Rail journey · Collette · 8 nights

Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains of Switzerland & Italy

Enjoy 14 included meals, from farm lunches to island dinners
Stay in four handpicked hotels across Italy and Switzerland
Explore Borromeo Palace and its gardens with an expert guide

$7,199 pp twin share

Was $7,999 pp

$8,864 pp solo share

8 nights

Enquire

Lago Maggiore

When in Zermatt you have optional tour experiences

Traverse bridges and tunnels while aboard the world-renowned narrow gauge Glacier Express

The tour at a glance

Lucerne, enjoy some free time to explore this lakeside town

Lake Maggiore, a tranquil resort area with crystal clear waters set against the backdrop of the Alps

Departs 16 August 2026 Returns 3 July 2028

Duration8 nights

OperatorCollette

StyleRail journey

HighlightA nine-day rail and lake journey through Switzerland and Italy, from alpine villages to lakeside resorts

Ride 3 of the world's most scenic train routes. Cruise through Italy's second-largest lake. Spend 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.

$7,199

pp twin share

Was $7,999 pp

$8,864

pp solo share

Enquire

Refundable until 90 days before departure. No pressure.

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

16 August 2026

Returns

3 July 2028

Duration

8 nights

From pp twin share

$7,199 pp

Was $7,999 pp

From pp solo cabin

$8,864 pp

Various departures are available from August 2026 to June 2028.

Departure: August to September 2026

Twin share from ~~$8,549~~ $7,694 per person*
Single from ~~$10,299~~ $9,269 per person*

Departure: April 2027

Twin share from ~~$7,999~~ $7,199 per person*
Single from ~~$9,849~~ $8,864 per person*

Departure: April to June 2028

Twin share from ~~$9,399~~ $8,459 per person*
Single from ~~$11,649~~ $10,484 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.

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

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.
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.
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.
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.
5
Zermatt - St. Moritz
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.
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 Poschiavo 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.
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.
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.
9
Lucerne - Tour Ends
Your scenic journey comes to an end today in Lucerne.
*Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

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.

Not included

Visas
Any flight not mentioned in inclusion
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature, souvenirs, drinks, laundry etc

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

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

From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

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.

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