Landscapes of Switzerland STANDARD Independent Rail Tour 2025

Our tour of the Landscapes of Switzerland begins with arrival in Milan, where we will have a free day to explore the sights of the "Capital of Northern Italy": the Duomo with its terraces, the Castello Sforzesco, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the famous fashion and shopping streets. Return to the hotel in the evening and overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we say goodbye to Milan and board the local train to discover the beauty of the 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 and overnight stay. (B)

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 sun. Return to Como and overnight. (B)

Take the early morning train from Como San Giovanni station to Lugano. The journey takes about 30 minutes, offering beautiful views 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 center, 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 center, savoring local specialties. Overnight stay at your hotel in Lugano. (B)

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 a 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 stay at your hotel in Lugano. (B)

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 colorful 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 stay at your hotel in Lucerne. (B)

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 stay at your hotel in Lucerne. (B)

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.

In Zurich in your own time, you may have the opportunity 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. (B)