Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains featuring a cruise on Lake Maggiore and scenic trains in Switzerland & Italy

Welcome to the serene region of Lake Maggiore, where crystal clear waters meet the dramatic backdrop of the Alps. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the lakeside at your own pace. As the evening approaches, board a private boat bound for the charming island of Isola Dei Pescatori. Gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner and toast the start of the journey.

This morning, set sail to Isola Bella, known as the “beautiful island.” With an expert guide, explore the magnificent Borromeo Palace, a lakeside Baroque masterpiece surrounded by ornate gardens. Return to shore at around noon, and the remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure. Perhaps you’ll take time to stroll the cobbled streets of Stresa or soak up the sun along the waterfront.

Depart Italy and travel towards Switzerland. Along the way, visit a family-owned dairy farm in Val d’Ossola, where you’ll meet the owners and learn about traditional Alpine farming. Enjoy a rustic lunch featuring homemade regional specialties. Continue your journey through the historic Simplon Pass, once used by traders and even Napoleon to cross the Alps. By day’s end, arrive in the car-free mountain village of Zermatt, nestled beneath the iconic Matterhorn.

Start the day with a guided walk led by your Tour Manager to become familiar with the charming village of Zermatt. The remainder of the day is yours to explore independently. Perhaps visit the Matterhorn Museum to uncover the area’s mountaineering history or ride the Gornergrat Railway for sweeping views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.

Today, board the legendary Glacier Express train. This world-famous scenic railway carries you across some of Switzerland’s most dramatic landscapes, passing snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, dense forests, and rushing streams. Arrive in St. Moritz, where the afternoon is yours to relax or stroll along the lakeside promenade.

Embark on an unforgettable rail journey aboard the Bernina Express, traveling from St. Moritz to Tirano and marveling at breathtaking Alpine views, including the impressive Morteratsch Glacier. Explore Tirano’s historic streets, seamlessly blending charm with mountain splendor. Continue by coach to Le Prese, a lakeside village known for its peaceful setting on Lake Poschiavo offering scenic mountain views. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring farm-grown ingredients at a family-owned herb farm set on the sunny slopes of Val Posciavo. Later, join local guide and learn about the cultivation and processing of organic herbs at the farm fields. Upon return to St. Moritz, the evening is yours to explore on own.

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. Upon check-in, 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. The evening is yours to relax, or you may choose to join an optional evening cruise on the lake.

This morning, 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 cultural heritage at the engaging Rosengart Museum. Later, enjoy the splendor of pure nature while gliding over a clear landscape in panoramic gondolas and spectacular cable cars. Ascend Mount Pilatus on a unique excursion along the steepest railway in the world. From the top, soak in the magnificent Alpine views from 7000 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 specialties.

Your scenic journey comes to an end today in Lucerne.