Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains of Switzerland & Italy
Climb aboard legendary Alpine railways and set out on a journey across the captivating Alpine landscapes of Switzerland and Italy. Ride 3 legendary train routes – the GoldenPass Panoramic Train, the Glacier Express, and the Bernina Pass Train. Explore Lucerne, the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Relax in some of Europe’s most stunning and exclusive resort villages, including Zermatt, St Moritz and Lake Maggoire, Italy. Spend time at a family-owned farm where you sample their handmade cheeses paired with local wine. Cruise across one of the world’s most scenic lakes – Lago Maggiore. Across 2 countries, pass by towering mountain landscapes and discover quaint villages.
Your tour includes:
- 7 nights accommodation
- 11 Meals - 7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners
- An expert Tour Manager
- Inclusions/Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Optional Experiences and free time
Highlights Include:
Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Day 1: Lucerne, Switzerland
Arrive in Lucerne and enjoy some free time to explore this lakeside town on your own. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in the city.
- Stay: Hotel Astoria Lucerne
- Included Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Lucerne
Explore 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.
- Stay: Hotel Astoria Lucerne
- Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: GoldenPass Train - Montreux - Zermatt
Travel to Gstaad and climb aboard the GoldenPass panoramic train, taking in breathtaking Alpine views along the route to Montreux. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time in this resort town, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. End your day in the car-less village of Zermatt.
- Stay: Chalet Hotel Schonegg
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4: Zermatt
This morning, consider joining an optional tour to experience a hike in the Alps! This afternoon, after a walking tour of Zermatt visit 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.
- Stay: Chalet Hotel Schonegg
- Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Glacier Express Train - St. Moritz
Traverse bridges and tunnels while aboard the world-renowned narrow gauge Glacier Express. 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. While onboard, relax and enjoy a 3-course lunch. Arrive in St. Moritz and enjoy the evening at leisure to relax or stroll the lakeside boulevard.
- Stay: Hotel Steffani
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 6: Bernina Pass Train - Lake Maggiore
Traveling along one of the world’s most scenic railways, journey through the Bernina Pass en route to Tirano, Italy. Take in the striking landscapes of the Swiss and Italian Alps throughout your voyage, including the famed Morteratsch Glacier. Experience sweeping coastal views on your drive along the picturesque shores of Lake Como. Continue to Lake Maggiore, a tranquil resort area with crystal clear waters set against the backdrop of the Alps and settle in for a 2-night stay.
- Stay: Zacchera Hotels
- Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Lake Maggiore
Travel to Oira, an ancient village nestled in the mountains. Visit a family farm to see a different side to Alpine life. Learn about the artisan cheeses that they produce before sampling their creations, paired with the region’s local wines. Return to your hotel for a free afternoon. Perhaps you’ll take an optional tour to Isola Bella, known as the “beautiful island.” Here an expert guides you into the Borromeo Palace, a lakeside Baroque beauty adorned with an exotic garden. As the day draws to a close, board a private boat for a cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the stunning Borromean Islands. On the island, toast to the end of your Alpine adventure and savor a traditional farewell dinner.
- Stay: Zacchera Hotels
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8: Lago Maggiore
Your thrilling Alpine journey ends today in Lago Maggiore after breakfast.
Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.
- from $4,999 per person twin share
- from $6,099 single traveller
Pricing land only is based on travelling 3 May 2024.
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.
7 nights accommodation included on this tour
- Hotel Astoria Lucerne (2 nights)
- Chalet Hotel Schonegg (2 nights)
- Hotel Steffani
- Zacchera Hotels (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.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply
Ask about the tour operators cancel for any reason waiver. Cancellation Waiver financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date.
As of April 2021 all guests Travelling with Collette, regardless of destination or point of origin, must provide proof of one of the following to verify information you will be providing to Collette when filling out our Wellness Declaration upon arrival on tour:
- Proof of Negative Covid-19 Test would include a verifiable negative FDA- approved diagnostic COVID test (electronic or paper) showing date and time of test, taken within 72 hours of the start date of your tour.
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19 would include both a copy of a positive test result dated within 3 months prior to the end of your tour and also written documentation from your health care provider that you have been cleared to end quarantine. This written documentation must include your name and the date your positive test was performed.
- Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is your official vaccination certificate (electronic or paper) and must identify your name and date of vaccination with final dose given at least 14-days before the start date of your tour.
You can rest assured that Collette has been operating tours in select regions where local government regulations permit travel and where proper health measures are in place to mitigate risk, protect our guests’ well-being, and ensure an enjoyable experience. We will notify you of necessary requirements for your destination prior to departure.
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