Operated by Collette

Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains

From

CAD 6,749

Duration

10 days

Countries

Switzerland, Italy

Activity

moderate

Rating

4.6 · 451 reviewsvia Collette

The adventure

Climb aboard legendary Alpine railways and set out on a journey across the captivating Alpine landscapes of Switzerland and Italy. Ride two legendary train routes – the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express. Relax in some of Europe’s most stunning and exclusive resort villages, including Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Lake Maggiore, Italy. Explore Lucerne, the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Ascend Pilatus on a unique excursion along the steepest railway in the world, soaking in the scenery from 7000 feet above sea level. These are the Alpine views you’ve been dreaming of.

At a glance

Duration

10 days

Route

→

Countries

Switzerland, Italy

Activity level

moderate

Style

National Parks & Wilderness, Rail Journeys

Group size

Day by day

Stunning aerial landscape of a Swiss lake surrounded by majestic mountains under a cloudy sky.

Your journey through

Switzerland & Italy

Showing Days 1-7

10-day itinerary

Day 1Overnight FlightBreathtaking Alpine vistas await as you travel through Italy and Switzerland. Experience dramatic views aboard railways and lake cruises while enjoying cultural experiences in charming villages.

Capture of cityscape from airplane with FlySafair wing visible.

Overnight Flight

Breathtaking Alpine vistas await as you travel through Italy and Switzerland. Experience dramatic views aboard railways and lake cruises while enjoying cultural experiences in charming villages.

Day 2Lake Maggiore, ItalyWelcome to the tranquil resort area with crystal clear waters set against the backdrop of the Alps, known as Lake Maggiore. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the area independently. As the evening approaches, leave your hotel to board a private boat for a cruise to Isola Dei Pescatori. On the island, toast to the start of your journey with your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner.

Welcome to the tranquil resort area with crystal clear waters set against the backdrop of the Alps, known as Lake Maggiore. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the area independently. As the evening approaches, leave your hotel to board a private boat for a cruise to Isola Dei Pescatori. On the island, toast to the start of your journey with your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner.

Day 3Lake MaggioreThis morning, set sail to Isola Bella, known as the “beautiful island.” With an expert guide beside you, journey into the Borromeo Palace — a lakeside Baroque beauty adorned with an exotic garden. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps you’ll take time to stroll the cobbled streets of Stresa or soak up the sun along the waterfront.

Lake Maggiore

This morning, set sail to Isola Bella, known as the “beautiful island.” With an expert guide beside you, journey into the Borromeo Palace — a lakeside Baroque beauty adorned with an exotic garden. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps you’ll take time to stroll the cobbled streets of Stresa or soak up the sun along the waterfront.

Day 4Lake Maggiore - Val d’Ossola - Zermatt, SwitzerlandTake on the day as you depart Italy and make your way to Switzerland. Visit a family-owned cow farm in Val d’Ossola, where you’ll meet the owners and learn about life on the farm and their family business before enjoying some homemade products over lunch. Continue towards Switzerland and enjoy scenic mountain views on a drive through the Simplon Pass, used for centuries as a main trading route between northern Italy and Switzerland and by Napoleon to cross the Alps. Complete your day in the unique, car-less village of Zermatt.

Lake Maggiore

Take on the day as you depart Italy and make your way to Switzerland. Visit a family-owned cow farm in Val d’Ossola, where you’ll meet the owners and learn about life on the farm and their family business before enjoying some homemade products over lunch. Continue towards Switzerland and enjoy scenic mountain views on a drive through the Simplon Pass, used for centuries as a main trading route between northern Italy and Switzerland and by Napoleon to cross the Alps. Complete your day in the unique, car-less village of Zermatt.

Day 5ZermattStart your morning by joining a walk with your Tour Manager to get familiar with the quaint mountain village of Zermatt. With free time for the rest of the day, perhaps you’ll follow your curiosity to uncover history in the Matterhorn Museum or follow your adventurous side to the Gornergrat Railway to experience elevated views of the Matterhorn.

Zermatt

Start your morning by joining a walk with your Tour Manager to get familiar with the quaint mountain village of Zermatt. With free time for the rest of the day, perhaps you’ll follow your curiosity to uncover history in the Matterhorn Museum or follow your adventurous side to the Gornergrat Railway to experience elevated views of the Matterhorn.

Day 6Zermatt - St. MortizThis morning, experience the world-renowned Glacier Express train.* This iconic train route takes you through some of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, dense forests, and gurgling streams. Your final stop is St. Moritz, with the afternoon at leisure to relax or stroll the lakeside boulevard.

Zermatt

This morning, experience the world-renowned Glacier Express train.* This iconic train route takes you through some of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, dense forests, and gurgling streams. Your final stop is St. Moritz, with the afternoon at leisure to relax or stroll the lakeside boulevard.

Day 7St. Moritz - Le Prese - St. MoritzTake a rail journey on the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Le Prese, soaking in striking landscapes of the Swiss Alps like the famed Morteratsch glacier. Step off the train in Le Prese, a village nestled between steep mountain slopes on the shores of Lago di Poschiavo. Spend time at a family-owned farm that cultivates aromatic herbs from the sun-drenched slopes of the Val Posciavo region. Learn about the careful processing of the organic herbs in the company’s own factory, the Erboristeria Biologica, and top off the visit with a delicious lunch featuring farm-grown products. After some time to relax, return by motorcoach to St. Moritz.

Take a rail journey on the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Le Prese, soaking in striking landscapes of the Swiss Alps like the famed Morteratsch glacier. Step off the train in Le Prese, a village nestled between steep mountain slopes on the shores of Lago di Poschiavo. Spend time at a family-owned farm that cultivates aromatic herbs from the sun-drenched slopes of the Val Posciavo region. Learn about the careful processing of the organic herbs in the company’s own factory, the Erboristeria Biologica, and top off the visit with a delicious lunch featuring farm-grown products. After some time to relax, return by motorcoach to St. Moritz.

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