11 days Alpine Lakes and Scenic Trains ( 2017 )
Experience the enchanting Alpine cultures of Switzerland and Italy as you journey through spectacular mountain scenery and picturesque towns. Ride aboard three of the legendary Alpine railways – the Golden Pass Panoramic Train from Gstaad to Montreux; the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz; and the Bernina Pass Train, which takes you into Italy. Cruise across two of the most scenic lakes in the world, Lake Como and Maggiore. Relax in some of Europe’s most stunning and exclusive resort villages, including Zermatt, St Moritz and Lago Maggoire, Italy. Explore Lucerne, the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Spend time at a family-owned farm where you sample their handmade cheeses paired with wine. Enjoy traditional regional cuisine and Italian delicacies. Savor a traditional Italian dinner on the Isola dei Pescatori.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Overnight Flight | Breathtaking Alpine vistas await as you travel through Switzerland and Italy. Experience dramatic views while aboard railways and lake cruises, and enjoy cultural experiences in charming villages in the heart of Europe. ( Flight Not Included ) |
| 2 | Lucerne, Switzerland - Tour Begins | Arrive in Lucerne and take some free time to explore this lakeside town on your own. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in the city. Dinner Waldstaetterhof |
| 3 | Lucerne, Switzerland - Tour Begins | Breathtaking Alpine vistas await as you travel through Switzerland and Italy. Experience dramatic views while aboard railways and lake cruises, and enjoy cultural experiences in charming villages in the heart of Europe. Arrive in Lucerne and take some free time to explore this lakeside town on your own. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in the city. Dinner Waldstaetterhof |
| 4 | Lucerne | Today, explore this “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Enjoy an Altstadt (Old Town) walking tour that follows the ancient pathways of the city. See the covered Chapel Bridge (1333); the famous Water Tower that once served as a prison; the watchtower and treasury; the Renaissance-style Town Hall; the Baroque Jesuit Church; and the Lion Monument, carved from sandstone to commemorate the heroic soldiers who were protecting King Louis XVI in 1792. Breakfast Waldstaetterhof |
| 5 | Lucerne - GoldenPass Train - Montreux - Zermatt | This morning, travel to Gstaad and climb aboard the GoldenPass panoramic train to enjoy breathtaking Alpine views along the route to Montreux. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time in this legendary town on the shores of Lake Geneva. Then, continue on to the pedestrian village of Zermatt. Breakfast & Dinner Hotel Alex |
| 6 | Zermatt | Today, Zermatt is at your fingertips. It’s your choice! Explore on foot during a guided walking tour. Or, experience Zermatt independently before visiting the Matterhorn Museum; learn more about the triumph and tragedy behind the first ascent of this imposing peak. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Breakfast Hotel Alex |
| 7 | Zermatt - Glacier Express Train - St. Moritz | Traverse bridges and tunnels while aboard the world-renowned narrow gauge Glacier Express, the most charming express train in the world. Enjoy the natural beauty of this route through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Filled with forests, fragrant meadows, gurgling streams and deep valleys, it’s a mountain dream come to life. Relax and enjoy a three-course lunch while onboard. Arrive in St. Moritz for your 2-night stay. Breakfast & Lunch Hotel Steffani |
| 8 | St. Moritz - Bernina Pass Train - St. Moritz | Embark on a journey through the Bernina Pass while traveling along one of the most scenic railway lines in the world en route to Tirano, Italy. Take in striking views of the Swiss and Italian Alps throughout your adventure, including the famed Morteratsch Glacier. Upon your return to St. Moritz you can relax at your hotel or make use of your included St. Moritz lift pass and take the cable car to the top of Mt. Diavolezza where you can enjoy stunning views of Piz Bernina. Breakfast Hotel Steffani |
| 9 | St. Moritz - Lake Como, Italy - Lago Maggiore | Today we make our way back to Italy with a drive to Lake Como. A ferry ride across the waters of Lake Como introduces you to its stunning beauty. Drive along the picturesque shores to the town of Como. You will have free time to explore this famous resort before continuing to Lago Maggiore, a tranquil resort area with crystal clear waters against the backdrop of the Alps. Breakfast Zacchera Hotels |
| 10 | Lago Maggiore | Travel to an ancient village nestled in the mountains. Stop at a family farm where you will learn about the artisan cheeses they produce. Then, sample their delicious creations and learn how to pair them with the region’s local wines. Return to your hotel for a free afternoon. Our evening begins with a cocktail party in a wine shop before we board a lake boat for a cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, the most beautiful of the Borromean Islands. There we savor a traditional farewell dinner. Breakfast & Dinner Zacchera Hotels |
| 11 | Lago Maggiore - Tour Ends | Your thrilling Alpine journey ends today in Lago Maggiore. Breakfast |