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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Best of Tuscany, Bologna, Como & Bernina Express

Nine-day Italy and Swiss Alps tour from Tuscany to St. Moritz on Bernina Express

Illustration of Best of Tuscany, Bologna, Como & Bernina Express

Vacations By Rail's Best of Tuscany, Bologna, Como & Bernina Express is a nine-day escorted journey through northern Italy and Switzerland for travelers who want the comfort of guided groups and planned logistics. Starting in the Tuscan spa town of Montecatini Terme, you spend three days visiting Florence to see Michelangelo's David and the Duomo, then take a coach excursion to San Gimignano wine country for pizza-making at a 300-year-old estate. You then travel to Bologna and Parma, tasting authentic Parma ham and exploring medieval market streets. The tour settles into Como for three nights, including a boat cruise to the lakeside village of Bellagio. The highlight arrives on Day 8 when you board the First Class Bernina Express in Switzerland, crossing the Alps from Tirano to St. Moritz past glaciers and the famous Brusio corkscrew viaduct. A Tour Manager accompanies you throughout, and 4- and 5-star hotels, most meals, and all transport are included.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; you arrange your own way to Montecatini Terme on Day 1 and depart independently from St. Moritz on Day 9.
  • Day 1 and Day 9 are unguided travel days; only Days 2 through 8 feature escorted activities.
  • The from-price is USD 4,199 per person; cancellation and travel insurance are available but cost extra.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Montecatini Terme

    Arriving in the beautiful Tuscan city of Montecatini Terme

    Arrive independently in Italy and make your own way to the spa town of Montecatini Terme for a three-night stay. Meet the Tour Manager and fellow travelers for dinner this evening.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Montecatini Terme

    Exploring Tuscany's Renaissance capital, Florence

    A short rail trip to Florence for a guided tour taking in the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and the Accademia Gallery (including Michelangelo's David), with the afternoon free.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Montecatini Terme

    Pizza, wine and old-world charms in San Gimignano

    A coach excursion to the 13-generation Tenuta Torciano wine estate for a pizza-making experience, lunch and wine tasting, then free time in the UNESCO hill town of San Gimignano.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  4. Day 4overnight: Parma

    An indulgent journey in Italy's culinary capital

    Coach to Bologna for a guided tour of Piazza Maggiore, Neptune's Fountain and the leaning "Two Towers", plus a gastronomic tour of a medieval market and artisan shops, before continuing to Parma for a two-night stay.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Parma

    Getting to know the charming city of Parma

    A morning walking tour of Parma's Palazzo Ducale, Baptistery, Piazza Garibaldi and Duomo, followed by a coach trip to Langhirano to tour a Parma ham factory and enjoy a tasting and lunch.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  6. Day 6overnight: Como

    Milan's stunning Duomo and Alpine views in Lake Como

    Travel toward Como via Milan for a guided tour of the Gothic Duomo (including rooftop access) and Castello Sforzesco, before continuing to Como for a three-night stay.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Como

    Cruising the picturesque waters of Lake Como to Bellagio

    A guided walk through Como's Old Town and Duomo, then a boat cruise across Lake Como to Bellagio, the "Pearl of Lake Como", with a free afternoon before cruising back.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8railovernight: Como

    Crossing the Swiss Alps on the Bernina Express

    Coach transfer to Tirano to board the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express in reverse to St Moritz, passing the Palü Glacier and the Brusio corkscrew viaduct, with free time in St Moritz before returning to Como.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9

    Traveling home

    Check out of the hotel this morning and begin onward travels home independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: guided tour of Florence includes Michelangelo's David in the Accademia Gallery, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria.
  • Day 3Day 3: pizza-making experience and wine tasting at the 13-generation Tenuta Torciano estate followed by free time in the UNESCO hill town of San Gimignano.
  • Day 5Day 5: tour of a Parma ham factory with tasting and lunch in Langhirano.
  • Day 7Day 7: boat cruise across Lake Como to Bellagio with free afternoon in the resort town.
  • Day 8Day 8: Bernina Express First Class journey from Tirano to St. Moritz passes the Palü Glacier and the Brusio corkscrew viaduct.

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 8 nights' 4 & 5-Star hotel accommodation
  • First Class rail travel
  • All rail, boat and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast each day, 2 lunches, 4 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is all the rail travel included in the price?
Yes. The price covers First Class rail travel on the Bernina Express, the short rail trip to Florence on Day 2, and all other train, coach, and boat journeys throughout the tour.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Vacations By Rail provides a Tour Manager throughout Days 1 to 9. All guided tours, excursions, and meals listed are led or arranged by the operator.
What hotels are included?
You stay in 4- and 5-star hotels: three nights in Montecatini Terme, two nights in Parma at the Grand Hotel di Parma, and three nights in Como at either Hotel Barchetta Excelsior or Palace Hotel Como.
What meals are included?
Breakfast each day, two lunches, and four dinners are included. Most other meals and drinks are at your own cost.
How much walking is involved?
The tour carries a Mobility Rating 2. Days include guided walks through city centers, access to rooftops (Milan's Duomo), and stairs in historic buildings. No strenuous hikes.
When does this tour operate?
The operator publishes no departure dates in the available information. Contact Vacations By Rail to confirm availability and book.

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