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Grand Italy and Switzerland

21-day rail grand tour of Italy and Switzerland from Rome to Zurich

Illustration of Grand Italy and Switzerland

Railbookers operates this 21-day, 20-night first class rail journey across Italy and Switzerland, starting in Rome and ending in Zurich. Three nights in Rome cover the Vatican Museums, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum, before the trip travels on to Sorrento for views of Mount Vesuvius and Capri, with an included Pompeii tour between March and October. From Sorrento, the route continues to Florence's Uffizi Gallery, Venice's Doge's Palace and lagoon islands, and Milan, before the Bernina Express carries travelers to St. Moritz. The Glacier Express then crosses Switzerland to Zermatt, where the Gornergrat Cog Railway climbs above 10,000 feet, followed by Interlaken and a day trip to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest altitude railway station. The final stops are Lucerne, with a cable car and cogwheel train up Mount Pilatus, and a free evening in Zurich. With an 8-day Swiss Pass and guided tours built into ten destinations, this trip suits travelers who want an extended, fully guided rail tour combining Italy's history with Switzerland's mountains.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence lists 58 accommodation options across price tiers and cities rather than one fixed hotel per city; sample hotels range from the Hotel Mediterraneo to the InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace in Rome, so the hotel you get depends on the tier you choose.
  • The Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius tour on day 6 only runs between March and October; outside that window, this included activity may not be available.
  • Over 21 days the trip changes overnight location ten times, from Rome to Sorrento, Florence, Venice, Milan, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Interlaken, Lucerne, 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

    Now that you're in Rome, explore the best of the city's culture and history. In the morning, check out the Vatican Museums, in the afternoon stroll through the Sistine Chapel and marvel at St. Peter's Basilica, and relax with some gelato near the Trevi Fountain in the evening following a delicious meal.

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Experience Imperial Rome today. Visit the Roman Forum, Colosseum, and Palatine Hill among many other exciting landmarks and attractions. You'll be picked up and dropped back off at your hotel.

  3. Day 3overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Continue enjoying Rome at your leisure. There are plenty of experiences to have on your own.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Sorrento

    Rome to Sorrento

    Travel by train from Rome to beautiful Naples then private car transfer to Sorrento, known as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. After getting settled, wander through Piazza Tasso or find a Campanian restaurant so you can try some gnocchi alla sorrentina or some traditional limoncello.

  5. Day 5overnight: Sorrento

    Sorrento

    Overlooking the Bay of Naples on the Mediterranean coast, Sorrento features incredible views of Mount Vesuvius and the islands of Capri. Visit the Museo Correale di Terranova, the 15th-century Duomo (Via Pieta), and the fishing village known as Marine Grande.

  6. Day 6overnight: Sorrento

    Sorrento

    This morning, if travelling between March and October head off to tour the ruins of Pompeii and hear the stories of the ancient Mt. Vesuvius eruption that buried the city in ash, then travel up the slopes of the volcano itself. After exploring the crater you'll be returned to Sorrento in the late afternoon.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Florence

    Sorrento to Florence

    Board a Trenitalia highspeed train from Naples to Florence. Enjoy some refreshing gelato as you stroll through the city's lively piazzas. Admire the charming views along the River Arno and cross the city's oldest bridge, the 14th century Ponte Vecchio.

  8. Day 8overnight: Florence

    Florence

    Head to the Academy Gallery for your tour. Then visit the popular Uffizi Gallery and see the Renaissance works of great artists such as Botticelli, Raphael and Michelangelo. Later, marvel at the Duomo Basilica, with its beautiful frescoes and spectacular dome that dominates the city's skyline.

  9. Day 9overnight: Venice

    Florence to Venice

    Travel to Venice at your leisure today. Waterside Venice's reputation no doubt precedes it, and many say there is nowhere on earth that matches the beauty and tranquility of its splendid canals.

  10. Day 10overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Soak up the vibrant atmosphere in St. Mark's Square, while marveling at the beautiful mosaics that adorn the Basilica. Enjoy a walking tour of the city and admission to Doge's Palace, which has origins dating back to the 14th century.

  11. Day 11overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Embark on a tour of Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands this morning. Located in the Venetian Lagoon, these islands are famous for their colorful houses and glass blowers.

  12. Day 12overnight: Milan

    Venice to Milan

    Board Trenitalia from Venice to Milan. Visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, home of 'The Last Supper', Leonardo da Vinci's famous masterpiece. Stroll through the Brera district and enjoy the art galleries and boutique shopping opportunities.

  13. Day 13railovernight: St. Moritz

    Milan to St. Moritz

    Travel from Milan to Tirano and Tirano to St. Moritz with your included Swiss Pass. This is one of the world's most scenic train journeys, the Bernina Express! The Bernina Express features awe-inspiring scenery changes.

  14. Day 14railovernight: 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. On arrival in Zermatt, check in for a two-night stay.

  15. Day 15railovernight: 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.

  16. Day 16overnight: 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.

  17. Day 17railovernight: Interlaken

    Day Trip to Jungfrau

    Climb to Europe's highest altitude railway station on Jungfrau Mountain, at 11,332 feet high. The journey takes you to Kleine Scheidegg, before reaching the station at Eigergletscher. At Jungfrau, 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.

  18. Day 18overnight: Lucerne

    Interlaken to Lucerne

    After breakfast, travel from Interlaken to Lucerne with your Swiss Pass. Known for being one of the world's most gorgeous cities, Lucerne is rich with culture and history. Stroll along the Chapel Bridge, see the Water Tower, and experience the medieval Altstadt.

  19. Day 19railovernight: Lucerne

    Day Trip to Mount Pilatus

    Spend the day discovering the Swiss Alps from Lucerne. Take an aerial cable car to the peak of Mount Pilatus. At the summit, take the world's steepest cogwheel train down to Alpnachstad. Then, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne.

  20. Day 20overnight: Zurich

    Lucerne to Zurich

    Your final destination on this trip is Zurich by way of Lucerne. Spend your final night in this city at your leisure, perhaps wandering through Old Town's cobblestone streets and taking in the Renaissance-era architecture.

  21. Day 21

    Your Journey Ends in Zurich

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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2An Imperial Rome tour visits the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and Palatine Hill.
  • Day 6Between March and October, a tour visits the ruins of Pompeii before climbing the slopes of Mount Vesuvius to its crater.
  • Day 11A tour of Murano, Burano, and Torcello Islands in the Venetian Lagoon visits their colorful houses and glassblowers.
  • Day 14The Glacier Express crosses the full length of Switzerland from St. Moritz to Zermatt, passing glistening lakes and Swiss hamlets and crossing high mountain passes.
  • Day 17A 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

  • Imperial Rome tour in Rome
  • First class rail travel as per itinerary
  • Small Group tour of Pompei and Vesuvius from Sorrento (March-Oct only)
  • Return car transfer from Naples and Sorrento
  • Academy Gallery and Uffizi Gallery tours in Florence
  • Walking and Doge's Palace tours in Venice
  • Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands tour in Venice
  • 8 day Swiss Pass
  • Reservations onboard the Bernina Express
  • Reservations onboard the Glacier Express
  • Day trip to Gornergrat
  • Day trip to Jungfrau
  • Day trip to Mount Pilatus
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Sorrento
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Florence
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 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
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price of this trip?
Yes. Railbookers includes first class rail travel throughout, plus an 8-day Swiss Pass and reservations on the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express.
Which scenic trains and mountain trips does this trip include?
The Bernina Express from Milan to St. Moritz, the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt, the Gornergrat Cog Railway, the Jungfraujoch railway to Europe's highest altitude railway station, and an aerial cable car and cogwheel train up Mount Pilatus from Lucerne.
Is the Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius tour included?
Yes, but only for travel between March and October.
What guided tours are included in Italy?
An Imperial Rome tour, the Academy Gallery and Uffizi Gallery in Florence, walking and Doge's Palace tours in Venice, and a tour of the Murano, Burano, and Torcello Islands.
What hotels does the trip use?
The evidence lists 58 accommodation options across tiers and cities; sample hotels include the InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace and the Hilton Sorrento Palace.
How much does this trip cost?
Railbookers prices this trip from $8,619.

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