Alpine Lakes and Scenic Trains
| Resort: | Alpine Lakes and Scenic Trains |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | Europe, Italy, Switzerland |
| Price From: | £2149.00 |
OverviewExperience the enchanting Alpine cultures of Switzerland and Italy as you journey through spectacular mountain scenery and picturesque towns. Ride aboard three of the legendary Alpine railways the Golden Pass Panoramic Train from Gstaad to Montreux; the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz; and the Bernina Pass Train, which takes you into Italy. Cruise across two of the most scenic lakes in the world, Lake Como and Maggiore. Relax in some of Europes most stunning and exclusive resort villages, including Zermatt, St Moritz and Lago Maggoire, Italy. Explore Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake. Spend time at a family-owned cheese farm where you will enjoy a cheese tasting with wine pairing. You may choose to hike in Zermatt, or perhaps ride a cable car in St. Moritz. Enjoy traditional regional cuisine and Italian delicacies. Savor a traditional Italian dinner on the Isola dei Pescatori. ItineraryDay 1: Overnight FlightBreathtaking Alpine vistas paint the canvas of your trip of a lifetime through Switzerland and Italy. Experience dramatic views while aboard railways and lake cruises, and enjoy cultural experiences in charming villages in the heart of Europe. Your journey begins with an overnight flight. Day 2: Lucerne, Switzerland – Tour BeginsArrive in Lucerne and take some free time to explore this lakeside town on your own. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in the city. Day 3: LucerneToday, explore the Swiss Paradise on the Lake. Enjoy an Altstadt (Old Town) walking tour that follows the ancient pathways of the city. Over 800 years of history lives on with such treasures as the covered Chapel Bridge (1333); the famous Water Tower that once served as a prison; the watchtower and treasury; the Renaissance-style Town Hall; the Baroque Jesuit Church; and the Lion Monument, carved from sandstone to commemorate the heroic soldiers who were protecting King Louis XVI in 1792. Day 4: Lucerne – GoldenPass Train – Montreux – ZermattThis morning, travel to Gstaad where you climb aboard the GoldenPass panoramic train to enjoy breathtaking Alpine views along the route to Montreux. Upon arrival, have free time in this legendary town on the shores of Lake Geneva. Then, continue on to the pedestrian village of Zermatt. Day 5: ZermattToday you have all of Zermatt at your fingertips. You choose the way you spend your day! You may decide to explore on foot during a guided walking tour of charming Zermatt. Or, perhaps youll choose to discover Zermatt independently and learn more about the triumph and tragedy of the first ascent of the Matterhorn with included admission to the Matterhorn Museum. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Day 6: Zermatt – Glacier Express Train – St. MoritzTraverse bridges and tunnels while aboard the world-renowned narrow gauge Glacier Express, the most charming express train in the world. Enjoy the natural beauty of this route through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Filled with forests, fragrant meadows, gurgling streams and deep valleys, its a mountain dream come to life. Arrive in St. Moritz for your 2-night stay. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Day 7: St. Moritz – Bernina Pass Train – St. MoritzEmbark on a journey through the Bernina Pass while traveling along one of the most scenic railway lines in the world en route to Tirano, Italy. Enjoy striking views of the Swiss and Italian Alps throughout your adventure, including the famed Morteratsch Glacier. Upon your return to St. Moritz you can relax at your hotel or perhaps make use of your included St. Moritz lift pass to take the cable car to the top of Mt. Diavolezza where you can enjoy stunning views of Piz Bernina. Day 8: St. Moritz – Lake Como, Italy – Lago MaggioreToday you make your way back to Italy with a drive to Lake Como. A ferry ride across the waters of Lake Como introduces you to its stunning beauty. Drive along the picturesque shores to the town of Como. You will have free time to explore this famous resort before continuing to Lago Maggiore, a tranquil resort area with crystal clear waters against the backdrop of the Alps. Day 9: Lago MaggioreToday we make our way to an ancient village nestled in the mountains. Stop at a family farm where you will learn about the artisan cheeses they produce. Then, sample their delicious creations and learn how to pair them with the regions local wines. Return to your hotel for a free afternoon. Your evening begins with a cocktail party in a wine shop before boarding your lake boat for a cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, the most beautiful of the Borromean Islands, for your traditional farewell dinner. Day 10: Lago Maggiore – Tour EndsYour thrilling Alpine journey ends today in Lago Maggiore. |
