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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Treasures of Switzerland and Italy

Swiss and Italian cities by rail from Lucerne to Rome

Illustration of Treasures of Switzerland and Italy

Railbookers operates this 10-day independent rail vacation across Switzerland and Italy, starting in Lucerne and ending in Rome. After arriving in Zurich, travellers take a direct train to Lucerne, then use a 4-day Swiss Pass for a cruise on Lake Lucerne and a ride on Europe's oldest mountain cog railway to the summit of Rigi Kulm. The route continues over the Gotthard Pass to Lugano, then by train to Milan, home to the Duomo and the Last Supper, before crossing into Venice on Trenitalia for a walking tour with skip-the-line access to Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. The final leg reaches Rome, where a hop-on, hop-off tour covers the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Hotels with breakfast are included throughout. Because the trip is self-guided between two well-connected countries, it suits independent travellers and first-time rail explorers who want a structured multi-city route without a group leader.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists 27 accommodation options across Lucerne, Lugano, Milan, Venice, and Rome; the specific hotel depends on which tier and city option you choose when booking.
  • The itinerary does not describe any overnight train segments; every night is spent in a hotel, so the 10-day trip includes 9 hotel stays rather than a sleeper-train experience.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lucerne

    Zurich to Lucerne

    After arriving in Zurich, you'll take a direct train to Lucerne, known as the gateway to central Switzerland. This stunning town boasts delicious food, friendly locals, sunny plazas, waterfront promenades, and unforgettable countryside and mountain views.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lucerne

    Lucerne & Mount Rigi

    Today take a 1-hour cruise on Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, then the oldest mountain cog railway in Europe 1800m up to Rigi Kulm. Once at the top, enjoy spectacular 360-degree views as far afield as France and Germany on a clear day. On your descent take another scenic cog railway to the town of Art-Goldau then a train back to Lucerne.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lugano

    Lucerne to Lugano

    Embark on a scenic train ride from Lucerne to Lugano on the Gotthard Pass via a train change in Bellinzona. You'll be treated to the beautiful scenery along the way.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lugano

    Lugano

    Spend today getting to know Lugano. Located in Switzerland right on the Italian border, this city offers all the loveliness of Switzerland with a Mediterranean flair. Why not use your Swiss Pass to take a cruise on Lake Lugano or catch a ride to the top of San Salvatore in the Lepontine Alps?

  5. Day 5railovernight: Milan

    Lugano to Milan

    Travel by train to fashionable Milan. Spend the rest of the day discovering the city. Visit the Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral in the heart of the city or the Santa Maria delle Grazie, a classically beautiful Renaissance church. Milan is also home to the Last Supper and the majestic La Scala Opera house.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Venice

    Milan to Venice

    Catch a Trenitalia train directly to Venice. Set out to acquaint yourself with the classic Italian city. Stroll down the banks of the shimmering canals and discover the magnificent architecture that lines the cobbled streets and squares.

  7. Day 7overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Discover the city's hidden gems and highlights on a walking tour, and take an iconic, relaxing gondola ride on your own. You will also have skip-the-line access to Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica.

  8. Day 8overnight: Rome

    Venice to Rome

    Board Trenitalia once more to Rome and begin admiring the Eternal City's allure. Italy's capital boasts a wealth of history on every street, which you'll be able to explore at your own leisure with your included hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour.

  9. Day 9overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Continue using your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to explore all the history and wonder of the city. See the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and many more popular landmarks and attractions.

  10. Day 10

    Your Journey Ends in Rome

    Check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Cruise across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, then ride Europe's oldest mountain cog railway 1800 meters up to Rigi Kulm for 360-degree alpine views.
  • Day 3Take the scenic train from Lucerne to Lugano over the Gotthard Pass, changing trains in Bellinzona.
  • Day 7A walking tour of Venice includes skip-the-line access to Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, plus a gondola ride.
  • Day 9A hop-on, hop-off tour of Rome takes in the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lugano
  • 1-night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Milan
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome
  • 4-day Swiss Pass
  • Mount Rigi Day trip
  • Walking tour in Venice with admission to Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica
  • Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour in Rome

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Railbookers includes a 4-day Swiss Pass covering Swiss rail travel and the Rigi cog railway, plus onward Trenitalia trains through Milan, Venice, and Rome.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Independent. Railbookers describes it as a self-guided rail package, though the Venice segment includes a walking tour and the Rome segment includes a hop-on, hop-off tour.
Which cities does the itinerary visit?
Lucerne, Lugano, Milan, Venice, and Rome, starting from Zurich.
What is included with the Swiss Pass?
A 4-day Swiss Pass and the Mount Rigi day trip, including the Lake Lucerne cruise and cog railway.
What is the starting price?
$2,679 USD, or about $268 per day.

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