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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Venice and the Bernina Express from London

Independent rail trip from London via the Bernina Express to Venice

Illustration of Venice and the Bernina Express from London

Railbookers operates this independent rail vacation across 6 days and 5 nights, starting in London and ending in Venice, with stops in Zurich and Milan. On day 1, a Eurostar and onward train carry travelers from London through Paris to Zurich for an overnight stay, with time to stroll the Lake Promenade and Bahnhofstrasse. Day 2 is the Bernina Express itself, a UNESCO World Heritage panoramic train that crosses the Alps from Chur through snow-dusted mountains and stone viaducts to an overnight in Milan. On day 3, a Trenitalia train continues through the Italian countryside to Venice for a three-night stay, where small-group tours visit the Doge's Palace and the Golden Basilica, and travelers can ride a gondola, browse the Rialto Markets, and tour the glassblowers of Murano. Rail travel in standard class and breakfast are included throughout. The trip suits travelers who want a scenic multi-country rail journey built around one standout train ride before settling into Venice.

What to know before you look closer

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Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Take a direct Eurostar from London to Paris and then board a train from Paris to Zurich. When you arrive, check into your hotel for an overnight stay. Want to make the most of your time in Zurich? Stoll down the Lake Promenade and winding, cobblestone streets of old town between Central and Bellevue, shop along Bahnhofstrasse, Switzerland's version of the Champs- Élysées, or browse the permanent Van Gogh, Monet and Chagall collections at the Kunsthaus. Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience? Head over to the Jules Verne bar, which offers 360-degree views of the city and stargazing opportunities.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Milan

    The Bernina Express to Milan

    After breakfast this morning, take one of the world's most scenic journeys in the world the Bernina Express. Travel through the Alps on a scenic journey from Zurich to Chur, where you will pick up the panoramic train. The tracks of the Bernina Express have now been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the journey will meander through snow-dusted mountain ranges, across striking stone viaducts and along the banks of some of Switzerland's sparkling lakes. In Tirano, connect onto the Trenord train and roll past Lake Como en route to Milan. Check in at your hotel for an overnight stay and some authentic Milanese cuisine.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Venice

    Milan to Venice

    Spend the morning enjoying breakfast then take a Trenitalia train from Milan to Venice, where you'll get to take in the beautiful Italian countryside. Upon arrival in Milan, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay and start exploring the city! Waterside Venice's reputation no doubt precedes it, and many say there is nowhere on earth that matches the beauty and tranquility of its splendid canals.

    Meals: B

  4. 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 1000 years! Soak up the vibrant atmosphere in St. Mark's Square, while marveling at the beautiful mosaics that adorn the Basilica and maybe visit the Doge's Palace, with its origins dating back to the 14th century. It is advisable to take a tour of this important Venetian landmark to fully understand its extensive history.

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Spend an additional day discovering all that Venice has to offer. Fascinating museums, exquisite art galleries and ornate churches await! Enjoy a tasty lunch by the waterside and maybe sample some local delights at the Rialto Markets, including a fish market held here for over 1000 years. Be sure to leave some time to take a tour of the famous glassblowers on the island of Murano and stopover at Burano, a small island famous for its colorful houses.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Bernina Express crosses the Alps from Chur, a UNESCO World Heritage rail route through snow-dusted mountains and stone viaducts.
  • Day 3A Trenitalia train carries travelers from Milan to Venice through the Italian countryside.
  • Day 4Travelers ride a Venetian gondola and visit St Mark's Square, the Basilica's mosaics, and the Doge's Palace.
  • Day 5A tour visits the glassblowers of Murano and stops at Burano, with time to browse the centuries-old Rialto Markets.

Included

  • Rail travel in standard class throughout 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Zurich 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Milan 3 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Venice Seat reservations on the Bernina Express between Chur and Tirano Small group tours of the Doges Palace and Golden Basilica Small group walking tour in Venice

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel in standard class is included throughout, including the Eurostar and onward train from London to Zurich, the Bernina Express to Milan, and a Trenitalia train from Milan to Venice.
Is this trip guided or independent?
Railbookers markets it as an independent rail vacation, though small-group tours of the Doge's Palace, the Golden Basilica, and a Venice walking tour are included.
What is the Bernina Express?
A scenic panoramic train whose tracks between Chur and Tirano have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site; seat reservations on this train are included.
What hotel nights are included?
One night with breakfast in Zurich, one night with breakfast in Milan, and three nights with breakfast in Venice.
How long is the trip?
The trip runs 6 days and 5 nights, starting in London and ending in Venice, with stops in Zurich and Milan.

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