Search

Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Gems of Italy and Switzerland

20-day independent rail journey from Rome to Zurich through Italy and Switzerland

Illustration of Gems of Italy and Switzerland

Railbookers operates this 20-day independent rail vacation from Rome to Zurich, moving through Italy and Switzerland with guided tours and transfers arranged along the way. The first ten days settle into Italy: three nights in Rome with included tours of the Roman Forum, Colosseum, and Vatican Museums, then on by Trenitalia to Sorrento, Florence, Siena, Sestri Levante, and Lake Como, where a two-hour boat tour crosses past lakeside villas. From Day 15, the trip turns to Switzerland's named scenic trains: the Bernina Express to St. Moritz, the eight-hour Glacier Express through the Landwasser viaduct and Rhine Gorge to Zermatt, and a day trip on the Gornergrat cog railway for views of the Matterhorn and Gorner Glacier, all covered by a 4-day Swiss Flexi Pass. With two or three nights in most stops, the pace stays relaxed. History lovers, photographers drawn to panoramic train windows, and rail enthusiasts chasing named routes will find plenty to fill twenty days.

What to know before you look closer

  • The 43 listed hotels are accommodation options rather than fixed bookings; the actual hotel in each city depends on the tier and availability you choose.
  • Day 4 combines a train from Rome to Naples with a private driver for the scenic coastal drive to Sorrento; not every transfer on this trip is by rail.
  • The evidence does not list specific departure dates; confirm current availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Your Journey Begins in Rome

    On arrival in Rome, check into your hotel for an overnight stay and set off to start exploring. Perhaps enjoy an ice-cold gelato on the Spanish steps and simply watch Roman life go by.

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Experience Imperial Rome on your included tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum today. There is so much history and architecture to admire.

  3. Day 3overnight: Rome

    Rome

    You'll be picked up from your hotel for your included tour of the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel. Each attraction on this tour is a must-see when visiting Rome.

  4. Day 4overnight: Sorrento

    Rome to Sorrento

    After breakfast, make your way to the station and travel from Rome to Naples. From Naples, your private driver will meet you at the station. Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast before continuing to your Sorrento hotel.

  5. Day 5overnight: Sorrento

    Sorrento

    Sorrento, the city of orange and lemon groves, is one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe. Take a walk through the town to discover the lovely piazzas and sample a glass of Limoncello liqueur or some traditional Sorrentine cuisine at a local restaurant.

  6. Day 6overnight: Florence

    Sorrento to Florence

    Relax with a private driver to take you to Naples station, then travel to Florence on board Trenitalia. Spend the rest of your day discovering the birthplace of the Renaissance.

  7. Day 7overnight: Florence

    Florence

    Enjoy your included tours of the Academy and Uffizi Galleries. There are masterpieces at every turn. Stroll the city's narrow cobbled streets, candle-lit chapels, marble basilicas, and Tuscan culinary traditions.

  8. Day 8overnight: Siena

    Florence to Siena

    Board Trenitalia to Siena, Italy's medieval heart. The city's main attractions are located Piazza del Campo and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Start exploring Piazza del Campo and Piazza del Duomo at your leisure.

  9. Day 9overnight: Siena

    Siena

    Today, experience the best of Siena on a small-group guided walking tour through the city's captivating medieval streets. Take in iconic landmarks such as Piazza del Campo and the Palazzo Pubblico, admire the Cathedral's striking marble architecture, and learn about the city's unique Contradas and the traditions surrounding the famed Palio horse races.

  10. Day 10overnight: Sestri Levante

    Siena to Sestri Levante

    Travel onboard Trenitalia from Siena to Empoli, Empoli to Pisa, and Pisa to Sestri Levante. Immediately begin discovering this beautiful town on the Ligurian Coast on your own.

  11. Day 11overnight: Sestri Levante

    Sestri Levante

    Explore the walkable old town with many elegant shops and terrific seafood restaurants. Relax on the large sandy beach at the Bay of Silence or follow the path leading from the old town to Punta Manara for amazing panoramic views of the shoreline from Levanto to Portofino.

  12. Day 12railovernight: Como

    Sestri Levante to Lake Como

    Visit Como via a train change in Milan. Como features ancient churches, historic monuments, beautiful gardens, and of course, delicious cuisine.

  13. Day 13overnight: 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.

  14. Day 14railovernight: Como

    Lake Como

    After breakfast this morning, continue to discover Como. Perhaps take the funicular railway up to Brunate for panoramic views or why not just sit at a lakeside bar and take in the striking scenery.

  15. Day 15railovernight: St. Moritz

    Bernina Express

    Travel from Como to Milan, Milan to Tirano, and then board the iconic red carriages of the Bernina Express to St. Moritz. The views from the train's panoramic windows are absolutely stunning.

  16. Day 16overnight: St. Moritz

    St. Moritz

    More than simply a holiday resort town, St. Moritz boasts a modern Alpine flair. Enjoy world-class restaurants, wonderful shopping experiences, and lakeside promenades. Visit the Segantini Museum, Muottas Muragl, and the summit of Piz Nair with your Swiss Flexi Pass.

  17. Day 17railovernight: Zermatt

    Glacier Express

    Board the unforgettable Glacier Express to Zermatt. This eight-hour journey takes you through the three cantons of Valais, Uri, and Graubunden. Experience the Landwasser viaduct, Oberalp Pass, and the Rhine Gorge, known as the "Grand Canyon of Switzerland."

  18. Day 18railovernight: Zermatt

    Day Trip to Gornergrat

    Travel onboard Europe's highest open-air cog railway from Zermatt station to the summit of Gornergrat. This 33-minute ride travels over bridges, through tunnels, and past mountain lakes and forests. At the summit, take in the panoramic view of the Monte Rosa massif, the Gorner Glacier, and the surrounding mountains, including the Matterhorn.

  19. Day 19overnight: Zurich

    Zermatt to Zurich

    Using your Swiss Flexi Pass, travel from Zermatt to Zurich via a change in Visp. Enjoy discovering the city at your leisure, perhaps ambling down the Lake Promenade and the winding streets of the Old Town.

  20. Day 20

    Your Journey Ends in Zurich

    Check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 9A small-group guided walking tour of Siena's medieval streets, taking in Piazza del Campo and the traditions behind the Palio horse races.
  • Day 13A two-hour boat tour of Lake Como, passing lakeside villages, elegant villas, and lush hillsides.
  • Day 15Boarding the famous red carriages of the Bernina Express from Tirano to St. Moritz.
  • Day 17The eight-hour Glacier Express to Zermatt, crossing the Landwasser viaduct, Oberalp Pass, and the Rhine Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland.
  • Day 18A day trip on Europe's highest open-air cog railway to the summit of Gornergrat, with views of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa massif, and Gorner Glacier.

Included

  • Rail travel throughout as specified in the itinerary
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Sorrento
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Florence
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Siena
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Sestri Levante
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Como
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in St. Moritz
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • Sightseeing tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum in Rome
  • Tour of the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, and Sistine Chapel in Rome
  • Academy and Uffizi Gallery Tours in Florence
  • Small group walking tour of Siena
  • Small group boat tour of Lake Como
  • 4-day Swiss Flexi Pass
  • Seat reservations onboard the Bernina and Glacier Express
  • Day trip to Gornergrat

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, rail travel throughout is included, along with a 4-day Swiss Flexi Pass and seat reservations on board the Bernina Express and Glacier Express. One exception is Day 4, where a private driver, not a train, takes you from Naples to Sorrento.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation with included guided tours: the Roman Forum and Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, the Academy and Uffizi Galleries in Florence, a small-group walking tour of Siena, and a boat tour of Lake Como.
Which trains does the trip use?
Trenitalia across Italy, then in Switzerland the Bernina Express (Tirano to St. Moritz), the Glacier Express (St. Moritz to Zermatt), the Gornergrat cog railway, and Swiss Railways on a 4-day Swiss Flexi Pass.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 43 accommodation options across nine cities and different tiers, including the Kolbe Hotel Rome and InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace in Rome, and the Hilton Sorrento Palace and Hotel Antiche Mura in Sorrento, among others.
How much walking is involved?
The trip includes guided walking tours in Rome, Florence, and Siena, plus an optional coastal path to Punta Manara in Sestri Levante; it also visits high-altitude points such as Gornergrat and Piz Nair by cog railway and cable car.
What is not included?
The included list covers rail travel, hotels with breakfast, and the guided tours and passes listed above. Lunches and dinners are not mentioned as included.

Similar journeys