Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains featuring a cruise on Lake Maggiore and scenic trains in Switzerland & Italy
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 7,000 feet above sea level. These are the Alpine views you’ve been dreaming of.
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 7,000 feet above sea level. These are the Alpine views you’ve been dreaming of.
Highlights
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ascend the majestic Mount Pilatus overlooking Lucerne by cable car and descend via the world's steepest cog railway.
Hotels
- Zacchera Hotels — Lake Maggiore
- Resort Hotel Alex — Zermatt
- Hotel Steffani — St. Moritz
- Hotel Astoria — Lucerne
Details
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Start City
- Lake Maggiore
- End City
- Lucerne
- Duration (Days)
- 10
- Activity Level
- Level 2
What's Included
- 14 meals included
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ascend the majestic Mount Pilatus overlooking Lucerne by cable car and descend via the world's steepest cog railway.
Pricing
| Option | Price | Departure | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | USD 5,199.00 | 2026-05-30 | |
| Single | USD 6,499.00 | 2026-05-30 | |
| Double | USD 5,199.00 | 2026-06-07 | |
| Single | USD 6,499.00 | 2026-06-07 | |
| Double | USD 5,199.00 | 2026-06-15 | |
| Single | USD 6,499.00 | 2026-06-15 | |
| Double | USD 5,199.00 | 2026-06-21 | |
| Single | USD 6,499.00 | 2026-06-21 | |
| Double | USD 5,199.00 | 2026-07-04 | |
| Single | USD 6,499.00 | 2026-07-04 | |
| Double | USD 5,199.00 | 2026-07-11 | |
| Single | USD 6,499.00 | 2026-07-11 | |
| Double | USD 5,199.00 | 2026-08-01 | |
| Single | USD 6,499.00 | 2026-08-01 | |
| Triple | USD 5,199.00 | 2026-08-01 | |
| Double | USD 5,199.00 | 2026-08-15 | |
| Single | USD 6,499.00 | 2026-08-15 | |
| Double | USD 5,699.00 | 2026-09-12 | |
| Single | USD 6,899.00 | 2026-09-12 | |
| Double | USD 5,699.00 | 2026-09-19 | |
| Single | USD 6,899.00 | 2026-09-19 | |
| Double | USD 5,199.00 | 2027-04-10 | |
| Single | USD 6,499.00 | 2027-04-10 | |
| Double | USD 5,199.00 | 2027-04-17 | |
| Single | USD 6,499.00 | 2027-04-17 | |
| Double | USD 5,199.00 | 2027-04-24 | |
| Single | USD 6,499.00 | 2027-04-24 | |
| Double | USD 5,199.00 | 2027-04-26 | |
| Single | USD 6,499.00 | 2027-04-26 | |
| Double | USD 5,599.00 | 2027-05-01 | |
| Single | USD 6,799.00 | 2027-05-01 | |
| Double | USD 5,599.00 | 2027-05-08 | |
| Single | USD 6,799.00 | 2027-05-08 | |
| Double | USD 5,599.00 | 2027-05-15 | |
| Single | USD 6,799.00 | 2027-05-15 | |
| Double | USD 5,599.00 | 2027-05-22 | |
| Single | USD 6,799.00 | 2027-05-22 | |
| Double | USD 5,599.00 | 2027-05-30 | |
| Single | USD 6,799.00 | 2027-05-30 | |
| Double | USD 5,599.00 | 2027-06-05 | |
| Single | USD 6,799.00 | 2027-06-05 | |
| Double | USD 5,599.00 | 2027-06-11 | |
| Single | USD 6,799.00 | 2027-06-11 | |
| Double | USD 5,599.00 | 2027-06-19 | |
| Single | USD 6,799.00 | 2027-06-19 | |
| Double | USD 5,599.00 | 2027-06-26 | |
| Single | USD 6,799.00 | 2027-06-26 | |
| Double | USD 5,499.00 | 2026-10-05 | |
| Single | USD 6,699.00 | 2026-10-05 | |
| Double | USD 5,699.00 | 2026-09-01 | |
| Single | USD 6,899.00 | 2026-09-01 |
Itinerary
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Day 1: 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.
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Day 2: Lake Maggiore, Italy
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 travelers over a welcome dinner.
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Day 3: 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.
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Day 4: Lake Maggiore - Val d’Ossola - Zermatt, Switzerland
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.
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Day 5: 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.
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Day 6: Zermatt - St. Mortiz
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.
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Day 7: St. Moritz - Le Prese - 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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Day 8: St. Moritz - Lucerne
Today, travel to Lucerne, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Make a stop at the renewed Lion Monument, carved from sandstone to commemorate heroic soldiers of the Swiss Guard. The “Swiss Paradise on the Lake,” nestled among breathtaking mountains and a picturesque lake, is yours to explore. The evening is yours to relax or you may choose to join an optional evening cruise on the lake.
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Day 9: Lucerne
This morning, join a locally guided tour through Lucerne’s 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. Then, it’s your choice! Choose to take a short funicular ride to exciting views over Lucerne and the lake from the famous Gütsch viewpoint -OR- connect with Lucerne’s natural and cultural heritage at the engaging Museum Lucerne. Later, 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 feet above sea level. Enjoy leisure time at the summit, where you can stroll along 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.
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Day 10: Lucerne - Tour Ends
Your scenic journey comes to an end today in Lucerne.