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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Highlights of Switzerland & Italy by Rail

Eleven-day independent rail journey from Zurich through Swiss Alps to Rome

Illustration of Highlights of Switzerland & Italy by Rail

Vacations By Rail's 11-day independent rail journey connects Zurich to Rome through the Alpine landscapes and lake regions of Switzerland and Italy. You begin in Zurich exploring the Old Town and its fountains, then travel by rail northeast to Chur, Switzerland's oldest city, with a free day to visit the Gothic Cathedral or ride the cable car up Brambrüesch. The highlight of Day 4 is the UNESCO World Heritage Bernina Express, which climbs from Chur across the Landwasser Viaduct and through the Albula Tunnel into the Italian Alps before descending to Tirano. From there you return by bus across Lake Como to Lugano, then travel to Como for lake cruises and free exploration. A five-hour train journey south through Milan and Bologna brings you to Florence, where you receive breakfast daily and participate in a wine and charcuterie tasting, a guided walking tour of the Duomo and Michelangelo's David, and free time to wander.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights to Rome and airport transfers are not included; book separately
  • The package price covers rail travel but does not specify which rail segments are reserved or require booking in advance; confirm details with Vacations By Rail before travel
  • Day 1 is unguided arrival; you must make your own way from the airport to the hotel

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Arrive in Zurich

    Make your way from the airport to the hotel independently. Free to explore Zürich's Old Town and its nearly 1,200 ornamental water fountains.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Chur

    Lindt Chocolate Factory and Chur

    Using the discount pass, travel to Kilchberg by boat or local rail for a self-guided tour of the Lindt Chocolate Factory. Return to Zürich, then travel by rail this afternoon to Chur, Switzerland's oldest city.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Chur

    At Your Leisure in Chur

    A free day to explore Chur, including the Gothic Cathedral of the Assumption, the cable car up Brambrüesch, or an optional rail excursion to Arosa via the Arosa Line.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Lugano

    Bernina Express

    Join the UNESCO World Heritage Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano, Italy, passing the Landwasser Viaduct, the Albula Tunnel and Alp Grüm. Switch to the Bernina Express Bus back across the border to Lugano, past Lake Como.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: Como

    Lake Lugano Cruise and Como

    A scenic cruise across Lake Lugano to the village of Gandria, then return and take the train to Como, Italy on Lake Como.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Como

    Lake Como Cruise

    A cruise of Lake Como, followed by free time to explore Como's 14th-century cathedral, the Como Archaeological Museum, or the cliff-top village of Brunate by funicular.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7railovernight: Florence

    Florence & Wine Tasting

    A train journey of just over five hours through Milan and Bologna to Florence. In the afternoon, a guided wine and charcuterie tasting at a centrally located winery near Piazza dei Rossi.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8overnight: Florence

    Florence Sightseeing

    A small-group walking tour beginning in Piazza della Signoria, taking in the Loggia dei Lanzi, Palazzo Vecchio, the Duomo complex and the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David.

    Meals: Breakfast

  9. Day 9railovernight: Rome

    To Rome by Train

    A roughly 90-minute high-speed train journey to Rome. In the evening, an illuminated small-group panoramic tour visiting Piazza del Popolo, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Pantheon Square, Piazza Venezia, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Gianicolo Hill.

    Meals: Breakfast

  10. Day 10overnight: Rome

    Vatican Museums

    A driver escorts you to Vatican City to explore the Vatican Museums, including the Gallery of Tapestries, the Gallery of Maps and the Sistine Chapel. Afternoon free to explore Rome at leisure.

    Meals: Breakfast

  11. Day 11

    Return Home

    The journey through Switzerland and Italy concludes this morning after breakfast at the hotel, with an included transfer to Rome's international airport.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Self-guided tour of the Lindt Chocolate Factory in Kilchberg, reached by boat or local rail from Zurich
  • Day 4Bernina Express ascends from Chur to Tirano, crossing the UNESCO World Heritage Landwasser Viaduct, Albula Tunnel and Alp Grüm before returning to Lugano by bus
  • Day 7Five-hour train journey through Milan and Bologna to Florence, followed by wine and charcuterie tasting near Piazza dei Rossi
  • Day 8Small-group walking tour of Florence's Piazza della Signoria, Duomo complex, and Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David
  • Day 10Escorted visit to Vatican Museums, including the Gallery of Tapestries, Gallery of Maps and Sistine Chapel

Included

  • 10 nights hotel accommodation
  • Rail travel aboard the Gotthard Panorama Express
  • High speed and local rail travel between Switzerland and Italy
  • 10 breakfasts
  • Swiss Half Fare Card, permitting 50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat and most mountain railway journeys

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes rail travel aboard the Gotthard Panorama Express, high-speed and local trains between Switzerland and Italy, and the UNESCO Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano. A Swiss Half Fare Card allowing 50% discounts on rail, boat and mountain railway journeys is also included.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Independent. Vacations By Rail provides a well-planned itinerary you follow on your own, though some activities in Florence and Rome are small-group guided experiences.
Which trains are featured?
The Bernina Express (Chur to Tirano on the UNESCO World Heritage line), the Gotthard Panorama Express, high-speed rail to Florence and Rome, and local rail in Switzerland and Italy. The itinerary also includes the Bernina Express Bus returning to Lugano after Tirano.
What is included and what is not?
Included: 10 nights hotel accommodation, 10 breakfasts, rail travel as noted, and the Swiss Half Fare Card. Not included: flights, airport transfers (except a transfer to Rome airport on Day 11), cancellation and travel insurance.
What activities or tours are guided?
The wine and charcuterie tasting in Florence, the small-group walking tour of Florence, the illuminated evening tour of Rome, and the Vatican Museums visit with driver escort are guided. Most other exploration is at your own pace.
When does this trip run?
Vacations By Rail does not publish a departure calendar in the available information. Contact the operator to confirm available dates.

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