✈️ DD Travel

Simple · Fun · Memorable

Switzerland & Lake Como 2026

August 24 – September 2, 2026

Travel party: 7 in Switzerland · 5 in Italy

Daily Plan

Travel Day

Day 1 - Monday August 24th (TRAVEL DAY)

  • 1:00pCarey Limousine pickup (Dan & Elaine)
  • 5:10pDelta DL 90 — Atlanta to Zurich
  • Donna, Dale & Sue connect from Boston onto our flight
Transfer Day

Day 2 - Tuesday August 25th (TRANSFER DAY)

  • 8:05aArrive Zurich — Edelswiss driver meets us inside the airport
  • 9:15aScenic drive to Interlaken via Rapperswil, Walensee & Oberhofen Castle
  • 3:30pCheck in at Hotel Krebs, Interlaken
  • 4:30pHospitality reunion with Tom & Jessica
  • 7:00pDinner at La Terrasse Brasserie
Paragliding Day

DAY 3 – Wednesday August 26 ( PARAGLIDING DAY )

  • 9:30aParagliding Interlaken — Dan, Donna, Dale & Tom
  • 10:15aParaglider landing in Höhematte Park
  • 11:45aLunch at Restaurant Stadthaus in Old Town Unterseen
  • 1:45pHarderbahn funicular up to Harder Kulm
  • 5:45pDrinks at the Victoria Bar & Terrace
  • 7:00pDinner at OX Restaurant & Grill
Grindelwald Day

DAY 4 – Thursday, August 27 (GRINDELWALD DAY)

  • 10:00aTrain from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald
  • 11:25aFirstbahn gondola up to First
  • 12:00pFirst Cliff Walk and summit viewpoints
  • 12:35pLunch at Bergrestaurant First
  • 2:00pGrindelwald village walk and shops
  • 7:00pDinner at Hüsi Bierhaus
Lauterbrunnen Day

DAY 5 – Friday August 28 (LAUTERBRUNNEN DAY)

  • 10:00aTrain from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen
  • 10:30aVillage walk and Staubbach Falls
  • 12:00pLunch at the Hotel Oberland Restaurant
  • 2:25pPanoramic cruise on Lake Brienz
  • 4:30pFree time, shopping and packing for Italy
  • 7:00pDinner at Radius by Stefan Beer
Italy Transfer Day

Day 6 – Saturday August 29th (ITALY TRANSFER DAY)

  • 9:00aDepart Interlaken — Susten and Gotthard Pass scenic route
  • 12:45pLunch near Lugano or Morcote
  • 4:00pCheck in at the Palace Hotel, Lake Como
  • 5:30pWaterfront walk and aperitivo by the harbor
  • 7:45pDinner at Il Gatto Nero (van pickup at 7:00p)
Bellagio Day

DAY 7 – Sunday August 30 (BELLAGIO DAY)

  • 9:10aFerry from Como to Bellagio
  • 10:30aGuided visit of the Villa Melzi Gardens
  • 12:45pLunch at Ristorante Bilacus
  • 2:00pBellagio old town walking tour
  • 4:30pFerry back to Como
  • 7:30pDinner at Bellavista in Brunate, up the funicular
Varenna Day

DAY 8 – Monday August 31 (VARENNA DAY)

  • 10:15aHydrofoil from Como to Varenna
  • 11:15aLover’s Walk and Varenna old town
  • 12:30pLunch in Varenna
  • 2:00pVilla Monastero Botanical Gardens
  • 4:30pFerry across to Bellagio
  • 7:00pDinner at Ristorante La Punta
Private Boat Tour Day

DAY 9 – Tuesday September 1st (PRIVATE BOAT TOUR DAY)

  • 8:00aBreakfast at Touring Cafè
  • 9:45aPrivate boat tour from the Palace Hotel dock
  • MiddayGuided tour of Villa del Balbianello
  • 2:30pExplore Menaggio village
  • 5:00pFerry to Tremezzo
  • 7:30pFinal celebration dinner at Ristorante La Darsena
Travel Home Day

Day 10 – Wednesday September 2nd (TRAVEL HOME DAY)

  • 5:00aWake-up and breakfast at the hotel
  • 7:30aEdelswiss limo to Malpensa Airport
  • 11:40aDelta DL 175 — Milan to Atlanta
  • 4:15pArrive Atlanta — Carey Limo home (Dan & Elaine)

Hotels

Every hotel on the trip in the same layout: stay dates and guests up front, then Show Details for contacts, room-by-room confirmations, breakfast, parking, concierge and your own notes. Only confirmed details are shown.

Hotel Krebs — Interlaken

Interlaken, Switzerland · Days 2–6 · 3 rooms

Check-inTue, Aug 253:30 PM
Check-outSat, Aug 29Depart 9:00 AM
Nights4Aug 25 – 29, 2026

Guests: Dan & Elaine · Dale & Sue · Donna

Palace Hotel — Lake Como

Como, Italy · Days 6–10 · 3 rooms

Check-inSat, Aug 294:00 PM
Check-outWed, Sep 2Depart 7:30 AM
Nights4Aug 29 – Sep 2, 2026

Guests: Dan & Elaine · Dale & Sue · Donna

Booking details, prices and confirmation numbers come from the master itinerary. Phone numbers, breakfast hours, websites and parking come from each hotel’s official site — confirm at check-in. Notes are saved on this device.

Restaurants

Every dining stop in the master itinerary, in travel-day order. Every card carries the same Maps, Call and Website buttons. Only confirmed details are shown.

Days without a booked restaurant

Day 1 · Mon, Aug 24: Travel day — no restaurant in the itinerary.

Day 10 · Wed, Sep 2: Breakfast at the hotel (included), then depart for Malpensa at 7:30 AM.

Breakfast is included at Hotel Krebs (Days 2–6) and the Palace Hotel (Days 7–10).

Day 2 · Tue, Aug 25 · Transfer Day

Sagibeiz am Walensee

Lunch · 11:20 AM – 12:50 PM

Address: Murg, Walensee, Switzerland

Getting there: Scheduled lakeside lunch stop on the Edelswiss transfer from Zurich Airport to Interlaken. Driver drops at the door.

Reservation: None needed — casual lakeside lunch built into the transfer schedule.

La Terrasse Brasserie

Dinner · 7:00 PM

Address: Höheweg 41, CH-3800 Interlaken (in the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel)

Phone: +41 33 828 28 28

Email: info@victoria-jungfrau.ch

Getting there: 7-minute walk. Leave Hotel Krebs at 6:45 PM, turn left onto Höheweg.

Reservation: Deposit paid via Amex 7.7.26 for Tuesday and Friday dinners.

Day 3 · Wed, Aug 26 · Paragliding Day

Restaurant Stadthaus

Lunch · 11:45 AM

Address: Untere Gasse 2, 3800 Unterseen

Phone: 033 822 86 89

Email: info@restaurantstadthaus.ch

Getting there: 15–20 minute walk from Höhematte Park, departing 11:00 AM — west on Höheweg, across the Spielmatte Bridge, right on Marktgasse through Unterseen, left on Untere Gasse into Stadthausplatz. Arrive 11:20–11:25 AM.

Reservation: Confirmed for 7 people via phone call with Anna on 7.8.26.

Victoria Bar & Terrace

Hospitality · 5:45 – 6:45 PM

Address: Höheweg 41, CH-3800 Interlaken (Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel)

Phone: +41 33 828 28 28

Getting there: Short 10-minute walk, leaving Hotel Krebs 5:30–5:40 PM, left out of the hotel.

Reservation: None needed — group hospitality hour: — Champagne, Aperol Spritzes, Negronis or Swiss white wine.

OX Restaurant & Grill

Dinner · 7:00 PM

Address: Marktgasse 10, Interlaken

Phone: +41 31 996 48 48

Getting there: 2-minute walk — out of Hotel Krebs, first left onto Marktgasse.

Day 4 · Thu, Aug 27 · Grindelwald Day

Bergrestaurant First

Lunch · 12:35 – 1:25 PM

Address: First summit, 3818 Grindelwald — at the top of First, immediately adjacent to the upper gondola station

Getting there: Firstbahn cable car up from Grindelwald (about a 25-minute ride, boarding 11:25 AM). Restaurant is next to the upper station.

Reservation: None needed — outdoor terrace seating, — one of the best lunch views in the Bernese Oberland.

Hüsi Bierhaus

Dinner · 7:00 PM

Address: Postgasse 03, CH-3800 Interlaken

Phone: +41 33 823 23 32

Getting there: 5-minute walk — left out of the hotel onto Höheweg, fourth left onto Postgasse.

Reservation: Because of people waiting, the website says you must arrive within 15 minutes of 7:00 PM.

Day 5 · Fri, Aug 28 · Lauterbrunnen Day

Hotel Oberland Restaurant

Lunch · 12:00 – 1:00 PM

Address: Auf der Fuhren 452B, 3822 Lauterbrunnen

Phone: +41 33 855 12 41

Getting there: 5-minute walk from Lauterbrunnen train station — convenient right after the village walk.

Reservation: Terrace with views of the surrounding cliffs and waterfalls; known for cheese fondue and rösti.

Radius by Stefan Beer

Dinner · 7:00 PM · Dressy

Address: Höheweg 41, CH-3800 Interlaken (in the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel)

Phone: +41 33 828 28 28

Email: info@victoria-jungfrau.ch

Getting there: 7-minute walk down Höheweg, left out of Hotel Krebs.

Reservation: Deposit paid via Amex 7.7.26 for Tuesday and Friday dinners.

Day 6 · Sat, Aug 29 · Italy Transfer Day

Lunch near Lugano or Morcote

Lunch · 12:45 – 1:45 PM

Getting there: Scheduled stop on the Edelswiss scenic transfer from Interlaken to Lake Como, after the Gotthard Pass summit stop.

Reservation: None — driver’s choice on the day.

Il Gatto Nero

Dinner · 7:45 PM

Address: Via Monte Santo 69, 22012 Cernobbio

Phone: +39 031 512042

Getting there: Van pickup from the Palace Hotel at 7:00 PM. Van pickup is at 19.00 and return at 22.00.

Reservation: Conf # BLQLJ9QJ. Confirmed by Alessia, PAL concierge, via email on July 18.

Day 7 · Sun, Aug 30 · Bellagio Day

Ristorante Bilacus

Lunch · 12:45 – 2:00 PM

Address: Salita Serbelloni 32, 22021 Bellagio, IT

Phone: +39 031 950480

Getting there: 12–15 minute walk from Villa Melzi (about 0.6 miles), leaving 12:10 PM — right onto Via Melzi d’Eril, lake on your left to Piazza Mazzini, then up Salita Serbelloni 2–3 minutes. Entrance is on the left, behind an ivy-covered courtyard and easy to miss.

Reservation: Confirmed via PAL concierge for 5. Ask for the garden courtyard — best atmosphere.

Gelateria del Borgo

Gelato break · Afternoon

Address: Bellagio old town, 22021 Bellagio

Getting there: Stop #6 on the self-guided Bellagio old town walking tour, 2:00–4:15 PM.

Reservation: None needed — relax for 20–30 minutes and enjoy the atmosphere.

Caffè Bar Sport

Coffee break · Afternoon

Address: Bellagio old town, 22021 Bellagio

Getting there: Stop #6 on the self-guided Bellagio old town walking tour, 2:00–4:15 PM. An alternative to Gelateria del Borgo.

Reservation: None needed — relax for 20–30 minutes and enjoy the atmosphere.

Bellavista

Dinner · 7:30 PM

Address: Piazza Bonacossa, 2, 22034 Brunate (CO)

Phone: +39 031 221031

Getting there: Leave the Palace Hotel 6:30 PM and walk east 10–15 minutes along the lakefront to the Como–Brunate funicular (Piazza Alcide De Gasperi 4, 22100 Como). Buy round-trip tickets at the station. The funicular ride is 7 minutes; the restaurant is 35 feet from the upper exit.

Day 8 · Mon, Aug 31 · Varenna Day

Al Prato

Lunch option · 12:30 PM

Address: Piazza del Prato 6, 23829 Varenna

Getting there: On foot from the Lover’s Walk and Varenna old town, after exploring Piazza San Giorgio.

Reservation: None booked — one of three Varenna lunch options, chosen on the day. Charming garden dining.

Ristorante La Vista

Lunch option · 12:30 PM

Address: Via XX Settembre 35, 23829 Varenna (in Albergo Milano)

Getting there: On foot from the Lover’s Walk and Varenna old town, after exploring Piazza San Giorgio.

Reservation: None booked — one of three Varenna lunch options, chosen on the day. Beautiful terrace views.

Il Cavatappi

Lunch option · 12:30 PM

Address: Via XX Settembre 10, 23829 Varenna

Getting there: On foot from the Lover’s Walk and Varenna old town, after exploring Piazza San Giorgio.

Reservation: None booked — one of three Varenna lunch options, chosen on the day. Upscale Italian with an excellent wine list.

Ristorante La Punta

Dinner · 7:00 PM

Address: Via Eugenio Vitali 19, 22021 Bellagio

Phone: +39 031 95 18 88

Getting there: 10-minute walk from the Bellagio ferry dock, leaving 6:50 PM. Afterwards, walk back to the ferry dock for the hydrofoil to Como.

Reservation: Confirmed at 7.00pm for 5 people via PAL concierge. PAL to reconfirm the reservation 2 or 3 days before.

Day 9 · Tue, Sep 1 · Private Boat Tour Day

Touring Cafe'

Breakfast · 8:00 – 9:15 AM

Address: Piazza Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour, Como

Phone: +39031306986

Getting there: To the left outside the Palace Hotel — very short walk.

Reservation: None needed. Eat well: lunch is being skipped, with only light snacks on the boat until the 2:45 PM café stop in Menaggio.

Caffè Del Pess

Coffee stop · From 2:30 PM

Address: Menaggio

Getting there: Private boat drop-off at the Menaggio dock around 2:30 PM, then a short walk into the village near Piazza Garibaldi.

Reservation: None needed. Beautiful terrace.

Ristorante La Darsena — Final Celebration Dinner

Dinner · 7:30 PM

Address: Via Regina 3, 22019 Tremezzo (CO), Italy

Phone: +39 0344 43166

Getting there: Ferry Menaggio → Tremezzo at 5:00 PM, then explore Tremezzo from 5:30 PM. Return ferry Tremezzo → Como at 9:30 PM — confirm an evening ferry operates, or arrange a private driver through the Palace Hotel concierge.

Days without a booked restaurant

Day 1 · Mon, Aug 24: Travel day — no restaurant in the itinerary.

Day 10 · Wed, Sep 2: Breakfast at the hotel (included), then depart for Malpensa at 7:30 AM.

Breakfast is included at Hotel Krebs (Days 2–6) and the Palace Hotel (Days 7–10).

Excursions

Every excursion and sightseeing activity in the master itinerary, in travel-day order. Every card carries the same Maps, Call and Website buttons. Only confirmed details are shown.

Day 1 · Monday, August 24 · Travel Day

Carey Limousine pickup and the Delta flight to Zurich.

No excursions scheduled today.

Day 2 · Tuesday, August 25 · Transfer Day

Arrival at Zurich Airport at 8:05 AM, then a full-day scenic private transfer to Interlaken with four planned stops.

Zurich Airport → Interlaken Scenic Transfer

Day 2 · Tue, Aug 25 · Departs ~9:15 AM

Duration: About 6¼ hours — airport departure to 3:30 PM hotel check-in

Meeting location: Inside Zurich Airport — the driver will meet us inside the airport

Address: Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Transportation: Edelswiss Limo private transfer. Scenic route: Zurich → Rapperswil → Walensee → Sargans → Bernese Oberland → Lake Thun → Interlaken. Avoid the direct motorway-only route via Bern.

Reservation: Confirmed.

Confirmation #: 62630

Tickets: None — private car transfer.

Phone: +41 43 508 07 99

Notes — scheduled stops:

  • 9:15 — Depart Zurich Airport, drive toward Rapperswil
  • 10:00–10:20 — Rapperswil: short lakeside walk and coffee
  • 11:05–11:15 — Walensee viewpoint photo stop: view toward the village of Quinten, cliffs dropping into turquoise lake
  • 11:20–12:50 — Lunch stop at Sagibeiz am Walensee
  • 2:00–2:40 — Oberhofen Castle photo stop: fairytale castle on the lake, Alps rising behind, one of the most photographed spots on Lake Thun
  • 2:45–3:00 — Beatenberg Viewpoint, Jungfrau Region: views of Lake Thun, the Interlaken valley, Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger

Day 3 · Wednesday, August 26 · Paragliding Day

Tandem paragliding into Höhematte Park, a walk through Old Town Unterseen, and the Harderbahn funicular up to Harder Kulm.

Paragliding Interlaken GmbH — Tandem Flight

Day 3 · Wed, Aug 26 · 9:30 AM

Duration: Landing in Höhematte Park between 10:15 and 11:00 AM

Meeting location: Paragliding office at 125 Höheweg — leave Hotel Krebs at 9:10 AM

Address: Höheweg 125, CH-3800 Interlaken

Transportation: 10-minute walk — left out of the hotel, along Höheweg to #125.

Reservation: Booked for Dan, Donna, Dale & Tom on 6/18/26.

Confirmation #: Booking #30843541

Tickets: Covered by the booking — four flyers.

Contact: mail@paragliding-interlaken.ch

Phone: +41 33 823 82 33

Website: paragliding-interlaken.ch (from the booking email address)

Notes: Flying: Dan, Donna, Dale & Tom. Jungfrau mountain views on the way down, landing in Höhematte Park.

Höhematte Park — Non-Flyers’ Viewing

Day 3 · Wed, Aug 26 · 9:45 AM

Duration: Until the landing, 10:15–11:00 AM

Meeting location: Höheweg Park — Jessica, Elaine & Sue depart Hotel Krebs at 9:45 AM

Address: Höhematte Park, Höheweg, 3800 Interlaken

Transportation: About a 5-minute walk to the park.

Reservation: None needed.

Tickets: None.

Notes: Find a latte and a bench in the park so you can marvel at our descent from the mountains. Watch Tom, Dan, Donna & Dale land in Höhematte Park. Swiss watches, chocolate shops, souvenirs and numerous café stops nearby.

Old Town Unterseen Walk

Day 3 · Wed, Aug 26 · 11:00 AM

Duration: Approximately 15–20 minutes walking; arrive Stadthausplatz 11:20–11:25 AM

Meeting location: Höhematte Park, departing 11:00 AM

Address: Untere Gasse / Stadthausplatz, 3800 Unterseen

Transportation: On foot — west on Höheweg (8–10 min), across the Spielmatte Bridge, straight onto Spielmatte, right onto Marktgasse through historic Unterseen, left onto Untere Gasse into Stadthausplatz.

Reservation: None — self-guided.

Tickets: None.

Notes: Photo stops: Jungfrau views along Höheweg; the turquoise Aare River from the center of the Spielmatte Bridge; traditional Swiss buildings, fountains and streetscape on Marktgasse. Old Town Unterseen is Interlaken’s historic heart, dating to the 13th century — cobblestone streets, traditional Swiss chalets, colorful fountains and a relaxed local atmosphere.

Harderbahn Funicular — Harder Kulm

Day 3 · Wed, Aug 26 · 1:45 PM departure

Duration: 10-minute ride each way; recommended summit time 60–90 minutes; funicular down at 3:30 PM

Meeting location: Harderbahn Valley Station — arrive about 1:30 PM for the 1:45 PM departure

Address: Harderstrasse, 3800 Interlaken

Transportation: Walk from Restaurant Stadthaus at 1:15 PM — east on Marktgasse, across the Spielmatte Bridge, along Höheweg, left onto Harderstrasse, then follow the Harderbahn signs.

Tickets: Purchase round-trip tickets through the official Jungfrau Railways Harder Kulm website 3 days prior.

Website: jungfrau.ch (Jungfrau Railways, as named in the itinerary)

Notes: Scenic ride climbing nearly 2,500 feet (755 meters) from Interlaken to Harder Kulm. At the summit: easy 5-minute walk to the Panorama Restaurant, the famous Two-Lakes Bridge, and views of Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau. Best photo location of the afternoon — walk all the way to the end of the glass viewing platform; the best photographs look back toward the restaurant with the mountains behind.

Day 4 · Thursday, August 27 · Grindelwald Day

Train to Grindelwald, the Firstbahn cable car to the First summit, and village time before the return train.

Grindelwald Village Walk

Day 4 · Thu, Aug 27 · 10:45 AM

Duration: About 30 minutes — arrive at the gondola station around 11:15 AM

Meeting location: Grindelwald railway station (arrive 10:40 AM)

Address: Dorfstrasse, 3818 Grindelwald

Transportation: Walk from Hotel Krebs to Interlaken Ost at 9:30 AM (20 minutes), train Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald at 10:00 AM. Buy 7 round-trip tickets online 2–7 days before the trip through SBB, 2nd class, for Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Reservation: Train tickets to be purchased via SBB.

Tickets: 7 adult round-trip rail tickets, Interlaken Ost ⇄ Grindelwald.

Notes: Walk through the village toward the Firstbahn station and browse the shops along Dorfstrasse.

Grindelwald First — Firstbahn Cable Car

Day 4 · Thu, Aug 27 · 11:20 AM

Duration: Approximately 25 minutes each way; board at 11:25 AM, descent begins 1:30 PM, back in Grindelwald 2:00 PM

Meeting location: Firstbahn gondola station, Grindelwald

Address: Grindelwald-First gondola station, 3818 Grindelwald

Transportation: On foot from the village, arriving at the gondola station around 11:15 AM.

Reservation: Purchase round-trip tickets from the official Jungfrau website. Route: Grindelwald → First → Grindelwald.

Tickets: Round-trip gondola tickets, purchased in advance.

Website: jungfrau.ch

Notes: Enjoy the views on the way up.

First Summit — Cliff Walk & Optional Activities

Day 4 · Thu, Aug 27 · 12:00 PM

Duration: Cliff Walk about 15–20 minutes; summit time until the 1:30 PM descent

Meeting location: Top of First, at the upper gondola station

Address: Grindelwald First summit, 3818 Grindelwald

Transportation: Firstbahn cable car from Grindelwald.

Reservation: Cliff Walk included with the gondola ticket. Optional activities require an extra ticket each, purchased at the summit.

Tickets:

  • First Cliff Walk — included with your gondola ticket. A metal walkway and viewing platform attached to the cliff. Easy, about 15–20 minutes. Worth it? Absolutely — one of the highlights of First.
  • First Flyer — extra ticket. A zip line where you’re suspended in a harness, flying down the mountain at up to about 50 mph (80 km/h). Ride time about 1 minute. For thrill-seekers.
  • First Glider — extra ticket. Four people are pulled backward up the mountain, then released to glide back down like a giant bird. About 3–5 minutes. Gentler than the Flyer, but still an adventure.
  • Mountain Cart — extra ticket. A three-wheeled gravity cart you steer downhill on a mountain road, about 20–30 minutes. Fun, but requires braking and steering on a mountain descent.

Website: jungfrau.ch

Notes: First View Platform, First Cliff Walk, and panoramic mountain viewpoints and photos. Lunch follows at Bergrestaurant First, 12:35–1:25 PM.

Explore Grindelwald Village

Day 4 · Thu, Aug 27 · 2:00 – 3:30 PM

Duration: 1½ hours

Meeting location: Grindelwald village, after the gondola descent

Address: Dorfstrasse, 3818 Grindelwald

Transportation: On foot. Return train Grindelwald → Interlaken Ost at 3:45 PM, arriving 4:20 PM, back at the hotel 4:40 PM.

Reservation: None — free time.

Tickets: None.

Notes: Browse the Dorfstrasse shops, coffee at one of the village cafés near the railway station, Swiss chocolates and souvenirs.

Day 5 · Friday, August 28 · Lauterbrunnen Day

A morning in the Lauterbrunnen valley, then an afternoon panoramic cruise on Lake Brienz.

Lauterbrunnen Village Walk

Day 5 · Fri, Aug 28 · 10:30 – 11:45 AM

Duration: About 1¼ hours

Meeting location: Lauterbrunnen railway station (arrive 10:25 AM)

Address: 3822 Lauterbrunnen

Transportation: Walk to Interlaken Ost at 9:40 AM, train Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen at 10:00 AM. Return train at 1:20 PM, arriving Interlaken Ost 1:45 PM.

Reservation: Purchase round-trip train tickets 2–7 days in advance.

Tickets: Round-trip rail, Interlaken Ost ⇄ Lauterbrunnen.

Notes: Highlights — Staubbach Falls, flat riverside walking paths, traditional Swiss chalets, spectacular cliff scenery, and charming village streets, shops and cafés.

Lake Brienz Panoramic Cruise

Day 5 · Fri, Aug 28 · 2:25 PM

Duration: Returns to Interlaken Ost 3:40 PM

Meeting location: Dock beside Interlaken Ost station — walk directly there on arrival at 1:45 PM

Address: Interlaken Ost boat dock, 3800 Interlaken

Transportation: On foot from Interlaken Ost station.

Reservation: Purchase tickets in advance. Exact cruise departure and return times must be confirmed through the official BLS timetable.

Tickets: Round-trip panoramic cruise toward Ringgenberg and Iseltwald, depending on the day’s timetable.

Notes: Verify the 2026 BLS Lake Brienz timetable a few weeks before departure — lake cruise schedules can change by season. Highlights: turquoise glacial water, the Giessbach waterfalls (viewed from the lake, if on your route), dramatic cliffs and classic Swiss lakeside villages.

Day 6 · Saturday, August 29 · Italy Transfer Day

A full-day Alpine transfer from Interlaken to Lake Como over the Susten and Gotthard passes, then an evening on the Como waterfront.

Interlaken → Lake Como Scenic Transfer

Day 6 · Sat, Aug 29 · Departs 9:00 AM

Duration: About 6 hours — arrival estimated 2:50–3:00 PM, and no later than approximately 4:00 PM allowing for traffic and longer stops

Meeting location: Hotel Krebs, Interlaken — car at 8:45 AM

Address: Bahnhofstrasse 4, Interlaken 3800 → Palace Hotel, Lungo Lario Trieste 16, Como

Transportation: Edelswiss Limo private transfer. Route: Interlaken → Brienz → Meiringen → Susten Pass → Andermatt → Gotthard Pass (Tremola road) → Airolo → Bellinzona → Lugano → Brunate viewpoint → Como. Do NOT take the Gotthard Tunnel.

Reservation: Confirmed.

Confirmation #: 62631

Tickets: None — private car transfer.

Phone: +41 43 508 07 99

Notes — scheduled stops:

  • 9:35–9:45 — Brienz photo stop
  • 10:45–11:00 — Susten Pass / Stein Glacier viewpoint
  • 12:10–12:20 — Short stop at the Gotthard Pass summit
  • 12:45–1:45 — Lunch near Lugano or Morcote
  • 2:30–2:45 — Lake Como overlook at Faro Voltiano
  • 2:50–3:00 — Estimated arrival at the Palace Hotel, Lake Como

Important: Confirm the complete route and expected arrival time with Edelswiss. The 7:00 PM dinner pickup makes arrival timing important.

Lake Como Waterfront Walk & Aperitivo

Day 6 · Sat, Aug 29 · 5:30 PM

Duration: About 1½ hours, until the 7:00 PM van pickup

Meeting location: Palace Hotel, Como

Address: Lungo Lario Trieste 16, Como

Transportation: On foot from the hotel.

Reservation: None.

Tickets: None.

Notes: Walk the Lake Como waterfront at 5:30, then an aperitivo drink near the harbor at 6:30.

Day 7 · Sunday, August 30 · Bellagio Day

Elegant village, lake views, gardens, relaxed exploration — ferry to Bellagio, a guided garden visit, a self-guided old town tour, and the funicular up to Brunate.

Ferry: Como → Bellagio

Day 7 · Sun, Aug 30 · 9:10 AM

Duration: About 60 minutes by hydrofoil — arrive Bellagio 10:10 AM

Meeting location: Navigazione Laghi Ferry Terminal, Como — walk to the dock at 9:00 AM

Address: Como ferry terminal — 3 minutes from the hotel

Transportation: 3-minute walk from the Palace Hotel.

Reservation: Purchase ferry tickets a day ahead of time.

Tickets: Hydrofoil, Como → Bellagio.

Notes: Comfortable seating and beautiful views approaching Bellagio.

Villa Melzi Gardens — Guided Visit

Day 7 · Sun, Aug 30 · 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Duration: 1½ hours

Meeting location: The main entrance — a short walk from the village along the lake front, just after the Lido bar

Address: Villa Melzi Gardens, Bellagio

Transportation: 8–10 minute walk from the Bellagio ferry dock (500–600 meters / 0.3–0.4 miles), leaving 10:10 AM — exit the terminal onto the waterfront, turn left (south) facing the lake, stay on the lakeside promenade (Lungo Lario Manzoni), continue straight rather than uphill into the shopping streets; the entrance and ticket office are on your left.

Reservation: Guided visit arranged.

Tickets: Buy tickets at the entrance to enter the garden for 10 euros each.

Contact: Guide Eileen Jean French Richardson · eileenjeanfrench@gmail.com

Phone: 0039 3491468328

Notes: Elegant lakeside gardens, Japanese pond, sculptures and botanical terraces.

Bellagio Old Town Walking Tour — Self-Guided

Day 7 · Sun, Aug 30 · 2:00 – 4:15 PM

Duration: About 2¼ hours

Meeting location: Salita Serbelloni, above Piazza Mazzini

Address: Bellagio old town, 22021 Bellagio

Transportation: On foot from lunch at Ristorante Bilacus.

Reservation: None — self-guided.

Tickets: None.

Notes — recommended route (see attached Bellagio Walking Map):

  • Salita Serbelloni — Bellagio’s most iconic stone stair street; colorful buildings, flower-filled balconies, boutiques and cafés. One of the best photo locations in Lake Como.
  • Piazza della Chiesa — charming central square surrounded by cafés and historic buildings; a great place to pause.
  • Basilica of San Giacomo — beautiful 12th-century Romanesque church, historic stone interior, peaceful setting. Visit: 10–15 minutes.
  • Upper village streets — wander Via Garibaldi and neighboring lanes; silk, leather, olive wood, gourmet foods and local artisan shops. No fixed route.
  • Scenic overlooks — panoramic viewpoints over both branches of Lake Como; excellent group photographs.
  • Coffee / gelato break — Gelateria del Borgo or Caffè Bar Sport; relax 20–30 minutes.
  • Waterfront promenade — leisurely walk back toward the ferry terminal past elegant villas, lakeside gardens and mountain views.

Take time to simply wander. Bellagio’s greatest charm is often found in its quiet lanes, hidden courtyards, and unexpected lake views.

Punta Spartivento — optional

Day 7 · Sun, Aug 30 · Time & energy permitting

Duration: 10-minute walk beyond the village center, plus time at the viewpoint

Meeting location: North end of Bellagio village

Address: Punta Spartivento, 22021 Bellagio

Transportation: On foot from the old town.

Reservation: None.

Tickets: None.

Notes: Spectacular viewpoint where Lake Como’s three branches meet — widely regarded as Bellagio’s finest panoramic vista.

Ferry: Bellagio → Como

Day 7 · Sun, Aug 30 · 4:30 PM

Duration: About 1 hour — arrive Como 5:30 PM

Meeting location: Bellagio ferry terminal

Address: Bellagio ferry dock, 22021 Bellagio

Transportation: On foot along the waterfront promenade; 5:35 PM walk back to the Palace Hotel on arrival.

Reservation: Purchase ferry tickets online 2 days in advance.

Tickets: Bellagio → Como.

Como–Brunate Funicular

Day 7 · Sun, Aug 30 · 6:30 PM

Duration: 7-minute ride, after a 10–15 minute walk to the station

Meeting location: Como–Brunate funicular station

Address: Piazza Alcide De Gasperi 4, 22100 Como

Transportation: Exit the Palace Hotel and walk east approximately 10–15 minutes along the lakefront to the funicular.

Reservation: Purchase round-trip funicular tickets at the station, or confirm whether advance purchase is available.

Tickets: Round-trip, Como ⇄ Brunate.

Notes: Panoramic views of Lake Como and the Alps. Dinner at Bellavista is just 35 feet from the upper exit of the funicular station.

Day 8 · Monday, August 31 · Varenna Day

Romantic village, lakeside gardens, castle views — a hydrofoil to Varenna, the Lover’s Walk, Villa Monastero, then Bellagio in the evening.

Hydrofoil Ferry: Como → Varenna

Day 8 · Mon, Aug 31 · 10:15 AM

Duration: About 60 minutes — arrive Varenna 11:15 AM

Meeting location: Navigazione Laghi Ferry Dock, Como — walk to the terminal at 9:45 AM

Address: Como ferry terminal — 3 minute walk from the hotel

Transportation: 3-minute walk from the Palace Hotel.

Reservation: Purchase ferry tickets in advance.

Tickets: Hydrofoil, Como → Varenna.

Notes: Comfortable indoor seating.

Passeggiata degli Innamorati — Lover’s Walk

Day 8 · Mon, Aug 31 · 11:15 AM

Duration: About 30 minutes, until the old town at 11:45 AM

Meeting location: Varenna ferry dock

Address: Passeggiata degli Innamorati, 23829 Varenna

Transportation: On foot from the ferry dock.

Reservation: None.

Tickets: None.

Notes: Famous lakeside boardwalk built into the cliffside. Completely flat path, with excellent photography views of Bellagio across the lake.

Varenna Old Town

Day 8 · Mon, Aug 31 · 11:45 AM

Duration: Until the 12:30 PM lunch

Meeting location: Piazza San Giorgio, Varenna

Address: Piazza San Giorgio, 23829 Varenna

Transportation: On foot from the Lover’s Walk.

Reservation: None.

Tickets: None.

Notes: Piazza San Giorgio, the Church of San Giorgio, small artisan shops and gelato.

Villa Monastero Botanical Gardens

Day 8 · Mon, Aug 31 · 2:00 PM

Duration: Until about 3:45 PM — take your time

Meeting location: Villa Monastero entrance, Varenna

Address: Villa Monastero, 23829 Varenna

Transportation: On foot from the old town after lunch.

Reservation: Purchase tickets in advance.

Tickets: Purchase in advance.

Notes: “prenditi il ​​​​tuo tempo” — sit on a few benches overlooking the lake and enjoy the gardens instead of walking through them quickly. This is one of the most relaxing places on Lake Como.

Explore Varenna

Day 8 · Mon, Aug 31 · 3:45 PM

Duration: Until the 4:30 PM ferry

Meeting location: Varenna village

Address: 23829 Varenna

Transportation: On foot.

Reservation: None.

Tickets: None.

Notes: Browse the small shops you may have skipped before lunch, enjoy a gelato or espresso at a lakeside café, walk back along the waterfront, and take photographs as the afternoon light becomes softer.

Ferry: Varenna → Bellagio

Day 8 · Mon, Aug 31 · 4:30 PM

Duration: 15-minute crossing

Meeting location: Varenna ferry dock

Address: Varenna ferry dock, 23829 Varenna

Transportation: On foot from the village.

Reservation: Purchase ferry tickets in advance.

Tickets: Varenna → Bellagio.

Explore Bellagio

Day 8 · Mon, Aug 31 · 4:45 PM

Duration: Until the 6:50 PM walk to dinner

Meeting location: Bellagio waterfront

Address: 22021 Bellagio

Transportation: On foot from the ferry dock.

Reservation: None.

Tickets: None.

Notes: Stroll the waterfront, wander Salita Serbelloni and nearby lanes, perhaps stop for an aperitivo with a lake view. No need to rush — you’ll already be where you’re having dinner.

Ferry: Bellagio → Como

Day 8 · Mon, Aug 31 · 9:00 PM

Meeting location: Bellagio ferry dock — walk back after dinner at La Punta

Address: Bellagio ferry dock, 22021 Bellagio

Transportation: Hydrofoil to Como.

Reservation: Purchase ferry tickets 2 days in advance.

Tickets: Bellagio → Como, evening service.

CRITICAL: Confirm the exact Bellagio-to-Como departure and purchase tickets before the trip. Arrange private transportation if no suitable evening ferry operates.

Day 9 · Tuesday, September 1 · Private Boat Tour Day

A private chartered cruise from Como to Villa del Balbianello with a guided villa tour, then Menaggio and Tremezzo before the final celebration dinner.

Prestige Boat Tours — Private Lake Como Cruise

Day 9 · Tue, Sep 1 · 9:45 AM pickup

Duration: Through to the Menaggio drop-off at approximately 2:30 PM, including a 45–60 minute scenic cruise after the villa visit

Meeting location: Palace Hotel dock, Como — walk to the dock at 9:30 AM

Address: Palace Hotel, Lungo Lario Trieste 16, Como

Transportation: Private boat pickup at the hotel dock.

Reservation: Confirmed.

Tickets: Included in the charter — private cruise, reserved admission to Villa del Balbianello, and a private English-speaking guide for our group.

Contact: Roberto Pistolese · booking@privateboattourlakecomo.com

Phone: Office +390245074597

Website: www.privateboattourlakecomo.com

Notes: Commentary from our captain about the history of Lake Como, arrival directly at the villa’s private dock, and the boat and captain remain available. After the visit, an additional 45–60 minute scenic cruise on the central lake passing some of Lake Como’s scenic sites, ending with drop-off at the Menaggio dock.

Villa del Balbianello — Guided Tour

Day 9 · Tue, Sep 1 · Late morning

Duration: The guided villa tour, followed by the 45–60 minute return cruise

Meeting location: The villa’s private dock — arrival directly by boat

Address: Villa del Balbianello, Lenno

Transportation: Private boat from Como.

Reservation: Reserved admission included in the Prestige Boat Tours charter, with a private English-speaking guide for our group providing a complete guided tour.

Tickets: Admission included in the charter.

Contact: Roberto Pistolese, Prestige Boat Tours · Phone: +390245074597

Notes: Terraced gardens overlooking the lake; famous filming location for Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones; dramatic stone staircases and loggia views.

Explore Menaggio Village

Day 9 · Tue, Sep 1 · 2:30 PM

Duration: Until the 5:00 PM ferry

Meeting location: Menaggio dock — private boat drop-off at approximately 2:30 PM

Address: Piazza Garibaldi, 22017 Menaggio

Transportation: On foot from the dock.

Reservation: None.

Tickets: None.

Notes: Piazza Garibaldi cafés, the lakeside promenade, boutique shops, and a coffee stop at Caffè Del Pess with its beautiful terrace.

Ferry: Menaggio → Tremezzo

Day 9 · Tue, Sep 1 · 5:00 PM

Meeting location: Menaggio ferry dock

Address: Menaggio ferry dock, 22017 Menaggio

Transportation: On foot from the village.

Reservation: Purchase ferry tickets 2 days in advance.

Tickets: Menaggio → Tremezzo.

Explore Tremezzo Village

Day 9 · Tue, Sep 1 · 5:30 PM

Duration: Until the 7:30 PM celebration dinner

Meeting location: Tremezzo waterfront

Address: 22019 Tremezzo (CO)

Transportation: On foot from the ferry dock.

Reservation: None.

Tickets: None.

Ferry: Tremezzo → Como

Day 9 · Tue, Sep 1 · 9:30 PM

Meeting location: Tremezzo ferry dock, after dinner at La Darsena

Address: Tremezzo ferry dock, 22019 Tremezzo

Transportation: Ferry back to the hotel in Como.

Reservation: Purchase ferry tickets in advance.

Tickets: Tremezzo → Como, evening service.

CRITICAL: Confirm whether an evening ferry operates from Tremezzo to Como. If not, arrange a private driver through the Palace Hotel concierge.

Day 10 · Wednesday, September 2 · Travel Home Day

Edelswiss transfer to Malpensa and the flight home.

No excursions scheduled today.

Transportation

Every transfer, flight, train, gondola, funicular, ferry and boat in the master itinerary, organized by travel day. Departure time and the from → to leg sit at the top of each card, with the confirmation number right below. Every card carries the same Maps, Call and Website buttons. Only confirmed details are shown.

Day 1 · Monday, August 24 · Travel Day

Carey Limousine to Atlanta, then the overnight Delta flight to Zurich.

Carey Limousine — Home to Atlanta Airport

Day 1 · Mon, Aug 24 · 1:00 PM pickup

Departs1:00 PMMon, Aug 24
FromHomeCurbside pickup
ToAtlanta AirportATL
Conf # 1138707

Type: Private car service

Passengers: Dan & Elaine only

Phone: 404-223-2000

Notes: Donna, Dale & Sue travel separately and connect from Boston onto the same Zurich flight.

Delta Air Lines — Flight DL 90

Day 1 · Mon, Aug 24 · 5:10 PM departure

Departs5:10 PMMon, Aug 24
FromAtlantaATL
ToZurichZRH
Conf # GNRF48

Type: Overnight transatlantic flight

Arrives Zurich: Tuesday, August 25 at 8:05 AM

Notes: Donna, Dale & Sue connect from Boston (BOS) onto this flight, so the group is together for the Zurich leg.

Day 2 · Tuesday, August 25 · Zurich to Interlaken

A full-day private scenic transfer from Zurich Airport to Hotel Krebs, with four planned stops along the way.

Edelswiss Limo — Private Scenic Transfer

Day 2 · Tue, Aug 25 · Departs ~9:15 AM

Departs~9:15 AMAfter 8:05 AM arrival
FromZurich AirportDriver meets us inside
ToHotel KrebsInterlaken · 3:30 PM
Res # 62630

Type: Private car transfer — no tickets needed

Phone: +41 43 508 07 99

Route: Zurich → Rapperswil → Walensee → Sargans → Bernese Oberland → Lake Thun → Interlaken. Avoid the direct motorway-only route via Bern.

Notes — planned stops:

  • 9:15 — Depart Zurich Airport toward Rapperswil
  • 10:00–10:20 — Rapperswil: short lakeside walk and coffee
  • 11:05–11:15 — Walensee viewpoint photo stop
  • 11:20–12:50 — Lunch at Sagibeiz am Walensee
  • 2:00–2:40 — Oberhofen Castle photo stop
  • 2:45–3:00 — Beatenberg viewpoint, Jungfrau Region
  • 3:30 — Arrive Hotel Krebs, Interlaken

Day 3 · Wednesday, August 26 · Paragliding Day

No cars today — everything is on foot within Interlaken, plus the Harderbahn funicular in the afternoon.

Walking — Interlaken

Day 3 · Wed, Aug 26 · From 9:10 AM

Departs9:10 AMFlyers leave hotel
FromHotel KrebsBahnhofstrasse 4
ToHöheweg 125Paragliding office

Type: Walking / local transportation within Interlaken

Paragliding meeting location: Höheweg 125, CH-3800 Interlaken

Notes: About a 10-minute walk — left out of the hotel and along Höheweg to #125. Non-flyers walk about 5 minutes to Höhematte Park at 9:45 AM to watch the landing. No private car is booked for this day.

Harderbahn Funicular — Interlaken to Harder Kulm

Day 3 · Wed, Aug 26 · 1:45 PM departure

Departs1:45 PMDown at 3:30 PM
FromHarderbahn Valley StationHarderstrasse
ToHarder Kulm10-minute ride

Type: Funicular railway, round trip

Tickets: Purchase round-trip tickets through the official Jungfrau Railways Harder Kulm website 3 days prior.

Notes: Arrive at the valley station about 1:30 PM. Walk from Restaurant Stadthaus at 1:15 PM — east on Marktgasse, across the Spielmatte Bridge, along Höheweg, left onto Harderstrasse, then follow the Harderbahn signs.

Day 4 · Thursday, August 27 · Grindelwald Day

Train out to Grindelwald, the Firstbahn gondola up to First, and the return train to Interlaken in the late afternoon.

SBB Train — Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald

Day 4 · Thu, Aug 27 · 10:00 AM departure

Departs10:00 AMWalk to station 9:30 AM
FromInterlaken Ost20-min walk from hotel
ToGrindelwaldArrive 10:40 AM

Type: Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), very frequent service

Tickets: 7 round-trip tickets, 2nd class, purchased online through SBB 2–7 days before the trip.

Passengers: 7 adults

Notes: Walk from Hotel Krebs to Interlaken Ost at about 9:30 AM — roughly 20 minutes.

Firstbahn Gondola — Grindelwald to First

Day 4 · Thu, Aug 27 · 11:25 AM departure

Departs11:25 AM~25-minute ride
FromGrindelwaldFirstbahn station
ToFirstArrive ~11:50 AM

Type: Cable car / gondola, round trip

Tickets: Purchase round-trip tickets from the official Jungfrau website — route Grindelwald → First → Grindelwald.

Notes: Walk through the village from the train station and arrive at the gondola around 11:15 AM. Gondola descent begins at 1:30 PM, back in Grindelwald at 2:00 PM.

Return Train — Grindelwald to Interlaken Ost

Day 4 · Thu, Aug 27 · 3:45 PM departure

Departs3:45 PMReturn leg begins
FromGrindelwaldVillage station
ToInterlaken OstArrive 4:20 PM

Type: SBB train — covered by the morning round-trip tickets

Notes: Back at Hotel Krebs around 4:40 PM, ahead of the 7:00 PM dinner at Hüsi Bierhaus.

Day 5 · Friday, August 28 · Lauterbrunnen & Lake Brienz Day

Morning train to Lauterbrunnen and back, then the afternoon panoramic cruise on Lake Brienz.

SBB Train — Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen

Day 5 · Fri, Aug 28 · 10:00 AM departure

Departs10:00 AMWalk to station 9:40 AM
FromInterlaken OstWalk from hotel
ToLauterbrunnenArrive 10:25 AM

Type: Swiss rail, round trip

Tickets: Purchase round-trip train tickets 2–7 days in advance.

Return Train — Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken Ost

Day 5 · Fri, Aug 28 · 1:20 PM departure

Departs1:20 PMAfter lunch
FromLauterbrunnenVillage station
ToInterlaken OstArrive 1:45 PM

Type: Swiss rail — covered by the morning round-trip tickets

Notes: Walk directly from the station to the boat dock beside it for the 2:25 PM cruise.

Lake Brienz Panoramic Cruise

Day 5 · Fri, Aug 28 · 2:25 PM departure

Departs2:25 PMDock beside station
FromInterlaken OstBoat dock
ToLake BrienzReturn 3:40 PM

Type: Round-trip panoramic boat cruise toward Ringgenberg and Iseltwald, depending on the day's timetable

Tickets: Purchase in advance through the official BLS timetable.

Notes: Exact cruise departure and return times must be confirmed through the official BLS timetable — verify the 2026 BLS Lake Brienz schedule a few weeks before departure, as lake cruise schedules change by season.

Day 6 · Saturday, August 29 · Interlaken to Lake Como

The long scenic Alpine transfer to Italy over the Susten and Gotthard passes, then a hotel van to dinner at Il Gatto Nero.

Edelswiss Limo — Scenic Transfer to Lake Como

Day 6 · Sat, Aug 29 · 9:00 AM departure

Departs9:00 AMDriver ready 8:45 AM
FromHotel KrebsInterlaken
ToPalace HotelComo · ~3:00 PM
Res # 62631

Type: Private car transfer, full-day scenic route

Phone: +41 43 508 07 99

Route — important: Interlaken → Brienz → Meiringen → Susten Pass → Andermatt → Gotthard Pass summit → Tremola Road → Airolo → Bellinzona → Lugano → Brunate viewpoint → Como

Driver note: Use the scenic Alpine route over the Susten and Gotthard passes via the Tremola road. Do NOT take the Gotthard Tunnel.

Notes — planned stops:

  • 9:35–9:45 — Brienz photo stop
  • 10:45–11:00 — Susten Pass / Stein Glacier viewpoint
  • 12:10–12:20 — Gotthard Pass summit
  • 12:45–1:45 — Lunch near Lugano or Morcote
  • 2:30–2:45 — Lake Como overlook at Faro Voltiano
  • 2:50–3:00 — Expected arrival at the Palace Hotel; allowing for traffic and longer stops, no later than about 4:00 PM

Important: Confirm the complete route and expected arrival time with Edelswiss — the 7:00 PM dinner pickup makes arrival timing important.

Private Van — Dinner at Il Gatto Nero

Day 6 · Sat, Aug 29 · 7:00 PM pickup

Departs7:00 PMReturn 10:00 PM
FromPalace HotelComo
ToIl Gatto NeroCernobbio
Dinner res # BLQLJ9QJ

Type: Private van arranged through the Palace Hotel concierge

Dinner reservation: 7:45 PM

Address: Via Monte Santo 69, 22012 Cernobbio

Phone: +39 031 512042

Notes: Van pickup at 19.00 and return at 22.00, confirmed by Alessia, Palace Hotel concierge, via email on July 18.

Day 7 · Sunday, August 30 · Bellagio Day

Ferry across to Bellagio and back, then the Como–Brunate funicular up to dinner.

Ferry — Como to Bellagio

Day 7 · Sun, Aug 30 · 9:10 AM departure

Departs9:10 AMWalk to dock 9:00 AM
FromComoNavigazione Laghi terminal
ToBellagioArrive 10:10 AM

Type: Hydrofoil, about 60 minutes, comfortable seating

Tickets: Purchase ferry tickets a day ahead of time.

Travel note: Sit on the right side leaving Como.

Notes: The terminal is a 3-minute walk from the Palace Hotel. Beautiful views approaching Bellagio.

Ferry — Bellagio to Como

Day 7 · Sun, Aug 30 · 4:30 PM departure

Departs4:30 PMReturn leg
FromBellagioFerry terminal
ToComoArrive 5:30 PM

Type: Lake Como ferry

Tickets: Purchase ferry tickets online 2 days in advance.

Travel note: Sit on the left side returning to Como.

Notes: Walk back to the Palace Hotel at about 5:35 PM.

Como–Brunate Funicular — Dinner at Bellavista

Day 7 · Sun, Aug 30 · 6:30 PM departure

Departs6:30 PMWalk from hotel
FromComoPiazza Alcide De Gasperi 4
ToBrunate7-minute ride

Type: Funicular railway, round trip

Tickets: Purchase round-trip funicular tickets at the station, or confirm whether advance purchase is available.

Notes: Exit the Palace Hotel and walk east about 10–15 minutes along the lakefront to the funicular. Panoramic views of Lake Como and the Alps. Bellavista is just 35 feet from the upper exit of the funicular station, with the 7:30 PM dinner reservation.

Day 8 · Monday, August 31 · Varenna Day

Hydrofoil up the lake to Varenna, across to Bellagio in the afternoon, and the evening ferry back to Como.

Hydrofoil Ferry — Como to Varenna

Day 8 · Mon, Aug 31 · 10:15 AM departure

Departs10:15 AMWalk to dock 9:45 AM
FromComoNavigazione Laghi dock
ToVarennaArrive 11:15 AM

Type: Hydrofoil, about 60 minutes, comfortable indoor seating

Tickets: Purchase ferry tickets in advance.

Notes: The ferry dock is a 3-minute walk from the Palace Hotel.

Ferry — Varenna to Bellagio

Day 8 · Mon, Aug 31 · 4:30 PM departure

Departs4:30 PM15-minute crossing
FromVarennaFerry dock
ToBellagioArrive ~4:45 PM

Type: Lake Como ferry, short cross-lake crossing

Tickets: Purchase ferry tickets in advance.

Notes: Dinner at Ristorante La Punta is a 10-minute walk from the Bellagio ferry dock — leave at about 6:50 PM.

Ferry — Bellagio to Como

Day 8 · Mon, Aug 31 · 9:00 PM departure

Departs9:00 PMAfter dinner
FromBellagioFerry dock
ToComoBack to the hotel

Type: Evening Lake Como ferry

Tickets: Purchase ferry tickets 2 days in advance.

CRITICAL: Confirm the exact Bellagio-to-Como departure and purchase tickets before the trip. Arrange private transportation if no suitable evening ferry operates.

Day 9 · Tuesday, September 1 · Private Boat Tour Day

A private chartered boat from the hotel dock to Villa del Balbianello and on to Menaggio, then ferries to Tremezzo and back to Como.

Prestige Boat Tours — Private Lake Como Boat

Day 9 · Tue, Sep 1 · 9:45 AM pickup

Departs9:45 AMWalk to dock 9:30 AM
FromPalace Hotel dockLungo Lario Trieste 16
ToMenaggio dockDrop-off ~2:30 PM

Type: Private chartered boat with captain, reserved for our group all day

Contact: Roberto Pistolese · booking@privateboattourlakecomo.com

Phone: Office +39 02 4507 4597

Website: www.privateboattourlakecomo.com

Notes — scheduled lake stops:

  • Private cruise from Como to Villa del Balbianello, with captain's commentary on the history of Lake Como
  • Arrival directly at the villa's private dock, with reserved admission and a private English-speaking guide for our group
  • An additional 45–60 minute scenic cruise on the central lake after the villa visit
  • Drop-off at the Menaggio dock at approximately 2:30 PM — the boat and captain remain available throughout

Ferry — Menaggio to Tremezzo

Day 9 · Tue, Sep 1 · 5:00 PM departure

Departs5:00 PMAfter Menaggio
FromMenaggioFerry dock
ToTremezzoArrive ~5:30 PM

Type: Lake Como ferry

Tickets: Purchase ferry tickets 2 days in advance.

Notes: Explore Tremezzo village ahead of the 7:30 PM celebration dinner at Ristorante La Darsena.

Ferry — Tremezzo to Como

Day 9 · Tue, Sep 1 · 9:30 PM departure

Departs9:30 PMAfter dinner
FromTremezzoFerry dock
ToComoBack to the hotel

Type: Evening Lake Como ferry

Tickets: Purchase ferry tickets in advance.

CRITICAL: Confirm whether an evening ferry operates from Tremezzo to Como. If not, arrange a private driver through the Palace Hotel concierge.

Day 10 · Wednesday, September 2 · Departure Day

Early limo to Malpensa, the Delta flight home to Atlanta, and Carey Limo from the airport.

Edelswiss Limo — Como to Malpensa Airport

Day 10 · Wed, Sep 2 · 7:30 AM departure

Departs7:30 AMWake-up ~5:00 AM
FromPalace HotelComo
ToMalpensa AirportMXP · ETA 8:45 AM
Conf # 62632

Type: Private car transfer

Phone: +41 43 508 07 99

Notes: Breakfast at the hotel is included before departure.

Delta Air Lines — Flight DL 175

Day 10 · Wed, Sep 2 · 11:40 AM departure

Departs11:40 AMWed, Sep 2
FromMilan MalpensaMXP
ToAtlantaATL · Arrive 4:15 PM
Conf # GNRF48

Type: Return transatlantic flight

Carey Limousine — Atlanta Airport to Home

Day 10 · Wed, Sep 2 · After the 4:15 PM arrival

DepartsAfter arrivalConfirm with Carey
FromAtlanta AirportATL
ToHomeDan & Elaine only
Conf # 1138708

Type: Private car service

Passengers: Dan & Elaine only

Phone: 404-223-2000

Notes: Confirm the pickup time with Carey.

Tickets

Every ticket to buy for this trip, in the order you'll use them. Each card lists the venue, what it is, when you go, where to buy and when to buy it.

Harderbahn Funicular — Harder Kulm

Round-trip funicular climbing nearly 2,500 feet (755 meters) from Interlaken to the Harder Kulm summit, with the Two-Lakes Bridge, the Panorama Restaurant and views of Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau.

Date & TimeDay 3 · Wednesday, August 26, 2026 · 1:45 PM up, 3:30 PM down
Website To Acquire Ticketsjungfrau.ch
Date Tickets Should Be AcquiredBy Monday, August 24, 2026 — 3 days prior

SBB Railway — Interlaken Ost ⇄ Grindelwald

Seven adult round-trip rail tickets, 2nd class, on Swiss Federal Railways between Interlaken Ost and Grindelwald. Trains run very frequently on this route.

Date & TimeDay 4 · Thursday, August 27, 2026 · 10:00 AM out, 3:45 PM return
Website To Acquire Ticketssbb.ch
Date Tickets Should Be AcquiredThursday, August 20 – Tuesday, August 25, 2026 — 2 to 7 days prior

Firstbahn Gondola — Grindelwald First

Seven round-trip gondola tickets on the route Grindelwald → First → Grindelwald, about 25 minutes each way up to the First summit and the Cliff Walk.

Date & TimeDay 4 · Thursday, August 27, 2026 · board 11:25 AM, descend 1:30 PM
Website To Acquire Ticketsjungfrau.ch
Date Tickets Should Be AcquiredIn advance, before Thursday, August 27, 2026

Lake Brienz Panoramic Cruise

Round-trip panoramic cruise from the dock beside Interlaken Ost station toward Ringgenberg and Iseltwald — turquoise glacial water, the Giessbach waterfalls and classic Swiss lakeside villages.

Date & TimeDay 5 · Friday, August 28, 2026 · 2:25 PM, returning 3:40 PM
Website To Acquire Ticketsbls.ch
Date Tickets Should Be AcquiredA few weeks prior — confirm the 2026 BLS timetable, then buy in advance

Villa Melzi Gardens, Bellagio

Guided visit of the elegant lakeside gardens — Japanese pond, sculptures and botanical terraces. Entry is €10 per person and the guide is €87.

Date & TimeDay 7 · Sunday, August 30, 2026 · 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Website To Acquire Ticketsgiardinidivillamelzi.it
Date Tickets Should Be AcquiredOn the day — buy at the entrance ticket office, Sunday, August 30, 2026

Como–Brunate Funicular

Seven-minute round-trip funicular from Como up to Brunate for panoramic views of Lake Como and the Alps, arriving 35 feet from the door of Ristorante Bellavista.

Date & TimeDay 7 · Sunday, August 30, 2026 · 6:30 PM
Website To Acquire Ticketsfunicolarecomo.it
Date Tickets Should Be AcquiredOn the day — buy at the station, Sunday, August 30, 2026

Weather Backup Plans

Interlaken Area

St. Beatus Caves · Trümmelbach Falls · Lake Thun or Lake Brienz cruise · Giessbach Grand Hotel · Brienz · Oberhofen Castle · Ballenberg.

Como Area

Como old town, cafés, shopping, hotel time, and ferry plans adjusted around weather conditions.

Trip Photos

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Packing Checklist

Upcoming Trips

Where we're headed after Switzerland & Lake Como, in the order they arrive.

The Las Vegas Strip lit up at night

Las Vegas

Thursday, October 22 – Monday, October 26, 2026

Bright lights, big shows, and warm desert evenings. An easy long-weekend trip built around great dinners and headline entertainment.

Naples Pier stretching into the Gulf of Mexico from a white sand beach

Naples, Florida

Saturday, February 20 – Saturday, March 6, 2027

Gulf Coast sunsets, soft sand, and the landmark Naples Pier. A relaxed beach fortnight with unhurried mornings and easy strolls along Fifth Avenue South.

Turquoise water and white sand at Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos

Turks & Caicos Spring Break

Sunday, April 5 – Sunday, April 12, 2027

Grace Bay's turquoise water and powder-white sand over spring break. A full week on the beach with boat days and fresh seafood.

🌲

Maine

July 2027

Pine woods, cold clear water and long northern evenings. A summer week built around the coast, the lakes and unhurried days outdoors.

🌺

Hawaii

Monday, October 5 – Wednesday, October 20, 2027

Two full weeks in the islands — volcanic landscapes, warm water, and sunsets worth planning the day around.

Turquoise water and white sand at Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos

Turks & Caicos

April 2 – 9, 2028

A return to Grace Bay. A quiet island escape built around the beach, boat days, and fresh seafood.

🏰

Paris to Prague

May / June 2028

A journey across the heart of Europe, from Parisian boulevards to the spires of Prague, with classic cities and countryside in between.

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Western Caribbean Cruise

September 2028

Warm water, easy sea days and a new port each morning. All the unpacking done once.

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Maine Coastal Road Trip

October 2028 · Portland to Bar Harbor

Autumn color along the Down East coast, from Portland's waterfront north through harbor towns to Bar Harbor and Acadia.

Photos: Las Vegas by Frank Schulenburg (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Naples Pier by Marc Ryckaert (CC BY 4.0) · Grace Bay by Csouthard (CC BY-SA 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons.

Las Vegas

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Trip Planning In Progress

This destination is being developed and will be available in a future DD Travel update.

Naples, Florida

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Trip Planning In Progress

This destination is being developed and will be available in a future DD Travel update.

Turks & Caicos Spring Break

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Trip Planning In Progress

This destination is being developed and will be available in a future DD Travel update.

Maine

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Trip Planning In Progress

This destination is being developed and will be available in a future DD Travel update.

Hawaii

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Trip Planning In Progress

This destination is being developed and will be available in a future DD Travel update.

Turks & Caicos

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Trip Planning In Progress

This destination is being developed and will be available in a future DD Travel update.

Paris to Prague

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Trip Planning In Progress

This destination is being developed and will be available in a future DD Travel update.

Western Caribbean Cruise

🧭

Trip Planning In Progress

This destination is being developed and will be available in a future DD Travel update.

Maine Coastal Road Trip

🧭

Trip Planning In Progress

This destination is being developed and will be available in a future DD Travel update.