Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains

from 

AU$4,703

per person
 
Duration: 7 Nights
Destination: Lucerne, Switzerland
Region: Europe
Deal Code: PAPIEAS

 

 

Description

Climb aboard legendary Alpine railways and set out on a journey across the captivating Alpine landscapes of Switzerland and Italy. Ride 3 legendary train routes – the GoldenPass Panoramic Train, the Glacier Express, and the Bernina Pass Train. Explore Lucerne, the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Relax in some of Europe’s most stunning and exclusive resort villages, including Zermatt, St Moritz and Lake Maggoire, Italy. Spend time at a family-owned farm where you sample their handmade cheeses paired with local wine. Cruise across one of the world’s most scenic lakes – Lago Maggiore. Across 2 countries, pass by towering mountain landscapes and discover quaint villages.


Your Guided Holiday Includes:

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 11 meals - 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners
  • Ride 3 legendary train routes – the GoldenPass Panoramic Train, the Glacier Express, and the Bernina Pass Train
  • Select activities plus more

Pricing is based on per person twin share for travel 25 April – 02 May 2023

**Other dates available, a surcharge may apply

**Single traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details

Call us to add flights!


At a glance:

Cruise through Lago Maggiore and visit one of the beautiful Borromean Islands. Stroll the lakeside boulevards of St. Moritz. Journey through the Bernina Pass on one of the world’s most scenic railways.

GoldenPass Panoramic Train

Begun in 1901, this train is the oldest electric railway in Switzerland, and it features panoramic coaches with large windows and some dome cars. It began as a main line train, but soon became more touristic, and the gold-painted panoramic cars were added. This trip will take about 1 ½ hours from Gstaad to Montreux, which is on Lac Leman (Lake Geneva). Enjoy the spectacular views along the way!

Glacier Express Train

This famous bright red train runs the length of southern Switzerland between Zermatt in the west and St. Moritz in the east, and is known as the “slowest express train in the world.” The trip takes about 7 ½ hours and it traverses its highest point at the Oberalp Pass at 6,700 feet (2042 meters). Some sections are steep enough to require a rack-and-pinion system on the tracks. The cars have panoramic windows and domes, and there is a restaurant car. The towns it links are among the most famous ski resorts in the world, and it gets its name from the Rhone Glacier in western Switzerland, one of the sources of Lake Geneva and the Rhone River.

Bernina Pass Train

Established in 1908, this train runs over the 7,600 ft (2316 m) Bernina Pass, the highest railway crossing in Europe. It connects St. Moritz in Switzerland with Tirano in Italy. The trip takes about 2 ½ hours and crosses some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alps, including the Morteratsch Glacier and beautiful Alpine valleys. The route requires several very tight curves and zigzags to manage the climbs and descents, and at one point crosses itself at the Brusio spiral viaduct in Italy.

Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is Italy's second largest lake and it's located on the south side of the Alps in both Italy and Switzerland. The climate, in the winter and summer, is mild enough to produce Mediterranean vegetation, with many gardens growing rare and exotic plants. Many islands sit within the lake, including the Borromean Islands, the Brissago Islands, Castelli di Cannero, and Isolina Partegora.

Farm Visit with Wine and Cheese Pairing

Visit an ancient village nestled in the mountains where you'll stop at a local farm to sample their artisanally-produced cheeses paired with the region’s delicious wines. Italy, renowned for the quality of its food and wine, offers the ideal location for an agricultural tour.

Island Dinner

Set sail for a panoramic cruise of magical Lago Maggiore with the majestic Alps as its incredible backdrop. Cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the beautiful Borromean islands, and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Itinerary:

Day 1 / Lucerne, Switzerland - Tour Begins

Arrive in Lucerne and enjoy some free time to explore this lakeside town on your own. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in the city. Accommodation: Hotel Astoria Meals: Dinner

Day 2 / Lucerne

Explore Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Follow the ancient pathways of the city on a walking tour through an Altstadt (Old Town), passing through the covered 14th-century Chapel Bridge. Along the way, see the famous Water Tower that once served as a prison. Pause at the renowned Lion Monument, carved from sandstone to commemorate heroic soldiers. The evening is yours. Accommodation: Hotel Astoria Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 / Lucerne - GoldenPass Train - Montreux - Zermatt

Travel to Gstaad and climb aboard the GoldenPass panoramic train, taking in breathtaking Alpine views along the route to Montreux. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time in this resort town, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. End your day in the car-less village of Zermatt. Accommodation: Hotel Alex Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4 / Zermatt

Choose how you discover Zermatt because it’s your choice! Explore on foot during a guided walking tour -OR- experience Zermatt independently before visiting the Matterhorn Museum; learn more about the triumph and tragedy behind the first ascent of this imposing peak. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Alex Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 / Zermatt - Glacier Express Train - St. Moritz

Traverse bridges and tunnels while aboard the world-renowned narrow gauge Glacier Express. Enjoy the natural beauty of this route through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Filled with forests, fragrant meadows, gurgling streams and deep valleys, it’s a mountain dream come to life. While onboard, relax and enjoy a 3-course lunch. Arrive in St. Moritz and enjoy the evening at leisure to relax or stroll the lakeside boulevard. Accommodation: Hotel Steffani Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 / St. Moritz - Bernina Pass Train - Lake Maggiore, Italy

Traveling along one of the world’s most scenic railways, journey through the Bernina Pass en route to Tirano, Italy. Take in the striking landscapes of the Swiss and Italian Alps throughout your voyage, including the famed Morteratsch Glacier. Experience sweeping coastal views on your drive along the picturesque shores of Lake Como. Continue to Lake Maggiore, a tranquil resort area with crystal clear waters set against the backdrop of the Alps and settle in for a 2-night stay. Accommodation: Zacchera Hotels Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 / Lake Maggiore

Travel to Oira, an ancient village nestled in the mountains. Visit a family farm to see a different side to Alpine life. Learn about the artisan cheeses that they produce before sampling their creations, paired with the region’s local wines. Return to your hotel for a free afternoon. Perhaps you’ll take an optional tour to Isola Bella, known as the “beautiful island.” Here an expert guides you into the Borromeo Palace, a lakeside Baroque beauty adorned with an exotic garden. As the day draws to a close, board a private boat for a cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the stunning Borromean Islands. On the island, toast to the end of your Alpine adventure and savor a traditional farewell dinner. Accommodation: Zacchera Hotels Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8 / Lago Maggiore - Tour Ends

Your scenic journey ends today in Lago Maggiore. Meals: Breakfast


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Terms & Conditions

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 10 August 2021 and can be withdrawn without notice. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.