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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

The Italian Treasures and Swiss Mountains

11-day independent rail vacation from Rome to Interlaken via Florence, Venice, Lucerne

Illustration of The Italian Treasures and Swiss Mountains

Railbookers operates this 11-day, 10-night independent rail vacation across Italy and Switzerland, starting in Rome and ending in Interlaken. Two nights each in Rome, Florence, Venice, Lucerne and Interlaken give the trip a settled pace, with a small-group walking tour included in each of the three Italian cities: the Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome, the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries in Florence, and the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica in Venice. Trains named in the evidence include Trenitalia within Italy and Swiss Railways once the trip crosses into Switzerland on day 7, moving from the Italian countryside into the Alps. The later days shift toward mountain scenery, with day trips to Mount Pilatus and to Jungfraujoch, described as the highest railway station in Europe with views of the Aletsch Glacier. As an independent vacation, travelers are not accompanied by a guide between stops, suiting those who want built-in sightseeing at each stop but the freedom to move at their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence does not name specific hotels or their star rating for any of the five stops on this trip; confirm accommodation standard with Railbookers before booking.
  • No current departure dates are listed in our records for this package.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Your Journey Begins in Rome

    Welcome to Rome! Make your way to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. The rest of the day is yours at leisure, head over to the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain in the evening for the best atmosphere and dining spot!

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Following breakfast, immerse yourself in the rich history of ancient Rome with an included sightseeing experience. Visit the iconic Colosseum, where gladiators once battled, before continuing to the Roman Forum, the political and social heart of the Roman Empire.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Florence

    Rome to Florence

    After breakfast, board your train to Florence. Relax as you travel through the scenic Italian countryside, passing vineyards, rolling hills, and charming villages along the way. Upon arrival, check in for a two-night stay.

  4. Day 4overnight: Florence

    Florence

    After breakfast, discover Florence's rich artistic and cultural heritage with an included sightseeing experience. Begin with a guided walk through the historic centre, then visit one of the world's most renowned galleries.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Venice

    Florence to Venice

    Following breakfast, travel by train to Venice. Enjoy the journey as the landscapes shift towards the lagoon before arriving in this unique canal city. Check in for a two-night stay.

  6. Day 6overnight: Venice

    Venice

    After breakfast, enjoy an included guided sightseeing experience through the heart of Venice. Explore the iconic St Mark's Square and step inside its most famous landmarks, including the magnificent basilica and the historic Doge's Palace.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Lucerne

    Venice to Lucerne

    Continue your rail journey north today, into Switzerland. Settle into your seat and enjoy a scenic day of travel as the landscapes gradually transform from the sun-drenched Italian countryside to the dramatic peaks and valleys of the Swiss Alps. Upon arrival in Lucerne, check in for a two-night stay.

  8. Day 8overnight: Lucerne

    Day Trip to Mount Pilatus

    Following breakfast, set out on a spectacular excursion to Mount Pilatus. Begin with a scenic journey across Lake Lucerne before ascending to the summit. At the top, take in breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding Alps.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Interlaken

    Lucerne to Interlaken

    After breakfast, board the train to Interlaken, enjoying a scenic journey through the heart of Switzerland. Upon arrival, check in for a two-night stay. Later, head up Harder Kulm for panoramic views over Interlaken, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Interlaken

    Interlaken

    After breakfast, enjoy a memorable journey to Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe." Travel through breathtaking alpine scenery as you ascend to the highest railway station in Europe. At the summit, explore the ice palace and take in sweeping views of the vast Aletsch Glacier.

  11. Day 11rail

    Your Journey Ends in Interlaken

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue your journey to Zurich Airport for your flight home. If you would like to extend your vacation, ask your Rail Expert, and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrival in Rome with the evening free to visit the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain.
  • Day 3A train journey from Rome to Florence through the Italian countryside, passing vineyards, rolling hills and villages.
  • Day 7A scenic rail journey from Venice into Switzerland, as the landscape changes from Italian countryside to the peaks and valleys of the Swiss Alps.
  • Day 10A rail ascent to Jungfraujoch, described as the highest railway station in Europe, with views of the Aletsch Glacier.

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
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Interlaken
  • 4 Day Swiss Pass
  • Small-group walking tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome
  • Small-group walking tour of Florence, including Uffizi and Accademia Galleries
  • Small-group walking tour of Venice, including Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica
  • Day trip to Mount Pilatus from Lucerne
  • Tickets for the Harder Kulm Funicular in Interlaken
  • Day trip to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, rail travel as per the itinerary is included, with named trains including Trenitalia in Italy and Swiss Railways in Switzerland, plus a 4-day Swiss Travel Pass.
Is it escorted or independent?
Independent; guiding is listed as Independent, though small-group walking tours are included in Rome, Florence and Venice.
Which cities does it visit?
Rome, Florence, Venice, Lucerne and Interlaken, ending near Zurich.
What mountain excursions are included?
A day trip to Mount Pilatus from Lucerne, and a day trip to Jungfraujoch, described as the highest railway station in Europe, from Interlaken.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $2,789 USD per person.

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