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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Lake Garda & the Swiss Alps

Five-day rail loop from Chur through the Swiss Alps to Lake Garda.

Illustration of Lake Garda & the Swiss Alps

Marvellous Escapes' five-day Lake Garda and Swiss Alps holiday combines continental rail travel with a relaxed lakeside base. You depart London St Pancras on Eurostar, transfer through Paris on high-speed trains to Zurich, then ride SBB Swiss Rail to Chur, Switzerland's oldest city, where you spend the first night. Day two is the centrepiece: the Bernina Express carries you from Chur through Alpine peaks and mountain meadows to Tirano, Italy, where a regional train completes the journey to Desenzano on Lake Garda's southern shore. You then settle into a three-night stay in Desenzano with daily breakfasts included. Days three and four are yours to structure; the itinerary suggests leisurely lakeside exploration, ferry trips to medieval Sirmione and nearby villages, swimming on one of three public beaches, visits to a hilltop castle reached by winding streets, or tours of nearby vineyards producing Valpolicella and Bardolino wines. Day five takes you by train to Milan and onward by flight to the UK, though Marvellous Escapes can arrange an overnight Milan stay or an extended pause if you prefer. This trip suits couples and independent explorers who value scenic rail journeys and unguided leisure time over structured activities.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights to and from the UK are included, but you may substitute a roundtrip train journey from London St Pancras if you contact Marvellous Escapes; this is not a rail-only trip.
  • Days three and four offer no guided activities or included excursions; the itinerary is yours to design.
  • The return journey on day five includes a train to Milan and then an onward flight; Marvellous Escapes can arrange an alternative overnight stay in Milan or an extended stay if you request it.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Chur

    Chur

    Embark on your rail holiday to Lake Garda from London's St Pancras station, with a Eurostar voyage from London to Paris. Transition seamlessly onto a high-speed train, whisking through the picturesque landscapes of France en route to Switzerland in just over three hours. Once in Zurich, your journey continues to Chur aboard the SBB Swiss Rail, immersing yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland. Arriving in Chur, Switzerland's oldest city, you'll step into a charming Alpine town.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Desenzano

    Bernina Express

    Following breakfast today you will embark on the iconic Bernina Express journey from Chur to the historic town of Tirano, Italy, allowing you to revel in absolutely breathtaking views. Following your journey on one of the most iconic railways in Europe, you'll continue on via regional train, towards the shores of Lake Garda. Upon reaching Desenzano, complete the check-in process at your hotel for a delightful three-night stay.

  3. Day 3overnight: Desenzano

    Desenzano

    Explore Desenzano at your own pace today. In addition to its three expansive beaches, Desenzano also features a hilltop castle accessible through narrow winding streets that lead from the lakefront. Whether you opt for a leisurely dip in the lake or embark on a ferry adventure to discover the quaint towns in the vicinity, such as the nearby Sirmione, the day is yours to enjoy.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Desenzano

    Desenzano

    Spend another day discovering Lake Garda by rail. Explore Sirmione, a charming medieval town on a peninsula jutting into Lake Garda, boasting stunning views, historic landmarks, and thermal baths. Explore Roman ruins or ferry-hop between the charming villages that line the shore. Wine lovers should consider touring vineyards that feature in many sommeliers' top 10s: Valpolicella, Soave and Bardolino. Perhaps journey further south, to romantic Verona and enjoy a world-class opera.

  5. Day 5rail

    Return home

    After breakfast, hop on the train to Milan and proceed to the airport for your return flight to the UK. If you prefer the scenic route back to the UK, including an overnight stay in Milan, or an alternative extended stay, speak to one of our specialists who can arrange this.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, then high-speed train through France to Zurich, followed by SBB Swiss Rail to Chur.
  • Day 2Day 2: The Bernina Express carries you from Chur to Tirano through the Swiss Alps, then a regional train continues to Desenzano on Lake Garda.
  • Day 3Day 3: Unguided exploration of Desenzano, with access to three beaches, a hilltop castle, and ferry options to nearby towns like Sirmione.
  • Day 4Day 4: A second unguided day to explore Sirmione's medieval streets and thermal baths, or visit vineyards producing Valpolicella, Soave, and Bardolino wines.

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Chur with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Desenzano with breakfast included
  • Flights to and from the UK (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras)
  • Secure reservations for the Eurostar, SNCF, TGV & Trenord
  • Full Bernina Express journey from Chur to Tirano

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
Marvellous Escapes includes Eurostar from London to Paris, high-speed SNCF and TGV trains through France, SBB Swiss Rail from Zurich to Chur, the full Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano, a regional Trenord train to Desenzano, and a train from Desenzano to Milan on the return.
What hotels are included?
One night in Chur with breakfast, and three nights in Desenzano with breakfast included.
Is this an escorted tour?
No. Days one and two are guided by rail itinerary; days three and four in Desenzano are entirely unguided, and you explore at your own pace.
Are flights included?
Yes. Marvellous Escapes includes roundtrip flights from a UK airport, or you may substitute a roundtrip train journey from London St Pancras if you request it.
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary involves station time and some walking between accommodation and local attractions. Optional activities include winding uphill streets to a castle and vineyard touring; you set the pace.
What is not included?
Meals other than hotel breakfasts, ferry or train tickets for independent day trips, vineyard tours, thermal bath entry, and travel within Milan on the return day are not included.

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