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Railbookers

Florence and the Bernina Express

Zurich to Florence via the Bernina Express through the Alps

Illustration of Florence and the Bernina Express

Railbookers runs Florence and the Bernina Express as a 6-day, 5-night rail vacation, with hotels chosen from 18 options across Zurich, Milan, and Florence rather than one fixed choice. The trip opens with one night in Zurich's Altstadt, its Renaissance-era streets framed by alpine mountains along the Limmat River, before the Bernina Express carries travelers over the Albula and Bernina Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage rail route with 55 tunnels and more than 196 bridges, to Tirano and on to Milan for a single overnight. A high-speed train then reaches Florence for the final three nights, where a small-group walking tour stops at Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views before visiting the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David. With only one night each in Zurich and Milan, most of the trip's time is spent settled in Florence. It suits travelers who want one of Europe's most scenic mountain rail routes paired with an extended stay in a single Italian city rather than a city-by-city tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • This package offers a choice of 18 hotels across Zurich, Milan, and Florence at different tiers, so the exact hotel and its standard depends on which option is chosen.
  • Zurich and Milan are each just a one-night stop before moving on, so most of the trip's time is spent in Florence rather than spread evenly across the three cities.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Your Journey Begins in Zurich

    Welcome to the heart of Europe! Once you arrive in Zurich, check into your hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is yours to see the sights at your leisure. Spend time strolling through Zurich's Altstadt or Old Town. The district is framed by alpine mountains and stretches along both banks of the Limmat River. You'll find cobblestone-paved streets lined with Renaissance-era architecture, charming cafes, world-class restaurants and entertainment, as well as boutique shops to buy authentic Swiss crafts from.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Milan

    The Bernina Express to Milan

    Following an early breakfast, take a quick train from Zurich to Chur then transfer on to the Bernina Express toward Tirano. Aboard the Bernina Express to Milan, the train will travel through the Swiss Alps on two historic mountain railways: the Albula Line and the Bernina Line altogether passing through 55 tunnels, more than 196 bridges, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Scenic sights along this route include: the Montebello curve, the Morteratsch Glacier, and the Brusio Circular Viaduct. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Spend your evening in Milan enjoying dinner on your own and then wandering along the Naviglio Grande canal or visiting the roof terraces of the Duomo di Milano.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Florence

    Arrive in Florence

    In the morning after breakfast, take a highspeed train from Milan to Florence and get checked in to your hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy dinner on your own perhaps some fine regional wine and Tuscan cuisine.

  4. Day 4overnight: Florence

    Florence

    Enjoy breakfast then embark on a fabulous city tour of Florence. Your outing begins with a stop at Piazzale Michelangelo, a gorgeous, romantic square offering unparalleled panoramic views of the city and the best place to take photos. From there, visit the Accademia Gallery, most famous for the David sculpture by Michelangelo as well as his other unfinished masterpieces, including Prigioni. The day's tour begins wrapping up with a stroll through the beautiful historic streets to Piazza Duomo (Cathedral Square), where you'll discover the mysteries surrounding Giotto's Bell Tower, the famous golden doors of La Porta del Paradiso, and Brunelleschi's Dome. Finally, visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore itself. Please note that the order your visit to each attraction may change.

  5. Day 5overnight: Florence

    Florence

    After breakfast, the entire day is free for you to explore the "Cradle of the Renaissance." Florence is an incredibly walkable city, and can easily be navigated on your own. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets and experience a trip through history and beauty at every turn, especially when you reach Ponte Vecchio. It is one of the most famous bridges in all of Europe and the only one in Florence to survive World War II. Visit the San Lorenzo Market to shop, eat, and have a drink, gaze at Renaissance paintings at the Uffizi Gallery, or catch a sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo.

  6. Day 6rail

    End Of Tour

    Enjoy breakfast then check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels. If you wish to extend your journey, please contact a Rail Expert for details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Bernina Express climbs through the Swiss Alps on the Albula and Bernina Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage route with 55 tunnels and more than 196 bridges, en route to Tirano and on to Milan.
  • Day 3A high-speed train from Milan brings the journey to Florence for a three-night stay.
  • Day 4A city tour stops at Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views of Florence, then visits the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David and his unfinished Prigioni sculptures.
  • Day 5A free day in Florence includes a walk to the Ponte Vecchio, described as the only one of the city's bridges to survive.

Included

  • Onward rail travel in standard class as per itinerary
  • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Zurich
  • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Milan
  • 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Florence
  • Florence City Walking Tour (small group)

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, onward rail travel in standard class is included throughout, including the Bernina Express from Zurich to Tirano and on to Milan, then a high-speed train to Florence.
Which trains are used?
The Bernina Express, via the Albula and Bernina Lines, from Zurich to Milan, plus Swiss Railways and Trenitalia services.
What is included besides rail?
A small-group Florence City Walking Tour and breakfast at each hotel.
Which hotels are used?
A choice from 18 hotel options across Zurich, Milan, and Florence, including the Baur Au Lac and Park Hyatt Zurich in Zurich and the Hilton Milan in Milan.
How many nights are spent in each city?
One night in Zurich, one night in Milan, and three nights in Florence, across 6 days and 5 nights.
What is the starting price?
From $1,319 per person, about $220 a day.

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