Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains featuring a cruise on Lake Maggiore and scenic trains in Switzerland & Italy
Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains featuring a cruise on Lake Maggiore and scenic trains in Switzerland & Italy
11 Days Starting in Zurich, Switzerland and ending in Lucerne, Switzerland
Visiting: Zurich, Zermatt, Lake Maggiore, St. Moritz, Lucerne
Tour operator:
Tour code:
15402
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Climb aboard legendary Alpine railways and set out on a journey across the captivating Alpine landscapes of Switzerland and Italy. Ride 2 legendary train routes – the Glacier Express and the Bernina Pass Train. 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 7,000 feet above sea level. These are the Alpine views you’ve been dreaming of.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Zurich
Accommodation Name: Hotel Krone Unterstrass
Breathtaking Alpine vistas await as you travel through Switzerland and Italy. Experience dramatic views aboard railways and lake cruises while enjoying cultural experiences in charming villages.
Day 2 : Zurich, Switzerland
Location: Zurich
Accommodation Name: Resort Hotel Alex
Welcome to Switzerland’s largest city – Zurich. Enjoy some free time exploring its charming Old Town or one of its many museums on your own. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner.
Day 3 : Zurich - Andermatt - Zermatt
Location: Zurich
Accommodation Name: hotel
Say “good morning” to Zurich with a walking tour of the city. A local guide will teach you the city’s history and make a few sweet stops along the way. Learn the history behind the chocolate shops and taste some delicacies for yourself. Treat your taste buds to even more flavors of Zurich with free time for lunch on your own. After that, it’s all aboard! You’re off to Andermatt to experience the world-renowned Glacier Express* train. Natural backdrops of the Swiss Alps, thick forests, gurgling streams, and deep valleys bring this mountain dream to life. Complete your day in the unique, car-less village of Zermatt.
Day 4 : Zermatt
Location: Zermatt
Accommodation Name: Zacchera Hotels
Start your morning with a Tour Manager-led walk to get familiar with the quaint mountain village of Zermatt. With free time for the rest of the day, let your curiosity get the best of you while uncovering history in the Matterhorn Museum. Perhaps your adventurous side will bring you on the Gornergrat Railway to experience elevated views of the Matterhorn.
Day 5 : Zermatt - Lake Maggiore, Italy
Location: Zermatt
Accommodation Name: hotel
Take on the day as you depart Zermatt and head towards Italy. Enjoy scenic mountain views on a drive through the Simplon Pass, used for centuries as a main trading route between northern Italy and Switzerland. Learn how Napoleon used the Simplon Pass to cross the Alps into Italy and gain control of Milan and Venice. Continue to a tranquil resort area with crystal clear waters set against the backdrop of the Alps, known as Lake Maggiore. Take time this afternoon to stroll the cobbled streets of Stresa. Long-favored by European aristocracy because of its blend of elegance, Stresa has inspired artists and writers since the late 1800s. Step inside a local wine shop where the family teaches you all about some of Italy’s local specialties and invites you to try some. As the day draws to a close, settle in for a 3-night stay at your hotel.
Day 6 : Lake Maggiore
Location: Lake Maggiore
Accommodation Name: hotel
The entire day is yours. You might want to soak up the sun along the waterfront, relax in an outdoor café, or head out on the waves by boat. Perhaps you’ll take an optional tour to picture-perfect Lake Orta – a hidden gem surrounded by romantic villages and filled with quaint islands. As the evening approaches, board a private boat for a cruise to Isola dei Pescatori. On the island, toast to your Italian experiences during dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7 : Lake Maggiore
Location: Lake Maggiore
Accommodation Name: Hotel Steffani
Today, explore the twin towns of Verbania and Pallanza where it’s your choice! In Verbania, wander through the enchanted gardens of Villa Taranto. Among the dreamy landscapes and captivating reflections are mysterious flowers from the farthest corners of the world -OR- visit Pallanza and tour the Troubetzkoy statuary collection housed in the town’s museum, Museo del Paesaggio. This afternoon, 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.
Day 8 : Lake Maggiore - St. Moritz, Switzerland
Location: Lake Maggiore
Accommodation Name: Hotel Astoria
Experience sweeping coastal views on your drive along the picturesque shores of Lake Como during your full morning bus transfer to Tirano. Enjoy free time and lunch on your own in this charming town before traveling along one of the world’s most scenic railways. Take a journey through the Bernina Express en route to St. Moritz, Switzerland. Witness the striking landscapes of the Italian and Swiss Alps throughout your voyage – including the famed Morteratsch Glacier. Make your final stop in St. Moritz and enjoy the evening at leisure to relax or stroll the lakeside boulevard.
Day 9 : St. Moritz - Lucerne
Location: St. Moritz
Accommodation Name: hotel
Slow and steady wins the race today. Enjoy a leisurely start in St. Moritz before heading to Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Follow the ancient pathways of the city on a walking tour through an Altstadt (Old Town), passing through the covered 14th-century Chapel Bridge. Along the way, see the famous Water Tower that once served as a prison. Pause at the renowned Lion Monument, carved from sandstone to commemorate heroic soldiers. The evening is yours to relax or explore.
Day 10 : Lucerne
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation Name: hotel
Today, enjoy the splendor of pure nature while gliding over a clear landscape in panoramic gondolas and spectacular cable cars. Ascend Pilatus** on a unique excursion along the steepest railway in the world. From the top, soak in the magnificent Alpine views from 7,000 ft. above sea level. Enjoy leisure time at the summit, where you can stroll the walkway for new vantage points. Venture back down the mountain by panoramic gondola for another bird’s eye view. Gather tonight for a farewell dinner featuring Swiss specialties.
Day 11 : Lucerne - Tour Ends
Location: Lucerne
Your scenic journey comes to an end today in Lucerne.
What's Included
-
Scenic Train Journeys
Travel through Switzerland and Italy aboard scenic trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
-
Private Boat Cruise
Enjoy a private boat cruise on Lake Maggiore.
-
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at Hotel Krone Unterstrass in Zurich, Resort Hotel Alex in Zurich, Zacchera Hotels in Zermatt, and Hotel Steffani in Lake Maggiore, with additional stays at Hotel Astoria in St. Moritz.
-
Welcome Dinner
Get to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner in Zurich.
-
Guided Tours
Enjoy guided tours including a walking tour of Zurich and a tour of the Borromeo Palace on Isola Bella.
-
Farewell Dinner
Gather for a farewell dinner featuring Swiss specialties.
What's Not Included
-
Optional Tours
Optional tours such as the Lake Orta tour are not included.
-
Meals Not Specified
Meals not specified in the itinerary are not included.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
Experiences
Cruise through Lago Maggiore and visit one of the beautiful Borromean Islands.Stroll the lakeside boulevards of St. Moritz.Journey through the Bernina Pass on one of the world’s most scenic railways.
Options
Lake Orta: Treasures of Lake Orta Journey to picture-perfect Orta, a scenic sub-alpine lake surrounded by ancient villages. During a guided tour, visit one of Italy’s Sacri Monti chapels (UNESCO) built in a scenic location above the lake as pilgrimage sites for those who could not afford the journey to Jerusalem. Then, enjoy a boat ride to San Giulio Island, a rocky island in the middle of the lake that provides impressive views of the surrounding shore. Take a walk around the island before returning to the mainland for time at leisure in the old town of Orta, replete of quaint cobblestoned lanes and local cafes. Duration approximately 6 hour(s). Transportation is included.
Lake Orta: Treasures of Lake Orta Journey to picture-perfect Orta, a scenic sub-alpine lake surrounded by ancient villages. During a guided tour, visit one of Italy’s Sacri Monti chapels (UNESCO) built in a scenic location above the lake as pilgrimage sites for those who could not afford the journey to Jerusalem. Then, enjoy a boat ride to San Giulio Island, a rocky island in the middle of the lake that provides impressive views of the surrounding shore. Take a walk around the island before returning to the mainland for time at leisure in the old town of Orta, replete of quaint cobblestoned lanes and local cafes. Duration approximately 6 hour(s). Transportation is included.
Culinaries
Sit down for dinner on the Isola dei Pescatori in Lago Maggiore. Discover a sweeter side of Zurich on a locally guided history and chocolate tour.Sample Italian specialties at a family owned shop.
Must See
Enjoy stunning Alpine views on the Glacier Express train.Soak up the mountain air with 2 nights in the Alpine village of Zermatt.Explore the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake," Lucerne.
Choice Highlights
Zurich Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city with a diverse character and zest for life. The city is famous for it’s unique lakeside location where green, densely wooded hills run through the city from north to south. Spend some time in Zurich and find out why it finds itself with the distinction of being one of the world's best cities to live in.
Glacier Express Train This famous bright red train runs the length of southern Switzerland between Zermatt in the west and St. Moritz in the east, and is known as the “slowest express train in the world.” The trip takes about 7 ½ hours and it traverses its highest point at the Oberalp Pass at 6,700 feet (2042 meters). Some sections are steep enough to require a rack-and-pinion system on the tracks. The cars have panoramic windows and domes, and there is a restaurant car. The towns it links are among the most famous ski resorts in the world, and it gets its name from the Rhone Glacier in western Switzerland, one of the sources of Lake Geneva and the Rhone River.
Zermatt This town is located in southwest Switzerland in the canton of Valais, and is best known by the nearby 14,000ft (4267m) Matterhorn. The town began as an agricultural area and in the 19th century became famous as a ski and mountaineering resort. Most of the town now depends on tourism, and in ski season the town of 5,000 swells several times over. To keep the air clean, all vehicles are now electric and mostly silent, with only emergency access by gas-powered vehicles such as firetrucks. The famous Glacier Express train which begins in far eastern Switzerland near St. Moritz ends in Zermatt.
Lake Maggiore Is a large lake located on the south side of the Alps which goes through both Italy and Switzerland. The climate, both in the winter and summer is mild enough to products Mediterranean vegetation, with many gardens growing rare and exotic plants. Many islands overlook the lake, including the Borromean Islands, the Brissago Islands, Castelli di Cannero, and Isolina Partegora.
Borromeo Palace
Villa Taranto Visit or Pallanza Art Museum Visit In Verbania, wander through the enchanted gardens of Villa Taranto. Among the dreamy landscapes and captivating reflections are mysterious flowers from the farthest corners of the world. Witness the Amazon Water Lily, known as the “Victoria Amazonica.” Take in sights of flourishing gardens filled with Azaleas, Maples, Rhododendrons and beyond. Gardeners will find that experiences in Villa Taranto are exceptionally captivating. Or head to Pallanza, where you can tour the Troubetzkoy statuary collection housed in the town’s museum. The artist, Paolo Troubetzkoy, was born in Intra on Lake Maggiore in 1866 and had requested that his heirs donate all his plaster casts to Museo del Paesaggio for display.
Villa Taranto Visit
Activity Level: 2
Pallanza Art Museum Visit
Activity Level: 1
Island Dinner Set sail for a panoramic cruise of magical Lago Maggiore with the majestic Alps as its incredible backdrop. Cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the beautiful Borromean islands, and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Bernina Express Train
St. Moritz St. Moritz is a ski resort town in southeast Switzerland known as a “jet set” destination and playground of the wealthy. It is in the canton of Graubunden, not far from the Italian border, also not far from the highest peak in eastern Switzerland, Pic Bernina (13,200 feet/4023 meters). St. Moritz is named for St. Maurice, a Roman martyred there in the 3rd century, and first became popular as a pilgrimage site with healing spring waters. The 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympics were held here. The town was used in the opening scenes of Alfred Hitchcock’s original version of “The Man Who Knew Too Much” with Peter Lorre in 1934.
Lucerne This city of 80,000 people is in north-central Switzerland in the canton of Lucerne and sits on the shores of Lake Lucerne. The town began with a Benedictine monastery in the 8th century and gained importance from its location on trade routes. The most famous sights in Lucerne are the wooden Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge) across the Reuss River, the Hofkirche (Church of St. Leodegar) and the Swiss Museum of Transport. The city celebrates Carnival every year beginning the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. Mt Pilatus, with the world’s steepest cog railway, is visible from Lucerne.
Mount Pilatus Ascend the majestic Mount Pilatus overlooking Lucerne by cable car and descend via the world's steepest cog railway.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Switzerland and Italy aboard scenic trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, with additional transportation by private boat on Lake Maggiore and bus transfers through picturesque landscapes.
Check out our Q&As
-
What unique experience does the Glacier Express train offer?
The Glacier Express train offers stunning Alpine views as it travels through the Swiss Alps, providing a scenic journey with panoramic windows and a restaurant car. It is known as the 'slowest express train in the world' and traverses its highest point at the Oberalp Pass.
-
What can I expect during the chocolate tour in Zurich?
During the chocolate tour in Zurich, a local guide will take you on a walking tour of the city, sharing its history and making stops at chocolate shops where you can taste various delicacies.
-
What activities are available in Zermatt?
In Zermatt, you can start with a Tour Manager-led walk to explore the village, visit the Matterhorn Museum, or take the Gornergrat Railway for elevated views of the Matterhorn.
-
What is special about the dinner on Isola dei Pescatori?
The dinner on Isola dei Pescatori is a unique experience where you board a private boat for a cruise to the island and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, toasting to your Italian experiences.
-
What options do I have for exploring Lake Maggiore?
At Lake Maggiore, you can explore the twin towns of Verbania and Pallanza, visit the gardens of Villa Taranto or the Troubetzkoy statuary collection, and take a guided tour of the Borromeo Palace on Isola Bella.
-
What is the Bernina Express known for?
The Bernina Express is known for being one of the world's most scenic railways, offering breathtaking views of the Italian and Swiss Alps, including the Morteratsch Glacier, as it travels to St. Moritz.
-
What can I do in Lucerne during the tour?
In Lucerne, you can enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town, see the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, visit the Lion Monument, and take a unique excursion to Mount Pilatus via panoramic gondolas and cable cars.
-
Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
-
Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
-
What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
-
Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
-
Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
-
Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
1 Select your preferred date
Thursday - Sunday
Apr 24, 2025 - May 04, 2025Thursday - Sunday
May 08, 2025 - May 18, 2025Thursday - Sunday
May 15, 2025 - May 25, 2025Thursday - Sunday
May 22, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025Friday - Monday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Apr 19, 2026 - Apr 29, 2026Sunday - Wednesday
May 03, 2026 - May 13, 2026Sunday - Wednesday
May 10, 2026 - May 20, 2026Sunday - Wednesday
May 24, 2026 - Jun 03, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
-
Terms and Conditions