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Grand Italian Lakes and Swiss Mountains

Rome to Zurich rail journey through Italian lakes and Swiss peaks

Illustration of Grand Italian Lakes and Swiss Mountains

Railbookers operates this 16-day, 15-night first class rail journey from Rome to Zurich, through the Italian Lakes and the Swiss Alps. After two nights in Rome, including a small-group tour of the Forum and Colosseum, the trip visits Lake Maggiore in Stresa, Lake Como with a small-group boat tour, and Lake Garda in Sirmione, with a sunset cruise included between May and October. From Milan, the Bernina Express carries travelers to St. Moritz, followed by the Glacier Express across Switzerland to Zermatt, where the Gornergrat Cog Railway climbs above 10,000 feet for views of the Matterhorn. The route continues to Interlaken, set between the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Monch mountains, with a day trip to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest altitude railway station. The trip ends with a free evening in Zurich's Old Town. With first class rail, a 4-day Swiss Pass, and hotel stays across nine locations, this trip suits travelers who want an extended, high-comfort rail tour of Italy's lakes and Switzerland's mountains.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence lists 49 accommodation options across price tiers and cities rather than one fixed hotel per city; sample hotels range from the Hotel Indigo Rome to the InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace, so the hotel you get depends on the tier you choose.
  • The included sunset cruise on Lake Garda only runs from May through October; outside that window, this included activity may not be available.
  • Over 16 days the trip changes overnight location nine times, from Rome to Stresa, Como, Sirmione, Milan, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Interlaken, and Zurich, so expect frequent packing and hotel check-ins.
  • The evidence pack does not list current departure dates or months; confirm scheduling directly with Railbookers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Your Journey Begins in Rome

    On arrival in Rome, check into your hotel for a two-night stay and set off to start exploring. Perhaps enjoy an ice-cold gelato on the Spanish steps and simply watch Roman life go by. Admire the breath-taking collection of ancient art, sculptures and statues at museums or why not take a trip to the enchanting Vatican?

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Rome

    After breakfast, enjoy your Imperial Rome tour including the Forum and Colosseum then why not visit the Spanish Steps or stroll through the wide-open spaces of the Villa Borghese.

  3. Day 3overnight: Stresa

    Rome to Stresa

    Travel from Rome to Stresa, where you can experience beautiful Lake Maggiore. Lakeside gardens bloom with a profusion of camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons.

  4. Day 4overnight: Stresa

    Stresa

    On the shores of the Borromean Gulf, Stresa is ideally situated as a base to explore the lake's villages, islands and natural beauty. A regular ferry runs from the town around the lake, and the Isola Bella, the most well-known of the Borromean Islands, is only ten minutes away by boat.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Como

    Stresa to Lake Como

    Catch a Trenitalia train from Stresa to Como via Milan. Once in town, take a leisurely walk around Lake Como on your own and enjoy the sights of grand villas, rolling hillside vineyards, historic towns, alpine peaks, and wooded islands that line the shore.

  6. Day 6overnight: Como

    Lake Como

    Today, you'll meet your skipper in town, heading on a small-group boat tour on the lake. Narrated by a true local, you'll gain a deeper insight into the Como region and cruise along sights only able to be seen from the lake, including the villas of the rich and famous.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Sirmione

    Lake Como to Lake Garda

    Board a Trenitalia train from Como to Milan to Desenzano then a short taxi ride to Sirmione and Lake Garda. Treat yourself to an indulgent day exploring the boutique shops and restaurants of Sirmione or enjoying city views from the nearby Torre di San Martino.

  8. Day 8overnight: Sirmione

    Lake Garda

    Enjoy a relaxing day exploring the Roman ruins at Grotte di Catullo and Scaliger Castle. In the evening watch the sunset onboard your private boat with a glass of Prosecco, then return to the harbor at Sirmione for dinner.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Milan

    Lake Garda to Milan

    Take another Trenitalia train from Desenzano to Milan, the heart of Italian style and sophistication. Take a trip to the Quadrilatero d'Oro (Golden Quad). Visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, home of 'The Last Supper', Leonardo da Vinci's famous masterpiece.

  10. Day 10railovernight: St. Moritz

    Milan to St. Moritz

    After breakfast, embark on one of the world's most scenic train lines, the Bernina Express! The Bernina Express features awe-inspiring scenery changes, guaranteeing amazing shots from the comfort of the panoramic carriages of the train.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Zermatt

    St. Moritz to Zermatt

    Enjoy the exhilarating experience of crossing Switzerland today, traveling the full length of the Glacier Express line. The train passes glistening blue lakes and quaint Swiss hamlets, as well as crossing numerous high passes and mountain peaks, including the spectacular Landwasser Viaduct. On arrival in Zermatt, check in for a two-night stay and step out on the town to marvel at views of the Matterhorn.

  12. Day 12railovernight: Zermatt

    Day Trip to Gornergrat

    Take a ride on the Gornergrat Cog Railway, which climbs from 5,262 feet above sea level to 10,135 feet in just 33 minutes and is a marvel of 19th Century engineering. From the top, enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramas in all of Switzerland, taking in the iconic outline of the Matterhorn as well as surrounding peaks and glaciers.

  13. Day 13overnight: Interlaken

    Zermatt to Interlaken

    Use your Swiss Pass to travel from Zermatt to Visp, Visp to Interlaken. On arrival in the classic Swiss mountain village, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay and begin exploring! Located between the Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch mountains, ever-verdant Interlaken boasts incredible scenery and a friendly atmosphere.

  14. Day 14railovernight: Interlaken

    Day Trip to Jungfraujoch

    Climb to Europe's highest altitude railway station on Jungfrau Mountain, at a colossal 11,332 feet high. The journey takes you to Kleine Scheidegg, before reaching the station at Eigergletscher, well known for its mountain restaurant and Huskies. At Jungfraujoch, take in the breath-taking views of the Black Forest in Germany and the Vosges Mountains in France, plus the fascinating glacier and ice gallery at the top.

  15. Day 15railovernight: Zurich

    Interlaken to Zurich

    Board one last train from Interlaken to Zurich. When you arrive, check into your hotel for an overnight stay. The evening is yours to pass wandering through the metropolis: visit the district of Altstadt or Old Town, dine at a world-class restaurant, try some fondue or raclette, shop, relax in a charming cafe, and stroll alongside the lake or the cobblestone-paved streets.

  16. Day 16

    Your Journey Ends in Zurich

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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A small-group Imperial Rome tour visits the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.
  • Day 6A small-group boat tour of Lake Como, narrated by a local skipper, passes the villas of the rich and famous.
  • Day 10The Bernina Express runs from Milan to St. Moritz through panoramic carriages with continually changing scenery.
  • Day 11The Glacier Express crosses the full length of Switzerland from St. Moritz to Zermatt, passing glistening lakes, Swiss hamlets, and the Landwasser Viaduct.
  • Day 14A day trip climbs to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest altitude railway station at 11,332 feet, with views of the Black Forest, the Vosges Mountains, and a glacier ice gallery.

Included

  • First class rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lake Maggiore
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Como
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Sirmione
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Milan
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in St. Moritz
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Interlaken
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • Small Group tour of Imperial Rome – Roman Forum and Colosseum
  • Small-group boat tour of Lake Como
  • Sunset cruise on Lake Garda (May-Oct only)
  • 4-day Flexi Swiss Pass
  • Reservation onboard the Bernina Express
  • Reservation onboard the Glacier Express
  • Day trip to Gornergrat
  • Day trip to Jungfrau

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price of this trip?
Yes. Railbookers includes first class rail travel throughout, plus a 4-day Flexi Swiss Pass and reservations on the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express.
Which scenic trains does this trip include?
The Bernina Express from Milan to St. Moritz, the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt, the Gornergrat Cog Railway, and the Jungfraujoch railway to Europe's highest altitude railway station.
What hotels does the trip use?
The evidence lists 49 accommodation options across tiers and cities; sample hotels include the InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace and the Villa e Palazzo Aminta in Stresa.
Is the Lake Garda sunset cruise included?
Yes, but it only runs from May through October.
What guided tours are included?
A small-group Imperial Rome tour of the Forum and Colosseum, and a small-group boat tour of Lake Como with a local skipper.
How much does this trip cost?
Railbookers prices this trip from $5,669.

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