Great Rail Journeys
First-Class Swiss Mountains & Italian Lakes
First-Class escorted rail tour of Swiss lakes, mountains and Italy's Lake Como
10 daysfrom $5,608
80% rail
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta & the Alps
Uncover idyllic scenery and charming towns on this holiday to two beautiful Italian lakes, and experience a journey to Switzerland on the Centovalli Railway
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Strasbourg (or Basel for selected departures)
From London to Strasbourg
Meet the Tour Manager at London St Pancras before boarding the Eurostar service to Paris. In the French capital, board the train to Strasbourg, arriving in this historic Alsace city in the afternoon. The hotel is a short walk from the station, and Strasbourg's impressive main square, Place Kléber, or the half-timbered, riverside houses of La Petite France are only a short stroll away. The group gathers to enjoy a three-course dinner in a local restaurant. Note: For departures 16th May and 3rd October, travel is via Basel, staying at the Schweizerhof Basel hotel.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Stresa
From the Alsace to the Italian lakes
Walk to the station after breakfast and board the train to Basel, continuing by rail to Stresa. Pass Swiss lakes and climb the Alps, then get the first glimpse of northern Italy, emerging into a verdant valley with sharp, tree-covered cliffs. The base for the next five nights is Stresa, a highly popular Italian resort with picturesque alleys and elegant promenade. The historic hotel has wonderful views across Lake Maggiore and the surrounding Italian Alps. Regroup for a three-course dinner in the hotel restaurant this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Stresa
Lake Orta cruise to an island monastery
Transfer by coach to San Filiberto, then take a scenic cruise on Lake Orta to Isola San Giulio, a tiny island village dominated by a monastery. Explore the basilica with artwork across the walls and domes, or walk the 'Way of Silence' viewing the Bishop's Palace and Benedictine abbey. Catch a boat to Orta San Giulio on the shores of Lake Orta, a peaceful village that inspired poets and artists including Lord Byron. Explore Piazza Motta with its colourful buildings and 16th-century frescoed town hall. A coach returns to Stresa in time for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: Stresa
A free day to explore Stresa and its surroundings
A day at leisure in Stresa. Options include exploring the town, following in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway and Princess Margaret along the promenade, visiting Villa Pallavicini's gardens (free entry) with giant tulip trees, Lebanese cedar and colourful flowerbeds, or relaxing at the hotel enjoying alpine views from the sun terrace or taking a dip in the pool of the sister hotel. Dine independently this evening.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 5railovernight: Stresa
To Switzerland on the scenic 'Railway of 100 Valleys'
Transfer by coach to Domodossola for a trip aboard the Centovalli Railway through the Alps to Locarno in Switzerland. Pass the ruined tower of Creggio, wind up to Trontano and into alpine scenery of mountains, gorges and waterfalls. After entering Switzerland, look out for emerald Lake Palagnedra far below. On arrival in Locarno, free time to explore, optionally take the funicular railway up to the Sacred Mount Madonna del Sasso. Return journey is a cruise on Lake Maggiore, spotting the 16th-century castle island of Cannero before arriving in Stresa in time for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: Stresa
A free day for island hopping or relaxing
A day at leisure. Board a hop-on/hop-off boat from the jetty outside the hotel to explore the idyllic Borromean Islands: Isola Bella (Borromeo Palace and opulent gardens with white peacocks), Isola dei Pescatori (quaint fishing settlement with traditional restaurants serving perch from the lake and San Vittore church), and Isola Madre (gardens of rare plants and a grand palazzo). Dine independently this evening; try a regional Nebbiolo wine such as Barolo.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 7railovernight: Mulhouse
Leaving Lake Maggiore by rail to Mulhouse
Depart Stresa after breakfast and travel by train through Switzerland to Basel, continuing to Mulhouse in France. Soak up spectacular views of the majestic mountains lining the Rhône Valley, passing Lake Thun and the fairytale castle at Spiez. In Mulhouse, explore Place de la Réunion with the Gothic Revival Temple St-Étienne and the pink and gold decorated Renaissance town hall (constructed 1553). The hotel is near the station; gather with the group for dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8rail
Homeward bound
After breakfast, take the short walk to Mulhouse station for the train to Paris. Return to London St Pancras on the Eurostar; holiday concludes.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 7 nights' 3 & 4-Star hotel accommodation
- Eurostar Standard Class rail travel
- Standard Class rail travel throughout
- All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast each day
- 5 dinners
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
