Italy & Swiss Lakes By Rail | 14 Days

DAY 1:                   ROME

Arrival at Rome Fiumicino airport, transfer to the hotel by a private car and hotel accommodation. During the rest of the day free time at your disposal for a first exploratory tour of the Eternal City. 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 in Rome.

DAY 2:                   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 centre 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 in Rome. (B) 

DAY 3:                   ROME – FLORENCE

After breakfast at the hotel, you will reach Rome Termini station to board the high-speed train to Florence; the journey takes about 1h 30′. After arriving, hotel accommodation and free time available for an independent visit of 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 a half day visit to Pisa and its famous leaning tower. Overnight in Florence. (B)

DAY 4:                   FLORENCE

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 in 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 at disposal to visit the monuments and/or the museums or Florence or organize an excursion to the surrounding areas. Overnight in Florence. (B)

DAY 5:                   FLORENCE – VENICE

After breakfast at the hotel, we board the high-speed train to Venice S. Lucia. The journey takes about 2h 15′. After arriving, hotel accommodation, so 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 experience to try, absolutely!  Overnight stay in Venice. (B)

DAY 6:                   VENICE

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 in Venice. (B)

DAY 7:                   VENICE – MILAN

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 in Milan. (B)

DAY 8:                  MILAN – COMO

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we say goodbye to Milan its beauties and board our local train that will take us to discover the beauty of another famous Italian lake: Lake Como. Como is known for its Gothic-style cathedral, the panoramic funicular railway and the pedestrian path along the lake. The Educational Silk Museum illustrates the history of Como’s silk industry, while the Tempio Voltiano is a museum dedicated to the physicist Alessandro Volta. To the north are the lakeside gardens of Villa Olmo and other elegant villas. Afternoon free to stroll through the streets of this beautiful town or take the funicular and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake from above. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight in Como. (B)

DAY 9:                  COMO

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will dedicate the day to discovering the beauty of Lake Como, on the stretch of the lake that leads from Como to Bellagio. Our ticket allows us to get off at each stop and visit the various villages on the western shore. Arriving in Bellagio, we could devote some time to visiting this romantic town, situated exactly between the two arms of Lake Como. Bellagio is known for its cobbled streets, elegant buildings and the Villa Serbelloni Park, an 18th-century terraced garden overlooking the lake. Be careful not to be distracted by such beauty and be sure to check the ferry return times to Como! On the way back to Como, you can admire the changing colours of the lake in the late afternoon light. Overnight in Como. (B)

DAY 10:                  COMO – LUGANO

Take the early morning train from Como San Giovanni station to Lugano. The journey takes about 30 minutes, offering beautifulviews of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. 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 centre, visiting Piazza della Riforma, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and shopping streets like Via Nassa. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, perhaps trying some traditional Ticinese cuisine. After lunch, take a bus or a boat to visit some of the picturesque villages around the lake. 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 centre, savouring local specialties. Overnight in Lugano. (B)

DAY 11:                  LUGANO

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel. Using the Swiss Travel Pass, you have the opportunity to 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 didn’t visit the day before (be sure to check the timetables for boats and funiculars to optimize your itinerary). In the afternoon, if you’re up for a mountain adventure, take the funicular to Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore (discounted rate using your Swiss Travel Pass). Both mountains offer spectacular views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding area. On Monte Brè, you can enjoy a scenic walk or simply relax at the mountaintop restaurant. Have lunch at one of the panoramic restaurants on the mountain or at a café in Lugano upon your return. Spend the late afternoon exploring more of the city or shopping in local stores. You could also visit one of Lugano’s museums, like the Museo d’Arte della Svizzera Italiana (MASI), if time permits. End the day with a relaxing dinner at a lakeside restaurant. Overnight in Lugano. (B)

DAY 12:                  LUGANO – LUCERNE

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 colourful 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 in Lucerne. (B)

DAY 13:                  LUCERNE – INTERLAKEN – LUCERNE

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel. Board the Interlaken Express for a scenic train ride from Lucerne to Interlaken. This journey takes you through beautiful landscapes, including lakes, valleys, and mountain vistas. Upon arrival in Interlaken, you can take another train to Grindelwald, a picturesque village in the Bernese Alps. From Grindelwald, you have the option to take the Jungfrau Railway up to the Jungfraujoch (known as the “Top of Europe”). This is one of the most famous mountain excursions in Switzerland, offering spectacular views of the Aletsch Glacier and the surrounding peaks. Enjoy lunch at one of the mountain restaurants with panoramic views, or in Grindelwald or Interlaken if you prefer to stay at lower altitudes.If you choose not to go to Jungfraujoch, spend your afternoon exploring Interlaken. This town, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, offers plenty of opportunities for walking, shopping, or taking a boat cruise on one of the lakes using your Swiss Travel Pass.In the evening, take the train back to Lucerne. The return journey will again offer beautiful views as you travel through the Swiss countryside. After returning to Lucerne, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and relax. Overnight in Lucerne. (B)

DAY 14:                  LUCERNE – ZURICH

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

In Zurich, you’ll have plenty of time to 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.

Accommodation (or similar):

STANDARD CLASS:

ROME: Hotel Kennedy

FLORENCE: Hotel Corona D’Italia

VENICE: Hotel Carlton Capri

MILAN: Hotel Flora

COMO: Hotel Posta Design

LUGANO: Hotel Zurigo

LUCERNE: Waldstaetterhof Hotel

SUPERIOR CLASS:

ROME: Hotel Gambrinus

FLORENCE: Hotel Executive

VENICE: Hotel Amadeus

MILAN: Hotel NYX

COMO: Hotel Barchetta Excelsior

LUGANO: Hotel City Lugano

LUCERNE: Hotel Wilden Mann

Includes:

• 13 Nights accommodation with daily breakfast in 3* (standard) or 4* (superior) hotels (2 nights in Rome, 2 nights in Florence, 2 nights in Venice, 1 night in Milan, 2 nights Como, 2 nights in Lugano, 2 nights in Lucerne) – Accommodation is in Standard rooms
• Colosseum & Roman Forum Group tour* – includes: local guide/entrance ticket – Monolingual English or Spanish, pick-up at the hotel not included
• Half day tour of Florence* – includes: local guide – pick-up at the hotel not included (group tour)
• 30 minutes Gondola ride* with commentary on app to be downloaded on your smart phone (English/Spanish/Russian/French) – gondola shared with other passengers
• Arrival private transfer from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Hotel in Rome city centre (arrival transfer only)
• 2nd class^ high speed train ticket from Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station
• 2nd class^ high speed train ticket from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to Venezia St. Lucia station
• 2nd class^ high speed train ticket from Venezia St. Lucia Station to Milano Centrale Rail Station
• One way regional train ticket from Milano Centrale to Como Centrale – 2nd class without seat reservation
• One day free circulation ticket on the public boat on Lake Como – departure/arrival in Como
• One way regional train tickets from Como to Lugano – 2nd class without seat reservation
• Swiss Travel Pass 4 consecutive days (one per guest) – valid on day 10-11-12-13**
• Gotthard Panorama Express Train from Lugano to Lucerne / one way ticket / 2nd class / seat reservation included (panoramic seats not guaranteed)
• One way train ticket from Lucerne to Zurich / 2nd class ticket

SWISS TRAVEL PASS**

Discover Switzerland with just a single ticket: The Swiss Travel Pass takes international guests to the most beautiful places in the country on flexible and affordable public transport. The Swiss Travel Pass gives you unlimited travel by train, bus and boat, as well as many other advantages:

• Unlimited travel by train, bus and boat (thematic tours not included)
• Unlimited travel on premium panorama trains (seat reservation fees and/or surcharges apply)
• Unlimited use of public transport in more than 90 towns & cities
• Free admission to more than 500 museums.
• Mountain excursions included: Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos
• Discount of up to 50% on other mountain excursions

The Swiss Travel Pass has been developed for guests from abroad. It is available to persons permanently resident outside Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.

PLEASE NOTE: Please check the inclusions of this package carefully. The Swiss Travel Pass includes transportation and discounts on activities and excursions. Some excursions are not included in the package but only suggested in the itinerary. Customers can book them independently using their Swiss Travel Pass code to get the discount.

Excludes:

• Transfers from/to the rail stations unless specified. Note: The hotels are located walking distance from the rail stations
• Transfers (pick up and drop off) from hotel to tour meeting point as indicated on tours with a star listed above (*)
• Tourist city tax, to be paid on the spot
• Lunches and dinners
• Optional tours and experiences
• Extras, tips, porterage, and everything not expressly listed as inclusion is not included and to be paid on the spot

Things to Note:

• Accommodation is subject to change without notice.
• Hotel rooms may not be available for check-in before 2:00 p.m.
• City taxes are not included and are to be paid directly to the hotel.
• ^Class of rail ticket is based on 2^ndclass unless the optional upgrade to 1^stclass has been selected at the time of booking.