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Railbookers · Self-guided rail holiday

The Swiss Mountains and Italian Treasures

Self-guided Swiss Pass rail trip through Interlaken and Lucerne, then guided Italy

Illustration of The Swiss Mountains and Italian Treasures

Railbookers runs this eleven-day rail holiday across Switzerland and Italy, starting in Interlaken and finishing in Rome. The Swiss leg is self-guided on a 4-day Swiss Pass, with two nights each in Interlaken and Lucerne for day trips to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, Harder Kulm, and Mount Pilatus by historic railway. From Lucerne, the train crosses into Italy via Arth-Goldau and Milan, and the trip shifts to guided small-group tours for two nights each in Venice, Florence and Rome. In Venice, an included tour covers St Mark's Square, the basilica and the Doge's Palace; in Florence, a guided walk takes in the historic centre and a Renaissance gallery; in Rome, the trip closes with a visit to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. The combination of independent Swiss travel and guided time in three Italian cities suits travelers who want some structure without committing to a group for the entire trip.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists 30 accommodation options across the five cities rather than one fixed hotel per stop; which property you get depends on the tier and city option chosen.
  • No current departure dates are listed in this itinerary; confirm scheduling with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Interlaken

    Your Journey Begins in Interlaken

    Welcome to Switzerland! After your flight, travel by train from Zurich Airport to Interlaken. Upon arrival, check in for a two-night stay. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps strolling between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz or taking in the fresh alpine air.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Interlaken

    Interlaken

    After breakfast, set off on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Swiss Alps as you travel to Jungfraujoch, famously known as the "Top of Europe." Your scenic rail journey winds through picturesque alpine villages and dramatic mountain passes before ascending to the highest railway station in Europe. Later in the afternoon, return to Interlaken before heading up Harder Kulm for an evening experience.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lucerne

    Interlaken to Lucerne

    After breakfast, board the train to Lucerne, passing lakes and mountain scenery along the way. Upon arrival, check in for a two-night stay and explore Lucerne's Old Town at leisure.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Lucerne

    Day Trip to Mount Pilatus

    Following breakfast, enjoy a spectacular excursion to Mount Pilatus, one of Switzerland's most iconic peaks. Begin with a scenic journey across Lake Lucerne, before ascending the mountain on a historic railway. At the summit, take in breathtaking 360-degree views over the Swiss Alps. After time at the top, descend the mountain and return to Lucerne.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Venice

    Lucerne to Venice

    After breakfast, begin your scenic rail journey to Italy, travelling via Arth-Goldau and Milan. Watch as the landscapes transform from alpine peaks to rolling countryside before arriving in Venice. Check in for a two-night stay and enjoy your first evening exploring the canals and waterways.

  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. Later, continue discovering the city at your own pace using your included Vaporetto pass.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Florence

    Venice to Florence

    Following breakfast, board the train to Florence. Enjoy the scenic journey through the Italian countryside as you leave behind the canals of Venice and arrive in the heart of Tuscany. Upon arrival, check in for a two-night stay.

  8. Day 8overnight: Florence

    Florence

    After breakfast, discover Florence's rich artistic and cultural heritage with an included sightseeing experience. Begin with a guided walk through the city's historic centre, taking in its elegant piazzas and architectural landmarks. Then, visit one of the world's most renowned galleries, where masterpieces of the Renaissance come to life.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Rome

    Florence to Rome

    After breakfast, board your train to Rome, the final stop on your Italian journey. Sit back and relax as you travel through the picturesque Italian countryside before arriving in the Eternal City. Upon arrival, check in for a two-night stay.

  10. Day 10overnight: Rome

    Rome

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

  11. Day 11rail

    Your Journey Ends in Rome

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and head to the airport for your flight home. If you would like to extend your holiday to another destination, just ask your Rail Expert, and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A day trip to Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe,' on a scenic rail journey through alpine villages and mountain passes, followed by an evening at Harder Kulm.
  • Day 4A Mount Pilatus excursion by historic railway, with 360-degree views over the Swiss Alps from the summit.
  • Day 6A guided tour of Venice taking in St Mark's Square, the basilica and the Doge's Palace, followed by independent exploring on an included Vaporetto pass.
  • Day 8A guided walk through Florence's historic centre and a visit to one of its renowned Renaissance galleries.
  • Day 10A guided visit to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum in Rome.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Interlaken
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Florence
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome
  • 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 Venice with Doges Palace and Saint Marks Basilica
  • Small-group tour of Florence with Uffizi and Accademia Galleries
  • Small-group tour of Rome with the Roman Forum and Colosseum

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel follows the itinerary, and Switzerland is covered by an included 4-day Swiss Pass.
Is this trip escorted or self-guided?
It's mixed: self-guided in Interlaken and Lucerne on the Swiss Pass, with small-group guided tours added in Venice, Florence and Rome.
Which trains are used?
Swiss Railways in Switzerland and Trenitalia in Italy, including the historic railway up Mount Pilatus and the line to Jungfraujoch.
What's included in Italy?
Small-group tours in Venice (the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica), Florence (the Uffizi and Accademia galleries) and Rome (the Colosseum and Roman Forum).
What hotels are included?
Hotels are chosen from 30 options across the five cities, such as Hotel Royal St Georges Interlaken and the Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann in Lucerne.
How many cities does the trip visit?
Five: Interlaken, Lucerne, Venice, Florence and Rome, with two nights spent in each.

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