explored Staubbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen. The short but steep walk to the misty waterfall was invigorating, and the views were stunning.
We ended the day with a lakeside BBQ near Lake Thun and checked into Hey Guesthouse in Interlaken—a family-friendly hotel with a fun loft for the kids.
Optional additional Interlaken Activities:
Trümmelbach Falls
Interlaken Rope Park
Glacier Canyon
Ice Palace
Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe)
Schynige Platte train ride (playground & views)
Grizzlybär Adventure Park
Day 4– Monday: Zermatt and the Matterhorn
We left early for Zermatt, enjoying the majestic mountain views en route. At one point, we had to load our car onto a train, an unexpected but fun twist.
Optional stop: The Oeschinensee gondola in Kandersteg leads to a stunning alpine lake and a 20-minute walk, but we skipped it to get to Zermatt earlier.
Since Zermatt is car-free, we parked in Täsch and took the train up with only our essentials for the day. The train ride was our first in Switzerland, smooth and scenic!
Once in Zermatt, we bought gondola tickets and walked through the charming village to the Matterhorn Express. The ride to Glacier Paradise, Europe's highest cable car station, takes about 45 minutes each way and includes multiple stops. However, you only need to disembark at the final stop, where you transfer to a larger tramcar for the last stretch of the ascent. The journey itself is a highlight, with unreal views of vast glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and even a few flurries!
At the top, we explored the Glacier Palace, a magical world of shimmering ice sculptures and tunnels carved into the glacier.
Next, we took the Gornergrat Railway (via a “Peak to Peak” combo ticket) for another breathtaking ascent. Sit on the right side of the train for the best views. The Matterhorn loomed large, and we took in the up-close glacier scenery.
After descending, we checked into Hotel Europe, an elegant and welcoming place with unbeatable Matterhorn views.
One of us returned to Täsch to retrieve our luggage while the other explored Zermatt’s boutiques with the kids.
Pro tip: when booking in Zermatt, double-check your hotel is actually in the village, not just “nearby.”
Day 5 – Tuesday: Five Lakes Hike & Drive to Italy
We had a slower start to the day, choosing to enjoy the hotel’s delicious breakfast before heading out for our hike. After some fresh fruit and great coffee, we stored our luggage with the hotel and let them know we’d be ready for pickup later. They delivered our luggage to the train station for us.
We then headed to the funicular in the village, which brought us to the start of the 5 Lakes Walk, one of the most scenic hikes in the Alps. After taking the funicular up, we transferred to a cable car that brought us to the trailhead at the peak. While there are bike and scooter rentals available at the peak, our children weren’t tall enough to participate.
The walk was absolutely stunning! We were surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dramatic alpine views throughout the hike. We followed the accessible gravel path, which leads to all five lakes via short turnoffs. We visited four out of the five, each offering a different perspective of the Matterhorn and its reflection in the water.
At the first lake, we were greeted by a herd of friendly sheep that let us come close and pet them, definitely a highlight for the kids.
Although the hike is mostly downhill, the final stretch is a steep uphill climb, so we recommend using a baby carrier instead of a stroller.
We took our time, stopping frequently to let the kids rest and enjoy the surroundings. At the end, we relaxed at the lakeside playground while enjoying a picnic lunch with incredible Matterhorn views. There is also a beach and a small sprinkler area for the children to enjoy.
After taking the funicular back down the mountain, we boarded the train out of Zermatt, reunited with our car, and began making our way toward Italy.
Important tip: Be sure to set your Google Maps or Waze to avoid ferries to prevent unexpected delays, including a potential wait for the car train.
There are several worthwhile stops along the way that we had planned but chose to skip due to time constraints after the hike:
Brig
Belalp cable car
Domodossola
Since the kids were napping in the backseat and we were eager to get to our next destination, we drove directly to Lake Maggiore.
The highway views were absolutely breathtaking, towering peaks, lush valleys, and dramatic lakes unfolding around every bend.
We stopped in Stresa at a lovely lakeside playground where we had originally planned to take the ferry to the Borromean Islands. Unfortunately, we missed the last ferry of the day, so instead we enjoyed a relaxing walk along the scenic boardwalk, taking in the mountain-framed lake views.
If you’re planning a full day at Lake Maggiore:
Ferries and taxi boats to the islands depart from Stresa.
Ride the Funivie del Lago Maggiore cable car from Laveno Mombello for panoramic lake views.
Later that evening, we pulled off the highway for a BBQ dinner, then continued on to our hotel for the night: Park Hotel Abbadia near Lake Como.
While the hotel boasted gorgeous views of the lake and surrounding mountains, the interior left much to be desired. It was clean, but quite outdated and a bit dingy.
In general, accommodations in Lake Como tend to be pricey. If you're looking to save, we recommend staying in a nearby town and visiting the lake as a day trip.
Day 6 – Wednesday: Exploring Lake Como
After checking out of the hotel, we drove over to Varenna, a charming village on Lake Como. Parking is extremely limited in the city, so we recommend using the main lot at the entrance of town.
We loved walking through the narrow, cobblestone streets, admiring the colorful buildings and historic architecture. Varenna has plenty of lovely little shops, including many selling beautiful handmade leather bags.
We strolled along the lakeside promenade, enjoying the lush flowers, panoramic mountain views, and glimpses of nearby villages. Next, we headed to the pier to meet our guide for a boat tour. Once at the dock, we boarded our boat for a 4-hour private tour of Lake Como. Since we were only spending one day at the lake, this customizable option allowed us to make the most of our visit.
Our captain was knowledgeable and engaging, pointing out historic landmarks, stunning villas, and famous villages. From the water, we explored grand estates and lush gardens, including stops in lesser-known areas that gave us a more intimate view of Lake Como.
We chose to take a break in Lenno, a less touristy village with a lovely local beach. After some beach time and exploring the area’s charming streets, we reboarded the boat to continue the tour. The whole experience was relaxing, scenic, and perfect for families.
After returning to Varenna, we spent a little more time walking the waterfront before driving to Bellano, another picturesque village. We enjoyed its long boardwalk and got an up-close look at some of the historical boats once used to transport goods across the lake. We finished with a snack at the waterfront before continuing our journey.
Our final destination for the night was Villa Appiani, a beautifully converted villa hotel. The room was spacious, comfortable, and elegant, a lovely end to our first full day in Italy.
Day 7 – Thursday: Hidden Lakes & Lago di Garda
On our way to the day’s destinations, we spontaneously stopped at the gorgeous Lago di Endine. We rented a pedal boat and enjoyed a peaceful ride across the calm water. The surrounding area was scenic and offered several picnic spots along the road.
Next, we arrived at Lake Iseo, which completely wowed us. The lake’s emerald waters were framed by steep rock cliffs and mountains, creating a dramatic and breathtaking view. We parked in Lovere and took a walk along the waterfront, soaking in the serenity.
From there, we continued south, marveling at the scenery around every curve. If you have time, we recommend stopping at Baia del Bogn to rent kayaks or take a stroll along the lakeside paths.
Eventually, we arrived in Sulzano, a town with the shortest and most direct ferry ride to Monte Isola, one of Europe’s largest lake islands. Although we originally planned to take the ferry, we opted instead for a more relaxed afternoon at Lido Nettuno, a nearby lakefront playground and beach. We had a picnic lunch while the kids played.
Later that day, we continued our journey to Lake Garda, driving through vineyard-covered valleys framed by towering mountains. We headed straight to Lago Sirmione, a beautiful beach with a peaceful atmosphere. We found a quiet spot and spent a lovely afternoon relaxing.
Though we had planned to visit Castello Scaligero after the beach, a sudden rainstorm changed our plans. Instead, we drove directly to our hotel, My Kosher Hotel, passing more breathtaking vineyards and mountain views along the way. After checking in, we found a fresh, hot supper waiting for us in our room, such a warm welcome!
Day 8 – Friday: Dolomites Dreaming
We woke to dreary, rainy weather, a bit of a disappointment, as the Dolomites had been a central inspiration for our trip. Still, after a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we decided to make the most of it and headed to Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites.
The three-part cable car ride brought us to the top, though the rain and low clouds obscured the view. It was still a surreal experience to see mountain peaks poking through the clouds.
We made a quick stop at the WWI museum located at the second station before descending.
Back in Canazei, we strolled through the village, browsed boutiques, and dodged rain showers. Later, we returned to the hotel for To’amehu and got ready for Shabbos.
Day 9- Shabbos:
We spent an unforgettable Shabbos with Avi and Belinda Netzer at My Kosher Hotel. The hotel was filled with Jews from around the world. We were honored to share Shabbos with 25 soldiers from the Golani Brigade and many October 7th survivors, including several orphans.
The achdus of Klal Yisroel was deeply moving, as was the chessed carried out by MKH and the Netzer family.
The meals were generous and delicious, and the views from the hotel were unreal.
The hotel has a mini playhouse, slide, and trampoline on the porch, where our kids spent hours, as well as a full playground just around the corner.
It was a rejuvenating and meaningful Shabbos. We wholeheartedly recommend My Kosher Hotel to anyone traveling to the Dolomites.
Day 9 – Sunday: Dolomites, Take Two
Sunday greeted us with sunshine, perfect for a Dolomites redo! After another fantastic breakfast, we headed back to Marmolada, excited to see the views we’d missed. This time, the skies were clear and the scenery was jaw-dropping. We could see endless peaks in all directions.
Next, we drove to Carezza al Lago, stopping often to admire the Dolomites towering above us. The lake itself is stunning, with emerald-green water surrounded by pine trees and jagged rocks. The gravel path around the lake is stroller-friendly and easy to walk.
Afterward, we headed to the Seggiovia Paolina, a chairlift with optional weather covers. The open-air ride up was spectacular, offering sweeping views of forests and rocky cliffs. At the top, we wandered a bit and took in the alpine beauty.
Although there are hikes from the summit, they can be steep and not stroller-friendly, so plan accordingly. After some time at the peak, we headed back down and drove toward Venice.
Along the way, we passed scenic villages and pulled over frequently to take in the views. We even spotted a suspension bridge over a glacier-fed river and stopped so the kids could run across and stretch their legs.
Eventually, we reached Venice Airport, where we returned our rental car. From there, we descended to the boat taxi area, boarded a water taxi with our luggage, and cruised into Venice. The approach to the city was magical, with bridges, canals, and buildings rising straight out of the water.
Our boat dropped us off right outside our apartment, which was incredibly convenient given the cobbled walkways. We stayed in a clean, spacious apartment affiliated with the San Vio Palace Hotel, perfect for families.
After a quick griddle-made supper, we collapsed into bed.
Day 10 – Monday: Venice, the Jewish Ghetto, and the islands
After a light breakfast, we headed to the Jewish Ghetto, walking through Venice’s quieter streets due to a light drizzle. The bridges, historic homes, and winding alleys were a sight to behold.
At the ghetto, we checked in and received instructions and stickers for the self-guided audio tour, which we preferred for flexibility with the kids. Not all sites are open daily, so check in advance.
We visited the Jewish wells, the Levantine and Spanish synagogues, and walked through the historic ghetto. Standing in a shul that’s been in use for over 500 years was truly humbling. The beauty and craftsmanship of the shuls were breathtaking.
Afterward, we stopped at Gam Gam Goodies for gelato and a dairy lunch (note: there’s no seating inside). We ate in the courtyard and were amazed at how many people stopped to put on tefillin or ask about Judaism. Hebrew filled the streets; it felt like Eretz Yisroel!
Next, we walked back to our apartment, picking up souvenirs and admiring the Murano glass. We also took a peaceful 30-minute gondola ride through a smaller canal, quieter and calmer than the Grand Canal.
Later, we met with our guide for our Murano and Burano tour. In Murano, we saw mesmerizing glass-blowing demonstrations and toured a showroom full of glass art.
In Burano, which is known for lace-making, we visited La Perla, where we learned about the intricate process of creating a piece of lace, and saw artisans at work. The youngest artist currently working is 75 years old!
We explored the colorful island on foot—it’s stroller-friendly with accessible ramps over canals.
That evening, we stopped by the ghetto again for dinner and mincha, where we met the kind Chabad rebbetzin, who gave our kids markers to keep them busy.
We ended the night with a stroll through Venice and a climb up the Rialto Bridge.
Day 11 – Tuesday: Farewell to Venice
On our final day, we had breakfast and enjoyed a last stroll through Venice before meeting our pre-booked water taxi outside our apartment.
We recommend reserving taxis 24–48 hours in advance, especially in high season.
The ride to the airport was smooth, even during Venice’s boat rush hour. The airport experience was also seamless, with no long lines at check-in or security. After a short delay, we boarded our flight and said goodbye to our incredible adventure.
Optional in Venice: You can visit and daven at the ancient Jewish cemetery located on Lido, a nearby island. We had originally planned to visit on our way to the airport, but decided to skip it due to time constraints.
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