Search

Railbookers · Self-guided rail holiday

The Swiss Mountains and Rome

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

Illustration of The Swiss Mountains and Rome

Railbookers runs this eight-day rail trip between Switzerland and Rome, starting in Lucerne and finishing in Rome. The Swiss leg is self-guided on a 4-day Swiss Pass, with two nights each in Lucerne and Interlaken for day trips: a boat ride on Lake Lucerne and cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus, a funicular to Harder Kulm, and a day trip to Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe, with views of the Monch, Eiger and Jungfrau. From Interlaken, the train crosses the Italian countryside to Rome for a three-night stay, where the trip shifts to small-group guidance: a tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, followed by the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's, swapped for a culinary food tour on Sundays. The combination of independent Swiss travel and guided time in Rome suits travelers who want some structure without a group for the entire trip.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists 18 accommodation options across Lucerne, Interlaken and Rome 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 Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's tour is replaced with a small-group culinary food tour on Sundays.
  • No current departure dates are listed in this itinerary; confirm scheduling with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lucerne

    Your Journey Begins in Lucerne

    Welcome to Switzerland! 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. After soaking up the wonderful 360-degree views, make your way down the mountain to Kriens before taking a short bus ride back to Lucerne.

  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.

  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!

  5. Day 5overnight: Rome

    Interlaken to Rome

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

  6. Day 6overnight: 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. These amazing ruins were for centuries the centre of day-to-day life in Rome.

  7. Day 7overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Today you will visit the Vatican in the heart of the city for a tour of the vast Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and San Peter's. The Museum's collections include some of the most precious pieces of art and historical treasures in the whole world, and seeing the spectacular ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is an unforgettable experience.

  8. Day 8rail

    Your Journey Ends in Rome

    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 360-degree views.
  • Day 3A ride up the Harder Kulm funicular after passing Lake Thun and Lake Brienz on the train from Lucerne to Interlaken.
  • Day 4A day trip to Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe,' with views of the Monch, Eiger and Jungfrau peaks.
  • Day 6A guided tour of the Colosseum followed by a guided stroll around the Roman Forum.
  • Day 7A guided tour of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's, replaced with a small-group culinary food tour on Sundays.

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 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 the Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome
  • Small-group tour of Vatican Museums, San Peter's, and the Sistine Chapel in Rome (Replaced with a small-group culinary food tour on Sundays)

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Switzerland is covered by an included 4-day Swiss Pass, and rail travel to Rome 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; Rome adds small-group guided tours.
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's included in Rome?
A small-group tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and a small-group tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's (replaced with a culinary food tour on Sundays).
What hotels are included?
Hotels are chosen from 18 options across Lucerne, Interlaken and Rome, such as the Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann in Lucerne and Hotel Royal St Georges Interlaken.

Similar journeys