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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

European Panorama: Munich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Lake Como, and Rome

Rail journey through Bavaria, the Swiss Alps, Lake Como, and Rome

Illustration of European Panorama: Munich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Lake Como, and Rome

Railbookers operates this 12-day independent rail vacation from Munich to Rome, running through Lucerne, Interlaken, and Lake Como. Every stop gets at least two nights, and the route is built around a run of scenic mountain railways: a day trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle, a steam cruise on Lake Lucerne followed by the cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus, a funicular ride to Harder Kulm for views of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau, and a day trip to Jungfraujoch, described as the highest train station in Europe, with views of the Aletsch Glacier. After three nights by Lake Como, including a boat trip to Bellagio and Varenna, the trip ends in Rome with a Rome Explorer Pass and a guided walking tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Days in Munich and Lake Como are left open to explore at your own pace. The mix of mountain scenery, lake towns, and Roman history suits photographers and history-minded travelers who want a varied, independent rail itinerary rather than a single-country focus.

What to know before you look closer

  • Mount Pilatus's cogwheel railway to the summit only operates between May and November; outside those months, the ascent is by aerial gondola and cableway instead.
  • The evidence pack lists no specific departure dates for this tour; confirm current availability and timing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Munich

    Your Journey Begins in Munich

    Welcome to Munich! Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. Once settled, head out to explore the city centre at your own pace in the afternoon. (Overnight in Munich)

  2. Day 2overnight: Munich

    Munich

    Following breakfast, prepare to venture outside of Munich today to visit the famous Neuschwanstein castle. As you journey through the Bavarian countryside, the castle's iconic turrets emerge like a dream on the horizon, perched high on a hill. Approaching its gates, you are met with an enchanting blend of medieval architecture and Ludwig II's visionary imagination, making it a magical and awe-inspiring experience. With your guide, spend a few hours exploring before heading back to Munich for the evening. (Overnight in Munich)

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lucerne

    Munich to Lucerne

    Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning before embarking on your rail journey from Germany to Switzerland. On your way to the station, stop at a local store to create your own picnic to take on the train to make it an even more exciting journey! Enjoy the countryside views as you travel through Germany, into the Alpine views of Switzerland. Arrive in Lucerne and check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. (Overnight in Lucerne)

  4. Day 4railovernight: Lucerne

    Day Trip to Mount Pilatus

    Today, enjoy a trip to the top of the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. First, enjoy a scenic hours' steam cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad where you then take the 30-minute ride which has an average gradient of 35%. The Cogwheel Railway operates between May and November, whilst at other times you can reach the top via a spectacular aerial gondola and cableway. At the top, you will find the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel and restaurant where you can enjoy refreshments, or you can enjoy one of the numerous walking trails. After soaking up the wonderful views, make your way back down the mountain via the jaw-dropping gondola and cable car to Kriens and a short bus ride to Lucerne. (Overnight Lucerne)

  5. Day 5railovernight: Interlaken

    Lucerne to Interlaken

    After breakfast, make your way to the train station for a direct train service to Interlaken – the heart of the Bernese Oberland. Check-in at your hotel in Interlaken for a two-night stay. In the afternoon, enjoy a ride up the Harder Kulm funicular – a popular cogwheel railway that rides to the summit of Harder Kulm! Enjoy majestic views of the Eiger, the Monch, and the Jungfrau mountains from the viewing platform. (Overnight in Interlaken)

  6. Day 6railovernight: Interlaken

    Day Trip to Jungfraujoch

    Following breakfast, take a day trip to Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe.” Featuring stunning views of the world-famous triple mountain peaks of the Monch, Eiger, Jungfrau, this trip to the highest train station in Europe is something you won’t soon forget! From an underground ice castle, observatory decks, a snow park, and world-class restaurants, there’s something for everyone, especially if you’re looking to have the experience of a lifetime. (Overnight in Interlaken)

  7. Day 7overnight: Lake Como

    Interlaken to Lake Como

    Arrive in the city centre and check-in for a three-night stay at your hotel. Wander around at your own leisure today and explore what Como has to offer; stroll around and explore the enchanting Old Town. (Overnight in Lake Como)

  8. Day 8overnight: Lake Como

    Day Trip to Bellagio and Varenna By Boat

    Embark on a picturesque day trip from Como, where you'll set sail across the shimmering waters of Lake Como towards the enchanting town of Bellagio, known as the "Pearl of Lake Como" for its breathtaking beauty and quaint, cobbled streets lined with chic boutiques and cafes. After exploring Bellagio's charming alleys and stunning lakeside gardens, your journey continues to Varenna, a charming lakeside village on the shores of Lake Como. Steeped in history, this picturesque destination boasts winding cobblestone streets, elegant villas, and lush gardens overlooking the shimmering waters captivating visitors with its timeless beauty, colorful waterfront, and romantic atmosphere. (Overnight in Lake Como)

  9. Day 9overnight: Lake Como

    Lake Como

    Enjoy breakfast before enjoying another day by the lake at your own leisure. Lake Como is the third-largest lake in Italy and is known for its incredible Mediterranean and Alpine scenery, as well as being a favourite spot among Hollywood celebrities. (Overnight in Lake Como)

  10. Day 10overnight: Rome

    Lake Como to Rome

    Leave Lake Como behind this morning, heading south to the Ancient city of Rome! Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. Make the most of your explorer pass today which grants you access to 3 attractions such as the Pantheon and the Roman Catacombs. Why not explore the Pantheon and then take a stroll to Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps? Be sure to stop off and enjoy some famous dishes at a traditional trattoria; Cacio E Pepe is not one to miss, followed by a home-made Tiramisu! (Overnight in Rome)

  11. Day 11overnight: Rome

    Rome

    After breakfast, make your way over to the Colosseum for a guided tour of the famous amphitheatre, then walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans once more with a guided stroll around the Roman Forum. These amazing ruins were for centuries the centre of day-to-day life in Rome. (Overnight in Rome)

  12. Day 12rail

    Your Journey Ends in Rome

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you would like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements. B View The Full Map

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A day trip from Munich crosses the Bavarian countryside to Neuschwanstein Castle, its turrets emerging on the horizon before arriving at the medieval gates.
  • Day 4A steam cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad is followed by a ride on the world's steepest cogwheel railway, with an average gradient of 35%, up Mount Pilatus.
  • Day 6A day trip reaches Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe, with views of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau peaks and the Aletsch Glacier.
  • Day 8A boat trip crosses Lake Como to Bellagio, known as the Pearl of Lake Como, before continuing on to the lakeside village of Varenna.
  • Day 11A guided tour of the Colosseum is followed by a guided stroll through the Roman Forum, once the centre of day-to-day life in ancient Rome.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Munich
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Interlaken
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lake Como
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome 4 Day Swiss Pass Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich Gourmet Dinner Cruise on Lake Lucerne Day Trip to Mount Pilatus from Lucerne Harder Kulm Funicular in Interlaken Day Trip to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken Day Trip to Varenna and Bellagio by Boat from Lake Como Rome Explorer Pass - Choice of 3 attractions including Roman Catacombs, the Pantheon and
  • Hop-on, Hop-off Tour
  • Walking Tour of Rome with the Roman Forum and the Colosseum

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Railbookers includes rail travel throughout, plus a 4-day Swiss Pass covering the Mount Pilatus cogwheel railway, the Harder Kulm funicular, and the Jungfraujoch mountain railway.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation with several open days at your own pace, such as Munich on day 1 and Lake Como on days 7 and 9. Guided elements include a Rome walking tour with the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
What is included in the price?
Railbookers includes 11 nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast, rail travel throughout, a 4-day Swiss Pass, day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle, Mount Pilatus, Jungfraujoch, and Bellagio and Varenna by boat, a Rome Explorer Pass covering 3 attractions, and a Rome walking tour.
Does Mount Pilatus always run by cogwheel railway?
No. The Cogwheel Railway operates between May and November; at other times, the summit is reached by aerial gondola and cableway.
How much walking or altitude is involved?
The trip includes a day trip to Jungfraujoch, described as the highest train station in Europe, a cogwheel railway ascent of Mount Pilatus, and extensive walking in Rome, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

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