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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Milan and Venice from Zurich

8-day independent rail loop from Zurich through Milan to Venice

Illustration of Milan and Venice from Zurich

Railbookers runs this 8-day, 7-night independent rail vacation looping from Zurich through Italy and back. It opens with two nights in Zurich, including a city tour past the Grossmünster and along Bahnhofstrasse, a Lake Zurich cruise, and a stop at the Zurich Chocolate Museum. A direct train then carries travelers to Milan for two nights and a walking tour covering the Duomo, Leonardo's Last Supper, and the Sforza Castle gardens, before another direct train continues to Venice for two nights built around a guided tour of the Golden Basilica and the Doge's Palace. A final direct high-speed train returns everyone to Zurich for one more night before the trip ends. Because most stops run two nights, the pace stays fairly settled despite covering two countries. It suits travelers who want guided city tours bundled with independent rail travel through Switzerland and Italy.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers doesn't name specific hotels in Zurich, Milan, or Venice, only the number of nights and that breakfast is included.
  • Railbookers doesn't list specific departure dates for this trip; confirm current availability with them before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Your Journey Begins in Zurich

    Welcome to Zurich! Zurich is Switzerland's most cosmopolitan and elegant city, situated on the banks of the river Limmat. Spend the evening by the lake in the old town district of Niederdorf, famous for its bars, restaurants, lounges, and fashion shops. (Overnight in Zurich)

  2. Day 2overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Embark on a captivating Zurich city tour, where the Old Town unfolds like a medieval tale, revealing iconic landmarks such as the Grossmünster and the vibrant Bahnhofstrasse. Cruise along the serene waters of Lake Zurich, witnessing the city's skyline against the backdrop of the Alps, a tranquil journey that offers breathtaking views. Immerse yourself in the sweet indulgence of Swiss chocolate craftsmanship at the Zurich Chocolate Museum, where the aroma of cocoa beans and the artistry of chocolatiers create an immersive experience, tempting your senses with delectable delights that embody Zurich's culinary excellence. (Overnight in Zurich)

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Milan

    Zurich to Milan

    Today, take a direct train service from Zurich to Milan. On arrival, check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. In the afternoon, make acquaintance with the city and get familiar with your grounds using your included Hop-on, Hop-off city pass! (Overnight in Milan)

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4overnight: Milan

    Milan

    Following breakfast, get ready to explore more of the city on your walking tour! Make the most of the city by learning about its greatest artistic achievements. See the Duomo's stunning exterior, visit the world-famous Leonardo’s Last Supper, and explore the Sforza Castle gardens. Be sure to listen out for tips and tricks on the best restaurants to enjoy an evening meal, pointed out by the guide to enjoy your last evening with delicious cuisine! (Overnight in Milan)

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5railovernight: Venice

    Milan to Venice

    After breakfast, take a direct train to Venice! Make your way to your hotel on arrival and check-in for a two-night stay. Make use of your Vaporetto Pass in the evening to go out and explore the city using the water taxis. (Overnight in Venice)

    Meals: B

  6. Day 6overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Spend a full day exploring the unique, canal-side city of Venice today. Discover the city's hidden gems and highlights on a guided tour through the Golden Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, two of the most impressive and significant landmarks in Venice. Come the evening, relax at an outdoor trattoria by the sparkling lagoon, or why not head to Harry's Bar to try a delectable Bellini in the cocktail's birthplace? (Overnight in Venice)

    Meals: B

  7. Day 7railovernight: Zurich

    Venice to Zurich

    Enjoy a final breakfast in Venice this morning before embarking on a direct high-speed train back to Zurich for a final overnight stay. Make sure to visit any tourist attractions or restaurants you have not yet got a chance to see in Zurich. (Overnight in Zurich)

    Meals: B

  8. Day 8rail

    Your Journey Ends in Zurich

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you would like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements. B Flash Sale Save Big on Rail Journeys Save up to $500 per couple on rail, hotels, and sightseeing when you book a vacation during the Railbookers Savings Event. Trip Details Trip Highlights Walk through the medieval Old Town of Zurich and cruise along Lake Zurich for breathtaking views Indulge in the artistry of Swiss chocolate at the Zurich Chocolate Museum, where the sweet aroma and exquisite flavors provide a delightful experience Visit iconic landmarks in Milan such as the magnificent Milan Cathedral (Duomo), the impressive Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the historic Sforza Castle Explore the Doges Palace, a symbol of Venetian political power, and marvel at the timeless art collection in the Gallerie dell'Accademia What's Included Rail travel as per itinerary 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Milan 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice Small Group Zurich City Tour with Lake Cruise Multi-day Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour in Milan Small-group walking tour of Milan Small-group Walking Tour of Venice with the Doges Palace and Golden Basilica Trains Swiss Railways Swiss Federal Railways is the national railway company of Switzerland. Switzerland is an extremely popular destination, with the rail network providing a stress-free holiday ... Learn more Trenitalia Trenitalia is Italy's national rail carrier. It operates many different trains, including high-speed Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca and Frecciargento trains, slower InterCity ... Learn more Options for Your Railbookers Vacation Travel Onboard an Iconic Train Add Extra Nights in Any Destination Take a Roundtrip Journey or Experience a Trip in Reverse Combine Set Itineraries or Create Your Very Own Handpick Your Hotels, Sightseeing, Restaurants, and More Extend your River Cruise See a rail vacation you like, but think it would be even better with an extra day at the beginning or end of the journey? Or an extra day in between in a different destination? Or do you think a vacation would be better in reverse? Discover more options to customize your rail vacation today! Make it Your Own Other Vacations You Might Like Flash Sale Zurich to Milan via the Glacier and Bernina Express Trains Zurich Zermatt St. Moritz Milan 9 Days From $2,329 pp Trip Details Flash Sale Milan to Zurich via the Glacier and Bernina Express Trains Milan St. Moritz Zermatt Zurich 9 Days From $2,159 pp Trip Details Flash Sale Zurich to Lake Como via the Glacier and Bernina Express Trains Zurich Zermatt St. Moritz Lake Como Milan 9 Days From $2,479 pp Trip Details Didn't find what you were looking for? Loading... Search OR Contact Us

    Meals: D, D, L

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: A Zurich city tour taking in the Grossmünster and Bahnhofstrasse, a Lake Zurich cruise, and Swiss chocolate craftsmanship at the Zurich Chocolate Museum
  • Day 4Day 4: A walking tour of Milan covering the Duomo's exterior, Leonardo's Last Supper, and the Sforza Castle gardens
  • Day 6Day 6: A guided tour of Venice's Golden Basilica and the Doge's Palace, with an evening cocktail at Harry's Bar, the birthplace of the Bellini
  • Day 7Day 7: A direct high-speed train from Venice back to Zurich for a final overnight stay

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Milan 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice Small Group Zurich City Tour with Lake Cruise Multi-day Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour in Milan Small-group walking tour of Milan Small-group Walking Tour of Venice with the Doges Palace and Golden Basilica

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Trains link every stop: a direct train from Zurich to Milan, a direct train from Milan to Venice, and a direct high-speed train from Venice back to Zurich.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Railbookers markets it as an independent rail vacation. Small-group tours are included in Zurich, Milan, and Venice, but travel between cities is unescorted.
How many nights are spent in each place?
The itinerary shows the trip beginning and ending in Zurich, with 2 nights in Milan and 2 nights in Venice in between.
What is included?
Rail travel as per the itinerary, breakfast-included hotel stays throughout, a small-group Zurich city tour with a lake cruise, a multi-day Hop-on Hop-off pass and walking tour in Milan, and a walking tour of Venice with the Doge's Palace and Golden Basilica.
What does it cost?
Prices start from $1,629 per person, about $204 per day.

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