Venice to Zurich by Rail | 9 Days

DAY 1:                   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 2:                   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 3:                   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 4:                  MILAN – COMO – COMO LAKE – MILAN

Breakfast at the hotel and then take the regional train to reach Como. The journey takes about 40 min. 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. Overnight in Milan. (B)

DAY 5:                  MILAN – TIRANO – ST. MORITZ

Embark on a breathtaking journey that begins in the charming Italian town of Tirano and takes you to the world-renowned alpine resort of St. Moritz in Switzerland, aboard the famous Bernina Express. Your adventure starts in Tirano, where you’ll board the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage railway renowned for its scenic views. As the train ascends through the stunning landscape of the Swiss Alps, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and picturesque villages. The journey crosses the Bernina Pass, reaching an altitude of 2,253 meters (7,391 feet), offering unparalleled vistas that change with every twist and turn. Upon arrival in St. Moritz, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore at your leisure. St. Moritz, famous for its glamorous atmosphere and pristine natural beauty, offers a range of activities to suit every taste. You might choose to stroll along the shores of Lake St. Moritz, explore the upscale boutiques, or dine in one of the town’s exquisite restaurants. After a day filled with breathtaking scenery and luxury, you’ll spend the night in St. Moritz, where you can relax and unwind, ready to continue your adventure the next day. Overnight in St. Moritz. (B)

DAY 6:                  ST. MORITZ – ZERMATT

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your day with a morning departure from the glamorous alpine town of St. Moritz as you embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the Glacier Express, one of the most scenic train rides in the world. This iconic train journey will take you across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels, and over the dramatic Oberalp Pass at an altitude of 2,033 meters (6,670 feet), offering panoramic views of the Swiss Alps’ rugged peaks, deep gorges, and charming villages. As you arrive in Zermatt, a picturesque village nestled at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn, you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore at your leisure. Stroll through the car-free streets of Zermatt, visit the quaint shops, or relax in one of the cozy cafes while soaking in the stunning alpine scenery. After a day of exploration, settle in for the night in your Zermatt hotel, ready for the adventure that awaits. Overnight in Zermatt. (B)

DAY 7:                  ZERMATT (MATTERHORN GLACIER PARADISE)

The following day is dedicated to the awe-inspiring Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Have breakfast at the hotel and then begin your day with a cable car ride to the highest cable car station in Europe, at an altitude of 3,883 meters (12,739 feet). From here, you’ll experience breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks. Explore the Glacier Palace, carved deep inside the glacier, or enjoy the panoramic views from the viewing platform. After your visit, return to Zermatt where you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps indulging in some local cuisine or simply relaxing after your day of high-altitude adventure. You’ll spend the night in Zermatt, savouring the tranquil alpine atmosphere. Overnight in Zermatt. (B)

DAY 8:                  ZERMATT – ZURICH

Breakfast at the hotel, then embark on a scenic train journey from the charming alpine village of Zermatt to the vibrant city of Zurich. As you depart from Zermatt, you’ll leave behind the towering peaks of the Matterhorn and glide through the picturesque landscapes of the Swiss Alps. The route takes you through lush valleys, alongside sparkling rivers, and past quaint Swiss villages, offering a glimpse of Switzerland’s stunning natural beauty. As the journey continues, the landscape gradually transforms from the rugged mountain scenery to the rolling hills and serene lakes of the Swiss countryside. Upon arriving in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, you’ll find yourself in the heart of a dynamic metropolis known for its blend of modernity and tradition. With its charming old town, world-class museums, and vibrant cultural scene, Zurich offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. This train journey not only connects you from one iconic destination to another but also provides a unique and relaxing way to experience the diverse beauty of Switzerland. Overnight in Zurich. (B) 

DAY 9:                  ZURICH

Breakfast at the hotel. End of services. (B)

Accommodation (or similar):

SUPERIOR CLASS:

VENICE: Hotel Carlton Capri

MILAN: Hotel Flora

ST. MORITZ: Hotel Languard

ZERMATT: Hotel Continental

ZURICH: Garni Hotel Bristol

SUPERIOR CLASS:

VENICE: Hotel Amadeus

MILAN: Hotel NYX

ST. MORITZ: Art Boutique Hotel Monopol

ZERMATT: Hotel Simi

ZURICH: Hotel Central Plaza

Includes:

• 8 Nights accommodation with daily breakfast in 3* (standard) or 4* (superior) hotels (2 nights in Venice, 2 nights in Milan, 1 night in St. Moritz, 2 nights in Zermatt, 1 night in Zurich) – Accommodation is in Standard rooms
• Arrival transfer by shared shuttle boat in Venice (from Venice Marco Polo Airport or Venice Santa Lucia Station to set stops in Venice city centre)
• 30 minutes Gondola ride* with commentary on app to be downloaded on your smart phone (English/Spanish/Russian/French) – gondola shared with other passengers
• 2nd class^ high speed train ticket from Venezia St. Lucia Station to Milano Centrale Rail Station
• Round trip 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 Milano Centrale to Tirano – 2nd class without seat reservation
• Swiss Travel Pass 4 consecutive days (one per guest)** – valid on day: 5-6-7-8
• Red Bernina Train from Tirano to St. Moritz / one way ticket / 2nd class / seat reservation included (panoramic seats not guaranteed)***
• Glacier Express Train from St. Moritz to Zermatt / one way ticket / 2nd class / seat reservation included (panoramic seats not guaranteed)
• Return cable-car ticket Zermatt – Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – Zermatt
• One way train (no regional train) from Zermatt to Zurich (one change along the route)

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.
• ***If seats on the Bernina Express are not available, the Red Bernina Train will be booked as an alternative. This train covers the same route.