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The Gems of Italy with the Glacier and Bernina Express Trains

Independent 13-day rail trip from Rome to Zurich via the Swiss Alps

Illustration of The Gems of Italy with the Glacier and Bernina Express Trains

Railbookers operates this independent 13-day, 12-night rail vacation from Rome to Zurich, spending time in Italy before crossing into Switzerland. After Rome, Florence and Venice, each with included small-group tours such as a Roman Forum walking tour, a Florentine sunset boat ride and a Venice walking tour to the Doge's Palace, the route crosses the Simplon Pass by train to Geneva, then continues to Zermatt with a 6-day Swiss Pass. From the car-free alpine village of Zermatt, the trip climbs to the Gornergrat, Europe's highest railway, before the Glacier Express carries travelers to St. Moritz and the Bernina Express runs a day trip south into Italy's Poschiavo Valley. The final leg runs north to Zurich for an overnight before the trip ends. It suits travelers who want Italy's classic cities and Switzerland's named scenic trains in a single trip, at a lower price point than the trip's premium-class Swiss counterparts.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence for this trip does not list specific hotel names, only the city and number of nights for each stop.
  • Day 13's final transfer to Zurich Airport is not described as rail travel in the evidence.
  • The evidence for this trip does not include current departure dates; confirm availability and current pricing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Your Journey Begins in Rome

    Welcome to the ancient capital of Italy – Rome! Shrouded in legend, Rome is home to hundreds of ancient artifacts, architecture, beautiful churches, and Basilicas such as St Peter's and St Martin's. In the evening, enjoy a walking tour of Rome whilst stopping off to try local and delicious cuisines along the way!

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Rome

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

  3. Day 3railovernight: Florence

    Rome to Florence

    After breakfast this morning, 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. In the evening, enjoy a private Florentine gondola ride along the river Arno.

  4. Day 4overnight: Florence

    Florence

    Spend a full day exploring the city after breakfast this morning. Start your day by seeing the famous Statue of David with your skip-the-line tickets for the Accademia Gallery. Afterwards, head to the popular Uffizi Gallery with your skip-the-line ticket and see the Renaissance works of renowned artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, and Michelangelo.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Venice

    Florence to Venice

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast and catch the train to Venice. Upon arrival in Venice, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay before setting out to acquaint yourself with the classic Italian city.

  6. Day 6overnight: Venice

    Venice

    This morning, make your way to St Mark's Square for the start of your small group tour to the Doges Palace, and mesmerizing Golden Basilica. Following this, it is a guided walking tour through the quieter lanes and alleys.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Geneva

    Venice to Geneva

    Today, enjoy your last few hours in Venice checking off bucket list items you have not yet visited. In the afternoon, make your way to the station for a train to Geneva, via the Simplon Pass. Enjoy the scenic journey along the Swiss Mountains.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Zermatt

    Geneva to Zermatt

    After breakfast, head to the station to catch a train to Zermatt, via Visp. With the flexibility of your Swiss Pass, you can choose to take any train or stop off along the way. When you arrive, check in to your hotel for a two-night stay and set out to explore the beautiful car-free alpine village.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Zermatt

    Gornergrat Day Trip

    Another spectacular mountain railway experience today, and the Gornergrat is Europe's highest climbing from 1,604 meters above sea level to 3,090 meters in just 33 minutes. From the top the views are amazing, across to Italy and France on a clear day as well as the nearby Matterhorn Mountain.

  10. Day 10railovernight: St. Moritz

    The Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz

    Enjoy the exhilarating experience of crossing Switzerland today, traveling the full length of the Glacier Express line. The train passes glistening blue lakes and quaint Swiss hamlets, as well as crossing numerous high passes and mountain peaks. On arrival in St. Moritz, make your way to your hotel and check-in for a two-night stay.

  11. Day 11railovernight: St. Moritz

    The Bernina Express Day Trip

    After breakfast, embark on one of the world's most scenic train lines, heading south into Italy. The Bernina Express is a spectacular journey from the snowcapped heights of the Alps down into the lush Poschiavo Valley and vineyards surrounding Tirano. Stop in Tirano for a traditional pizza, before returning north again on the Bernina Express.

  12. Day 12railovernight: Zurich

    St Moritz to Zurich

    Take a train to Zurich this morning, again with the flexibility of your Swiss Pass. Check in to your hotel for an overnight stay, and head out to explore what Zurich has to offer! Perhaps take a visit to the famous Chocolate Museum or walk around the old town.

  13. Day 13rail

    Your Journey Ends in Zurich

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels to Zurich Airport. 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 guided tour visits the Colosseum and a stroll through the Roman Forum.
  • Day 7The train from Venice to Geneva crosses the Simplon Pass through the Swiss mountains.
  • Day 9The Gornergrat, Europe's highest railway, climbs from 1,604 meters to 3,090 meters in 33 minutes, with views to Italy, France and the Matterhorn.
  • Day 10The Glacier Express runs the full length of its line from Zermatt to St. Moritz, passing glistening blue lakes, Swiss hamlets and high mountain passes.
  • Day 11The Bernina Express descends from the snowcapped Alps into the Poschiavo Valley and the vineyards around Tirano, with a stop for pizza before returning north.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Florence
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Geneva
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in St Moritz
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • 6 Day Swiss Pass
  • Small-Group Rome Food Walking Tour at Night
  • Small-Group Tour of Rome with the Roman Forum and Colosseum
  • Private Sunset Florentine Boat Ride in Florence
  • Small-Group Walking Tour of Florence with the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries
  • Small-Group Walking Tour of Venice with the Doge's Palace and St Marks Basilica
  • Day Trip to the Gornergrat from Zermatt with Priority Boarding
  • Glacier Express and Bernina Express Reservations

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, rail travel is included throughout the itinerary, along with a 6-Day Swiss Pass and reservations on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent trip, with several included small-group tours such as a Rome food walking tour, a Florence sunset boat ride, and a Venice walking tour with the Doge's Palace.
Which trains does the itinerary use?
The Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz and the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano, plus a 6-Day Swiss Pass covering other Swiss rail travel and the Gornergrat day trip.
What is included with the hotels?
Breakfast is included with every stay: 2 nights each in Rome, Florence, Venice, Zermatt and St. Moritz, plus 1 night each in Geneva and Zurich.
Which countries does the route visit?
Italy and Switzerland, from Rome to Zurich.

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