Art Cities With Lakes & Mountains of Switzerland STANDARD Independent Rail Tour 2025

Arrival at Rome Fiumicino airport, transfer to the hotel by a private car. The rest of your day is at leisure. You can explore the city on your own to discover the most famous symbols of Rome, such as Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Spain Square. In case of an early arrival in Rome, we recommend a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, to admire Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel and other masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance more closely. It is also possible to participate in a series of other optional activities, such as a cooking lesson to learn how to make pizza or pasta and ice cream. For dinner we suggest trying a typical Roman restaurant. Overnight stay at the hotel in Rome.

Breakfast at the hotel, then another day dedicated to discovering the city. Today you join our Imperial Tour of Rome (included in the rates), to closely admire the monuments of the Roman Forum, enter the Colosseum and listen to our guide's presentation of the evocative history of ancient Rome and the gladiators' fights that took place there. In the afternoon, free time to continue exploring the Eternal City. You can join an excursion to visit Rome Catacombs. For the sporty people, there is also the option of an electric bike tour, to discover the historic center with its symbols or even a more secret and unusual Rome. For the evening, we recommend a nice walk in the Trastevere district, full of typical restaurants. Overnight stay at the hotel in Rome. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, make your way to Rome Termini station to board the high-speed train to Florence; the journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival check-in to your hote, and the remainder of your day is at leisure to explore the city the 'cradle of the Renaissance'. We would suggest a guided tour of one of the main museums: the Uffizi Galleries, with the masterpieces of the masters of the Italian Renaissance (Leonardo, Caravaggio, Raffaello, Tiziano, Botticelli and many others), or the Accademia Gallery, which houses the original of Michelangelo's famous statue of David, or an half day visit to Pisa and its famous leaning tower. Overnight stay at the hotel. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will discover two thousand years of history of the cradle of the Renaissance through the eyes of an expert local guide, who will take you on an unforgettable journey to discover the most beautiful squares and monuments of Florence. With this half day tour, you will admire with your own eyes the sites and monuments that have made Florence one of the most visited destinations in the world. Rest of the day is at leisure to visit the monuments, museums or take an excursion to see the surrounding areas. Overnight stay at the hotel. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, we board the high-speed train to Venice S. Lucia. The journey takes about 2 hours and 15 mintues. Upon arrival check-in. Later in the afternoon there will be a 30-minute gondola ride with commentary via app on your mobile phone. Before dinner in Venice, it is traditional to have an aperitif based on “cichéti” (small snacks) in one of the many “bacari” (taverns) scattered along the “calli” (that is what the Venetian streets are called): a must try experience! Overnight stay at the hotel. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel, then full day dedicated to the discovery of Venice or its lagoon. You can take a guided walking tour through the most famous places in the city (Piazza San Marco with the Basilica and the Clock Tower, the Rialto Bridge, Campo Santa Maria Formosa) and others less known; or a skip-the-line guided tour of the Doge's Palace, with the Doge's luxurious apartments and the famous Bridge of Sighs. Alternatively, you can go on a boat trip to the islands of the Venice lagoon: Murano, known all over the world for its famous glass craftmanship; Burano, famous not only for its lace, but also for the picturesque fishermen's houses all painted in bright colours; and Torcello, the first settlement centre in the lagoon. Overnight stay at the hotel. (B)

Breakfast at your hotel. Reach Santa Lucia Rail Station on your own to get the High-Speed Train to Milan. Arrival in Milan and free time to visit the city on one’s own. You can discover the most famous symbols of Milan, such as the Duomo, the Castello Sforzesco, the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio and the Navigli, the famous canals, the very hub of the Milanese nightlife. You can continue your visit to the city with an internal visit of the Teatro alla Scala and its museum, a unique experience to visit one of the most famous theatre houses in the world. For the sports enthusiasts, a bike tour tour is also available. Overnight stay at Hotel. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel and then take the regional train to reach Como. The journey takes about 40 minutes. Discover the city of Como and its famous lake on your own. A day ticket is included for the hop-on / hop-off public boat to discover the lake departing from Como. You can choose the best stops to get off for a walk according to the departures of the boats and the time of the train back to Milan. Enjoy some free time in Como to get to know the town and shop in the many local boutiques. Return to Milan in the evening and overnight stay at the hotel. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Take the morning train from Milano Centrale station to Lugano. Upon arrival in Lugano, head to your hotel to drop off your luggage and start your visit with a stroll along the Lugano lakeside, where you can admire the flower-filled gardens of Parco Ciani and enjoy views of the lake and mountains. Continue into the historic center, visiting Piazza della Riforma, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and shopping streets like Via Nassa. Using the Swiss Travel Pass, you can explore Lake Lugano by boat. You can take a full tour of the lake, enjoying the scenery and stopping at some of the lakeside villages. You can choose to explore Gandria, an ancient fishing village with narrow streets and traditional houses, or Morcote, known for its beautiful lakeside and the Church of Santa Maria del Sasso. Head back to Lugano in the evening, with time for an evening walk along the lake or relaxing in a café. Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in the city center, savouring local specialties. Overnight stay at your hotel in Lugano. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Start your journey by taking the Gotthard Panorama Express from Lugano. The train offers breathtaking views as it travels through the Swiss Alps, passing through the historic Gotthard Tunnel. The journey is a combination of scenic train travel and (from Flüelen) a boat ride across Lake Lucerne, making it a unique and memorable experience. Upon arrival in Lucerne, head to your hotel to check in and drop off your luggage. Spend the rest of the day exploring Lucerne at your leisure. Begin with a stroll along the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), a historic wooden bridge with a tower, and visit the nearby Old Town with its charming squares and colorful buildings. You can also visit the Lion Monument, a poignant sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution. With the Swiss Travel Pass, you can take a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne. The lake is surrounded by mountains, offering stunning views and the chance to visit nearby villages like Weggis or Vitznau. Have dinner at one of Lucerne’s many restaurants, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the city in the evening. Overnight stay at your hotel in Lucerne. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. With the Swiss Travel Pass, you can continue enjoying the scenic boat cruises on Lake Lucerne. The cruise allows you to admire the breathtaking landscapes and discover the beauty of central Switzerland from a unique perspective. For those who love high altitudes and breathtaking views, we suggest to use the Swiss Travel Pass to take a mountain excursion. Lucerne is the gateway to several stunning mountain peaks. You can visit Mount Pilatus, known as the “Dragon Mountain,” by taking the world’s steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad or the panoramic gondola from Kriens. Alternatively, explore Mount Rigi, the “Queen of the Mountains,” accessible via a cogwheel train from Vitznau or Arth-Goldau. Both mountains offer spectacular views, hiking trails, and the opportunity to experience the Swiss Alps up close. Mt Titlis and Mt Stanserhorn are also two great options. Some connections to these mountains are fully included in the Swiss Travel Pass. Others, however, can be purchased at a discounted price by showing the Swiss travel pass (further information on request). After a day filled with natural beauty and adventure, return to Lucerne and enjoy a relaxing evening in this charming city before continuing your journey through Switzerland. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Start your day in Lucerne with a scenic train ride on the Interlaken Express. The journey offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, crystal-clear lakes, and lush valleys. This route is part of the famous GoldenPass Line, making it one of the most beautiful train journeys in Switzerland. The trip takes approximately 2 hours. Arrive in Interlaken, a charming town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with spectacular mountain views. Check into your hotel, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. Spend the afternoon exploring Interlaken. Begin with a leisurely stroll along the Höheweg, Interlaken’s main promenade, where you can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains, including the famous Jungfrau peak. Visit the charming Japanese Garden or take a short walk to the Aare River. If you're up for a bit more adventure, take a funicular ride to Harder Kulm, Interlaken’s local mountain. At 1,322 meters above sea level, the Harder Kulm observation deck offers stunning panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, as well as the two lakes. Return to Interlaken for a relaxing evening. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where you can try traditional Swiss cuisine. Rest well for the exciting day ahead. (B)

After breakfast, use your Swiss Travel Pass to take a short train ride to Grindelwald, a picturesque village at the foot of the Eiger Mountain. This journey takes about 30 minutes. Spend the morning exploring Grindelwald. Walk through the village, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery, or take a cable car up to First. The First Cliff Walk offers an exhilarating experience with breathtaking views. Continue your adventure with an excursion to Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe.” You can reach Jungfraujoch via the cogwheel train from Grindelwald. The journey offers incredible views as you ascend through the mountains. Once at the top, explore the Ice Palace, enjoy the snowy plateau, and take in the spectacular views from the Sphinx Observatory. Descend back to Grindelwald and, if time permits, take a scenic walk to Lake Bachalpsee. The hike is about 1-2 hours and offers picture-perfect views of the surrounding mountains reflected in the clear blue waters of the lake. Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxed afternoon, you can return to Interlaken and take a boat cruise on either Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, both of which are included with your Swiss Travel Pass. Return to Interlaken for your second night. Spend the evening enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the town, perhaps with a walk along the lake shore or a visit to a local café. Overnight stay in Interlaken. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel in Interlaken. Board a scenic train to Zurich. The trip offers stunning views of the Swiss countryside. Trains from Interlaken to Zurich run frequently, providing a comfortable and convenient way to travel. Arrival in Zurich and end of our services.

At your own leisure you could explore this vibrant city. Zurich is known for its blend of modernity and tradition, offering a wide range of activities and sights. You can stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping avenues, or explore the historic Old Town (Altstadt) with its charming narrow streets and beautiful architecture. If you’re interested in art and culture, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Kunsthaus Zurich, home to one of Switzerland’s most important art collections. Alternatively, you can relax by Lake Zurich, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk or even a boat ride. (B)