Overview
9 Days
Lake Maggiore
Lucerne
Classic
4 Star
Premium
5-99 Years
44
Fully Guided
COL416
Itinerary
Welcome to the tranquil resort area with crystal clear waters set against the backdrop of the Alps, known as Lake Maggiore. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the area independently. As the evening approaches, leave your hotel to board a private boat for a cruise to Isola Dei Pescatori. On the island, toast to the start of your journey with your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner.
This morning, set sail to Isola Bella, known as the “beautiful island.” With an expert guide beside you, journey into the Borromeo Palace — a lakeside Baroque beauty adorned with an exotic garden. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps you'll take time to stroll the cobbled streets of Stresa or soak up the sun along the waterfront.
Take on the day as you depart Italy and make your way to Switzerland. Visit a family-owned cow farm in Val di' Ossola, where you'll meet the owners and learn about life on the farm and their family business before enjoying some homemade products over lunch. Continue towards Switzerland and enjoy scenic mountain views on a drive through the Simplon Pass, used for centuries as a main trading route between northern Italy and Switzerland and by Napoleon to cross the Alps. Complete your day in the unique, car-less village of Zermatt.
Start your morning by joining a walk with your Tour Manager to get familiar with the quaint mountain village of Zermatt. With free time for the rest of the day, perhaps you'll follow your curiosity to uncover history in the Matterhorn Museum or follow your adventurous side to the Gornergrat Railway to experience elevated views of the Matterhorn.
This morning, experience the world-renowned Glacier Express train. This iconic train route takes you through some of Switzerland's most beautiful landscapes, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, dense forests, and gurgling streams. Your final stop is St. Moritz, with the afternoon at leisure to relax or stroll the lakeside boulevard.
Take a rail journey on the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Le Prese, soaking in striking landscapes of the Swiss Alps like the famed Morteratsch glacier. Step off the train in Le Prese, a village nestled between steep mountain slopes on the shores of Lago di Poschiavo. Spend time at a family-owned farm that cultivates aromatic herbs from the sun-drenched slopes of the Val Posciavo region. Learn about the careful processing of the organic herbs in the company's own factory, the Erboristeria Biologica, and top off the visit with a delicious lunch featuring farm-grown products. After some time to relax, return by motorcoach to St. Moritz.
Today, travel to Lucerne, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Make a stop at the renewed Lion Monument, carved from sandstone to commemorate heroic soldiers of the Swiss Guard. The “Swiss Paradise on the Lake,” nestled among breathtaking mountains and a picturesque lake, is yours to explore. The evening is yours to relax or you may choose to join an optional evening cruise on the lake.
This morning, join a locally guided tour through Lucerne's Altstadt (Old Town), passing through the covered 14th-century Chapel Bridge. Along the way, see the famous Water Tower that once served as a prison. Then, it's your choice! Choose to take a short funicular ride to exciting views over Lucerne and the lake from the famous Gütsch viewpoint -OR- connect with Lucerne's natural and cultural heritage at the engaging Museum Lucerne.
Later, enjoy the splendor of pure nature while gliding over a clear landscape in panoramic gondolas and spectacular cable cars. Ascend Pilatus on a unique excursion along the steepest railway in the world. From the top, soak in the magnificent Alpine views from 7,000 feet above sea level. Enjoy leisure time at the summit, where you can stroll along the walkway for new vantage points. Venture back down the mountain by panoramic gondola for another bird's-eye view. Gather tonight for a farewell dinner featuring Swiss specialties.
Your scenic journey comes to an end today in Lucerne.
Trip Inclusions
- Cruise through Lake Maggiore and visit one of the beautiful Borromean Islands.
- Journey through the Bernina Pass on one of the world's most scenic railways.
- Stroll the lakeside boulevards of St. Moritz.
- Enjoy stunning Alpine views on the Glacier Express train.
- Soak up the mountain air for two nights in the Alpine village of Zermatt.
- Explore the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake," Lucerne.
- Indulge in local products over lunch on a family-owned farm in Val di' Ossola.
- Sit down for dinner on the Isola dei Pescatori in Lake Maggiore.
- Enjoy a meal on the Glacier Express train paired with breathtaking scenery.
- Savor a delicious lunch featuring locally grown products and herbs from the Val Posciavo region.
- This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Operator
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Trip Optionals
- Location: Lucerne. Cost: $79.
- Embark on an early evening cruise on Lake Lucerne, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Experience 90 minutes of panoramic sightseeing as you glide across Switzerland’s most stunning lake. Relax on the main deck while your captain expertly navigates the lake and soak in the magnificent Alpine scenery. Your view from the water is framed by such world-famous peaks as Mount Rigi, Mount Pilatus, and the Stanserhorn. Lake Lucerne’s countless bays and side arms offer an array of sights. From the urban and medieval charm of Lucerne to the dramatic cliffs of Lake Uri along the Gotthard route, enjoy this memorable cruise in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Duration approximately 1.5 hour(s). Transportation is not included A minimum of 20 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This optional tour is non-refundable once purchased.
Trip Reviews (5)
The scenic train journeys were a highlight in themselves. Traveling through winding valleys, across historic bridges, and past panoramic vistas offered a unique perspective you simply can’t get by road. The trains were clean, comfortable, and well-equipped, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destinations.
What stood out most was the professionalism and warmth of our tour guide Armando. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about the regions we visited. His insights added depth to the experience, sharing stories and local history that made each location even more meaningful.
Logistics were handled flawlessly—transport connections, timing, and best accommodations all ran smoothly, which made the trip feel effortless and relaxing. It’s clear that a lot of care goes into planning these tours. Big thank you to the best driver, Diego and tour director Armando Disanto.
We would highly recommend Alpine Lakes and Scenic Trains Tours to anyone looking for a well-curated, memorable travel experience. It’s an ideal blend of nature, comfort, and discovery.
And to Global Journeys, Tracey who assisted us from the beginning until the end of our booking. She made everything hassle free and stress free. Thank you so much Tracey for your help. We would gladly book with them again.
The visit to the cheese farm before reaching Lake Maggiore should be reviewed. It was a little disorganised and too long, although in fairness, it was their first time in hosting tours. The conclusion of the tour in Lucerne meant that all passengers had the additional cost of taxis to Zurich, for the flight home, as Lucerne does not have an international airport. Perhaps the tour could have terminated in Zurich, were it commenced.
The group were a great mix of people. Our tour leader Marian was fantastic! We were very impressed with Collette Tours and would definitely read more do another one with them.
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Collette Worldwide (2025-26)
Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
