Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains of Switzerland & Italy

  • history
    DURATION
    9 days, 8 nights
  • history
    DURATION DAYS
    9 days
  • history
    DURATION NIGHTS
    8 nights
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    DEPARTURE MONTHS
    June 2026 - July 2028
  • Ride 3 of the world's most scenic train routes
  • Cruise through Italy's second largest lake
  • S​pend 2 nights in the Alpine village of Zermatt

Climb aboard legendary Alpine railways and set out on a journey across the captivating Alpine landscapes of Switzerland and Italy. Ride two legendary train routes – the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express. Relax in some of Europe’s most stunning and exclusive resort villages, including Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Lake Maggiore, Italy. Explore Lucerne, the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Ascend Pilatus on a unique excursion along the steepest railway in the world, soaking in the scenery from 7,000 feet above sea level. These are the Alpine views you’ve been dreaming of.

Photos

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When in Zermatt you have optional tour experiences

Inclusions/Exclusions

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Your tour includes:

  • 8 nights accommodation
  • 14 Meals - 8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches & 3 Dinners
  • An expert Tour Manager
  • Inclusions/Entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Optional Experiences and free time

Must-See Inclusions:

  • Enjoy stunning Alpine views on the Glacier Express train.
  • Soak up the mountain air for two nights in the Alpine village of Zermatt.
  • Explore the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake," Lucerne.

Cultural Experiences:

  • Cruise through Lake Maggiore and visit one of the beautiful Borromean Islands.
  • Journey through the Bernina Pass on one of the world’s most scenic railways.
  • Stroll the lakeside boulevards of St. Moritz.

Culinary Inclusions:

  • Indulge in local products over lunch on a family-owned farm in Val di’ Ossola.
  • Sit down for dinner on the Isola dei Pescatori in Lake Maggiore.
  • Enjoy a meal on the Glacier Express train paired with breathtaking scenery.
  • Savour a delicious lunch featuring locally grown products and herbs from the Val Posciavo region.
Your fare excludes:
  • Visas
  • Any flight not mentioned in inclusion
  • T​ravel Insurance
  • E​xpenses of a personal nature, souvenirs, drinks, laundry etc

Itinerary

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

Day 1: Lake Maggiore, Italy

Welcome to the tranquil resort area with crystal clear waters set against the backdrop of the Alps, known as Lake Maggiore. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the area independently. As the evening approaches, leave your hotel to board a private boat for a cruise to Isola Dei Pescatori. On the island, toast to the start of your journey with your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Lake Maggiore

This morning, 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. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps you’ll take time to stroll the cobbled streets of Stresa or soak up the sun along the waterfront.

Day 3: Lake Maggiore - Val d'Ossola - Zermatt, Switzerland

Take on the day as you depart Italy and make your way to Switzerland. Visit a family-owned cow farm in Val d’Ossola, where you’ll meet the owners and learn about life on the farm and their family business before enjoying some homemade products over lunch. Continue towards Switzerland and enjoy scenic mountain views on a drive through the Simplon Pass, used for centuries as a main trading route between northern Italy and Switzerland and by Napoleon to cross the Alps. Complete your day in the unique, car-less village of Zermatt.

Day 4: Zermatt 

Start your morning by joining a walk with your Tour Manager to get familiar with the quaint mountain village of Zermatt. With free time for the rest of the day, perhaps you’ll follow your curiosity to uncover history in the Matterhorn Museum or follow your adventurous side to the Gornergrat Railway to experience elevated views of the Matterhorn.

Day 5: Zermatt - St. Mortiz

This morning, experience the world-renowned Glacier Express train.* This iconic train route takes you through some of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, dense forests, and gurgling streams. Your final stop is St. Moritz, with the afternoon at leisure to relax or stroll the lakeside boulevard.

Day 6: St. Moritz - Le Prese - St. Moritz

Take a rail journey on the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Le Prese, soaking in striking landscapes of the Swiss Alps like the famed Morteratsch glacier. Step off the train in Le Prese, a village nestled between steep mountain slopes on the shores of Lago di Poschiavo. Spend time at a family-owned farm that cultivates aromatic herbs from the sun-drenched slopes of the Val Posciavo region. Learn about the careful processing of the organic herbs in the company’s own factory, the Erboristeria Biologica, and top off the visit with a delicious lunch featuring farm-grown products. After some time to relax, return by motorcoach to St. Moritz.

Day 7: St. Moritz - Lucerne

Today, travel to Lucerne, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Make a stop at the renewed Lion Monument, carved from sandstone to commemorate heroic soldiers of the Swiss Guard. The “Swiss Paradise on the Lake,” nestled among breathtaking mountains and a picturesque lake, is yours to explore. The evening is yours to relax or you may choose to join an optional evening cruise on the lake.

Day 8: Lucerne

This morning, join a locally guided tour through Lucerne’s 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. Then, it’s your choice! Choose to take a short funicular ride to exciting views over Lucerne and the lake from the famous Gütsch viewpoint -OR- connect with Lucerne’s natural and cultural heritage at the engaging Museum Lucerne. Later, 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 feet above sea level. Enjoy leisure time at the summit, where you can stroll along 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 9: Lucerne - Tour Ends

Your scenic journey comes to an end today in Lucerne.

*​**The above itinerary may change without any prior notice.

Dates and Prices

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Various departures are available from June 2026 to June 2028.

Departure: 8 June 2026

  • Twin share from $7,999 per person*
  • Single from $9,849 per person*

Departure: 2 May 2027

  • Twin share from $8,449 per person*
  • Single from $10,299 per person*

Departure: 16 April 2028

  • Twin share from $9,399 per person*
  • Single from $11,649 per person*

Our experienced Travel Advisors can also happily help with flights, pre/post-tour accommodation, and travel insurance. Call Us Now to get up-to-date pricing and secure your preferred stateroom.

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

Accommodation

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9 nights accommodation included on this tour

  • Zacchera Hotels (2 Nights)
  • Hotel Alex (2 Nights)
  • Hotel Steffani (2 Nights)
  • Hotel Astoria Lucerne (2 Nights)

FAQs

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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.

T&Cs

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Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.

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Prices per person from

A$7,999

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Prices per person from

A$7,999

A$9,849