Search

Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Sicily to Switzerland via the Glacier and Bernina Express Trains

Independent 19-day rail grand tour from Sicily through Italy to Switzerland

Illustration of Sicily to Switzerland via the Glacier and Bernina Express Trains

Railbookers runs this 19-day independent rail vacation from Catania to Zurich, linking Sicily, mainland Italy, and Switzerland across ten stops. The Sicilian leg opens with a Mount Etna jeep tour and a Sicilian cooking class in Taormina, before trains carry you north through Sorrento, Rome, Florence, and Venice, each with two nights and an included highlight such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome or a Tuscany day trip with a Chianti winery lunch on day 10. After two nights on Lake Como, the trip crosses into Switzerland on day 15 aboard the Bernina Express through the Poschiavo Valley, followed by the Glacier Express to Zermatt with an onboard lunch, and the Gornergrat rack railway to a Matterhorn viewpoint. Aside from several small-group day tours, the trip is self-guided, so it suits independent-minded travelers comfortable managing a long, multi-country itinerary, along with food-and-wine travelers, history lovers, and those drawn to the Four Seasons stay in Taormina.

What to know before you look closer

  • The operator's materials for this package list no scheduled departure dates; confirm current availability with Railbookers before booking.
  • This is a self-guided independent tour across ten stops in two countries; aside from the small-group day tours (Mount Etna, the Taormina cooking class, Capri, Rome, and Tuscany), Railbookers does not provide an escort between destinations.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Catania

    Your Journey Begins in Catania

    Welcome to Italy! Make your way from Catania Airport upon arrival and check-in for a two-night stay. Set off to explore the city, and why not visit the ancient Roman Rotonda, the beautiful Palazzo Conte Federico, or the busy Pescheria food market?

  2. Day 2overnight: Catania

    Catania

    This morning, embark on a half-day trip to remember, as you climb the ancient slopes of Mount Etna on a private four-wheel drive jeep. Stop at a small village to taste some local honey and almond cookies, then don a helmet and torch as you explore a cave dug by the flowing lava.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Taormina

    Catania to Taormina

    Taormina is only a short train ride away and upon arrival check in for a two-night stay. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty such as the impressive Mount Etna and sweeping bays alongside the Mediterranean Sea, Taormina is a picture-perfect destination.

  4. Day 4overnight: Taormina

    Taormina

    Today a fabulous experience awaits as you meet your regional expert chef and take a stroll over to a local market. Learn about the abundant ingredients in Sicilian cuisine, head over to a local restaurant, put on your apron, and begin the preparation of a complete Sicilian menu.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Sorrento

    Taormina to Sorrento

    This morning, it's time to head to the Amalfi Coast. Take a direct train to Naples, disembark, and meet a private driver who will drive you to your hotel in Sorrento. Check in to your hotel for a two-night stay.

  6. Day 6overnight: Sorrento

    Capri and Blue Grotto

    Set sail for Capri, a scenic island off the coast of Naples, known for its stunning beauty, luxurious atmosphere, and impressive cliffs. After exploring the island, experience the Blue Grotto, a sea cave famous for its intense blue light (weather permitting).

  7. Day 7railovernight: Rome

    Sorrento to Rome Via Naples and Pompeii

    Your journey to Rome begins with a private transfer from your hotel in Sorrento to Naples station; stopping at the ruins of Pompeii for a few hours before arriving at Naples station. Then, take a direct train from Naples to Rome, and check in to your hotel for a two-night stay.

  8. Day 8overnight: Rome

    Rome

    After breakfast, make your way over to the Colosseum for a guided tour of the famous amphitheatre, then walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans once more with a guided stroll around the Roman Forum.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Florence

    Rome to Florence

    After breakfast, check out of your hotel and make your way to the train station for your journey to Florence. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a two-night stay. Enjoy a famous gelato as you stroll through the city's lively piazzas and cross the 14th-century Ponte Vecchio.

  10. Day 10overnight: Florence

    Florence and Tuscany

    Your full-day excursion through Tuscany begins with a tour of Pisa, admiring the famous Tower of Pisa. Afterward, drive to a rustic winery in Chianti and enjoy a delicious Tuscan lunch and wine tasting. Your afternoon includes strolling through San Gimignano and Siena before returning to Florence.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Venice

    Florence to Venice

    After breakfast, head over to the station and board your direct train to Venice. Check in at your hotel for a two-night stay before setting out to acquaint yourself with the classic Italian city. Stroll down the banks of the shimmering canals and discover the magnificent architecture.

  12. Day 12overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Spend a full day exploring Venice today. Discover the city's hidden gems and highlights as you take an iconic, relaxing gondola ride through the historic canals. Also, be sure not to miss Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica.

  13. Day 13railovernight: Lake Como

    Venice to Lake Como

    Following breakfast, make your way to the station to board your train to Como. Check in to your hotel for a two-night stay and get ready to explore the town of Como at your own leisure this afternoon.

  14. Day 14overnight: Lake Como

    Lake Como

    Today, experience the beauty of Lake Como from the water with an included two-hour boat tour. Glide past charming lakeside villages, elegant villas, and lush hillsides as you take in panoramic views, including a glimpse of George Clooney's famed lakeside home.

  15. Day 15railovernight: St Moritz

    Lake Como to St Moritz Via The Bernina Express

    Following breakfast this morning, make your way to Como station and start the journey for your first scenic Swiss train! It's a short ride to Tirano and the start of the legendary Bernina Express, passing through the pretty Poschiavo Valley and past the impressive Brusio viaduct. Once the train arrives at St Moritz, drop your bags off at your hotel and enjoy a stroll through the town center.

  16. Day 16railovernight: Zermatt

    The Glacier Express from St Moritz to Zermatt

    Experience one of the world's greatest train journeys today, onboard The Glacier Express. Cross the iconic Landwasser viaduct, as well as many other dramatic bridges, and even treat yourself to lunch onboard together with a glass of Swiss white wine. On arrival in Zermatt make your way to your hotel for a two-night stay.

  17. Day 17railovernight: Zermatt

    Gornergrat Day Trip

    Today enjoy a ride on the highest open-air railway in Europe, the Gornergrat rack railway. The 30-minute ride to the summit is spectacular thanks to the constant views of Matterhorn Mountain. Enjoy a short hike, some lunch, or even a virtual flight over the surrounding mountains at the Zoom Experience.

  18. Day 18railovernight: Zurich

    Zermatt to Zurich

    At a time of your choosing, make your way to the station for a train north to Zurich. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel, and once checked in take a stroll around the city's beautiful Old Town where you will find a great selection of local restaurants for dinner.

  19. Day 19rail

    Your Journey Ends in Zurich

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travel. 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.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A private four-wheel drive jeep climbs the slopes of Mount Etna, stopping for local honey and almond cookies before a helmet-and-torch exploration of a lava-carved cave.
  • Day 10A full-day Tuscany excursion visits the Tower of Pisa, a Chianti winery for lunch and wine tasting, then San Gimignano and Siena.
  • Day 15The Bernina Express climbs from Tirano through the Poschiavo Valley and over the Brusio viaduct on the way to St Moritz.
  • Day 16The Glacier Express crosses the Landwasser viaduct on the way to Zermatt, with an onboard lunch and a glass of Swiss white wine.
  • Day 17The Gornergrat rack railway climbs to the highest open-air station in Europe, with constant views of the Matterhorn and the option of a short hike.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Catania
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Taormina
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Sorrento
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Florence
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lake Como
  • 1-night hotel accommodation with breakfast in St Moritz
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 1-night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • 4-Day Swiss Pass
  • Glacier and Bernina Express Reservation Fees
  • Day trip to Mount Etna from Catania
  • Small-group cooking class in Taormina
  • Small-group tour of Capri and the Blue Grotto
  • Small-group tour of Rome with the Roman Forum and Colosseum
  • Tuscany day trip from Florence with wine-tasting
  • Gondola Tour in Venice
  • Small-group boat tour of Lake Como
  • Gornergrat day trip from Zermatt with priority boarding
  • Private Transfers to-from Naples Station to Sorrento

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes, rail travel is included as per the itinerary across Italy and Switzerland, including a 4-Day Swiss Pass and reservation fees for the Bernina Express and Glacier Express.
Is this tour independent or escorted?
It is a self-guided independent rail vacation, with several included small-group day tours: Mount Etna, the Taormina cooking class, Capri and the Blue Grotto, Rome's Forum and Colosseum, and Tuscany.
Which scenic trains are included?
The Bernina Express and Glacier Express in Switzerland, the Gornergrat rack railway from Zermatt, and Trenitalia intercity trains linking the Italian stops.
Where do you stay?
Two nights each in Catania, Taormina (San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel), Sorrento, Rome, Florence, Venice, Lake Como, and Zermatt, plus one night each in St Moritz and Zurich, all with breakfast included.
What is included beyond hotels and trains?
A Mount Etna jeep day trip from Catania, a small-group Sicilian cooking class in Taormina, a Capri and Blue Grotto tour, a small-group Rome tour of the Forum and Colosseum, and a Tuscany day trip with wine tasting from Florence.
When does this tour run?
The operator's materials list no scheduled departure dates for this package; confirm current availability with Railbookers.

Similar journeys