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Highlights of Switzerland & Italy by Rail

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You are viewing the 2027 itinerary. Select your departure year
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11 days From $4,395 $3,995 per person
4.4 stars(16 reviews)
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Inspiring scenery and fascinating cities where history lives on through architecture and timeless traditions invite your exploration on this remarkable journey through Switzerland and Italy

Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary
Save up to $500pp

Save up to $500pp on select 2027 vacations, when you book by October 31st 2026.

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2027 Tour code: SE-SWIS-27

About the tour

From alpine peaks to glacier-fed lakes and beloved cities that exemplify cultural nuances, this journey delves into the wonders of Switzerland and Italy.

There is no shortage of beauty to behold as you explore Switzerland from Zürich, Chur and Lugano and then cross the border into Italy, settling by beautiful Lake Como.

From Lake Como, venture south to Florence before proceeding to the capital of the ancient world, Rome, and Vatican City, all the while tasting local flavors and experiencing history spanning millennia.

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arriving in Zürich

Your journey of dramatic views and enchanting destinations begins today in Switzerland's financial powerhouse, Zürich. As you arrive, use your included rail ticket to travel from the airport to Zürich's main station, from where you can continue to your hotel independently. Once you have checked in for the night, you are free to start exploring this fascinating city.

Though beloved for its modern offerings, Zürich boasts a storied history, which you can uncover throughout the city if you look closely enough. Walk through Old Town's narrow streets to see buildings constructed as early as the 13th century, or seek out the various water fountains dispensing clean, potable water from Lake Zürich. Some of these fountains were constructed more than 700 years ago, and with nearly 1,200 sprinkled throughout the streets, you will not have to look long.

For dinner this evening, you might like to get your first taste of Swiss cuisine, such as Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, veal in a cream sauce with mushrooms. Overnight Zurich.

Day 2 - Visiting the Lindt Chocolate Factory and onward to Chur

This morning, get a taste of one of the country's most famous products: chocolate.

A scenic boat ride from Zürich to Kilchberg is included, and as you arrive, you can enjoy a self-guided tour of the Lindt Chocolate Factory, learning about the history of Swiss chocolate and how these delectable treats came to be. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to taste the creamy chocolate, as well. Return to Zürich after the tour with time for lunch ahead of this afternoon's rail journey to Chur. As Switzerland's oldest city, Chur brims with old-world charm, presented in its well-preserved buildings, stunning churches and medieval architecture. Jagged alpine peaks surround the town, making the setting all the more idyllic.

On arrival, transfer independently to your hotel for the night and then you might like to wander through Old Town or try a restaurant serving food typical of the Graubünden region. Overnight Chur.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 - At leisure in Chur

Savor a free day to explore Chur and the surrounding region as you please. This 5,000-year-old destination has much in the way of culture and history, and its city center is traffic-free, making it a joy to discover on foot.

Maybe venture to the 800-year-old Gothic Cathedral of the Assumption, which looms above the city center from the Episcopal court. You could also wind through the narrow lanes and alleyways, admiring the traditional, earth-toned buildings. Riding Chur's cable car up the slopes of Brambrüesch provides exceptional views over the city and the peaks that envelop it.

Venturing further afield, you could use your Swiss Half Fare Card to take the Arosa Line from Chur to Arosa, an outdoor lover's dream. This resort town is surrounded by hiking trails and is built around several picturesque lakes, including Lake Obersee. Arosa also has a bear sanctuary, Arosa Bärenland, that makes a unique addition to any vacation. Overnight Chur.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - The UNESCO World Heritage route of the Bernina Express

A journey of grand views and incredible feats of engineering lies ahead as you join the Bernina Express on its UNESCO-listed route to Tirano, Italy. This journey is often called the rail experts' best-kept secret and includes steep inclines, circular viaducts and winding tunnels that unveil the majesty of the Swiss landscape.

Experience the iconic Landwasser Viaduct and the hand-carved Albula Tunnel, and look upon the Palü Glacier as the train crosses Alp Grüm. The journey is a story of contrasts, especially as the train enters the Poschiavo Valley and passes towns where palm trees complement the Italian architecture. In Tirano, switch to the Bernina Express Bus, which takes you back across the border into Italian-speaking Switzerland, venturing past lush vineyards and sparkling lakes to Lugano.

Arriving in Lugano, make your way to your centrally located hotel, and then the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy your new locale. One of the best ways to soak in the scenery is to stroll along the lakeshore promenade, maybe enjoying dinner at a restaurant overlooking the water. Overnight Lugano.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 - Italy’s stunning lakes: Lugano and Como

After breakfast, make your way to the harbor to join a scenic cruise across Lake Lugano. This body of water provides jaw-dropping views from every angle, with forested mountains providing a stunning backdrop and small villages dotting the waterfront and climbing up their slopes. Your cruise takes you to the picturesque village of Gandria at the base of Monte Brè.

The village creeps up its base, giving it steep, narrow streets and pretty staircases that you are welcome to explore during your free time here. Buildings dating to the 17th century line these walkways and are complemented by a lakeside promenade that provides lovely water views. Enjoy these elements without worrying about car traffic before cruising back across the lake.

On arrival in Lugano, switch modes of transportation and join the train to Como, Italy, nestled on the banks of serene 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.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 6 - Cruising Lake Como

The vistas surrounding Lake Como are breathtaking, from the historic resort towns along 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, admiring a unique perspective of timeless locales and stunning scenery.

The remainder of the day is free to continue your explorations around Lake Como at leisure. You could spend time in Como, home to a gorgeous 14th-century cathedral, beaches and interesting 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 en route to the cliff-top village of Brunate.

Elsewhere on the lake, gorgeous villas, such as Villa Balbianello in Lenno and Villa d'Este in Cernobbio, invite exploration. 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.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 - Tasting wine in the heart of Tuscany

Your journey presses forth into Tuscany this morning as you board a train bound for Florence. The route traverses Italy's vast interior, passing through beautiful metropolises like Milan, where you switch trains, 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 before arriving in the Tuscan capital city, Florence - the birthplace of the Renaissance.

Tuscany is built on traditions passed down through food and drink across the centuries. Wine, cheese, cured meats and fresh bread are hallmarks of Tuscan cuisine, and after checking in to your hotel this afternoon, you have a chance to connect with 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.

You can then continue your evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying more local cuisine in an al fresco café. Overnight Florence.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 8 - A guided look at classical Florence

The city of Florence is rife with historical sites and magnificent medieval architecture, all of which you can 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.

The tour begins in the beautifully preserved piazza, where sites like the Loggia dei Lanzi and the 13th-century Palazzo Vecchio frame the vast, open space. Wind through Florence's piazzas and narrow streets to the Duomo complex, home to a grandiose cathedral, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery. Your tour concludes as you approach the Accademia Gallery, home to many traditional Florentine artworks, including those by Michelangelo, such as 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, though prebooking ahead of your vacation is recommended. You could meander through the jewelry shops on Ponte Vecchio or marvel at panoramic views over the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Overnight Florence.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 9 - Another side of Italy in Eternal Rome

Make your way to Florence's train station this morning to travel deeper into the boot to Rome. The trip takes approximately one and a half hours by high-speed train, leaving ample time to explore your new surroundings independently on arrival.

Ancient Roman history is everywhere in this atmospheric city, from the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Pantheon to Palatine Hill. Jumping through the centuries, look at the Fountain of Neptune in Piazza Navona, or seek out the golden sculptures within Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

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. See how evening changes 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. Dining independently tonight, you might like to enjoy the regional cuisine. Overnight Rome.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 10 – A morning in Vatican City

This morning, make your own way to one of the world's most significant religious sites, Vatican City, for a small-group tour that explores the incredible Vatican Museums, rich with iconic artworks.

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, and you can take a moment to reflect on the significance of this building.

Returning to Rome, the afternoon is yours to revel in the city at your own pace. Sip an espresso at a sidewalk café or explore the shops adorning the narrow cobblestone streets. For your final evening in Italy, you could enjoy an authentic Italian meal at a trattoria. Overnight Rome.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 11 – Traveling home

A journey of immense history and jaw-dropping beauty that included staggering peaks, vast glaciers, sparkling lakes and timeless cities, this trip was filled with highlights. From cruising iconic lakes while surrounded by enchanting scenery to riding the Bernina Express and embarking on a small-group tour of Vatican City, there was no shortage of ways to admire Switzerland and Italy.

Your memorable journey comes to a close this morning after breakfast. Upon checking out of your hotel, enjoy a complimentary private transfer to Rome's international airport for your flight home.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

Train

Bernina Express

Reviews

4.4 stars4.4 / 5 · 16 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (10)
  2. 4 stars
    (4)
  3. 3 stars
    (1)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

LEE GODWIN

5 stars

Submitted 05 Oct 2024

Couldn’t recommend this company more.

Collected by Trustpilot

Tony Tortorici

5 stars

Submitted 16 Jul 2024

I didn’t know what to expect when we chose VBR and a trip like this. I don’t think any expectations I could have had would be the amazing trip I experienced. The flow of the trip was explained well with accompanying documentation I needed. There was no pressure in the schedule so we didn’t have to rush from one thing to another. We even had leeway on certain days to either explore the cities deeper or hop on the train to visit other cities that weren’t on the itinerary. We took an evening in Milan just to say we could. I have already recommended this style of trip to others.

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Tony Tortorici
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RHONDA MICHELLE SVENSSON

5 stars

Submitted 20 Jun 2024

We had a wonderful time. The hotels booked for us were within walking distance from the train stations and everything was well planned. We would highly recommend Vacations by Rail.

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DARIA HELENE SCHMIDT

5 stars

Submitted 26 May 2024

What a great experience! The travel (rail and boat) went so smoothly and hotels in Zurich, Lucerne, Como, Florence and Rome were certainly what I expected for 4-star (with the exception being tired and worn hallways and staircase areas at our hotel in Rome - but the outdoor terrace there was a delightful bonus!). Ours was a mostly independent itinerary. We did a wine tasting and Academy tour in Florence and a night tour and Vatican City tour in Rome. I would HIGHLY recommend VBR. We will likely do Switzerland again - Lucerne was so delightful.

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ROBERT PAUL ROMIG

5 stars

Submitted 27 Apr 2024

Our experience with Highlights of Switzerland and Italy by Rail was excellent! The trip was well-organized, the accommodations met or exceeded our expectations, and we thoroughly enjoyed the excursions and small group tours. A special thanks to the staff of Vacations by Rail staff, including Derek Espinosa, Gwen Freeman, Chrissy Brown, and Jeffrey for their support in making this a memorable experience for us.

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CAROL GUERTIN

5 stars

Submitted 05 Oct 2023

Excellent well planned trip with wonderful hotels n excursions n train service

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