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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Florence and Lake Como via the Alps

Independent rail trip from Geneva to Lake Como and Florence

Illustration of Florence and Lake Como via the Alps

Railbookers runs Florence and Lake Como via the Alps as a 6-day, 5-night independent rail vacation, meaning travelers follow a set route with included hotels and activities but no group escort. The trip starts in Geneva, with a free evening beside the lake, then crosses into Italy by train on the Simplon Pass, tracing Lake Leman and Swiss vineyards with the Alps in view before a change in Milan. Two nights follow in Lake Como, including a small-group boat tour past lakeside villas, then the train continues through Milan on the Eurostar Italia to Florence for the final two nights, with a skip-the-line Accademia Gallery tour to see Michelangelo's David. The days move at an easy pace, with one scenic travel day bookended by two-night stops for exploring on foot. It suits travelers who want an Alpine train ride paired with a lake stop and a classic Italian art city, arranged independently rather than as an escorted group tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers doesn't name specific hotels in this package's evidence, so the accommodation standard in Geneva, Como, and Florence isn't confirmed here.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Geneva

    Your Journey Begins in Geneva

    Your journey begins in Geneva, where you will check in at your hotel for a one-night stay. Make the most of your time in Geneva - spend the evening enjoying a tasty meal at a local lakeside restaurant or take a relaxing boat trip out on the lake and admire the city's cosmopolitan feel and the stunning backdrop of the Alps and the Jura mountains. (Overnight in Geneva)

  2. Day 2railovernight: Como

    Geneva to Lake Como

    Enjoy breakfast in the hotel this morning and then make your way to the train station for your journey to Como. This journey takes you along the spectacular route of the Simplon Pass, following the shores of Lake Leman and across Swiss vineyards, with stunning views of the Alps in the background. Travel further south after crossing the border into Italy with a change in Milan, before arriving in Como. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a two-night stay. (Overnight in Como)

  3. Day 3overnight: Como

    Lake Como

    Today, experience the beauty of Lake Como from the water with an included two-hour boat tour. Glide past charming lakeside villages, elegant villas, and lush hillsides as you take in panoramic views of one of Italy’s most iconic destinations. Highlights along the way include historic estates, picturesque towns, and even a glimpse of George Clooney’s famed lakeside home. It’s a relaxing and scenic way to enjoy the splendor of the lake. (Overnight in Como)

  4. Day 4railovernight: Florence

    Lake Como to Florence

    After breakfast, take the short journey by train to Milan before transferring onto the Eurostar Italia to Florence. Pass by Italian fields and vineyards and the picturesque city of Bologna before arriving in Florence. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. (Overnight in Florence)

  5. Day 5overnight: Florence

    Florence

    Spend a full day exploring this magnificent city starting with your included Accademia Gallery tour, the home of Michelangelo's sculpture David, then perhaps enjoying a famous gelato as you stroll through the city's lively piazzas, and marvel at the magnificent dome of the Duomo Basilica. (Overnight in Florence)

  6. Day 6rail

    Depart Florence

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, perhaps with an additional day in a different city, one of our Rail Experts will be happy to assist you with the details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The train from Geneva to Como follows the Simplon Pass route along Lake Leman and Swiss vineyards, with views of the Alps, before crossing into Italy with a change in Milan.
  • Day 3A two-hour boat tour of Lake Como passes lakeside villages, villas, and hillsides, including a view of a lakeside home associated with George Clooney.
  • Day 4The train from Como to Florence changes in Milan onto the Eurostar Italia, passing Italian fields, vineyards, and the city of Bologna.
  • Day 5An included tour of the Accademia Gallery in Florence takes in Michelangelo's David.

Included

  • Rail travel in standard class throughout as specified in the itinerary
  • 1 nights accommodation stay with breakfast in Geneva
  • 2 nights' accommodation stay with breakfast in Como
  • 2 nights' accommodation stay with breakfast in Florence Small group Lake Como boat tour Skip-the-line Accademia Tour

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, Railbookers includes standard-class rail travel throughout the itinerary, from Geneva to Lake Como and on to Florence.
Is it escorted or independent?
It's an independent rail vacation. Travelers move between included stops and activities without a tour guide leading the whole trip.
Which trains are used?
The route follows the Simplon Pass from Geneva to Como, with a change in Milan, then the Eurostar Italia from Como to Florence, also via Milan.
What is included besides rail and hotels?
A small-group Lake Como boat tour and a skip-the-line Accademia Gallery tour in Florence, plus breakfast each morning.
How many nights are spent in each city?
One night in Geneva, two nights in Lake Como, and two nights in Florence, across 6 days and 5 nights.
What is the starting price?
From $799 per person, about $133 a day.

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