Switzerland & Italy

In September, both Zürich and Lake Lucerne usually experience mild and comfortable temperatures with pleasant weather conditions. The average high temperature in Zürich during this time is around 63-71°F. Lows tend to dip into the low 50s°F. Lake Lucerne, being close to Zürich, generally has similar weather conditions.

Down in Venice and Lake Como, you'll find a bit warmer temperatures, along with pleasant, sunny days and low chances of rain. The average high temperature in Lake Como during late August is around 71°F and 75°F in Venice, while the average low temperature ranges from about 60-65°F. It's worth noting that temperatures can vary slightly depending on the specific area around the lake.

While exploring the city today, we suggest following the aromas of freshly baked croissants for a light snack.

• SERI: This small, family-owned bakery offers a delectable selection of pastries and bread, all of which are made fresh daily using natural ingredients. The bakery is known for its artisanal bread, including sourdough, rye, and spelt loaves, as well as its delicious croissants and other French pastries. (15 min walk)
  
• Juliette: This cozy and inviting bakery offers a wide variety of freshly baked bread, pastries, and cakes, all of which are made using traditional French baking techniques and high-quality ingredients. (12 min walk)
  
• John Baker: This bakery is a favorite among locals and offers a wide variety of croissants, from traditional to chocolate-filled, all of which are baked fresh daily. (6 min walk)

Within Zürich

• Views from Uetliberg: Take public transportation up the Uetliberg mountain for incredible views over the city.
  
• Planet Hike: An easy-going, 6 kilometer pathway takes you along the mountain ridge line overlooking Zürich. It's a great way to get out in the beautiful nature surrounding the city!
  
• Fondue at Felsenegg: Enjoy a traditional Swiss menu from the restaurant terrace up in the mountain above Zürich. Afterwards, you can take the gondola back into town for even more spectacular views.
  
• Boat on Lake Zürich: Take one of the public boats around the lake departing from Bürkliplatz. It's a great way to see the city from the water!

Outside of Zürich

• Visit Rheinfall: Take a 40 minute drive north past Swiss castles and the charming town of Schaffhausen to see the falls from the Rhine River.
  
• The Town of Lucerne: Set along the River Reuss as it emerges from Lake Lucerne, this gorgeous town has retained its iconic timber-framed architecture through the centuries and is the perfect place to visit to step back in time. The town of Lucerne is just a 40 minute drive from Zürich.
  
• Jungfraujoch: For a full-day excursion, head to the stunning alpine region of the Bernese Oberland. Here, you'll find postcard-worthy towns set in the mountains such as Wengen, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Interlaken. The drive out here from Zürich is around 2 hours.

1 Michelin Star

• IGNIV by Andreas Caminada: Walking distance from the hotel; shareable and comforting dishes composed of regional ingredients with a cosmopolitan touch
  
• La Rôtisserie: At the hotel itself, nice ambiance and great view near the river (or on the terrace if weather allows) featuring classic Swiss and international dishes

2 Michelin Star

• The Restaurant at the Dolder Grand: serving fresh and innovative gourmet cuisine created by the Chef in a stylish atmosphere. Approx. 10 min from the hotel by car
  
• Widder Restaurant: Here, the Chef is known for their unique style of cooking: The combination of highest product quality, excellent cooking craftsmanship, a willingness to experiment and their characteristic hint of "acidity" open up new worlds of taste and turn a meal into an unforgettable gourmet adventure.
  
• Restaurant au Pavillon at Hotel Baur au Lac: The Head Chef delights guests with seasonal and modern interpretations of Haute Cuisine classics.

Local / Traditional

• Zur oberen Flühgasse: A family-owned, traditional Swiss cuisine. Approx. 10 min from the hotel by car
  
• Restaurant zum Kropf: Grand Swiss/Bavarian restaurant in a 15th-century house with murals, ceiling paintings & wood panels and dishes dating back over a century.
  
• Restaurant Drei Stuben: Contemporary regional food in 3 wood-paneled dining rooms & on terrace of traditional rustic house.
  
• Lumiere: A French-bistro style dining venue in an intimate setting.
  
• La Salle: Grand, glass-walled eatery & bar in a former shipbuilding factory, offering French & Italian dishes. Located in the more hip, former industrial district of Zürich West
  
• Zunfthaus zur Waag: Traditional veal cutlets & rosti in elegant 17th-century guild house, with tables on cobbled square
  
• Haus zum Rüden: Gothic dining room in a 13th-century guild hall serving gourmet Swiss dishes, with outdoor tables.
  
• The Sternen Grill: A simple, but favorite local haunt for lunch. Ground floor is takeaway, 1st floor you can sit and dine-in. This is where the locals go for Bratwurst (no reservations possible)

Sights

• Old Town: Wander around the historic town center on the right bank of River Reuss. Navigate the old painted houses, Kornmarkt, and the Rathuas to get a feel for the local vibe in this charming destination.
  
• Kapellbrücke: Also known as "Chapel Bridge", this is the oldest truss bridge in the world and a true icon of Lucerne. Adorning the ceiling of the walkway are paintings dating back to the 17th century depicting the history of the region.
  
• The Rosengart Collection: For a museum visit, we suggest the Rosengart Collection where a prominent art collector and their daughter display one of the most prominent modern art collections in Europe including works by Picasso, Klee, Chagall, Monet, Matissse, Miró, Braque and Fernand Léger.

Restaurants

• Mill'Feuille: A fantastic place for lunch located directly on the River Reuss
  
• Restaurant Stern: A contemporary take on Swiss cuisine located in a 700-year old building
  
• Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern: This former guild house offers seasonal Swiss dishes with views over Kapellebrucke
  
• Mardi Gras: Whether you're looking for a coffee or glass of wine, you'll find both at this artsy café
  
• Café Tacuba: For a quick pick-me-up, Café Tacuba is a great spot for a coffee break

• Osteria Alle Testiere: At Alle Testerie, the daily menu depends on the availability of fresh fish at the market. This intimate seafood restaurant in a Castello backstreet, founded by a chef, promises consistently exquisite dishes with a Venetian touch. The offerings are deceptively simple yet always delightful, featuring just-caught-fresh seafood. Be prepared for some Venetian tradition, complemented by interesting spices and unexpected treats, with desserts that are simply irresistible.
  
• Bistrot de Venise: The Bistrot de Venise was first opened in 1993. It is a place where people can meet up and savour the Cuisine & Wine as they enjoy figurative arts, poetry, cultural gatherings and a host of other activities dedicated to Venice.
  
• Osteria alla Frasca: Since 1903, La Frasca, located in a quiet campo near Fondamenta Nuova, proudly offers "cucina tipica veneziana," typical Venetian cuisine. Despite its traditional roots, Alla Frasca's food, served with flair, is a testament to freshness. The all-seafood menu features delights like baccalà mantecato (creamed cod) on crispy polenta and cuttlefish stewed in its own ink.
  
• Gastrosteria Ai Mercanti: Ai Mercanti, led by two generations of a family, strikes a charmingly relaxed balance between a restaurant and bistrot. A chef's unwavering commitment to kitchen excellence has made this hidden gem near St Mark's a favorite among locals and tourists. With low ceilings, well-stocked wine racks, a blackboard listing daily specials, bare brick walls, and subtle lighting, the restaurant exudes a casual, intimate ambiance. The changing menu features dishes like ombrina with seared lettuce and tomatoes dusted with dried caper, or veal with teriyaki sauce on creamed bell peppers.
  
• La Porta d'Acqua: Overlooking the Grand Canal, a few meters from the Rialto Bridge, La Porta d'Acqua offers Mediterranean cuisine inspired by the Campania and Venetian traditions and by fish from the nearby fish market.
  
• Vineria All'Amarone: A wine bar that offers a fine selection of local wines with a focus on the spectacular Valpolicella Region & its Amarone Wine. Sit down either inside or on table outside in a typical Venetian alley, and enjoy some freshly made “Ciccheti”, the Venetian finger food
  
• Local: Michelin-starred Local is unusually spacious, adorned in lagoon blue shades with decor featuring local crafts, including thousands of colored glass beads in the floor. The kitchen, brimming with exquisitely fresh local produce, creatively combines tradition with new twists and occasional fusion elements. A chef crafts seven- or nine-course set menus in the open kitchen, showcasing dishes like rice with razor clams or Venetian squid in its ink. Accommodating allergies, the welcoming and professional service complements the expertly curated wine list.
  
• Al Diavolo e l'Acqua Santa: Find classic Venetian cichetti like tuna, meat and vegetable balls, fried cod and sardines, musetto and mozzarella with gorgonzola, stewed meatballs, and scallops.
  
• Ristorante San Silvestro: In the heart of Venice lies Ristorante San Silvestro, an establishment that offers delectable seafood cuisine in a charming and quiet ambiance.
  
• Osteria La Zucca: Seasonal Venetian dishes with vegetarian leanings, in a cozy setting with tables by the canal.
  
• Ristorante Lineadombra: High-end Italian seafood, wine & homemade pasta in a chic space with a romantic waterside terrace overlooking the canal.
  
• Al Covo: A chef and their spouse have passionately operated Al Covo, a beloved Venetian restaurant, since 1987. The cuisine, unpretentious yet studied, is deeply connected to the local territory, sourcing ingredients from nearby producers and Slow Food presidiums. The restaurant offers a charming osteria-style exterior with outdoor tables and a sophisticated interior featuring dark brick, cream walls, wooden fittings, and eclectic art. Choose from à la carte options or opt for tasting menus available for both lunch and dinner.

Originally built as the boathouse of the property over a century ago, the SPA has been transformed by a well-known designer into a modern and relaxing facility which reflects its history and Lake Como. The Spa has an outdoor relaxation area with a pool literally built over the water, which is the perfect place to rest and cool down. There are also a sauna and a steam room, both designed by the aforementioned designer and finished with Italian tiles. The SPA offers massages along with a wide range of rejuvenating treatments and Valmont products, renowned cellular cosmetics and anti-aging treatments inspired by nature. Whether you are looking for a facial or a body treatment, the SPA will offer you a unique and tailored experience, leaving you with visible and effective results signed by Valmont.

Please read more here.

Venture out on the calm waters of Lake Como and enjoy one of Italy’s most famous boating destinations. From picturesque villages, to grand villas and estates, Lake Como water scenset will blew you away.

You can read Il Sereno's Boat Guide here.

Cantiere Ernesto Riva Boats
In the grand tradition of guests traveling and experiencing Lake Como via boat, Il Sereno commissioned three custom Cantiere Ernesto Riva boats from the namesake family that has been building boats by hand in the nearby town of Laglio since 1771. Il Sereno guests are able to travel to other destinations on the lake via two Ernesto Riva Jetto boats or the grand Vaporina del Lago which features interiors designed by Patricia Urquiola.

Inglesina Boat Experience
The Inglesina is a beautiful rowing boat, originally built on Lake Como in the 1930’s for English tourists by the great-great grandfather of the boat builder, who made Il Sereno’s other boats by hand. Inspired by the characteristics of the London Thames vessels, this classic and elegant boat returns to its native land after almost a century on Lake Varese in St. Moritz and other alpine lakes. Guests of Il Sereno will be able to enjoy a romantic trip on Inglesina, lulled by the waters of the most famous lake in Italy, whilst enjoying a hand-made picnic by a chef, presented in an elegant handmade picnic hamper by a Milanese boutique.

Vaporina del Lago Riva Boat
For guests looking to explore gastronomy, Lake Como offers some of the best dining experiences in the world. And what better way to arrive at dinner than by water on Il Sereno’s stylish Vaporina del Lago Riva boat. A water limousine, which features interiors by Patricia Urquiola, the boat, which is considered to be a functional work of art, is designed with a comfortable outdoor area in the front and back to drink in the expansive scenery.

Whether on a boat charter or during your time at leisure, discover some of the towns around Lake Como for a look into the local life here in the lakes region of northern Italy.

• Bellagio: Described as the “Pearl of Lake Como”, Bellagio is considered to be one of the prettiest villages in Europe with its cobblestone alleys navigating through shops, bars and restaurants as well as the beautiful Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni
  
• Nesso: A truly postcard worthy town with the iconic bridge, Ponte della Civera, and waterfall of Orrido di Nesso
  
• Varenna: Here, the fishermen homes create a colorful mosaic along the water where a peaceful walk through town will lead you up to the gardens of Villa Monastero
  
• Tremezzo: For abundant nature amid glamorous villas, this lakeside retreat of a town is most famous for the stunning gardens of Villa Carlotta, which feature azaleas, Japanese maples, palm trees, cacti, bamboo and orchids among more than 500 species

Darsene di Loppia
Located in the historic hamlet of Loppia whose history dates back to ancient Rome and borders the Botanical Gardens of Villa Melzi d’Eril

• Address: Via al Porto 1, Bellagio
  
• Phone: will be provided

La Punta
Situated in Bellagio, known fondly as the pearl of the Lake, La Punta offers simple, traditional Italian food to warm the soul. The menu boasts a wide range of fish dishes, caught by the owners of the restaurant themselves. A dock is available for those who wish to travel to lunch by boat, making it the ideal place to rest in the middle of a day spent exploring.

• Address: Via Eugenio Vitali, 19, 22021 Bellagio CO, Italy
  
• Phone: will be provided

La Tirlindana
Set in an intimate and characteristic scenset of Lake Como, Locanda La Tirlindana showcases a creative cuisine, a way of understanding the good food that speaks of sun, gold aromas of steaming pasta, baked bread, freshly baked cakes.

• Address: Piazza Matteotti 5, 22010 Sala Comacina, Lake Como
  
• Phone: will be provided

Ittiturismo Da Abate
Three managers serve a menu of fresh fish they have caught themselves. Born from their passion for fishing and love for the Lake of Como, their restaurant is the ideal place to dive in the unique scenset of the lake, and enjoy delicious dishes based on fish, caught daily.

• Address: Frazione Villa 4 - 22025 Lezzeno
  
• Phone: will be provided

Ristorante Aurora Lezzeno
The beautiful position of the terrace restaurant is a special place where to leave the hustle and bustle behind and immerse oneself in a breathtaking landscape. Foodies will love the simple yet authentic flavors of the dishes prepared by chefs and paired with excellent wines chosen by the restaurant owners. Every evening and Saturday at lunchtime, in addition to the à la carte menu, you can choose from their selection of pizzas made in their traditional wood burning oven.

• Address: Località Sossana, 2, 22025 Lezzeno CO, Italy
  
• Phone: will be provided

Ristorante La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi
Fine dining restaurant La Terrazza is the custodian of the great Gualtiero Marchesi’s legacy. One of just a handful of restaurants serving his signature dishes as well as creations inspired by his unique style of cookery, every experience is elegant, unexpected and exciting. Tradition meets modernity, taste meets emotion, creativity meets the avant-garde. As you sit on the most elegant terrace on the Lake, let us treat your palate to an unforgettably romantic dinner as the sun slowly sets over the Grigne mountains and sparkling lake waters.

• Address: Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Via Regina, 8, 22019 Tremezzo CO, Italy
  
• Phone: will be provided

• I 12 Gatti

Enjoy wood-fired Neapolitan style pizza - rosse, bianche and specialty pizzas - crafted from the finest local ingredients, including homemade mozzarella.

• Da Giaccomo

A place with a unique atmosphere reminiscent of the old Milanese trattorias of the early 1900s, where you can find traditional Italian dishes and top-quality fresh produce. A classic for over 30 years.

• Spore

This open-kitchen eatery influenced by Asian, Scandinavian and Italian flavors. Serves a fixed five-course menu that changes weekly. The environment is laid back and the food a culinary journey.

• Trippa Milano

A local trattoria; but not just your typical trattoria. If you are an adventurous eater who loves to try local foods, join the chef in his journey to honour offal, creating unfussy renditions of tripe, kidneys, liver, heart, lung and sweetbreads. And if you air more on the traditional side, or even a vegetarian diet; no worries here - the chef also caters to the traditional and celebrated comfort dishes of Italy.

• Spazio Niko Romito

Offers contemporary cuisine where traditional Italian recipes are reinterpreted and innovated by stepping away from tradition. The food experience is completely rethought and made of courses that can be shared at the table, as well as by a full a-la-carte menu and by the iconic fried chicken and stuffed bombe.

Gleaming flagship designer shops, bustling arcaded shopping areas, exquisite boutiques. Home to two of Italy’s most important yearly fashion events, the spring and autumn shows, Milan is the kingdom of style, supermodels, world-acclaimed luxury brands, and… the aperitivo.

Become a part of the glittering local lifestyle, have “a bite” of this fast-paced, creative, cosmopolitan metropolis and shop to your heart’s content escorted by the charisma and insider’s knowledge of a local expert fashionista!

Explore the fashionable Quadrilatero d’Oro retail district, discovering glossy Via Monte Napoleone, home to some of the most exclusive shoemakers and designers from Italy and across the world. See the beckoning elegant boutiques, among which Armani, Versace, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and many more, feel the city’s throbbing soul strolling down Via Sant’Andrea, Via della Spiga and Via Manzoni with the posh style-conscious locals.

• We recommend checking opening times for each store and making appointments if you would like to visit

Recommended activity, this is not included in your itinerary