15 Day Switzerland & Italy By Rail
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. The choice is yours.
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ All train travel across Switzerland and Italy, seat reservations in 2nd class
✓ World-famous scenic train journeys through the Swiss Alps, including the spectacular Golden Pass, Glacier Express and Bernina Express
✓ 13 nights at hand-picked, centrally-located comfortable 3-star hotels
✓ Daily breakfast
✓ Incredible sightseeing, including a guided tour of cosmopolitan Zurich
✓ Entrance to the Matterhorn Glacier Palace, Montreux’s Chillon Castle and the alpine wonderland at the summit of Jungfrau
✓ Free time to explore luxury resort towns, beautiful Como and stylish Milan at your own pace
✓ $200pp OFF flights to Europe when booking any Europe Tour - click here for full terms and conditions
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Grüezi! Welcome to Switzerland. You’ll arrive at Zurich Airport and make your own way to the hotel. Arranging a cab from Zurich airport to your hotel is straightforward. Alternatively, we can help you arrange an arrival transfer at an additional fee.
Today you’ll have the day free to relax after your long haul flight and explore this sophisticated, cosmopolitan city at your own pace. Known worldwide for its banks, Zurich may be one of Europe’s financial capitals, but it has plenty of heart.
Start with the beauty of the city’s natural surroundings. If you feel like getting a better view, take the train to the summit of Uetliberg Mountain. From the station, it’s a short walk to the peak and the scenery is incredible over Zurich, the lake and the Alps. Or if you’re in the Old Town and fancy a vantage point, you can walk up to Lindenhof Hill for sweeping views over the city.
Important - This is a self-guided tour. You will make your own way to/from train stations to hotels. Hotels have been carefully selected - they are centrally located and near train stations to allow you to walk back and forth. Alternatively, you can take a short taxi ride. Train departure times can vary throughout the year. Final train journey schedule times will be advised 30 days prior to departure.
Please note - some flights may depart a day earlier.
It’s free time this morning in Switzerland’s largest city, until your guided tour this afternoon.
There are plenty of museums here, like the Swiss National Museum, the Museum of Art and even the FIFA World Football Museum. Given that Switzerland is world-renowned for its watches, it’s no surprise the city is home to the Beyer Clock and Watch Museum. It’s an interesting history lesson on timekeeping and the art of watchmaking.
You’ll meet your guide at 1pm. For two hours, your guide will show you top attractions such as Bahnhofstrasse, the lakefront and Fraumunster Church. Wander through the Altstadt (Old Town) as well as more modern parts of the city. Learn about the rich history, architecture and culture of Zurich.
You’ll leave for Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland today. Enjoy the delightful train scenery, it’s about a two-hour trip.
The traditional resort town of Interlaken lies between the beautifully-coloured Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and is presided over by three mighty mountains; Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Spend the day relaxing in this laidback town. Höheweg, the main promenade of Interlaken, is lovely for a stroll. It runs from Lake Brienz to Lake Thun, with flower gardens and parks on one side allowing for a view of the Bernese Alps. On the other side you’ll find high-end hotels, boutiques, cafes and the casino.
You might like to ascend the mountain by cable car – at an elevation of 1322 metres you’ll have breathtaking views over the town, flanked by its two turquoise lakes and the mountains.
Visit Jungfrau today, one of the main summits of the Bernese Alps and Europe’s highest train station. Board the train in Interlaken and take the first leg to Grindelwald. Here you’ll board the cogwheel train for a spectacular ride via Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch station. Stunning views of the world-famous triple peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau accompany you all the way to the top.
Once at the summit – at an altitude of 3,454 metres – immerse yourself in this fascinating high alpine wonderland of ice, snow and rock. Experience the Alpine Sensation, a moving walkway with images, light and music marking the 100-year anniversary of the Jungfrau Railway. Visit the Sphinx observation terrace with the most breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, neighbouring countries and Europe’s longest glacier, the Aletsch Glacier. The Jungfrau-Aletsch region was chosen as the first Alpine UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Head through the glacier down an ice tunnel to see the Ice Palace, with many impressive ice sculptures.
When you’re ready, get the train back down to Interlaken.
You’ll head for Montreux today, in the French speaking part of Switzerland. This train journey is sure to be one of your tour highlights.
It’s just over one hour on a local train from Interlaken to Zweisimmen, then you’ll change here for the iconic Panoramic Golden Pass train that will take you to Montreux. The journey to Montreux takes about two hours.
During this leg it will climb to its highest point, 1,279 metres, then wind its way through the valley, quite narrow at times, with beautiful views of Lake Geneva. This train has panoramic windows which means you won’t miss the amazing scenery as the train makes its way through the alpine passes.
Make your way to the hotel, then the rest of the day is yours to explore this picturesque resort town, nestled between steep hills and the lakeside. There’s time for you to visit the medieval island castle of Chillon Castle. There’s a reason this is the most-visited historic monument in Switzerland – it’s as beautiful as it is interesting. See the dungeons, the wooden sentries walk and take in the amazing views of Lake Geneva, Montreux and the Alps.
Continue exploring Montreux this morning. Stroll the lakeside promenade or wander through the quaint Old Town.
You’ll then board the train to Zermatt, a gorgeous village near the Italian border. The journey takes just under three hours, with a change at Visp. You’ll make your own way to the hotel from Zermatt railway station.
Zermatt, at an elevation of around 1,600m, lies below the iconic Matterhorn peak. Its main street, Bahnhofstrasse is lined with boutique shops and restaurants. This car-free oasis has no cars or trains running through the village, only electric and solar powered buses. It’s delightful to wander around.
It’s a free day today to explore this idyllic mountain village. Zermatt lies at the foot of the dramatic, graceful Matterhorn, one of the most famous mountains in the world. There’s even an underground Matterhorn Museum in town, where you can learn more about this imposing, jagged peak.
This place is a dream for outdoor sports, with year-round skiing thanks to the glaciers and low temperatures at high altitude. You’ll also find the upscale restaurants and luxury spas you’d expect in this part of the world.
Take a cable car to the Matterhorn glacier paradise, at the peak of the Klein Matterhorn (Little Matterhorn). The journey takes about 40 minutes. At an altitude of 3,883 metres you will find the highest viewing platform in the Alps, with a 360-degree panoramic view. A visit to the enchanting glacier palace will make the trip an experience you will never forget – an ice tunnel leads through the glacier to sites like a glacier crevasse and an ice toboggan run. Don’t forget to rug up, temperatures are below zero up here.
It’s a magnificent eight hour trip on the famed Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz today.
This really is the best way to see Switzerland. You’ll have a clear view of the numerous summits and deep gorges with the large panoramic windows. From Zermatt and the Matterhorn, the panoramic trip leads over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels over the Swiss Alps to St. Moritz. The Glacier Express winds its way through remote valleys, past sheer rock faces, idyllic mountain villages, over the Landwasser Viaduct and through the Rhine Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Switzerland. It scales the highest point of its journey at the Oberalp Pass with ease at 2,033 metres above sea level.
Relax in St. Moritz this evening. This luxury alpine resort town, a favourite for celebrities and royals, is surely one of the world’s most famous winter sports resorts. This was the first mountain village in the country to have a ski school, a tram and electric lighting. The Winter Olympics have been held here twice. It’s a renowned ski destination.
Enjoy the best of Lake Como in Italy’s Lake District on this eight-hour tour. Start by discovering the historical city centre of Como. Your guide will lead you around the medieval streets to reach the impressive Duomo (cathedral). After the walk you’ll have some free time to enjoy this beautiful historic centre. Then, enjoy a two-hour panoramic cruise on the lake, admiring the landscapes and elegant villas. There is no better way to experience the beauty of Lake Como. Keep an eye out for Villa d’Este at Cernobbio, a luxurious hotel set in tropical gardens. There is an onboard restaurant (lunch not included). You’ll dock at the enchanting town of Bellagio, one of the most famous towns on the lake. Follow the steep alleys running up from the lake and stop for a coffee or gelato at one of the lively cafes housed in grand historic buildings. You’ll have free time before cruising back to Como.
Starts: approx: 9:45am
Duration: approx. 8 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
Relax today in this luxury alpine resort town. You’ll find eye-popping palatial hotels here, and the iconic Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is a grand place to enjoy afternoon tea. It’s worth a stop just to see the magnificent lobby.
Spend the day strolling through the town centre, with its shops, restaurants and art galleries. The Segantini Museum houses the largest collection of works by this treasured Swiss 19th-century painter known for his sweeping Alpine landscapes.
The town is home to a gourmand’s delight, home to several Michelin-starred restaurants. Be sure to stop in at a patisserie – like the legendary Cafe Hanselmann – for Engadine walnut tart, a local delight filled with cream, caramel and chunky walnuts. For something more refreshing, you can visit the world’s most extensive whisky bar – it stocks a cool 2,500 types – at Devil’s Place, Hotel Waldhaus am See.
Head for one of the many hiking trails and admiring the amazing countryside. As well as world-famous skiing, Lake St. Moritz hosts a number of other sports and activities, even horse races on the frozen lake every February and the Snow Polo World Cup.
Head south today, traversing alpine valleys, glaciers and mountain peaks on the spectacular Bernina Express. You’ll climb up glistening glaciers before descending to the palms of Italy far below.
This historic railway line was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008. Blending seamlessly with the alpine landscapes, the train negotiates the 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and steep inclines with ease. It reaches its highest point at the Ospizio Bernina station, 2253 metres above sea level on the shores of Lago Bianco, near the Bernina Pass. Thanks to the modern panoramic cars, you will enjoy unrestricted views of the unspoilt alpine panorama.
The Bernina Express train takes you from St. Moritz to Tirano in Italy. Change here to the Bernina Express Bus which takes you back into Switzerland via the northern side of Lake Como. The whole journey will take about seven hours. Make your way to the hotel in Lugano, a picturesque lakeside town in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking Ticino region.
Enjoy some free time in Lugano this morning before heading south to Italy.
On the northern shore of tranquil Lake Lugano, surrounded by mountains, this is a Swiss city with Mediterranean flair. Stroll through Ciani Park and admire its beautiful peach-coloured 19th-century villa. Or take a relaxed walk through the countryside, along the olive grove trail where ancient olive trees used to grow. This walk takes about two hours. Lugano’s beautiful main square, Piazza della Riforma, is an excellent spot to sip an espresso or stop for lunch.
In the afternoon you’ll take the hour-long train ride across the border to Como, Italy – a renowned tourist destination. Como is famous for its beautiful scenery, with Lake Como the jewel in its crown, surrounded by green hills.
It’s a free day today to explore Como and the famed lake. Visit the historical city centre and its medieval and narrow streets, making sure to see the basilica and Porta Torre, the imposing southern gate in Como’s defensive walls.
Como is easy to explore on foot, with a walk around the lakefront a great chance to take photos. If you feel like getting a better view of this picturesque area, there is a funicular (cable car) that scales the mountain in seven minutes to arrive at the hilltop village of Brunate. You can take in the magnificent views of the town and lake and if you’re feeling adventurous, a two-hour hike will take you to the summit of Monte Boletto.
If shopping is your thing, you’ll find plenty of options, from big brands to small boutiques and everything in between. Como has a rich history in silk manufacturing so you’ll find a bounty of quality silk products, like scarves and ties. The traditional Mercato Coperto (covered market) is a great way to see how the locals shop for food and to pick up items for a picnic.
It’s a short train ride to stylish Milan today. The day is free for you to explore this stylish city.
The Milan Cathedral (‘the Dom’), La Scala Opera House and the gardens of Sforza Castle are must-sees. The grand, iconic cathedral – with a cool 3400 statues and 135 gargoyles – took more than six centuries to finish and is arguably Milan’s most famous landmark.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, just beside the cathedral, is an opulent glass-domed arcade that almost seems too grand to be a shopping centre. But it is. One of the oldest in the world, it feels more like a palace. It’s mainly high-end retailers here – after all, Milan is one of the world’s fashion capitals!
Behind Sforzesco Castle, you’ll find Parco Sempione, a beautiful park to relax. It’s home to Torre Branca, an observation tower standing nearly 109 metres high that offers dazzling views over the city, and even to the Alps and the Apennines on a clear day.
Piazza del Duomo is the central piazza in Milan. It’s a great place to watch the locals going about their day. This huge, lively open space is home to the cathedral and the Royal Palace of Milan. Or for something quieter, wander through the Piazza dei Mercanti, once the centre of Milan during the Middle Ages and now a charming square with a number of statues and monuments.
You’ll quickly realise Milan is home to stunning churches and cathedrals. Stop by the Basilica of San Lorenzo, one of the oldest in the city, or the Church of Sant’Ambrogio, founded in 386 by the city’s patron saint, St. Ambrose. It’s a great display of Romanesque architecture. The Santa Maria delle Grazie convent is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s mural The Last Supper.
After breakfast, you’ll say arrivederci to beautiful Milan and make your own way to the airport for your flight home.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Full-service airline used will be Etihad Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, China Southern, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa or similar
Flights are not direct and include a maximum of two connections
If you would like to travel with a preferred airline, please ensure you mention this in the special request field. Please note that appropriate fare and tax difference will be applicable in order to confirm your request.
Adelaide customers will likely require two stops in either direction
All tickets will include 20 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage.
Despite the airlines baggage allowance, we recommend travelling with 20 kilos per person due to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Also, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters is not included. If travelling over this amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable direct.
Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable; any changes will be subject to the airline rules and change fees
Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required
Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $1,300 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, please refer to the ‘Extra services’ section for pricing.
Extending Your Stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour or including a stopover in another destination. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
By choosing to extend your stay, please note that a supplement of $150 per person, plus applicable fare and tax differences will apply. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
Train Upgrade
This trip includes an 8-day consecutive Swiss rail pass in 2nd Class - 2nd class seats are comfortable and the standard way to travel in Switzerland and Italy.
You may wish to upgrade to 1st Class, for an additional AUD $645 per person. 1st Class rail travel offers wider seats & bigger windows.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post tour accommodation (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
To enhance your journey, we're offering the following optional sightseeing activities:
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers. As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available. This particular tour is categorised as a “2”:
2 – Easy Tour: An average level of fitness and mobility is required for this tour. There is a considerable amount of free time throughout the itinerary, though some sightseeing may be conducted on uneven terrain, including some incline and walking over short distances.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,700 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Australian passport holders do not require a visa for Switzerland or Italy, for travel less than 90 days.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
Minimum 2 people - please note this is an independant tour, and you will be travelling unguided.
Trip Style - Self-Guided Tour
On these trips you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. Quality accommodation, transport, activities and included meals have been carefully orchestrated for a smooth and an unforgettable travel experience. Of course, assistance is always at hand and you will have access to a 24/7 local number to contact in case you need any help.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
This is a self-guided tour. You must make your own way to/from train stations to hotels. Hotels have been carefully selected - they are centrally located and near train stations to allow you to walk to/from train stations if you wish. Alternatively, you can take a short taxi ride. Train journey times can vary throughout the year. Final train journey schedule times will be advised 30 days prior to departure.
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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