Planet Rail · Independent tailor-made rail holiday

Lake Como – Jewel of the Italian Lakes via Locarno by First Class rail

Lake Como – Jewel of the Italian Lakes via Locarno by First Class rail, a rail journey with Planet Rail

Set in the foothills of the Italian Alps, Lake Como is one of Italy’s most romantic and picturesque holiday destinations.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zurich

    By rail to Switzerland

    Board the Eurostar to Paris, reclining with a drink and light meal in Standard Premier Class. At the Gare du Nord your taxi transfer whisks you across Paris to the Gare de Lyon for the connecting TGV to Zurich, watching the urban skyline give way to lush pastures and the foothills of the Swiss Alps. Overnight at the Hotel Helmhaus (4 star), a tram ride or stroll from Zurich main station.

  2. Day 2overnight: Lenno, Lake Como

    Free time in Zurich - Through the Swiss Alps to Lake Como

    A free morning in Zurich: the Old Town, Bahnhofstrasse, the Grossmünster, Fraumünster and St Peterskirche, or the shores of Lake Zurich and the Lindenhof viewpoint. Then the scenic Gotthard route through the Swiss Alps and the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world’s longest tunnel, into Italy. From Como station take the picturesque ferry or a taxi (payable locally) to Lenno, for four nights at the friendly, highly-rated Hotel Albergo Lenno (4 star) with glorious views over Lake Como.

  3. Day 3overnight: Lenno, Lake Como

    Lenno and Bellagio

    Relax at your hotel or stroll around Lenno on the Tremezzina shore; perhaps visit Bellagio, la perla del lago, with its narrow cobbled streets, breath-taking views and glorious villas.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lenno, Lake Como

    Como and Villa Carlotta

    Travel by ferry to the lovely town of Como to visit the Duomo and the walled historic centre, or to Villa Carlotta with its stuccos, ceiling frescoes, Canova’s Eros and Psyche, and gardens of over 500 plant species.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Lenno, Lake Como

    Varenna, Monte Bre, Brunate and Bergamo

    Options include picturesque Varenna with its winding alleys, ancient castle, Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero; the cog railway to Monte Bre for views of Lake Lugano; the funicular to Brunate for views of Lake Como and the Alps; or medieval Bergamo and the Piazza Vecchia.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Montreux

    Lake Como to Montreux on Lake Geneva

    Head to Como town by ferry or taxi and board the regional service north to Locarno, then the narrow gauge Centovalli Railway across viaducts and bridges through a hundred different valleys to Domodossola. Continue along the Simplon Pass to elegant Montreux on Lake Geneva. Overnight at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star superior) opposite the station; stroll the flower-lined promenade or take the trolley bus to the medieval Château de Chillon (payable locally).

  7. Day 7rail

    Montreux to London - Homeward bound

    After a leisurely breakfast, the Inter Regio service to Lausanne connects with the super-fast TGV to Paris in 1st Class comfort. A taxi transfer returns you to the Gare du Nord for the Eurostar to London St. Pancras International, with a light meal and drinks at your seat.

Included

  • First Class Rail travel throughout your journey (Standard Premier on Eurostar)
  • 1 night B&B in a double room at the Hotel Helmhaus (4 star), Zurich
  • 4 nights B&B in a double room at the Hotel Albergo Lenno (4 star), Lenno
  • 1 night B&B in a double room at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star superior), Montreux
  • Taxi transfers across Paris between Gare du Nord and Gare de Lyon (both directions)

Not included

  • Como station to Lenno ferry or taxi (payable locally)
  • Château de Chillon trolley bus and entry (payable locally)

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