Marvellous Escapes
Enchanting Italy
Eight-day rail journey from Geneva through Venice, Florence to Rome
8 daysfrom $2,277
75% rail
Railbookers · Independent rail vacation
Venice and Lake Como via The Alps
8-day independent rail trip via the Alps: Geneva, Venice, Lake Como
Railbookers runs this 8-day independent rail trip from Geneva to Venice and on to Lake Como, crossing the Alps by train along the way. After a night in Geneva, where the evening can include a lakeside meal or a boat trip on the lake, the train follows the scenic Simplon Pass past Lake Leman and Swiss vineyards, with Alps views, before crossing into Italy. Three nights in Venice leave time to explore the lagoon and canals, the Campanile, the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Square, and the Basilica di San Marco at your own pace. From Venice, the trip continues by train via Milan to Como for a further three nights. Como's Centro Storico old town, the Gothic Como Cathedral, and a funicular ride up to Brunate for panoramic views over the lake fill the final days. The evidence lists only hotel stays as included, with sightseeing described as suggestions rather than confirmed inclusions, so it suits independent travelers who want a scenic Alps-to-lakes rail route and are happy arranging their own activities.
What to know before you look closer
- The included-items list covers only hotel stays (1 night in Geneva, 3 nights each in Venice and Como with breakfast); the gondola ride, funicular to Brunate, and other activities described in the day-by-day itinerary are not listed as included, so budget for them separately.
- No hotel names or tiers are listed for this trip.
- The trip description lists Milan among the places visited, but the itinerary only has you changing trains there on day 5 between Venice and Como, not stopping to sightsee.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Geneva
Your Journey Begins in Geneva
Welcome to Geneva! Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel for an overnight stay. Spend the evening enjoying a tasty meal at a local lakeside restaurant, or take a relaxing boat trip out on the lake and admire the city's cosmopolitan feel and the stunning backdrop of the Alps and the Jura mountains.
- Day 2railovernight: Venice
Geneva to Venice
After breakfast, depart Geneva in the morning and travel to Venice on one of the most scenic routes in Europe, the Simplon Pass. Relax while the train follows the shores of Lake Leman and across Swiss vineyards, with stunning views of the Alps in the background. Travel further south after crossing the border into Italy before arriving in Venice. On arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a three-night stay.
Meals: B
- Day 3overnight: Venice
Venice
Possibly more than any other city in the world, Venice's reputation precedes it. But, if you've not been before you are in for a treat, because this destination more than lives up to expectations. From the azure blue of the lagoon and canals to the iconic Campanile and Doge's Palace leading into St. Mark's Square and the Basilica di San Marco, there's a picture postcard view in every direction.
Meals: B
- Day 4overnight: Venice
Venice
A visit to Venice is not complete without a ride on a Gondola, a mode of transport that has been in existence in Venice for over 1,000 years! Soak up the vibrant atmosphere in St. Mark's Square, while marveling at the beautiful mosaics that adorn the Basilica. Alternately, why not take a waterbus to the Lido and relax in the sunshine on the sandy beaches before indulging in a classic Venetian meal.
Meals: B
- Day 5railovernight: Como
Venice to Lake Como
Following breakfast, take the train to Milan and transfer onto a service bound for Como. On arrival in Como, check in at your hotel for your three-night stay.
Meals: B
- Day 6overnight: Como
Lake Como
Lake Como's idyllic location, ringed by mountains, has made it a popular destination for the rich and famous since Roman times. It combines beautiful historic architecture with breathtaking natural beauty. The Centro Storico (Old Town) is a maze of picturesque little streets, squares and pavement cafes. Wander around the shops and boutiques or visit one of the many cultural monuments the city has to offer.
Meals: B
- Day 7railovernight: Como
Lake Como
After breakfast this morning, continue exploring. Visit the imposing Gothic Como Cathedral, which took 400 years to build and has a huge interior with three aisles and striking stained glass windows. The lake itself offers numerous opportunities for water sports, boat trips and even a spot of swimming. Take the funicular railway up to Brunate for panoramic views. Or why not just sit at a lakeside bar and drink in the scenery?
Meals: B
- Day 8rail
Depart Lake Como
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning before checking out and continuing with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, perhaps with an additional day in a different city, one of our Rail Vacation Specialists will be happy to assist you with the details.
Meals: B
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2The train follows the Simplon Pass along the shores of Lake Leman and across Swiss vineyards, with Alps views, before crossing into Italy.
- Day 3Venice's lagoon and canals lead past the Campanile and Doge's Palace into St. Mark's Square and the Basilica di San Marco.
- Day 5The train travels from Venice to Milan, transferring onto a service bound for Como.
- Day 6Como's Centro Storico old town is a maze of picturesque streets, squares, and pavement cafes.
- Day 7The funicular railway up to Brunate gives panoramic views over Lake Como, past the Gothic Como Cathedral.
Included
- 1 night hotel stay in Geneva 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Venice 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Como
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. Rail travel is included for the route, using the scenic Simplon Pass from Geneva to Venice, then a train via Milan to Como.
- Is this trip guided or independent?
- It is independent (self-guided); the evidence lists no guided tours as included, though the itinerary suggests activities like a Venice gondola ride and a funicular trip to Brunate.
- What is included?
- 1 night hotel stay in Geneva, 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Venice, and 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Como.
- Does the trip stop in Milan?
- No overnight stay. The itinerary has you changing trains in Milan on day 5 on the way from Venice to Como.
- What is not included?
- The evidence lists no meals beyond breakfast, and no sightseeing tours or activities, as included.
