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FCO destination photo
ZRH destination photo

FCOZRH

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a stunning combination of the Tyrrhenian coastline, the Tuscan archipelago, and the most dramatic views of the high Bernese Alpine peaks during the descent into Switzerland.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🌊

Maremma Coastline

Immediately after takeoff, enjoy the rugged beauty of the Italian coast heading north toward Tuscany.

🏝️

Tuscan Archipelago

On clear days, the islands of Elba and Giglio are visible as emerald gems in the blue Tyrrhenian Sea.

🏔️

Bernese Oberland

Spectacular views of the 'Big Three'—the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau—as you cross the Swiss border.

💧

Lake Maggiore

A sprawling glacial lake that marks the transition from the Italian pre-Alps to the high Swiss mountains.

Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare. The transition from the flat Po Valley to the vertical walls of the Alps happens quickly, so have your camera ready about 45 minutes after departure. In winter, the snow-line contrast on the southern slopes of the Alps is particularly photogenic.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🏛️

Rome Cityscape

Depending on the departure runway, you may see the Tiber River and the sprawling outskirts of the Eternal City.

⛰️

Apennine Mountains

View the 'spine of Italy' with its rolling limestone peaks and ancient hilltop villages during the cruise phase.

❄️

Gotthard Massif

A birds-eye view of the heart of the Swiss Alps, including deep valleys and high-altitude reservoirs.

🏙️

Zurich Lake & City

During the standard approach to Runway 14, this side provides an iconic view of Lake Zurich and the city center.

The right side is superior for the final approach into Zurich Airport, especially if landing from the north, as it offers a full view of the lake and the Goldcoast. For afternoon flights, the sun will be behind the plane or on the left, making the right side ideal for capturing the warm 'golden hour' light on the mountains.

Top Activities in Zurich
Route Information

Distance: 694 km (431 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 9 min

Departure: FCO (41.8002778, 12.2388889)

Arrival: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)

Route Type: International

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