Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains of Switzerland & Italy

Your fare excludes:

Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.

Day 1: Zurich, Switzerland

Welcome to Switzerland’s largest city – Zurich. Enjoy some free time exploring its charming Old Town or one of its many museums on your own. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Zurich - Andermatt - Zermatt

Say “good morning” to Zurich with a walking tour of the city. A local guide will teach you the city’s history and make a few sweet stops along the way. Learn the history behind the chocolate shops and taste some delicacies for yourself. Treat your taste buds to even more flavours of Zurich with free time for lunch on your own. After that, it’s all aboard! You’re off to Andermatt to experience the world-renowned Glacier Express* train. Natural backdrops of the Swiss Alps, thick forests, gurgling streams, and deep valleys bring this mountain dream to life. Complete your day in the unique, car-less village of Zermatt.

Day 3: GoldenPass Train - Montreux - Zermatt

Start your morning with a Tour Manager-led walk to get familiar with the quaint mountain village of Zermatt. With free time for the rest of the day, let your curiosity get the best of you whilst uncovering history in the Matterhorn Museum. Perhaps your adventurous side will bring you on the Gornergrat Railway to experience elevated views of the Matterhorn.

Day 4: Zermatt - Lake Maggiore, Italy

Take on the day as you depart Zermatt and head towards Italy. Enjoy scenic mountain views on a drive through the Simplon Pass, used for centuries as a main trading route between northern Italy and Switzerland. Learn how Napoleon used the Simplon Pass to cross the Alps into Italy and gain control of Milan and Venice. Continue to a tranquil resort area with crystal clear waters set against the backdrop of the Alps, known as Lake Maggiore. Take time this afternoon to stroll the cobbled streets of Stresa. Long-favored by European aristocracy because of its blend of elegance, Stresa has inspired artists and writers since the late 1800s. Step inside a local wine shop where the family teaches you all about some of Italy’s local specialities and invites you to try some. As the day draws to a close, settle in for a 3-night stay at your hotel.

Day 5: Lake Maggiore

The entire day is yours. You might want to soak up the sun along the waterfront, relax in an outdoor café, or head out on the waves by boat. Perhaps you’ll take an optional tour to picture-perfect Lake Orta – a hidden gem surrounded by romantic villages and filled with quaint islands. As the evening approaches, board a private boat for a cruise to Isola dei Pescatori. On the island, toast to your Italian experiences during dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Lake Maggiore

Today, explore the twin towns of Verbania and Pallanza where it’s your choice! In Verbania, wander through the enchanted gardens of Villa Taranto. Among the dreamy landscapes and captivating reflections are mysterious flowers from the farthest corners of the world -OR- visit Pallanza and tour the Troubetzkoy statuary collection housed in the town’s museum, Museo del Paesaggio. This afternoon, set sail to Isola Bella – known as the “beautiful island.” With an expert guide beside you, journey into the Borromeo Palace – a lakeside Baroque beauty adorned with an exotic garden.

Day 7: Lake Maggiore - St. Moritz, Switzerland

Experience sweeping coastal views on your drive along the picturesque shores of Lake Como during your full morning bus transfer to Tirano. Enjoy free time and lunch on your own in this charming town before travelling along one of the world’s most scenic railways. Take a journey through the Bernina Express en route to St. Moritz, Switzerland. Witness the striking landscapes of the Italian and Swiss Alps throughout your voyage – including the famed Morteratsch Glacier. Make your final stop in St. Moritz and enjoy the evening at leisure to relax or stroll the lakeside boulevard.

Day 8: St. Moritz - Lucerne

Slow and steady wins the race today. Enjoy a leisurely start in St. Moritz before heading to Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Follow the ancient pathways of the city on a walking tour through an Altstadt (Old Town), passing through the covered 14th-century Chapel Bridge. Along the way, see the famous Water Tower that once served as a prison. Pause at the renowned Lion Monument, carved from sandstone to commemorate heroic soldiers. The evening is yours to relax or explore.

Day 9: Lucerne

Today, enjoy the splendour of pure nature whilst gliding over a clear landscape in panoramic gondolas and spectacular cable cars. Ascend Pilatus** on a unique excursion along the steepest railway in the world. From the top, soak in the magnificent Alpine views from 7,000 ft. above sea level. Enjoy leisure time at the summit, where you can stroll the walkway for new vantage points. Venture back down the mountain by panoramic gondola for another bird’s eye view. Gather tonight for a farewell dinner featuring Swiss specialities.

Day 10: Lucerne - Tour Ends

Your scenic journey comes to an end today in Lucerne.

*​**Above itinerary may change without any prior notice.

Various departures available from April 2025 to May 2026.

Departing: 25 Apr 2025

• from $6,299 per person twin share / $7,699 sole use *

Departing: 23 May 2025

• from $6,399 per person twin share / $7,799 sole use *

Departing: 16 Jun 2025 / 14 Jul 2025 / 21 Jul 2025 / 6 Oct 2025

• from $7,149 per person twin share / $8,899 sole use *

Departing: 18 Aug 2025

• from $6,699 per person twin share / $8,449 sole use *

Departing: 15 Sep 2025 / 22 Sep 2025

• from $7,199 per person twin share / $9,149 sole use *

Departing: 29 Sep 2025

• from $7,099 per person twin share / $9,049 sole use *

Departing: 4 Oct 2025

• from $6,949 per person twin share / $8,699 sole use *

Departing: 20 Apr 2026

• from $6,999 per person twin share / $8,799 sole use *

Departing: 4 May 2026 / 11 May 2026 / 18 May 2026 / 25 May 2026

• from $7,299 per person twin share / $9,149 sole use *

Our experienced Travel Advisors can also happily help with flights, pre/post-tour accommodation and travel insurance. Call 1300 414 198 to learn more and request a quote.

Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

9 nights accommodation included on this tour

• Hotel Krone Unterstrass
• Hotel Alex (2 nights)
• Zacchera Hotels (3 nights)
• Hotel Steffani
• Hotel Astoria Lucerne (2 Nights)

Return flights should not be booked prior to 10:00 a.m.

Zacchera Hotels is a hotel chain in Lago Maggiore. The exact hotel to be used will be available 15 days prior to the tour departure date.

All visitors who do not need a visa to enter Europe will be expected to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization, for a fee, when visiting a Schengen Area Country. For more information please visit https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/etias/

Tour Fitness Level Recommendation - Level 2: his means you like a balanced approach to travel. You feel confident walking at least 30-45 minutes at a time over a variety of terrains – from cobblestone streets to easy pathways; a couple of hills or a few flights of stairs. You’re comfortable walking a few city blocks at a time, but need some time to unwind and relax.

Masks - Guests are required to bring their own personal protective equipment they are comfortable with using, as wearing a mask may be required during some parts of your tour experience.

Motor Coach - All surfaces will be sanitised often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitiser will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear.

Will I need a passport? Passports are needed when travelling outside of your home country. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip.

Will I need a visa? You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.