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Signature: Iconic Trains of Switzerland & Italy's Lake District

10 Days Lucerne to Milan

New Release Adventure Small Group Rail Bernina Express Glacier Express

Overview

Trip Operated By:

G Adventures

(144) Reviews Total No. of Trips 981

Traverse the majestic Swiss Alps and Italian Lakes on iconic rail journeys. Witness the marvel of mountain engineering as you glide past snow-capped peaks and secluded villages. Absorb the pioneering spirit of early mountaineers and explore the historic villas and islands dotting Lake Maggiore. Immerse yourself in the region's culture, absorbing the grand spectacle of this Alpine wonderland.

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A$17,100 per person

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10 Day Signature: Iconic Trains of Switzerland & Italy's Lake District Itinerary (G Adventures)

Trip Length

10 Days

Trip Starts

Lucerne

Trip Ends

Milan

Departures

May 2027 to Sep 2027

Countries Visited:

Switzerland Italy

Trip Style

National Geographic Signature

Accommodation

4.5 - 5 Star

Budget

Premium

Age Range

6-99 Years

Max. Group Size

Pace

Leisurely

Guide Style

Fully Guided

Tour Code

EZZINS

Itinerary

Welcome to Switzerland. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Zurich, greeted by the fresh mountain air of the Swiss Alps. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Lucerne. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader for an introduction to your journey along with a welcome reception and short presentation from the National Geographic Expedition Expert before dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

Included Meals: Dinner

Included Experiences

Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group: Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. There will be an included group welcome dinner after the meeting.

Spend the morning exploring the beautiful city of Lucerne on a walking tour, strolling the waterfront and admiring the historic and majestic architecture. Continue by train deep into the Alps to the car-free village of Zermatt, lying below the iconic and imposing peak of the Matterhorn. In the evening, discover local cuisine on a walking tapas tour and sample some of the region’s delicacies like Switzerland’s ubiquitous fondue, while soaking in the atmosphere of this historic alpine village.

Accommodation: Hotel Zermama

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included Experiences

Lucerne Walking Tour: Step through history as we visit the medieval Chapel Bridge and the storied streets of the Altstadt. We'll stop at the majestic Jesuit Church and climb the Musegg Wall towers for the city’s best views—all centered around the sparkling waters of the Reuss River.
Local Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time: Explore Zermatt however you wish before dinner with free time this evening.

Gather for a discussion about the natural history of the region and how climbers have been attracted to this area since the late 1800s, then board the Gornergrat train. This electric cogwheel railway is a true marvel of engineering–ascending to the heart of the mountains at 3100m (10,171ft), offering continuous, breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.

Descend the mountain by train with an option to walk part of the way then enjoy some free time in the village before regrouping in the evening for a private, after-hours visit to the Matterhorn Museum. Engage in an exclusive talk with the Museum Director, detailing the history of mountaineering and the dramatic story of the first ascent by Edward Whymper. This unique access provides deep context into the human desire to conquer these rugged peaks.

Accommodation: Hotel Zermama

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included Experiences

Gornergrat Train: Take this 33min train ride from the village centre in Zermatt to Gornergrat for an incredible mountain panoramic view.
Descend Riffelalp: Descend from Riffelalp either on foot or by train - whichever you prefer.
Matterhorn Museum After-Hours Visit: Join Beat Truffer, Museum Director, for an exclusive lecture followed by free time in the museum.

Join your Expedition Leader this morning on a short walking tour through the village of Zermatt on the way to the cable car station. Travel along the multi-stage cable car route, ascending from the valley to Glacier Paradise at the top of Klein Matterhorn, Europe's highest cable car station. At 3,883m or 12,740ft, the crisp air accentuates the magnificent views of the surrounding glacier-glazed peaks. Descend to the quaint village of Furi for lunch, savouring traditional rösti in a spectacular setting. You can choose to return to Zermatt by gondola or take a scenic hike down into the village, traversing well-maintained trails while soaking in the mountain scenery..

Accommodation: Hotel Zermama

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included Experiences

Walking Tour Zermatt: Follow your Expedition Leader through the charming streets of Zermatt. Wander past sun-weathered wooden chalets, pay your respects at the poignant Mountaineers' Cemetery by the village church, and stroll the main thoroughfare as we make our way toward the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable station.
Cable Car to Furi: Take a quick, panoramic cable car flight from the valley floor to the mountain hamlet of Furi, the gateway to the Matterhorn’s high-alpine wonders.
Gondola to Glacier Paradise: Ascend through the clouds and over deep glacial crevasses to arrive at Europe’s highest mountain station.
Descend Furi: Descend from Furi either on foot or by cable car - whichever you prefer.
Free Time: Enjoy free time this afternoon where you can wander from designer boutiques to centuries-old wooden barns in a single, car-free stroll. It’s a place where the pace is set by the surrounding peaks, inviting you to simply relax on a sun-drenched terrace while the Matterhorn looms overhead.

Take a seat on the world-famous Glacier Express and set off on a breathtaking journey along a true marvel of rail engineering. The train gracefully traverses three high-mountain passes, across 291 bridges, and through 91 tunnels. Soak up magnificent vistas of skyscraping, glacier-glazed peaks, feeling the constant motion of this elegant rail journey into the Upper Engadin Valley. Disembark in St. Moritz, the birthplace of winter tourism, and settle into your hotel. The evening is at leisure, allowing you to explore the chic Alpine village or relax in the cosy surroundings of your hotel.

Accommodation: Art Boutique Hotel Monopol

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included Experiences

Train: Board the Iconic Glacier Express Train and travel in first class from the shadow of the Matterhorn to the glitz of St. Moritz, relaxing in spacious comfort as you cross 291 bridges and climb through the dramatic Oberalp Pass.
Free Time: Your evening is free to soak up the legendary 'Champagne Climate' of St. Moritz.

Stroll to the nearby Sagantini Museum for a private tour with the museum’s curator to learn about and peruse the works of alpine artist Giovanni Sagantini–then take a funicular to the top of Muottas Muragl to admire the breathtaking landscapes that Segantini once painted. Back in St. Moritz, visit a local patisserie for an exclusive chocolate tasting and short demonstration, linking the famous Swiss chocolate tradition to the region's rich cultural history. Conclude the day with a delicious dinner in town.

Accommodation: Art Boutique Hotel Monopol

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included Experiences

Walking: Join your Expedition Leader on a 700m walk to the Segantini Museum.
Segantini Museum: Join curator Claudia for a private tour and lecture at the Segantini Museum, where you will gain expert insight into the life and masterpieces of Giovanni Segantini. Following the presentation, enjoy free time to explore the museum’s impressive rotunda and alpine-inspired galleries at your own pace.
Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Muottas Muragl Funicular: Take the 10-minute funicular ride to the top of Muottas Muragl, where you will find a hotel featuring both a casual café and a seated restaurant. Once at the summit, you have free time to enjoy lunch on a walk-in basis or explore the various hiking trails offering panoramic views of the Upper Engadine.
Chocolate Making Demonstration: Visit the Hanselmann Confectionery for a private presentation on the history and craft of traditional chocolate making. Go behind the scenes for a guided tour of the kitchen to watch a live demonstration of the confectionery process.

Board the Bernina Pass train for a spectacular early-morning ride, travelling in comfort through the Alpine valleys to the town of Poschiavo, then cross into Italy by coach, to the shores of iconic Lake Como. In the early afternoon, take a private boat to the Villa del Balbianello for a tour of the beautiful terraced gardens and of the elegant villa itself, noted for its appearance in several major films. Continue by boat to scenic Bellagio for a short walking tour and some free time before transferring to your hotel on Lake Maggiore.

Accommodation: Hotel Splendid

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included Experiences

Local Train: Board the train to traverse the Bernina Pass, a spectacular route that reaches the highest point of the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway at over 2,200 meters above sea level. This journey showcases incredible early 20th-century engineering, taking you from high-altitude glaciers down to the palms of the Italian border.
Boat: Set sail across the shimmering waters of Lake Como on a private boat cruise toward the forested peninsula of Punta del Balbianello. As you approach, you'll enjoy a unique perspective of the villa’s tiered terraced gardens and iconic loggia, which have served as a dramatic backdrop for numerous world-famous films.
Villa del Balbianello Tour: Follow a local expert through the villa’s intimate rooms to learn about its storied past and the eccentric collections housed within. From the high-altitude maps in the library to the ancient sculptures in the salon, this guided walk offers a deep dive into the cultural and personal history of Lake Como’s most famous residence.
Bellagio Cruise and Walk: Board a private boat from the villa for a scenic cruise to Bellagio, the "Pearl of Lake Como," where you can choose between a guided walking tour of its charming cobblestone streets or independent exploration. Afterward, continue your journey down the lake, passing iconic sights such as the historic Roman bridge at Nesso, George Clooney’s villa, and the elegant shores of Cernobbio.

Meet this morning for a discussion about the natural history of the Italian Lake district and how it has attracted settlers over the years, resulting in the area’s lavish and elegant villas. Next, travel to Rocca di Angera castle for a unique culinary experience. Participate in a cooking class inside the historic castle, learning how to prepare fresh pasta from scratch and concluding with a special lunch, enjoying your prepared pasta with cured meats, cheeses, and local wine. You’ll then have time to explore the castle's famous Doll and Toy Museum and the serene Medieval Garden before returning to the Lago Maggiore area for a free afternoon and evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Splendid

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included Experiences

Rocca di Angera Cooking Class: Travel to the historic Rocca di Angera for a hands-on culinary workshop where you will master the art of hand-rolling fresh pasta within the castle's ancient walls. Afterward, enjoy a meal featuring your creations paired with regional specialties and local wines before taking time to explore the estate's unique museum and its tranquil medieval gardens.

Explore the jewels of Lake Maggiore today — the enchanting Borromean Islands. Board a private boat for a picturesque ride across the lake to Isola Madre, for a guided tour of the elegant Palazzo. Next, head to Isola dei Pescatori for some free time to discover the charming atmosphere of this small island.

Tonight, the expedition culminates in an unforgettable farewell dinner on picturesque Isola Bella. You’ll first take a sunset cruise to the island, enjoying an aperitif on a veranda overlooking the lake before a private dinner in the historic Villa, celebrating the end of your magnificent exploration of the Swiss Alps and Italian Lakes.

Accommodation: Hotel Splendid

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included Experiences

Walking Tour Isola Madre: Stroll through the lush botanical gardens of Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands, renowned for its rare exotic plants and roaming peacocks. This guided walk takes you through a "green paradise" of curated landscapes, featuring the historic palazzo and one of Europe’s finest collections of camellias, azaleas, and ancient cypress trees.
Free Time: Explore Isola dei Pescatori, the only Borromean Island to be inhabited year-round, to explore its narrow winding lanes and traditional fishing harbor. You can browse the local boutiques, visit the historic Church of San Vittore, or simply relax at a lakeside café to soak in the authentic atmosphere of this charming, timeless village.
Isola Bella Visit and Dinner: Experience the ultimate in lakeside luxury with a private visit to Isola Bella. Enjoy a personalized tour of the villa’s historic halls followed by an alfresco reception on the veranda and a multi-course dinner, offering a rare opportunity to savor the island’s beauty in a serene, intimate setting.

Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Included Experiences

Departure Transfer: You will be met at your hotel in Lake Maggiore and transferred to the Milan airport at the end of your adventure.

Trip Inclusions

Enjoy a spectacular early-morning ride through Alpine valleys travelling in comfort into the Italian-speaking area.
Enjoy an exclusive post-closure talk with the Museum Director detailing the mountain's history and first ascent.
Learn to prepare fresh pasta inside the historic Rocca di Angera castle followed by a wine tasting.
Gain insight into Alpine art and landscapes during a curator-led tour of the Segantini Museum in St. Moritz.
Take a private walking tour of the Borromeo Villa on Isola Bella followed by an exquisite farewell dinner with spectacular views of Lake Maggiore.

Signature Moment: Matterhorn Museum After-Hours Visit, Zermatt
Signature Moment: Segantini Museum, St Moritz
Your Foodie Moment: Chocolate Making Demonstration, St Moritz
Your Foodie Moment: Rocca di Angera Cooking Class, Angera
Arrival and Departure Transfer
Lucerne Walking Tour
Gornergrat Visit
Expert-led alpine walk from Riffelalp
Expedition Leader Walk of Zermatt
Cable Car to Furi
Gondola to Glacier Paradise
Glacier Express to St Moritz
Muottas Muragl Funicular
Confectionary shop Lecture and Chocolate Making Demonstration
Bernina Pass Train Ride
Cruise to Villa del Balbianello with Tour
Expedition Leader Led Walk of Bellagio
Rocca di Angera Cooking Class
Walking Tour of Isola Madra
Walking Tour of Borremeo Villa
Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expert Throughout
Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles
Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Private vehicle, train (first class or best available seating), cable car, gondola, local bus, private boat, walking
National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout

Hotels (9 Nights)

9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners

Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.

Operator

G Adventures

(144) Reviews

Total No. of Trips981

G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more

Trip Style: National Geographic Signature

These ultra-premium journeys combine deep cultural immersion with five-star comfort and the authority of National Geographic. Created in collaboration with G Adventures, each experience offers rare access, meaningful connections with communities, and expert insight from leading specialists.

With world-class service, thoughtfully curated inclusions, and unforgettable Signature Moments throughout, these journeys are designed for travellers who seek refined luxury without losing a sense of purpose or discovery.

Dates & Pricing AUD

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Sunday 09 May 2027 09 May 27 Lucerne

Tuesday 18 May 2027 18 May 27 Milan

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Was: $17,449

A$17,100

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Sunday 16 May 2027 16 May 27 Lucerne

Tuesday 25 May 2027 25 May 27 Milan

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Was: $17,449

A$17,100

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Sunday 23 May 2027 23 May 27 Lucerne

Tuesday 01 Jun 2027 01 Jun 27 Milan

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Was: $17,449

A$17,100

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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 Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.