Railbookers

Lake Como and the Matterhorn from Basel

Basel to Milan by rail via Zermatt's Matterhorn and Lake Como

Illustration of Lake Como and the Matterhorn from Basel

Railbookers operates this 6-day rail journey from Basel to Milan, with a two-night stop in Zermatt beneath the Matterhorn before continuing on to Lake Como and Milan. After arriving at Zermatt station and calling a taxi to your hotel, Day 2 brings the trip's high point: the Gornergrat Cogwheel Train, which climbs from 5,262 feet to 10,138 feet in just 33 minutes for views of the Matterhorn, Italy and France. Day 3 crosses the Swiss Alps by train into Italy for two nights on Lake Como, where an expert guide leads a tour of the lake's Mediterranean and Alpine scenery. The trip ends with a train to Milan and a visit to the Duomo. A 3-day Swiss Pass simplifies the Swiss legs, and the pace is relaxed, with two-night stops in Zermatt and Como. This suits photographers drawn to alpine views and couples who want a short, linear route through the Alps and northern Italy without a packed schedule.

What to know before you look closer

  • On Day 1, you call a taxi from the telephones at Zermatt station yourself; the final transfer to your hotel is not arranged for you.
  • All hotels are drawn from 18 accommodation options across Zermatt, Lake Como and Milan; the final hotel depends on the tier and city you select.
  • The operator does not list current departure dates for this package; confirm availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zermatt

    Your Journey Begins in Zermatt

    Welcome to Switzerland! Make your way to Basel train station and start your adventure to Zermatt. Use the telephones at the station to call a taxi to pick you up. Check in for a two-night stay.

  2. Day 2overnight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    The Gornergrat is Europe's highest climbing from 5262ft above sea level to 10138ft in just 33 minutes. Views across to Italy and France as well as the nearby Matterhorn Mountain. Enjoy a stroll and keep an eye out for a Marmot.

  3. Day 3overnight: Lake Como

    Zermatt to Lake Como

    A final breakfast in Switzerland before heading through the scenic Swiss Alps south to Italy, passing wildlife and crystal blue lakes. Check in for a two-night stay.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lake Como

    Lake Como

    Meet your expert guide for a tour around Como. Lake Como is the third-largest lake in Italy, known for its incredible Mediterranean and Alpine scenery.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Milan

    Lake Como to Milan

    A train to the fashion capital, Milan. Check-in for an overnight stay. Visit the famous Duomo!

  6. Day 6

    Your Journey Ends in Milan

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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Gornergrat Cogwheel Train climbs from 5,262 feet to 10,138 feet in 33 minutes, with views of the Matterhorn, Italy and France.
  • Day 3A train journey through the scenic Swiss Alps from Zermatt south into Italy, passing wildlife and crystal blue lakes.
  • Day 4A guided tour around Como with an expert local guide, taking in the lake's Mediterranean and Alpine scenery.
  • Day 5A train to Milan for the final night, with a visit to the Duomo.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lake Como
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Milan
  • 3 Day Swiss Pass
  • Day trip on the Gornergrat Cogwheel Train
  • Small-group tour of Lake Como and Bellagio

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included throughout, along with a 3-day Swiss Pass covering travel within Switzerland, including the Gornergrat Cogwheel Train.
Is this tour guided or independent?
It is mostly independent rail travel, with an included small-group guided tour of Lake Como and Bellagio on Day 4.
What hotels are used?
Hotels are chosen from 18 accommodation options across Zermatt, Lake Como and Milan; sample properties include the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, Riffelhaus 1853, and the Palace Hotel on Lake Como.
How do I get to my hotel from the Zermatt train station?
You call a taxi yourself using the telephones at the station; Zermatt is a car-free village, so this transfer is not pre-arranged.
When does this tour run?
The operator does not publish current departure dates in the available materials; confirm dates directly with Railbookers before booking.

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