Highlights of Switzerland & Italy by Rail

Switzerland's financial powerhouse offers a warm welcome to the country as you arrive. Make your way from the airport to your hotel independently, and once you have checked in, you are free to begin your explorations in this fascinating city. Though beloved for its modern offerings, Zurich boasts a storied history, which you can find hints of throughout the city if you look close enough. Walk through Old Town's narrow streets to see buildings constructed as early as the 13th century or seek out the various ornamental water fountains. There are nearly 1,200 sprinkled throughout the streets, so you will not have to look long. Overnight Zurich.

Depart Zurich this morning by train, and make the short and scenic journey to Lucerne, nestled at the cusp of the Swiss Alps. This medieval town has an idyllic lakeside position that provides breathtaking views. Your journey is quick, taking less than an hour to complete, and on arrival, you are introduced to the city on a guided walking tour. A local guide leads the way and offers interesting anecdotes and stories as you explore. Enjoy a walk through Old Town Lucerne, glimpses of Lake Lucerne and the mountains from various points throughout the city, and a stop at the famous Chapel Bridge, amongst other sights. Following the outing, you are free to continue sightseeing on your own. You may wish to visit one of the wonderful museums in the city, such as the Swiss Museum of Transportation or the Richard Wagner Museum. There are fantastic art galleries, including the Rosengart Collection, and plenty of charming boutiques that sell everything from local wares to jewelry. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Mount Pilatus, the Dragon Mountain. The trip combines several modes of transportation, including a paddle steamer boat across Lake Lucerne, a cogwheel railway that is as steep as it is impressive, and an aerial cableway. Overnight Lucerne.

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After breakfast at the hotel this morning, walk to Lucerne's pier to board a boat to Vitznau at the base of Mount Rigi. On arrival, join Europe's first mountain railway, the Vitznau-Rigi Kulm Cogwheel Railway, for an hour-long trip to Rigi Kulm. As the highest peak on Mount Rigi, this summit provides a spectacular, 360-degree vantage point from which to look over central Switzerland. Gaze over mountain peaks, foothills, and valleys. Distant towns dot the landscape, and beautiful evergreen groves and no fewer than 13 sparkling lakes fill the gaps. Spend your time at the top, soaking in these vistas or hiking the various trails at the top.

You can choose to end your visit at any time and return to Lucerne, or you can extend your time on Mount Rigi by joining an optional excursion to the Alp Chäserenholz cheese dairy. This farm is just a 20-minute walk from Rigi Kulm and has an extensive property that includes a cheese dairy building, an aging cellar, a cheese shop, and restaurants. Enjoy a traditional fondue meal after touring the facilities. Overnight Lucerne.

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As you travel by train from Lucerne to Lake Como, a day of gorgeous Swiss scenes lies ahead. Begin on Lake Lucerne, cruising across its tranquil waters to Flüelen. Once the ferry docks at the harbor, a short, five-minute walk takes you from the shore to the local train station, where the Gotthard Panorama Express waits for the next stretch of the journey to Lugano. Follow the old Gotthard Route through the 9-mile Gotthard Tunnel, a feat of engineering hand-carved through a mountain base in 1882, then watch as the Swiss landscape opens once more during your southerly course toward Mediterranean Lugano.

Join a local rail line on arrival in Lugano to complete the journey toward the beautiful alpine treasure of Italy's Lake Como. Transfer on your own from the train station to your centrally located hotel, and then enjoy an evening of leisure in this laid-back destination. The beauty that surrounds you is truly unmatched. Overnight Lake Como.

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If the environment enveloping Lake Como could be described as one thing, it is romantic. The vistas are breathtaking, from the historic resort towns that abut the shores of the glistening, glacier-fed lake to the rolling foothills that gradually transform into jagged mountain peaks. Soak in this ambiance and more as you cruise Lake Como today. This excursion highlights the very best of the region and offers a unique perspective of timeless locales.

The remainder of the day is free to continue your explorations around Lake Como at your leisure. You may wish to spend time in Como, home to a gorgeous 14th-century cathedral, beaches, and lovely museums, including the Como Archaeological Museum. A funicular railway set in the heart of town allows you to peek over the tops of the spindly Italian Cypress trees and enjoy an adventure to remember in the cliff-top village of Brunate. Elsewhere on the lake, gorgeous villas exist, such as Villa Balbianello in Lenno and Villa d'Este in Cernobbio. Bellagio is one of the most beloved towns on Lake Como, and Varenna is simply picturesque. Best of all, these destinations are easily accessible from the water. Overnight Lake Como.

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As you board a train bound for Florence, your journey presses forth into Tuscany this morning. The route traverses Italy's vast interior, passing through beautiful metropolises like Milan and Bologna as the train works its way south. Watch as the dramatic Italian alps fade into the distance, and the terrain becomes decidedly more pastoral. After just over five hours of travel, arrive in the Tuscan capital city, the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence.

If there is one thing Tuscany is known for, it is the traditions passed by food and drink throughout the centuries. Wine, cheese, cured meats, and fresh bread are hallmarks of Tuscan cuisine, and this afternoon, you have a chance to connect to generations past by tasting just those things. Meet a guide in the Piazza dei Rossi early this evening and take a short walk to a centrally located winery. Sample three varietals of locally produced wine and delicious charcuterie in a typical Italian setting. Overnight Florence.

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The city of Florence is rife with historical sites and magnificent medieval architecture, both of which are yours to discover on this morning's walking tour. Join your local guide in Piazza della Signoria at the historic Caffè Rivoire-Collini for this small group excursion and get set for an insider's look at this dynamic city. The tour begins in the beautifully preserved piazza, where sites like the Loggia dei Lanzi, with its sweeping arches, and the 13th-century Palazzo Vecchio, frame the vast, open space. Wind through Florence's pretty piazzas and narrow streets to the Duomo complex, home to a grandiose cathedral, Giotto's Bell Tower, and the Baptistry. Your tour concludes as you approach the Accademia Gallery, home to many traditional Florentine artworks, including those by Michelangelo. Before you leave the museum, enjoy a look at his grand masterpiece, the statue of David.

Spend the remainder of the day exploring Florence at your own pace. Perhaps continue your deep dive into Tuscany's art scene by visiting the Uffizi Gallery or meandering through the jewelry shops in Ponte Vecchio. The Piazzale Michelangelo is the best place to marvel at panoramic views over the city. In contrast, the Mercato Centrale offers a bustling backdrop to navigate the flavors of Florence. Overnight Florence.

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Make your way to Florence's train station this morning to travel deeper into the boot to the Eternal City, Rome. The trip takes approximately one and a half hours aboard a high-speed train, leaving plenty of time to get out and explore your new surroundings on arrival. Ancient Roman history fills the air in this atmospheric city, and there are plenty of places to relive the glories and hardships of this period. Visit the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, or the Pantheon. Jumping through the centuries, look at the gorgeous buildings and Fountain of Neptune in the Piazza Navona, or seek out the golden sculptures and artworks within Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. The Villa Borghese Gardens is another gorgeous place to discover quintessential Rome.

Tonight, enjoy a unique perspective on the city as you join an illuminated panoramic tour alongside a small group. Your driver guides you between Rome's most beloved attractions, beginning at the Piazza del Popolo, where you can climb the Spanish Steps and make a wish in the Trevi Fountain. Embrace the nocturnal ambiance of Piazza Navona, Pantheon Square, and Piazza Venezia. Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and wrap up your tour with a far-reaching view over Rome from Gianicolo Hill, a beloved lookout point. With streets cleared of the masses and softly glowing lights illuminating the buildings, this tour is your chance to soak in the wonders of Rome one stop at a time. Overnight Rome.

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Take a leisurely morning to revel in the charms of Rome at your own pace. Sip an espresso at a sidewalk café or pop in and out of the local boutiques that adorn the narrow cobblestone streets. Of course, seeking out the city's ornamental fountains offers both a challenge and an opportunity to swoon over different stories and architectural styles throughout the city. This afternoon, a driver picks you up from your hotel to escort you to the beautiful religious haven that is Vatican City. Skip the line on this excursion, and enjoy plenty of time to explore the Vatican Museums. Begin in the Gallery of Tapestries, where ancient textiles line the walls and tell stories passed down through the ages. Moving on, wander through the Gallery of Maps, where gorgeous frescoes painted by Ignazio Danti in the 16th-century guide the way to the centerpiece of Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo's frescoes grace the walls and ceilings of this impressive church, including his most well-known piece, the Last Judgement. Take a moment to reflect on the significance of this building, both in the art and the religious communities. Overnight Rome. 

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Your memorable journey through Switzerland and Italy concludes this morning after breakfast at the hotel. For your convenience, a transfer to Rome's international airport is included. 

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