There’s something undeniably magical about stepping outside your routine and into the unknown. This past spring break, I embarked on an eight-day adventure plus two travel days. From the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland to the historic streets of Italy, I immersed myself in new cultures, cuisines, and experiences along the way. From the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps to the sun-drenched piazzas of Venice, every moment reinforced the transformative power of travel — not just as an escape but as a way to grow, recharge, and gain a deeper appreciation for the world.
Travel isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about broadening perspectives, fostering connections, and stepping out of our comfort zones. Studies have shown that traveling can reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and even boost creativity. Whether it’s the thrill of navigating a new city, indulging in local delicacies, or simply embracing the journey’s spontaneity, the benefits of travel extend far beyond the trip itself.
Join me as I recount my unforgettable experience traveling from Switzerland to Italy, exploring the beauty of these incredible destinations, and the profound impact travel can have on our minds, bodies, and souls.
- Day 1: Zurich
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Our journey begins in Switzerland. After a ten-hour flight, my family and I arrived in Zurich at 11:30 a.m., running on just two hours of sleep but excited to begin our European adventure. After settling into our hotel, we explored the Old Town, where charming bakeries and luxury shops lined the historic streets.
We ate dinner at Le Dézaley, a cozy but overpriced restaurant. We shared a meat board, cheese fondue, and surprisingly delicious tomato soup. The steep $400 bill was a shock, especially compared to more affordable meals we found later.
Exhausted from our travels, we took the tram back to our hotel and went straight to bed, ready for the days ahead.
- Day 2: Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and Interlaken
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The next morning, I woke up at 6 a.m. for a guided tour through Grindelwald. After enjoying a delicious hotel breakfast with an impressive variety of food — including custom lattes for my sister and me — we met our guide, David, for a semi-private tour with just two other guests. The hour-long drive to Lauterbrunnen gave me a chance to notice the 100 km/h speed limit, a small but interesting difference from home.
Once there, we hiked up a mountain to see a stunning waterfall, even walking behind it. Lauterbrunnen, famous for its 72 waterfalls, was breathtaking, and I was grateful to have my camera to capture the scenery.
Original photo by Isabel White Next, we visited Grindelwald, a picturesque glacier village high in the mountains, as it was snowing. With an hour to explore, my sister and I rode the gondola for a bird’s-eye view. The 20-minute ride each way took us even higher, revealing incredible views despite the cloudy sky. At the summit, people skied and snowboarded, making me wish we had more time to join in.
Original photo by Isabel White On our way back to the hotel, we stopped in Interlaken, where a dreamy castle stood beside a mesmerizing lake, adding to the day’s magical sights. While the tour offered spectacular views, I wished our guide had shared more historical insights. I ended up researching the places myself later.
Back at the hotel, my mom and sister opted for a relaxing bath, but I was eager to explore more. My dad and I visited the B2 Library, a stunning space that blends a restaurant, bar, and library with beer-bottle chandeliers. The cozy atmosphere made it easy to imagine spending hours there studying if I were a local. It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable day in Switzerland.
Original photo by Isabel White - Day 3: Bern
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The following day, my family and I enjoyed another delicious hotel breakfast before departing for Bern on a four-hour train ride from Zurich. Upon arrival, we met our private tour guide, who shared fascinating insights about the city. While not officially Switzerland’s capital, it serves as such due to the presence of government buildings.
We explored the charming Old Town, where one of my favorite sights was the Zytgogl Clock Tower. More than just a timepiece, the clock is a spectacle. Up close, we watched a jester twirl, bears parade, and the gilded figure Chronos flip an hourglass with each chime. At the end of Old Town, I was surprised to see a real family of three bears in a bear pit, reflecting the animal’s deep-rooted symbolism in Bern’s history.
As we wandered between landmarks, the city’s clean and conveniently placed water fountains kept us refreshed. One unexpected aspect of the visit was how many stores were closed. Many Swiss shops shut down on Sundays and Mondays, so Bern was quieter than usual, which was unfortunate but also made it easier to appreciate the history and architecture.
Original photo by Isabel White A fun highlight was seeing the exterior of Albert Einstein’s former apartment and the lively café named after him. I regret being too full from lunch to stop for a coffee there.
After a full day of sightseeing, we took the train back to Zurich and went to bed, ending another unforgettable day in Switzerland.
- Day 4: Lucerne
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After another delicious hotel breakfast, we took a short 50-minute train ride to Lucerne, a hidden gem in Switzerland. Along Lake Lucerne, we found a charming farmers’ market filled with fresh flowers, snacks, and local goods that added to the city’s picturesque feel.
After browsing the market, we visited the Lion Monument, a moving tribute to Swiss soldiers who died in the French Revolution. Nearby, a large domed building caught my attention, and inside, we discovered the Bourbaki Panorama — a massive 360-degree painting with 3D elements depicting a scene from the Franco-Prussian War through the eyes of a Red Cross volunteer. It was an eye-opening glimpse into history, though we couldn’t stay long due to our busy itinerary.
Original photo by Isabel White Next, we took a gondola into the mountains for a stunning bird’s-eye view of Lucerne. Unlike the cloudy skies in Grindelwald, the weather was clear, offering unforgettable views.
Original photo by Isabel White After spending two hours at the summit, we decided to hike the rest of the way down from the first stop. Although steep and strenuous on my ankles, the peaceful countryside views and scattered houses made it all worth it. I even found myself wishing I lived there.
Original photo by Isabel White We ended our day with an overpriced but scenic dinner by Lake Lucerne, then returned to Zurich to pack for the next leg of our journey: Milan, Italy.
- Day 5: Milan
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Having packed most of my belongings the night before, I only needed to get ready in the morning. This was our last chance to enjoy the delicious hotel buffet before relocating to Milan, Italy, on a four-hour train ride. Navigating the busy train station with all our luggage was challenging, but we managed. The journey was breathtaking, with views of mountains and charming, antique-looking homes stretching from Switzerland to Italy.
Upon arriving in Milan, I immediately noticed the overwhelming presence of motorbikes, making the city feel like a real-life Mario Kart track. The way locals weaved through traffic with rapid lane changes made me certain I would never want to drive there.
Original photo by Isabel White After checking into our hotel, we wasted no time dropping off our suitcases to make the most of the daylight. Starving, we found a nearby restaurant, Osteria Da Fortuna, with an amazing pasta selection. It was by far my best meal of the trip and much more affordable than Swiss food.
After lunch, we wandered through the iconic Galleria shopping center, packed with designer stores. Craving something sweet, I spotted a dessert shop called Spún, which offered tiramisu in various flavors. I chose Nutella, and it was absolutely delicious.
As we returned to the hotel, we stumbled upon a lively event hosted by Hoka. Inside was a DJ, unique clothing displays, and an energetic crowd. We decided to stay and enjoy the atmosphere and even received complimentary drinks. It was a fun and unexpected way to end our first night in Milan.
Original photo by Isabel White - Day 6: Venice
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Our next stop was Venice. While my family wasn’t particularly eager to visit due to the city’s heavy tourism, I insisted. After all, Venice won’t be around forever. Ultimately, we were all glad we made the trip to explore this ancient, one-of-a-kind destination.
Original photo by Isabel White The architecture was absolutely breathtaking, with buildings that have stood for centuries. We took a scenic boat ride through the canals, passing under charming little bridges and discovering hidden gems tucked away in every corner of the city.
Original photo by Isabel White One of my favorite stops was Caffè Florian, the world’s oldest coffee house, which has been operating since 1720. The atmosphere was incredible, and the coffee and desserts were even better. I ordered a mocha alongside a rich, creamy chocolate ganache cake, which was fantastic. If you ever visit Venice, I highly recommend stopping here.
Exploring this historic city was an unforgettable experience, but it’s important to stay cautious. A woman on our train shared her unfortunate experience of getting her bag stolen as soon as she arrived. Venice is known for pickpocketing, so be sure to keep a tight grip on your valuables while visiting.
- Day 7: Milan, again
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The next day, we embarked on a guided tour showcasing the best of Milan. Our first stop was Sforza Castle, an impressive fortress with stunning Gothic architecture. Walking through its grand courtyards and towering walls, I could feel the history embedded in every brick. Once home to Milanese dukes, the castle now houses several museums and art collections, but seeing its magnificent exterior was enough to transport us back in time.
From there, we visited one of Milan’s most controversial landmarks, the L.O.V.E. sculpture, a massive marble statue of a hand with its middle finger raised. Located in front of the Italian stock exchange, this bold piece by artist Maurizio Cattelan is widely interpreted as a statement against capitalism and the financial elite. Our guide explained that while many Milanese initially disliked the statue, it has since become a symbol of rebellion and artistic expression.
Original photo by Isabel White After taking in the edgy artwork, we took a short coffee break at a local café, where I enjoyed a much-needed latte. The caffeine boost was perfect for our next stop: Museo del Cenacolo Vinciano, a.k.a. the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Viewing this legendary painting up close was surreal. The detail, the emotion, and the way da Vinci played with light and perspective make it easy to understand why this masterpiece has captivated the world for centuries.
Original photo by Isabel White We ended our tour at the Duomo di Milano, Milan’s breathtaking cathedral. Its iridescent white marble façade shimmered in the sunlight, making it even more spectacular in person. The intricate spires and detailed statues were mesmerizing, and I couldn’t stop admiring the sheer scale of the structure.
Original photo by Isabel White As we stepped inside the Duomo, our guide shared the rich history behind this awe-inspiring cathedral, which took nearly six centuries to complete. The towering ceilings, intricate stained glass windows, and endless rows of statues gave the interior an almost otherworldly atmosphere. However, two particular stories stood out the most during our visit.
Original photo by Isabel White First, our guide pointed out a small, glowing red light near the very top of the cathedral. This marks the spot where a sacred relic — the Holy Nail from the crucifixion of Jesus Christ — is kept. According to tradition, this nail was one of the very ones used to fasten Jesus to the cross, and it has been preserved in the cathedral for centuries. Standing beneath that red light and realizing its profound significance for so many people was an unforgettable experience.
Another striking sight inside the Duomo was the statue of Saint Bartholomew, which was unlike any other religious figure I had ever seen. Instead of being clothed in flowing robes like most saint statues, Bartholomew was depicted holding his own flayed skin over his shoulder, a chilling reference to his martyrdom. Our guide explained that Saint Bartholomew was skinned alive for his Christian faith, and the sculpture captures the gruesome reality of his suffering. Despite its unsettling nature, the craftsmanship of the statue was incredible, with every muscle, vein, and sinew sculpted in lifelike detail.
Original photo by Isabel White Leaving the Duomo, I couldn’t stop thinking about the centuries of devotion, artistry, and history contained within its walls. It was more than just a beautiful cathedral — it was a living testament to faith, resilience, and human creativity. On the roof of the Duomo, there were even more structures, which my mother and I decided to explore while my father and sister opted to stay down.
To end the night on a perfect note, we stopped at yet another delicious Italian restaurant on our way back to the hotel. By this point in the trip, I had fully embraced the Italian way of dining — long, leisurely meals filled with fresh, flavorful dishes.
- Day 8: Bernina Express
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The following day, we embarked on one of the most scenic journeys of our trip — the Bernina Express from Tirano to Chur. This world-famous train ride is known for its breathtaking landscapes and certainly didn’t disappoint.
Before boarding the Bernina Express, we had some time to eat in Tirano. Knowing this would be one of our last meals in Italy before returning to Switzerland, we indulged in some authentic Italian pizza.
The train took us through towering snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and glacial lakes, offering postcard-worthy views. The ride was truly magical as we ascended into the Swiss Alps. After a few hours, we arrived in Chur — Switzerland’s oldest town — with the Alps still fresh in our minds.
Our journey concluded with a peaceful train ride back to Zurich, where we reflected on the breathtaking landscapes. We checked into our hotel, preparing for our flight back to the U.S. the next day, and spent the evening organizing and savoring the memories of our unforgettable trip.
Reflecting on our incredible journey, my family and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience traveling through Switzerland and Italy. From the stunning landscapes of the Swiss Alps to the rich history of cities like Venice and Milan, every moment was filled with awe and discovery.
This trip truly reinforced the importance of traveling — not just as a way to see new places but as an opportunity to gain perspective, connect with different cultures, and create lasting memories. The world is full of beauty, history, and stories waiting to be experienced, and I’m so grateful we had the chance to explore it firsthand. Traveling has a way of opening your eyes to the wonders of the world, and this adventure has only sparked a deeper desire to continue exploring.