Zürich, Lucerne & Lake Como
Today, your family adventure begins! You'll head out to Newark International Airport to catch your direct flight to Zürich, Switzerland.
Zürich | Late August | Storchen Hotel
Lake Lucerne | Late August | Bürgenstock Waldhotel
Lake Como | Late August - Early September | Grand Hotel Victoria
Tipping is always appreciated, though not obligatory. For drivers, we generally suggest a tip depending on the duration of the transfer. For guides, we recommend a tip for half day experiences or a tip for full day experiences.
In late August, both Zürich and Lake Lucerne usually experience mild to warm temperatures with pleasant weather conditions. The average high temperature in Zürich during this time is around 23-25°C, while the average low temperature is around 12-15°C. Lake Lucerne, being close to Zürich, generally has similar weather conditions.
Down in Lake Como, you'll find warm and pleasant weather with sunny days and low chances of rain. The weather during this time of the year is often ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The average high temperature in Lake Como during late August is around 26-29°C, while the average low temperature ranges from 15-18°C. It's worth noting that temperatures can vary slightly depending on the specific area around the lake.
Upon disembarking your flight, your private greeter will be at the arrival gate with a name sign. You will then be expedited through immigration and customs. Your greeter will then assist with luggage retrieval and escort you to your pre-arranged car waiting for you curbside.
Confirmation Number: will be provided
Greeter: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked by Scenset
Your VIP airport representative can assist in hailing a taxi although Uber is very reliable in Zürich. The drive is approximately 30 minutes, traffic permitting.
You will likely arrive at the hotel in the early afternoon.
To be arranged independently
From the high-end designers lining the Bahnhofstrasse to sumptuous Swiss chocolates, Zürich feels luxurious in every sense of the word. And while you’ll be spending money, there’s also a simpler side to the city that’s just as captivating—tranquil boat rides on Lake Zurich, pop-up beer gardens along the river, the panoramic tram ride to the summit of Uetliberg. The quality of life in Zürich is one of the highest in the world, and it isn’t hard to see why.
As a hotel guest, you benefit from the entire range of offers of their unique City & Lake Resort with the City & Lake Resort Guest Card. Board the hotel's own boat at the pier and let the captain take you to Thalwil, where another oasis right on the water awaits you. From star cuisine in the restaurant to a relaxing wellness break at the lake - the range of offers is broad and spectacular.
Switzerland is home to some of the world's best chocolate makers, sellers, and connoisseurs, each known for their special technique and flavor.
After checking in and settling down at the hotel, head out on an exciting walk where you will not only visit several chocolate specialists but also learn about the process of making chocolate from bean to bar. It may be a memorable experience for your children!
On a walk through the old town, discover the sweet side of Zurich. Whether it's chocolate, truffles, Luxemburgerli, croissants, or other local specialties, you will discover the most beautiful and sweet side of Switzerland. This off-the-beaten-track tour is a great way to discover the enchanting city with a tasty twist!
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Start Time: 4 p.m.
Duration: 2 hours
Booked by scenset
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, 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 a chef in a stylish atmosphere. Approx. 10 min from the hotel by car
- Widder Restaurant: Here, a chef is known for his unique style of cooking: The combination of highest product quality, excellent cooking craftsmanship, a willingness to experiment and his 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: Head Chef Laurent Eperon delights his 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)
Bakeries
- 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)
This morning after breakfast and check-out, you will need to arrange an Uber or taxi to your hotel in Lake Lucerne. The drive is approximately 1 hour 5 minutes, traffic permitting.
To be arranged independently
Known to the locals as Vierwaldstättersee, English speakers simply call it Lake Lucerne. Twisting and turning into smaller coves and inlets, from the water you might think you’re cruising through fjords because of the towering mountains around it. But Lucerne is an alpine lake in every sense of the word, with its crystal clear water clean enough to drink and bucolic mountain towns along its picturesque shores.
Rejuvenate body and mind with outdoor activities and pure Swiss therapies in the serene Waldhotel Spa. The Waldhotel Health & Wellbeing's 137 rooms and suites are designed to a clear sustainable ethos. The Waldhotel is within the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, a legendary destination perched 500 meters above Lake Lucerne.
Bürgenstock Waldhotel
Vitality Suite
- Breakfast Included
- Food and beverage credit per room per stay to be used at available Bürgenstock restaurants
- Admission to Bürgenstock Alpine Spa and Fitness Center
- Bürgenstock Cinema
- Use of the shuttle ship and Bürgenstock train during your stay
Confirmation Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Today is at your leisure to enjoy the Bürgenstock Resort grounds and the surrounding area. Below are some links to events and experiences offered on-property, as well as suggested activities in the town of Lucerne. The concierge team at Bürgenstock Resort can help answer any questions and arrange any reservations.
For experiences and activities available in and around the Bürgenstock area, please check out the hotel website.
To arrange any activities while on property, please visit the Hotel and Resort Offers and Happenings pages on the Bürgenstock website.
Bürgenstock Resort offers an array of fitness and spa programs for their guests. Please refer to the schedule here to see what is on offer.
For the timetable of the funicular and shuttle boat at Bürgenstock, please refer to this schedule.
The summer schedule for the funicular has not yet been released. This link will be updated once that is published.
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 an 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
Bürgenstock Waldhotel
Vitality Suite
- Breakfast Included
- Food and beverage credit per room per stay to be used at available Bürgenstock restaurants
- Admission to Bürgenstock Alpine Spa and Fitness Center
- Bürgenstock Cinema
- Use of the shuttle ship and Bürgenstock train during your stay
Confirmation Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Today is another free day to explore Bürgenstock and the Alps. This could be a fun day to take a road trip to Interlaken!
If you're interested in venturing further into the Swiss Alps, you could arrange a tour or rent a car and visit Interlaken. Along the way, you'd be driving past some of Switzerland's stunning alpine lakes including Sarnersee, Lungernersee, Brienzersee, and Thunersee.
In Interlaken, you must take the funicular up to Harder-Kulm for the most spectacular views of Interlaken as well as both Brienzersee and Thunersee. For fun hiking opportunities, check out the Schynige Platte Trails, accessible via an hour-long rail ride from near Interlaken Ost station, or the St. Beatus Cave and Waterfalls. Down below in the town of Interlaken is Höhematte Park with its beautiful gardens and views of Jungfrau. You might also find yourself here if you decide to hang-glide down from the surrounding mountain tops...
While exploring the town center of Interlaken, we suggest the following for a lunch or coffee stops:
- Top O' Met: Switzerland is all about the views and this panoramic restaurant at the top of the Metropole Hotel definitely helps support the theme
- Aare: Change it up with a visit to the Korean BBQ restaurant of Aare located on the river with its own views of Jungfrau!
- Velo Cafe & Bar: For something lighter or a shot of espresso, head to the vegan friendly Velo Cafe & Bar
Bürgenstock Waldhotel
Vitality Suite
- Breakfast Included
- Food and beverage credit per room per stay to be used at available Bürgenstock restaurants
- Admission to Bürgenstock Alpine Spa and Fitness Center
- Bürgenstock Cinema
- Use of the shuttle ship and Bürgenstock train during your stay
Confirmation Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset
After breakfast and check-out, you will need to arrange an Uber or taxi to Zürich Train Station. The drive is approximately 1 hour, traffic permitting.
To be arranged independently
Find your train tickets to Milan here.
Please note that a seat is booked under a reservation code and name. This is the seat reservation for your youngest.
Upon arrival at Milano Centrale, meet your private driver on the train platform for a transfer to your hotel in Lake Como. The drive is approximately 1 hour, traffic permitting.
If you have any issue finding your driver, please contact the hotel concierge team.
Booked by scenset
Italy’s most famous lake is best known for its celebrity residents, but these shores have been home to the glitterati since Ancient Roman times. Just a short train ride away from Milan, Como mixes the scenery of an alpine lake with the climate of a Mediterranean beach, perfect for boating on summer afternoons. Meanwhile, the waterfront villas peppered around the lake are some of the most sought-after accommodations in all of Italy.
You may view the various experiences and activities offered by the hotel here. The concierge team at Grand Hotel Victoria can help to arrange different experiences directly on-property.
The Grand Hotel Victoria in Menaggio is the newest 5-star-luxury identity on Lake Como. Completely renovated, this late 19th century Liberty Neoclassic masterpiece, enriched by beautiful gardens and relaxing areas and surrounded by breathtaking views of the lake and its mountains, aims to enhance and celebrate art concepts and Made in Italy. This is the ideal destination for people looking for exclusive beauty and taste, charm and relaxation, supported by top class services. The hotel boasts a lake view restaurant and a design gourmet restaurant that offers refined and surprising cuisine, two bars, 1 outside heated swimming pool, a wellness area with indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi and treatments, meeting rooms, a fitness room with Technogym equipment.
Grand Hotel Victoria
Suite with Park View
- Breakfast included
Confirmation Number: will be provided under the name "Family Name"
Booked by scenset
Spend a day at Lido di Menaggio, a family-friendly beach on the shores of Lake Como just a 5-minute walk from your hotel. Children can swim in the lake, build sandcastles, and play various beach games.
Reservation: Late morning
The following few days are at your leisure to explore Lake Como. We have provided a link to the experiences offered by your hotel as well as suggestions for towns to visit around the lake below.
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 in this 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
Lake Como is fun for all ages, and there are plenty of places for kids to run around (and taste!) this beautiful region of Italy:
- A Gelato Safari: As you visit various towns, stop in some of the best gelato shops, trying different flavors along the way. Gelateria Riva in Varenna, Gelateria del Borgo in Bellagio, Gelato di Zoe in Argegno, as well as Gelateria Il Gabbiano and Bar Gelateria Stella Alpina in Menaggio are a few of our favorites!
- Lido di Lenno: Spend a day at Lido di Lenno, a family-friendly beach on the shores of Lake Como. Children can swim in the lake, build sandcastles, and play various beach games. The lido often has amenities like play areas and water sports equipment for rent.
- Boat Tours: Take a leisurely boat tour on Lake Como, where children can enjoy the scenic views, cool breeze, and learn about the lake's history and landmarks. Many tours offer kid-friendly commentary and onboard activities.
- Villa Carlotta: Visit Villa Carlotta, a beautiful villa and botanical garden in Tremezzo. Kids can explore the extensive gardens, see exotic plants and flowers, and learn about nature. The villa often hosts art exhibitions that might intrigue older children.
- Como-Brunate Funicular: Take a ride on the Como-Brunate Funicular, a cable railway that connects the town of Como to the village of Brunate. Children will enjoy the thrilling ascent and the panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains from the top.
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: +39 031952069
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: +39 031 951888
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: +39 0344 56 637
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: +39 031 914986
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 their chefs and paired with excellent wines chosen by the restaurant owners themselves. Every evening and Saturday at lunchtime, in addition to their 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: +39031914645
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: +39 034442491
No reservations have been made. Please call in advance should you wish to reserve a table.
Grand Hotel Victoria
Suite with Park View
- Breakfast included
Confirmation Number: will be provided under the name "Family Name"
Booked by scenset
Your hotel chef at Grand Victoria has offered a personalized pizza-making class where you'll learn about making the dough, make fried pizza (a Neapolitan specialty!), a pizza of the day, and a sweet dessert pizza.
Reservation: midday
Grand Hotel Victoria
Suite with Park View
- Breakfast included
Confirmation Number: will be provided under the name "Family Name"
Booked by scenset
Grand Hotel Victoria
Suite with Park View
- Breakfast included
Confirmation Number: will be provided under the name "Family Name"
Booked by scenset
After breakfast and check-out, meet your private driver in the hotel lobby for a transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport. The drive is approximately 1 hour, traffic permitting.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Early morning
Booked by scenset