Great Rail Journeys
First-Class Swiss Mountains & Italian Lakes
First-Class escorted rail tour of Swiss lakes, mountains and Italy's Lake Como
10 daysfrom $5,608
80% rail
Planet Rail · Escorted rail holiday
Charm & Beauty of Lake Garda by First Class Rail
Discover Lake Garda's stunning scenery and Italian charm with a scenic first-class rail journey, combining luxury and relaxation.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Zurich
By rail to Switzerland
Depart London on the Eurostar to Paris (Standard Premier Class). Taxi transfer across Paris from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon. Board TGV to Zurich, passing through lush green pastures and the foothills of the Swiss Alps. On arrival at Zurich main station, take the tram or stroll to the Hotel Helmhaus (4 star) for the night.
- Day 2overnight: Desenzano, Lake Garda
Free time in Zurich – Through the Swiss Alps to Lake Garda
After breakfast, explore Zurich's Old Town, Bahnhofstrasse, the Grossmünster, Fraumünster and St Peterskirche churches, and the shores of Lake Zurich. Return to Zurich station for the scenic Gotthard route through the Swiss Alps, including the Gotthard Base Tunnel (world's longest tunnel). Cross into Italy and through the Italian Lakes to Milan. Change trains and board the Trenitalia Frecciarossa to Desenzano. Private transfer to the Park Hotel (4 star) on Lake Garda.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 3railovernight: Desenzano, Lake Garda
At leisure in Desenzano
Free day to explore Desenzano and Lake Garda. Visit the old town market, stroll the waterfront, or hop on a ferry to Malcesine, Limone, Riva del Garda, Sirmione, Torri del Benaco or Lazise. Optional day trip to Venice by rail.
- Day 4overnight: Desenzano, Lake Garda
At leisure in Desenzano
Another free day to enjoy Lake Garda at your own pace. Explore by ferry, visit nearby towns, or take an optional excursion to Milan or the Dolomites.
- Day 5overnight: Desenzano, Lake Garda
At leisure in Desenzano
Final full day at Lake Garda. Enjoy a relaxing lake cruise or explore more of the surrounding area before dinner at one of Desenzano's many attractive restaurants.
- Day 6overnight: Montreux
Lake Garda to Montreux on Lake Geneva
Private transfer from the Park Hotel to Desenzano station. Board the Trenitalia Frecciarossa First Class to Milan. Join the Euro City service through the Alps via the spectacular Simplon Pass to Montreux on Lake Geneva. Check in to the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star superior), located next to the station. Stroll alongside Lake Geneva and explore this elegant lakeside town.
- Day 7rail
Montreux to London – Homeward bound
Leisurely breakfast before returning to Montreux station. Inter Regio service to Lausanne, then TGV First Class through France to Paris. Taxi transfer across Paris to Gare du Nord. Board Eurostar to London St. Pancras International, enjoying a light meal and drinks en route.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Eurostar London to Paris (Standard Premier Class)
- Taxi transfer across Paris (Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon)
- TGV Paris to Zurich (First Class)
- 1 night at Hotel Helmhaus Zurich (4 star)
- Breakfast in Zurich
- Train Zurich to Milan via Gotthard route (First Class)
- Trenitalia Frecciarossa Milan to Desenzano (First Class)
- Private transfer Desenzano station to Park Hotel
- 4 nights at Park Hotel Desenzano, Lake Garda (4 star)
- Trenitalia Frecciarossa Desenzano to Milan (First Class)
- Euro City service Milan to Montreux via Simplon Pass (First Class)
- 1 night at Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic Montreux (4 star superior)
- Inter Regio Montreux to Lausanne
- TGV Lausanne to Paris (First Class)
- Taxi transfer across Paris (Gare de Lyon to Gare du Nord)
- Eurostar Paris to London (First Class / 1st Class)
Not included
- Optional day trips (e.g. Venice, Milan, Dolomites)
- Lake Garda ferry tickets
- Meals not specified
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
