Alpine Railway Adventure & Dolce Vita
Switzerland & Italy in 17 Days, 15 Nights in Destination
Starting at $7799 per person
Includes: Flights, accommodations, some transfers, activities, and breakfast
Many departure dates available
Itinerary
Discover the natural beauty of Switzerland by train. From cosmopolitan Zurich, explore the scenery of Lucerne, take the GoldenPass Panoramic Train from Interlaken to Montreux and catch the Glacier Express railway to luxurious St. Moritz. Next, live the 'Dolce Vita' in Italy as you navigate the waterways of Venice, soak up the cultural treasure of Florence and fall in love with Rome.
1st Day: Canada - Night on board
2nd Day: Zurich
Touch down in Zurich, famous for being the global center of finance on the north shore of the beautiful lake with the same name. Take a train from the airport to your hotel, which is walking distance from the train station. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure. Why not walk around the historic old town and enjoy a warm beverage in one of the many cafes or enjoy an international array of gastronomic offerings from restaurants across the city
3rd Day: Zurich - Lucerne
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and walk together to the train station to take a train to Lucerne. Sited on Lake Lucerne, it is embedded within an impressive mountainous panorama and majestic snow capped Alps. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of this pretty Swiss city. Discover the well-preserved medieval architecture, walking in the footsteps of many artists and royal figures who lived and passed by in the 1800s.
4th Day: Lucerne - Interlaken - Montreux - Vevey
Breakfast at the hotel. Walk to the train station with your guide to board a train to Interlaken. From there take the GoldenPass Panoramic Train to Montreux. Switzerland’s four language and cultural regions are one of the country’s best-known peculiarities. The journey with the GoldenPass links German-speaking and French-speaking Switzerland, making it possible to experience the change from one culture to another as a gradual process
5th Day: Vevey - Montreux - Zermatt
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, get to the train station walking accompany by your guide and leave Vevey behind as you will head back to Montreux by train. From the lake to the mountains and vineyards, the Montreux Riviera offers a postcard landscape. It’s an authentic little piece of paradise that has attracted many artists, writers and travelers in search of beauty, tranquility and inspiration. Continue your awe-inspiring Swiss adventure by train
6th Day: Zermatt - St. Moritz by Glacier Express
Breakfast at the hotel. Prepare for an exciting day ahead as you set off on the famous Glacier Express*, one of the most scenic train rides in the world! Journey through the inspiring landscapes of the Alps as you travel from Zermatt to St. Moritz, an unforgettable journey of around 7.5 hours. Pass through 91 tunnels, across 291 bridges and climb as high as 2033 meters as the Glacier Express crosses the Oberalp Pass
7th Day: St. Moritz
Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the wonderful St. Moritz today at your leisure. Mostly renowned for hosting the Winter Olympics twice and one of the most prominent ski resorts in Europe, St. Moritz is a luxury alpine resort town in Switzerland’s Engadin valley. Known as the ‘Top of the World’ for being almost 6,500 feet above sea level, enjoy the year-round offerings including high-end restaurants, spas and fantastic shopping.
8th Day: St Moritz - Zurich
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning take a coach transfer to the station to take a train to Chur. Upon arrival enjoy some free time in the Switzerland’s oldest city, discovering its fine mountain setting, twisting alleys and historic buildings. Make the most of your last day in Switzerland, why not do a spot of shopping in it numerous boutiques, check out the many restaurants and bars and get your cultural fill at museums and galleries
9th Day: Zurich - Venice
Breakfast at the hotel.* Bid farewell to the charming culture and unforgettable landscapes of Switzerland. At the indicated time, take the train to the airport to catch your flight to Venice. Arrive in the romantic city of Venice, transfer to the hotel** and enjoy the rest of the day in the historic and enchanting Venice Mestre, the mainland town connected to Venice by rail and road bridges over the lagoon.
10th Day: Venice
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a guided walking tour through Venice, through the fascinating streets and across the canals; a crossroads of culture where East meets West. Admire the Basilica and Piazza of San Marco next to Gothic-style Doge's Palace, the Campanile and the Clock Tower stand. Soak up the lively atmosphere of the Campo, a bustling square next to the Church of Santa Maria.
11th Day: Venice - Florence
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, self-transfer to the station to catch the Frecciarossa high-speed train to Florence. Arrive in Florence, the heart of the Italian Renaissance, and self-transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city and keep enjoying the Italian cuisine in this gourmet paradise
12th Day: Florence
Breakfast at the hotel. Today head to the Historic Centre of Florence for a guided walking tour of Florence and discover the hidden secrets of the Tuscan capital. Start discovering Piazza Repubblica, one of the fanciest of the city, before heading to Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, a building where a local market takes place. Keep exploring the streets of Florence before arriving at the beautiful and well-known Ponte Vecchio
13th Day: Florence
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at your leisure to enjoy your last day in the city. Florence's historical centre is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so why not take a stroll on your own to discover its hidden treasures. Overnight stay in Florence.
14th Day: Florence - Rome
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, self-transfer to Florence Santa Maria Novella station to catch the train to Roma Termini station. Arrive in Rome, the Italian capital, and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is free to begin exploring this romantic, historic city. The evening is the most magical time of day in Rome when the streets take on an even more charming character. Overnight stay in Rome.
15th Day: Rome
Breakfast at the hotel. Today head to the meeting point and enjoy a guided visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill*, three of the main archaeological sites of the Eternal City. Learn about the history of this empire, from its birth to the gladiatorial fights in the Colosseum, and appreciate the preserved corners of ancient Rome in the Forum and the Palatine Hill. We recommend the optional Piazzas and Fountains of Rome excursion.**
16th Day: Rome
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day at your leisure in Rome. Perhaps visit the Vatican, trace the footsteps of the greats in the ancient streets of the old city or simply indulge in some delicious Italian ice cream. However you choose to spend your day, Rome is sure to delight you with its old-world charm and unbeatable sights. We suggest taking the optional Guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel*.
17th Day: Rome - Canada
Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer by car from Rome to the airport for your return
flight** back to Canada. Arrive in Canada and end your trip.