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Railbookers · Self-guided rail holiday

The Swiss Mountains and Florence

Self-guided Swiss Pass rail trip from Lucerne to Interlaken, then Florence

Illustration of The Swiss Mountains and Florence

Railbookers runs this eight-day rail trip linking Switzerland and Florence, starting near Zurich and finishing in Florence. The Swiss portion, through Lucerne and Interlaken, is self-guided on a 4-day Swiss Pass, giving travelers two nights in each town to fit in day trips: a boat ride on Lake Lucerne followed by a cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus, a funicular to Harder Kulm above Interlaken, and a day trip to Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe, with views of the Monch, Eiger and Jungfrau. From Interlaken, the train winds through the Italian countryside to Florence for a three-night stay, where the trip shifts to small-group guidance for a walking tour of the Uffizi and Accademia galleries and a food tour of local eateries. The mix of independent Swiss travel and guided time in Florence suits travelers who want some structure without a group for the whole trip.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists 18 accommodation options across Lucerne, Interlaken and Florence rather than one fixed hotel per city; the tier and option chosen determines which you get, from the IBIS Styles Luzern Hotel up to the Grand National Lake Hotel.
  • The included Uffizi and Accademia gallery tour has no access on Mondays.
  • No current departure dates are listed in this itinerary; confirm scheduling with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lucerne

    Zurich to Lucerne

    Enjoy crystal blue lake views and mountainous scenery as you travel from Zurich Airport to Lucerne for a two-night stay. Check in at your hotel and get ready to explore what Lucerne has to offer; stroll around and explore the enchanting Old Town, characterized by cobblestone streets, frescoed buildings, and medieval charm.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lucerne

    Mount Pilatus Day Trip from Lucerne

    Enjoy breakfast this morning, before embarking on your captivating journey up Mount Pilatus. As you embark on this scenic excursion, you'll board a boat on Lake Lucerne, traversing crystal-clear waters and towering mountains. From there, a cogwheel railway carries you up the slopes of Mount Pilatus, where you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding alpine landscapes. Spend a leisurely time at the top of the peak; explore the fascinating Dragon's Path, savor a delicious meal at the mountaintop restaurant, and walk around the small trails!

  3. Day 3railovernight: Interlaken

    Lucerne to Interlaken

    After a final breakfast in Lucerne, head to the station this morning to board the train to Interlaken. As you travel through the Bernese Oberland region, be sure to keep an eye out for stunning sights like Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Check in at your hotel in Interlaken for a two-night stay. In the afternoon, enjoy a ride up the Harder Kulm funicular - a popular cogwheel railway that rides to the summit of Harder Kulm! Enjoy majestic views of the Eiger, the Monch, and the Jungfrau mountains from the viewing platform.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Interlaken

    Jungfrau Daytrip from Interlaken

    Following breakfast, take a day trip to Jungfraujoch, known as the "Top of Europe." Featuring stunning views of the world-famous triple mountain peaks of the Monch, Eiger, Jungfrau, this trip to the highest train station in Europe is something you won't soon forget! From an underground ice castle, observatory decks, a snow park, and world-class restaurants, there's something for everyone.

  5. Day 5overnight: Florence

    Interlaken to Florence

    Following breakfast, get ready to embark on your adventure Florence! Enjoy the last views of the majestic Swiss mountains before finding yourself winding through the stunning Italian countryside before arriving in Florence. Make your way to your hotel and check in for a three-night stay.

  6. Day 6overnight: Florence

    Florence

    After breakfast, make your way to your walking tour and visit the world-famous Uffizi and Accademia galleries. The Uffizi Gallery, one of the most renowned art museums in the world. Inside, you'll encounter a stunning collection of Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Titian. The Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's David. Absorb all Florence has to offer as you walk the cobbled streets and admire the cathedrals.

  7. Day 7overnight: Florence

    Florence

    You will require a light breakfast today, before joining your food tour; a culinary adventure that takes you off the beaten path to discover hidden gems, local eateries, and traditional dishes that might not be as well-known to tourists.

  8. Day 8rail

    Your Journey Ends in Florence

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you'd 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 boat ride across Lake Lucerne followed by a cogwheel railway climbing Mount Pilatus for panoramic alpine views.
  • Day 3A funicular ride up Harder Kulm above Interlaken after passing Lake Thun and Lake Brienz by train.
  • Day 4A day trip to Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe,' with views of the Monch, Eiger and Jungfrau peaks and an underground ice castle.
  • Day 6A small-group walking tour to the Uffizi and Accademia galleries, including Michelangelo's David.
  • Day 7A small-group food tour of Florence, visiting local eateries off the main tourist path.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Interlaken
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Florence
  • 4 Day Swiss Pass
  • Mount Pilatus day trip from Lucerne
  • Tickets for the Harder Kulm Funicular in Interlaken
  • Jungfrau day trip from Interlaken
  • Small-group tour of Florence with Uffizi and Accademia Galleries (no access to galleries on Mondays)
  • Small-group food tour in Florence

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Switzerland is covered by an included 4-day Swiss Pass, and rail travel to Florence follows the itinerary.
Is this trip escorted or self-guided?
Mostly self-guided. The Swiss portion runs on your own schedule with the Swiss Pass; Florence adds small-group tours of the galleries and a food tour.
Which trains and rail connections are used?
The Swiss Railways national network, Trenitalia in Italy, plus a cogwheel railway to Mount Pilatus, a funicular to Harder Kulm, and the railway to Jungfraujoch.
What hotels are included?
Hotels are chosen from 18 options across Lucerne, Interlaken and Florence, such as the Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann in Lucerne and Hotel Royal St Georges Interlaken.
Are the Florence galleries open every day of the tour?
No. The included Uffizi and Accademia gallery tour has no access on Mondays.

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