Search

Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Verona via the Bernina Express and Brenner Pass

Zurich to Verona via the Bernina Express and Brenner Pass

Illustration of Verona via the Bernina Express and Brenner Pass

Railbookers runs this 8-day independent rail vacation from Zurich to Verona, crossing two Alpine passes along the way. After an overnight in Zurich, day 2 rides the train to Lugano through Zug, Arth-Goldau, the Gotthard route and Bellinzona, for two nights in the Italian-speaking Canton of Ticino. Day 4 combines the Bernina Bus from Lugano to Tirano with the Bernina Express, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct to Chur. Day 5 continues over the Arlberg Pass and mountain meadows to Innsbruck, where the Hofkirche and the Goldenes Dachl are nearby. Day 6 crosses the Alps again via the Brenner Pass, skirting Lake Garda, into Verona for two nights, capped by a two-hour small-group walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre on day 7, including the Romeo and Juliet balcony and the Basilica of San Zeno. It suits travelers who want two named Alpine train passes and several short city stops packed into just over a week.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence lists 24 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including hotels such as the Baur Au Lac and Park Hyatt in Zurich, so the specific hotel depends on the tier you choose.
  • This itinerary includes three one-night stops (Zurich, Chur and Innsbruck) among its five cities, so much of the week involves packing and moving on.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Your Journey Begins in Zurich

    Check in at your hotel for an overnight stay in this city of culture and art on the River Limmat.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lugano

    Zurich to Lugano

    Train to Lugano through Zug, Arth-Goldau, Gotthard and Bellinzona, descending into the Italian-speaking Canton of Ticino. Check in for a two-night stay.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3overnight: Lugano

    Lugano

    Explore designer boutiques, historic churches, and museums including the Museo Cantonale d'Arte or San Lorenzo Cathedral. Take a funicular up Monte San Salvatore or Monte Bre.

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4railovernight: Chur

    Lugano to Chur By Bernina Bus and Bernina Express

    Catch the Bernina Bus from Lugano to Tirano, then board the Bernina Express, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct and mountain scenery to Chur.

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5overnight: Innsbruck

    Chur to Innsbruck

    Travel over 3 hours to Innsbruck via the Arlberg Pass and mountain meadows. Visit the Hofkirche Innsbruck or the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof).

    Meals: B

  6. Day 6railovernight: Verona

    Innsbruck to Verona

    Train through the Alps via the Brenner Pass route, skirting Lake Garda, arriving in Verona for a two-night stay. Explore the ancient amphitheatre.

    Meals: B

  7. Day 7overnight: Verona

    Verona

    A 2hr small group walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage listed centre, visiting the Romeo and Juliet balcony and the Basilica of San Zeno.

    Meals: B

  8. Day 8rail

    Depart Verona

    Check out and continue with your travels, or extend your journey with the help of a Rail Specialist.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The train from Zurich to Lugano through Zug, Arth-Goldau, the Gotthard route and Bellinzona, descending into the Italian-speaking Canton of Ticino.
  • Day 4The Bernina Bus from Lugano to Tirano, then the Bernina Express crossing the Landwasser Viaduct and mountain scenery to Chur.
  • Day 5The train from Chur to Innsbruck over the Arlberg Pass and mountain meadows.
  • Day 6The train from Innsbruck to Verona through the Alps via the Brenner Pass, skirting Lake Garda.
  • Day 7A two-hour small-group walking tour of Verona's UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre, including the Romeo and Juliet balcony and the Basilica of San Zeno.

Included

  • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Zurich
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Lugano
  • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Chur
  • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Innsbruck
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Verona
  • 2hr walking tour of Verona
  • 3 Day Swiss Pass Standard Class
  • Bernina Express and Bernina Bus Reservation

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Railbookers includes a 3-day Swiss Pass in Standard Class plus Bernina Express and Bernina Bus reservations.
Which trains and passes does this trip use?
The Bernina Express from Tirano to Chur, the Bernina Bus from Lugano to Tirano, plus Swiss Railways and Deutsche Bahn for the connecting legs over the Arlberg and Brenner passes.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation. A 2-hour small-group walking tour of Verona is included; sightseeing in Zurich, Lugano and Innsbruck is self-directed.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 24 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including hotels such as the Baur Au Lac and Park Hyatt in Zurich, with the exact hotel depending on the tier chosen.
How many nights does the trip include?
8 days and 7 nights: 1 in Zurich, 2 in Lugano, 1 in Chur, 1 in Innsbruck, and 2 in Verona.
Can I extend the trip?
Yes. Day 8 notes you can extend your journey with the help of a Rail Specialist.

Similar journeys