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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Grand Swiss Mountains and Italian Lakes

15-day independent rail trip from the Swiss Alps to Rome

Illustration of Grand Swiss Mountains and Italian Lakes

Railbookers operates Grand Swiss Mountains and Italian Lakes, an independent 15-day, 14-night rail journey from Zurich to Rome using a 6-day Swiss Pass and first-class Italian rail. The route climbs to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station, on day 3, rides the Gornergrat cog railway above Zermatt on day 5, crosses Switzerland on the full-length Glacier Express on day 6, and continues on the Bernina Express to Italy on day 7, before three lakes in a row, Garda, Como, and Maggiore, and a finish in Rome with a small-group Imperial Rome tour. Hotel options range up to five-star properties such as Baur Au Lac and The Dolder Grand in Zurich. Aside from a Lake Como boat tour and the Rome city tour, sightseeing is independent and self-paced. The trip suits travelers who want a single itinerary combining Switzerland's mountain railways with Italy's lake district and Rome, and who are comfortable planning most days themselves. Prices start from $5,669 per person.

What to know before you look closer

  • The included Lake Garda sunset boat cruise on day 9 runs May to October only, per Railbookers' inclusions list.
  • 43 accommodation options span a wide range of tiers across nine cities and towns, so the exact hotel depends on the tier and location you choose.
  • Guiding is independent throughout except for two included small-group tours: the Lake Como boat tour and the Imperial Rome, Forum, and Colosseum tour in Rome.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Your Journey Begins in Zurich

    Make your way to your hotel for an overnight stay. Once checked in head out to wander the beautiful old town, and perhaps enjoy dinner by the lake.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Interlaken

    Zurich to Interlaken

    At a time of your choosing head to Zurich Hbf for a direct train to Interlaken, a great base between two lakes for exploring the surrounding mountains. Check-in for a 2-night stay.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Interlaken

    Jungfrau Day Trip

    Climb to Europe's highest altitude railway station on Jungfrau Mountain, at 11,332 feet. Ride the scenic train up via Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg, then the Eiger Express gondola to Grindelwald back down, and train back to Interlaken.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    Interlaken to Zermatt

    Hop on the train and enjoy the amazing scenery between Interlaken and Visp, then onto Zermatt which is your home for the next 2 nights.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Zermatt

    Gornergrat Day Trip

    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. From the top, enjoy panoramas taking in the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks and glaciers.

  6. Day 6railovernight: St. Moritz

    The Glacier Express

    Enjoy the exhilarating experience of crossing Switzerland today, traveling the full length of the Glacier Express line, past glistening blue lakes and the Landwasser Viaduct. On arrival in St. Moritz, make your way to your hotel and check-in for one night.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Milan

    The Bernina Express

    After breakfast, embark on one of the world's most scenic train lines, the Bernina Express. On arrival in Tirano transfer onto the direct train to Milan for the night.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Sirmione

    Milan to Lake Garda

    Take the direct rail journey from Milan to Desenzano, and from here the short cab ride to beautiful Sirmione. Treat yourself to a day exploring the boutique shops and restaurants of Sirmione or the views from the nearby Torre di San Martino.

  9. Day 9overnight: 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.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Como

    Lake Garda to Lake Como

    From Desenzano take the train to Milan, then onto Como. Once checked in perhaps take the funicular railway up to Brunate for panoramic views or sit at a lakeside bar and take in the scenery.

  11. Day 11overnight: Como

    Lake Como

    Today, experience the beauty of Lake Como from the water with an included two-hour boat tour, gliding past charming lakeside villages, elegant villas, and even a glimpse of George Clooney's famed lakeside home.

  12. Day 12overnight: Stresa

    Lake Como to Lake Maggiore

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

  13. Day 13overnight: Stresa

    Lake Maggiore

    On the shores of the Borromean Gulf, Stresa is ideally situated to explore the lake's villages and islands. A regular ferry runs from the town around the lake, and the Isola Bella is only ten minutes away by boat.

  14. Day 14railovernight: Rome

    Stresa to Rome

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then take the direct train to Rome and check into your hotel for a two-night stay, then set off to start exploring. Perhaps enjoy gelato by the Trevi Fountain, visit the Pantheon, or stroll to the Vatican and St Peter's Basilica.

  15. Day 15overnight: 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.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station at 11,332 feet, reached by train via Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg and the Eiger Express gondola.
  • Day 5The Gornergrat cog railway climbs from 5,262 to 10,135 feet in 33 minutes, with panoramas of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks and glaciers.
  • Day 6The full length of the Glacier Express, crossing Switzerland past glistening lakes and the Landwasser Viaduct to St. Moritz.
  • Day 7The Bernina Express, one of the world's most scenic train lines, from St. Moritz to Tirano before continuing to Milan.
  • Day 11A small-group two-hour boat tour of Lake Como, passing lakeside villages, villas, and a glimpse of George Clooney's lakeside home.

Included

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

Questions travellers ask

Is this trip guided or independent?
Independent overall, with two included small-group tours: a Lake Como boat tour and an Imperial Rome tour of the Forum and Colosseum.
Which named trains are included?
The Glacier Express (full length), the Bernina Express, the Gornergrat cog railway, and the Jungfrau line to Jungfraujoch, plus a 6-day Swiss Pass and first-class rail in Italy.
How many countries and cities does it cover?
Switzerland and Italy, across Zurich, Interlaken, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Milan, Sirmione (Lake Garda), Como, Stresa (Lake Maggiore), and Rome.
Is the Lake Garda cruise available year-round?
No; Railbookers lists the sunset cruise on Lake Garda as available May to October only.
How long is the trip?
15 days and 14 nights.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $5,669 per person (USD).

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