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Railbookers · Escorted tour

Rome and the Bernina Express

Escorted rail trip from Zurich to Rome via the Bernina Express

Illustration of Rome and the Bernina Express

Railbookers operates this 6-day escorted tour that begins in Zurich and ends in Rome, with an overnight stop in Milan along the way. Day 1 leaves time to stroll through Zurich's Altstadt, framed by alpine mountains and the Limmat River. On day 2, a train from Zurich to Chur connects to the Bernina Express, which crosses the Swiss Alps on the Albula and Bernina Lines through 55 tunnels and more than 196 bridges on a UNESCO World Heritage route, arriving in Milan. Day 3 continues by high-speed train to Rome, with the evening free to watch the sunset from the Gianicolo hill. Days 4 and 5 add a three-hour guided walking tour of the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum, plus a Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour. With small-group tours built into the Rome days and one signature scenic train journey at its center, this suits travelers who want an escorted structure without a long itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence for this trip does not list specific hotel names or accommodation tier, only that breakfast is included with each stay; confirm the hotel standard with Railbookers before booking.
  • The stop in Milan is a single overnight between two travel days, and the itinerary does not describe a dedicated sightseeing period there.
  • The evidence provided does not list specific current departure dates for this trip; confirm availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Your Journey Begins in Zurich

    Welcome to the heart of Europe! Once you arrive in Zurich, check into your hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is yours to see the sights at your leisure. Spend time strolling through Zurich's Altstadt or Old Town. The district is framed by alpine mountains and stretches along both banks of the Limmat River. You'll find cobblestone-paved streets lined with Renaissance-era architectures, charming cafes, world-class restaurants and entertainment, as well as boutique shops to buy authentic Swiss crafts from. (Overnight in Zurich)

    Meals: B

  2. Day 2railovernight: Milan

    The Bernina Express to Milan

    Following an early breakfast, take a quick train from Zurich to Chur then transfer on to the Bernina Express toward Tirano. Aboard the Bernina Express to Milan, the train will travel through the Swiss Alps on two historic mountain railways: the Albula Line and the Bernina Line altogether passing through 55 tunnels, more than 196 bridges, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Scenic sights along this route include: the Montebello curve, the Morteratsch Glacier, and the Brusio Circular Viaduct. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Spend your evening in Milan enjoying dinner on your own and then wandering along the Naviglio Grande canal or visiting the roof terraces of the Duomo di Milano. (Overnight in Milan)

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Rome

    Milan to Rome

    After enjoying breakfast, take a highspeed train from Milan to Rome and check in to your hotel. The evening is yours to explore the Eternal City at your leisure. Watch the sun set over Rome at Gianicolo, a hill above Trastevere and then enjoy the tradition of apertivo (the Italian take on happy hour) B efore dinner and mingle with the locals. (Overnight in Rome)

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Begin your day with breakfast before going on a three-hour guided walking tour of Imperial Rome's historic archaeological crowd-pleasers. Visit the Roman Forum once the centre of ancient Rome and Palatine Hill's ruins of ancient imperial palaces. Then, make your way to the Colosseum and use your included skip the line entrance tickets to walk in the footsteps of gladiators. (Overnight in Rome)

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then head for another day of sightseeing, starting with your Vatican museums San Peters and Sistine Chapel tour all a must see whilst in Rome (Overnight in Rome)

    Meals: B

  6. Day 6rail

    Your Journey Ends in Rome

    Check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels. If you wish to extend your journey, please contact a Rail Expert for details.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Bernina Express travels through the Swiss Alps on the Albula and Bernina Lines, crossing 55 tunnels and more than 196 bridges on a UNESCO World Heritage route to Milan.
  • Day 3A high-speed train continues from Milan to Rome, with the evening free to watch the sunset over Rome from the Gianicolo hill above Trastevere.
  • Day 4A three-hour guided walking tour covers the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum with skip-the-line entrance tickets.
  • Day 5A guided tour visits the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's, and the Sistine Chapel.

Included

  • Rail travel in standard class throughout 1-night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich 1-night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Milan 3 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome Small Group Tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum Small Group Tour of the Vatican Museums

Questions travellers ask

Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an escorted tour with small-group tours included for the Roman Forum and Colosseum and for the Vatican Museums.
Which trains are used?
A train from Zurich to Chur connects to the Bernina Express toward Tirano and on to Milan, crossing the Albula and Bernina Lines; a high-speed train then continues from Milan to Rome.
How many nights are spent in each city?
One night in Zurich, one night in Milan, and three nights in Rome.
What is included?
Rail travel in standard class throughout, hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich, Milan, and Rome, a small-group tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum, and a small-group tour of the Vatican Museums.
Is there free time to explore?
Yes. The evening of day 1 in Zurich and the evening of day 3 in Rome, after arriving from Milan, are described as free time to explore at your own pace.

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