Trip Highlights:

Visit some of the most picturesque areas of Alsace and the Alps
Enjoy discovering some lesser visited cities en-route
See the best views in Switzerland in Interlaken - with no need for a car
Experience year-round winter wonderland at the top of the Junfraujoch
Stay at an eco certified, family friendly lodge in Interlaken - making this adventure great for kids
See how the alps change from East to West, as you travel across Switzerland
Book additional activities to delve beyond the surface in each location

Trip Overview:

You’d be hard pressed to find a more perfect destination for rail travel than Switzerland. Turquoise lakes, fairytale towns, towering peaks iced with a smattering of snow… and the most impressive engineering feats of the last 200 years to connect them all up by rail.

This trip combines all the best things about Switzerland and Northern Italy, giving ample opportunity to explore quaint towns and spectacular nature as you hop right across the alps - from North to South - incorporating some of the world’s most celebrated rail journeys.

Start your journey with a quick stopover in Strasbourg - the quaint and charming capital of the Alsace region. Taking cultural morsels from both France and Germany, Strasbourg is the place to stroll along Medieval streets, gorge on delicious sausage-based delights and quaff fragrant wine from the surrounding vineyards.

Next up, it’s onwards to Lucerne, which arguably wins the prize for the most picturesque city in Switzerland. While not as big as Geneva, Zurich or Basel, Lucerne serves up photographic and cultural appeal by the bucketful. There are several excellent museums to visit (including the Swiss Transport Museum if you really want to stick with the theme). Perched on the edge of its namesake lake and enveloped by mountains on all sides, it’s the perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine and a balmy sunset.

A short hop takes you to Chur, the starting point for the world famous Bernina Express. After a relaxing evening sampling the local delights, wake early to spend a full day absorbing the scenery. The Bernina Express is the highest railway in the Alps, with trains zooming up to 2253m, crossing 196 bridges & offering spectacular views. The train itself offers panoramic windows to maximise the experience.

Arrive in Tirano at the end of the line and settle in for another night of delicious food and wine. This time you might notice that dinner comes with a distinctly Mediterranean feel: you’re now in the Italian alps. In the morning, you'll travel onwards to Como, where it’s time to unwind after a jam packed few days of travel, with 5 nights to explore your stunning surrounds.

Finally, hop onwards to Milan to soak up some city culture before your speedy return leg to Paris and the UK. Leaving Milan early in the morning, you’ll be in Paris early afternoon, and back in London in time for dinner. If you need to split the journey with an extra night in Paris, just let us know and we can arrange it.

Location: Lake Como - Lake Como, Italy

Itinerary

Day 1

London - Strasbourg

If you start your journey from London, choose to depart mid-morning by Eurostar, change in Paris and arrive in Strasbourg late afternoon.

If you are coming from elsewhere in the UK, you may need to spend an additional night in Paris. Talk to us about adapting the trip to fit your needs and we'll be happy to hep.

Day 1 - 3: Strasbourg

Enjoy a full day here. Taking cultural morsels from both France and Germany, Strasbourg is the place to stroll along Medieval streets, gorge on delicious sausage-based delights and quaff fragrant wine from the surrounding vineyards

Day 3: Strasbourg - Lucerne

Take a picturesque train ride from France into Switzerland, before reaching the beautiful city of Lucerne.

Day 3 - 5: Lucerne

Day 5: Lucerne - Chur

Leave Lucerne behind and travel onwards to the start of the Bernina Express, the quaint town of Chur.

Day 6: Chur - Tirano (Via Bernina Express)

Chur is a small but perfectly formed Swiss town surrounded by lakes and vineyards - with no shortage of traditional chalet-style eateries to cosy up in. It's also the starting point for the famous Bernina Express, which is a feat of engineering covering some of the most rugged terrain in the alps. Spend the day soaking up scenery - served with your favourite tipple from the bar on board - before arriving in Tirano, Italy.

Day 7: Tirano - Como

A beautiful journey along the edge of the Alps joins you up to the curves of Lake Como.

Day 7-12: Relax in Como

5 days in Como gives you plenty of time to relax. Hike along the lake shore, using the local trains to connect back to base, or use the ferries to hop between pretty towns. Como brings together the best of nature and connectivity, with so many stunning regions to explore on foot or by bike, all within easy reach by public transport. Whatever you have in mind for your stay in Como, our extensive range of local contacts can help make it reality - from guided hikes to food and wine tastings, visiting local villas or taking a sailing trip on the water… just let us know.

Day 12: Como - Milan

Como is only 45 minutes from Milan, so leaving late morning you'll arive in time for a leisurely al-fresco lunch in the capital of Northern Italy.

Day 12-14: Milan

Enjoy a couple of days enjoying the culture and comforts of the city before you embark on your homeward journey.

Day 14: Milan - London

Zip all the way back to Paris in one go, before heading onwards to London. Want to split up the journey with more time in Paris? Let us know and we can make it happen.

Pickup

Start your journey from the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras, or from your nearest train station.

Things To Bring

Pack lightly if possible - you'll need to carry or store your luggage while transferring.
Bring good, comfortable boots or shoes for walking.
The climate in Switzerland and Northern Italy is varied, particularly from low to high ground. In valleys, you can expect warm summers and cold winters, with rainfall and storms common all year round. High ground can be very cold and there is likely to be snow all year round, so bring appropriate shoes and clothing. Check the forecast ahead and pack accordingly.

Trip Notes:

This experience is well suited towards families, and we are happy to suggest activities that would suit younger children
If you are disabled and/or a wheelchair user and you would like to book, please contact us and we can discuss how to make the trip work for you.

Inclusions

All rail transport from London
All accommodation
Breakfast each morning
Optional extras: activities to book

Exclusions

Food and drinks are not included unless mentioned
Local purchases, souvenirs and other personal items are not included
Tips and gratuity for your guides (optional)
Additional public transport and taxis
Travel insurance (you need to purchase your own travel insurance)

Check-In

Hotel check-ins from 3pm onwards

Additional info

You will need to change trains at various points in this journey, including changing station in Paris (a short walk or metro ride). Please ensure that you are prepared for this aspect of the journey which involves steps and short walks with your luggage between platforms. If you are disabled or have mobility limitations please ensure you let us know at the time of booking so that we can adapt the route and/or arrange station assistance.

During this trip you’ll be visiting very popular destinations - cities like Lucerne and Lake Como are on many people’s bucket lists. We are happy to help you explore them responsibly, with the awareness that our visits do have consequences. To minimise your footprint on the city and its citizens, we’d love to encourage travellers to visit off-peak, or during shoulder season, and to explore less-visited areas of the city if you can. Check out our guide to being a responsible traveller here for more suggestions.