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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Florence and Lake Como via the Classic Gotthard Pass

Zurich to Lake Como and Florence via the Gotthard Pass

Illustration of Florence and Lake Como via the Classic Gotthard Pass

Railbookers runs Florence and Lake Como via the Classic Gotthard Pass as a 6-day, 5-night independent rail vacation, so travelers follow a fixed route of included hotels and activities without a group escort. The trip opens with one night in Zurich, then crosses into Italy on the Gotthard Pass, a route the operator describes as one of the most scenic between Switzerland and Italy. Two nights follow in Lake Como, including a small-group boat tour that stops at Bellagio and Varenna, before a fast train through Milan reaches Florence for the final two nights. There, a secret food tour leads to a local market for olive oil and salami tasting, away from the busier tourist streets, alongside free time to see the Duomo Cathedral and Michelangelo's David. The pace favors two-night stops over single-night hops, so most days are for exploring rather than packing and moving. It suits travelers drawn to a named scenic rail pass, a lake stop, and a food-focused stretch in Florence, booked 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 Zurich, Como, and Florence isn't confirmed here.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Upon arrival in Zurich check into your hotel for your one-night stay before enjoying a day of leisure to view the sights and enjoy an evening meal, be sure to try a bottle of Swiss wine which is so good they don't export it. (Overnight in Zurich)

  2. Day 2overnight: Como

    Zurich to Lake Como

    After breakfast your journey along the classic Gotthard Pass begins. One of the most scenic routes between Switzerland and Italy. Upon arrival in Como one you have an evening of leisure. Why not take a boat ride of the lake. The deepest lake in Italy (Overnight in Como)

  3. Day 3overnight: Lake Como

    Lake Como

    Today, after breakfast, you will make your way to join your small group boat tour of the stunning Lake Como. Cruise past charming villages and grand villas as you take in the breathtaking alpine scenery, with stops to explore picturesque lakeside towns like Bellagio and Varenna. (Overnight in Lake Como)

  4. Day 4railovernight: Florence

    Lake Como to Florence

    Depart Como and take the fast train via Milan to Florence. Bathed in architectural beauty, artist charm and centuries of history, Florence is an Italian city of culture. Located in the heart of the stunning Tuscany region. Upon arrival after you have checked to your hotel for your two night stay you have a free afternoon to explore. Be sure to visit the Duomo Cathedral and Michelangelo's David. (Overnight in Florence)

  5. Day 5overnight: Florence

    Florence

    Once you have eaten breakfast you have a free day for the last-minute sightseeing. Why not go to Florence's large indoor market full of amazing gifts to take home. Make sure you have a light lunch before you join your secret food tour. Discover the real Florence with an expert guide, hidden away from the tourist areas, you'll visit a local market, taste the delicious olive oil, sample a range of the best salamis and cheeses paired with top local wines, and more. By the end of your tour, you'll have tasted some of Florence's best dishes and will have gained a better understanding of the culture and history. (Overnight in Florence)

  6. Day 6rail

    Florence

    After breakfast this morning, your tour concludes. If you would like to extend your holiday, one of our Rail Specialists will be happy to assist.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The train from Zurich to Como follows the classic Gotthard Pass, described as one of the most scenic routes between Switzerland and Italy.
  • Day 3A small-group boat tour of Lake Como, Italy's deepest lake, stops at the lakeside towns of Bellagio and Varenna.
  • Day 4The fast train from Como to Florence changes in Milan, arriving in a city known for the Duomo Cathedral and Michelangelo's David.
  • Day 5A secret food tour in Florence visits a local market to taste olive oil and salami away from the tourist areas.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 1-night accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • 2 nights accommodation with breakfast in Como
  • 2 nights accommodation with breakfast in Florence Small Group Boat Tour of Como Small Group food tour in Florence

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, Railbookers includes rail travel throughout the itinerary, from Zurich to Lake Como and on to Florence.
Is it escorted or independent?
It's an independent rail vacation; travelers move between included stops without a full-time tour guide.
Which trains are used?
The route follows the classic Gotthard Pass from Zurich to Como, then a fast train via Milan to Florence.
What is included besides rail and hotels?
A small-group Lake Como boat tour and a small-group food tour in Florence, plus breakfast each day.
How many nights are spent in each city?
One night in Zurich, two nights in Como, and two nights in Florence, across 6 days and 5 nights.
What is the starting price?
From $869 per person, about $145 a day.

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