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A rail tour in alpine heartlands is a mesmerising voyage through seductive landscapes and captivating cities. It is a spectacular trip for anyone who dreams of mountain adventures enlivened by culturally exciting stopovers.
Harnessing the region’s excellent rail network, we’ve composed a journey that visits three countries and four charismatic cities with a shared alpine heritage yet incomparable character and history. With the travel details taken care of, you can savour every moment as you leisurely skip between acclaimed museums, distinguished landmarks, and rousing historical legacies.
This sublime tour visits a medley of contrasting cities to deliver a unique and revealing perspective on life in the shadow of the magnificent mountains.
You rail adventure includes:
Welcome-Package
Rail travel in First-Class
4**** hotel accomodation in all cities
Full breakfast for all guests in all hotels
Airport Transfer At Arrival and Departure
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Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Munich
The alpine tour begins in the Bavarian capital, Munich. Mountain views fill the horizon of this vibrant and richly layered city, making it an exciting gateway to an alpine rail odyssey.
• Start with a stroll around the Altstadt (old town), lingering in the city’s historic square, Marienplatz.
• Savour citywide views from atop the graceful clock tower of the 11th-century St. Peter's Church.
• Head to ground level to admire more architectural wonders, like the imposing Frauenkirche and the ornate Asamkirche (church).
• Make time for more skyline panoramas on the Hi-Sky München Ferris wheel.
• Kick back with a stein of house-brewed Dunkel beer in the fabled Hofbräuhaus, where fine beer has been produced since 1589.
Day 2
Full day in Munich
Day two is a chance to dive deep into Munich’s stimulating blend of old and new on a whirlwind tour of the city’s highlights.
• Line your stomach for a busy day ahead by sampling Bavarian specialities in the centuries-old farmers market, Viktualienmarkt.
• Take a quick detour to the Altstadt (old town) to watch the famous glockenspiel clock strike the hour.
• Head out to the exciting Olympiapark, home to the intriguing BMW Museum and the site of the 1972 Olympics.
• Travel back several centuries to the Nymphenburg Palace, a decadent regal residence on the city limits.
• Wrap up exhilarating at the Nationaltheater München, the renowned opera house where Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde was first performed.
Day 3
Train ride to Zurich
Next stop, Zurich. Switzerland’s largest city brims with exciting activities and exceptional museums backdropped by stunning scenery.
• Start your Zurich experience by losing yourself in the Altstadt, old town.
• Enjoy the views from the bell tower of Grossmünster, a beautiful 12th-century church.
• Decompress in the delightful Botanical Gardens or linger on the shores of the riverside parks at Zürichhorn in the invigorating alpine air.
• End the day at a fine dining restaurant in the fashionable Zurich-West district.
Day 4
Full day in Zurich
A full day in Switzerland’s liveliest city is an opportunity to explore its thriving cultural heritage while soaking up the rare charms of this lakeside city.
• Start with a morning stroll along the banks of the seductive Lake Zürich. Or take a relaxing cruise to see Zurich from an alternative viewpoint.
• Spend time in the acclaimed Kunsthaus, a modern art gallery with a notable collection.
• Linger in Lindenhof to enjoy city views from the site of an old Roman fort. Sit down for a game of outdoor chess before leaving.
• Learn more than you ever needed to know about Swiss history and culture at the intriguing National Museum.
• End the evening with a panoramic dinner at the Clouds restaurant in Prime Tower, Zurich’s tallest building.
Day 5
Trip to Zermatt
The snowy peaks are so close you can almost touch them at Zermatt. Overlooked by the dramatic and imposing Matterhorn, the mountain resort is a picturesque place to lay your hat for the night.
• If you’re keen to see the alps up close, head to Gorner Gorge for a trek on walkways suspended over glacial rivers and threaded through waterfalls.
• Climb to an even higher altitude on an open-air railway to Gornergrat, a viewing platform at 3,089 m.
• Enjoy a gentler perspective on the legendary mountain at the Matterhorn Museum.
• Unwind in the calming streets of Zermatt, centred on an old square bursting with alpine character.
• Pick from an enticing array of traditional wood-panelled restaurants serving rosti or moreish fondue to gauge Zermatt’s reputation as an alpine foodie haven.
Day 6
Glacier Express to St. Moritz
The Swiss rail odyssey steps up a gear with a trip along one of the prettiest rail routes in Europe. The Glacier Express skips the usual stops so passengers can relax and enjoy the winding journey on the 'world's slowest express train' to upscale St. Moritz.
• Count off the landmarks en route to St. Moritz. Traversing 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, several gorgeous alpine valleys, and a peak altitude of 2,033 m (6,670 ft), you won’t be able to look away.
• Fill up on premium rail food from the restaurant car and enjoy a glass of wine and freshly-prepared dinner as you let the views wash over you.
• After reaching St. Moritz, recharge your batteries on the tranquil shores of Lake Saint Moritz.
• Admire old Engadiner alpine homes and end the day with gastronomy par excellence at one of several Michelin-starred restaurants in the upmarket resort.
Day 7
Bernina Express to Milan via Tirano
Another magnificent rail route takes centre stage on day 7 as travellers board the extraordinary Bernina Express that sweeps through the Swiss alps into Italy.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and audio guides make alpine views the star attraction on board the famous train. From Tirano, it’s a speedy journey through northern Italy to the sophisticated heart of Milan.
• Start your Milanese escapade at the majestic Duomo. The towering gothic cathedral is the city’s headline landmark.
• See Da Vinci’s distinguished Last Supper mural up close in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church.
• Window shop until you drop in the glamorous Golden Triangle shopping district.
• Sample regional specialties like ossobuco and risotto in a classic Milanese trattoria.
Day 8
Full day in Milano
Your first complete day in Milan allows time to see some of the city’s leading landmarks and soak up the atmosphere of Italy’s second biggest city.
• Travel back to Milan’s past with a visit to the 15th-century Sforzesco Castle, home to several Da Vinci frescoes and other artistic treasures.
• Drop back a few more centuries at the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, a handsome church completed in 1099 on land consecrated in 379.
• Enjoy a plate of fresh pasta in the vibrant streets around the Piazza del Duomo.
• Head to another square that was the heart of medieval Milan, the photogenic Piazza Mercanti.
• End the evening in style and experience the city’s rich operatic heritage at the fabled Teatro alla Scala.
Day 9
Full day in Milano
With one more day to explore Milan, head out of the city centre to experience Milan’s suburban treasures.
• Kickstart your morning with a brisk promenade through the lovely Sempione Park near Sforza Castle.
• Choose a route that includes the ornate Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) and a trip up the Branca Tower for citywide views.
• Marvel at Da Vinci's creations brought to life in the intriguing Musée le Monde de Léonardo.
• Find further inspiration at the Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery, one of the finest for Italian art.
• Hang around the bohemian Brera District for an aperitivo and gastronomic delights in the neighbourhood’s easygoing osterias.
Day 10
Departure from Milano
It’s time to say ciao to Milan and reflect on a rail tour of singular experiences along some of the most thrilling rail routes in Europe. Relish your last few hours in Milan by squeezing in a few more stellar attractions.
• Comb through the latest Italian fashions in the country’s oldest mall, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
• See one last remarkable sight in the Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa ossuary, which is stacked with human bones and centuries of history.
• Discover Milan’s Roman legacy at the Colonnes de Saint-Laurent ruins.
• Get a taste of Milan’s design legacy at the Triennale di Milano museum of art and design before stopping in the adjacent Sempione Park to reminisce on an unforgettable rail adventure.
The following services can be booked optionally:
International Airfare to Arrival and Departure City
