Signature: Iconic Trains of Swizterland & Italy's Lake District

  • thumbnail image_signatureiconictrainsofswizterlanditalyslakedistrict

Duration: 10 days

Begins: Zürich

Ends: Lago Maggiore

Trip Code: EZZINS

From

£8,649 per person

Get a quote

or Call 01273 099433

    Traverse the majestic Swiss Alps and Italian Lakes on iconic rail journeys. Witness the marvel of mountain engineering as you glide past snow-capped peaks and secluded villages. Absorb the pioneering spirit of early mountaineers and explore the historic villas and islands dotting Lake Maggiore. Immerse yourself in the region's culture, absorbing the grand spectacle of this Alpine wonderland.
    Is this tour for me?
    Travel Style
    National Geographic Signature
    Exceptional exploration led by renowned experts, offering rare, private access to the world’s most storied sites — all defined by an unparalleled level of service and comfort.
    Service Level
    Luxury
    Five-star hospitality and meticulously curated inclusions, featuring iconic properties, fine dining, and private door-to-door service.
    Physical Rating
    2 - Light
    Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
    Trip Type
    Small Group
    Age requirement
    12+
    All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
    What's Included
    • Signature Moment: Matterhorn Museum After-Hours Visit, Zermatt
    • Your Foodie Moment: Chocolate Making Demonstration, St
    • Moritz
    • Your Foodie Moment: Rocca di Angera Cooking Class, Angera
    • Signature Moment: Isola Bella Visit and Dinner, Isola Bella
    • Arrival and Departure Transfer
    • Lucerne Walking Tour
    • Natural forces and Mountains Expert Presentation
    • Gornergrat Visit
    • Expert Led Walk to Zermatt
    • Matterhorn Museum
    • Expedition Leader Walk of Zermatt
    • Cable Car to Furi
    • Gondola to Glacier Paradise
    • Glacier Express to St Moritz
    • Expert Lecture on Alps and Imagination
    • Segantini Museum
    • Muottas Muragi Funicular
    • Confectionary shop Lecture and Chocolate Making Demonstration
    • Bernina Pass Train Ride
    • Cruise to Villa del Balbianello with Tour
    • Expedition Leader Led Walk of Bellagio
    • Expert Presentation on Lakes
    • Rocca di Angera Cooking Class
    • Walking Tour of Isola Madra
    • Walking Tour of Borremeo Villa
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

    Allow USD165-215 for meals not included.

    Day 1 : Zürich/Lucerne

    Welcome to Switzerland. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Zurich, greeted by the fresh mountain air of the Swiss Alps. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Lucerne. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader for an introduction to your journey along with a welcome reception and short presentation from the National Geographic Expedition Expert before dinner.

    Private Vehicle

    Zürich - Lucerne 0h45m - 1h 68km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group

    Lucerne

    Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. There will be an included group welcome dinner after the meeting.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

    Acommodation

    Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

    Meals Included:

    Dinner

    Day 2 : Lucerne/Zermatt

    Depart Lucerne bound for Montreux, where you can explore the waterfront promenade and see the famous Freddie Mercury Statue. Continue deep into the Alps to the town of Tasch, and board a train for the short ride to the car-free village of Zermatt, lying below the iconic and imposing peak of the Matterhorn. In the evening, discover local cuisine on a walking tapas tour and sample some of the region’s delicacies like Switzerland’s ubiquitous fondue, while soaking in the atmosphere of this historic alpine village.

    Lucerne Walking Tour

    Lucerne 1h 1km

    Step through history as we visit the medieval Chapel Bridge and the storied streets of the Altstadt. We'll stop at the majestic Jesuit Church and climb the Musegg Wall towers for the city’s best views—all centered around the sparkling waters of the Reuss River.

    Local Train

    Lucerne - Zermatt 3h30m 178km

    Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

    Free time:

    Zermatt Evening

    Explore Zermatt however you wish before dinner with free time this evening.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Zermama

    Acommodation

    Hotel Zermama

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 3 : Zermatt

    Gather for a discussion about the natural history of the region and how climbers have been attracted to this area since the late 1800s, then board the Gornergrat train. This electric cogwheel railway is a true marvel of engineering–ascending to the heart of the mountains at 3100m (10,171ft), offering continuous, breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. Descend the mountain by train with an option to walk part of the way then enjoy some free time in the village before regrouping in the evening for a private, after-hours visit to the Matterhorn Museum. Engage in an exclusive talk with the Museum Director, detailing the history of mountaineering and the dramatic story of the first ascent by Edward Whymper. This unique access provides deep context into the human desire to conquer these rugged peaks.

    National Geographic Expert Discussion

    Zermatt 0h45m

    Join a discussion about the natural geologic forces and how they make mountains, and the engineering that makes Switzerland so popular for climbers.

    Gornergrat Train

    Zermatt - Gornergrat 0h30m

    Take this 33min train ride from the village centre in Zermatt to Gornergrat for an incredible mountain panoramic view.

    Matterhorn Museum After-Hours Visit

    Zermatt

    Join Beat Truffer, Museum Director, for an exclusive lecture followed by free time in the museum.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Zermama

    Acommodation

    Hotel Zermama

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Dinner

    Day 4 : Zermatt

    Join your Expedition Leader this morning on a short walking tour through the village of Zermatt on the way to the cable car station. Travel along the multi-stage cable car route, ascending from the valley to Glacier Paradise at the top of Klein Matterhorn, Europe's highest cable car station. At 3,883m or 127,40ft, the crisp air accentuates the magnificent views of the surrounding glacier-glazed peaks. Descend to the quaint village of Furi for lunch, savouring traditional rösti in a spectacular setting. You can choose to return to Zermatt by gondola or take a scenic hike down into the village, traversing well-maintained trails while soaking in the mountain scenery..

    Walking Tour Zermatt

    Zermatt

    Follow your Expedition Leader through the charming streets of Zermatt. Wander past sun-weathered wooden chalets, pay your respects at the poignant Mountaineers' Cemetery by the village church, and stroll the main thoroughfare as we make our way toward the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable station.

    Cable Car to Furi

    Zermatt 0h30m - 0h45m

    Take a quick, panoramic cable car flight from the valley floor to the mountain hamlet of Furi, the gateway to the Matterhorn’s high-alpine wonders.

    Gondola to Glacier Paradise

    Zermatt

    Ascend through the clouds and over deep glacial crevasses to arrive at Europe’s highest mountain station.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Zermama

    Acommodation

    Hotel Zermama

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 5 : Zermatt/St. Moritz

    Take a seat on the world-famous Glacier Express and set off on a breathtaking journey along a true marvel of rail engineering. The train gracefully traverses three high-mountain passes, across 291 bridges, and through 91 tunnels. Soak up magnificent vistas of skyscraping, glacier-glazed peaks, feeling the constant motion of this elegant rail journey into the Upper Engadin Valley. Disembark in St. Moritz, the birthplace of winter tourism, and settle into your hotel. The evening is at leisure, allowing you to explore the chic Alpine village or relax in the cosy surroundings of your hotel.

    Train

    Zermatt - St. Moritz 7h45m 300km

    Journey from the shadow of the Matterhorn to the glitz of St. Moritz, relaxing in spacious comfort as you cross 291 bridges and climb through the dramatic Oberalp Pass.

    Free time:

    St. Moritz Evening

    Your evening is free to soak up the legendary 'Champagne Climate' of St. Moritz.

    Acommodation

    Art Boutique Hotel Monopol

    Acommodation

    Art Boutique Hotel Monopol

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 6 : St. Moritz

    Meet this morning for a discussion about how the Alps transitioned from an age of mountaineering and engineering to becoming an elegant alpine retreat. Stroll to the nearby Sagantini Museum for a private tour with the museum’s curator to learn about and peruse the works of alpine artist Giovanni Sagantini–then take a funicular to the top of Muottas Muragl to admire the breathtaking landscapes that Segantini once painted. Back in St. Moritz, visit a local patisserie for an exclusive chocolate tasting and short demonstration, linking the famous Swiss chocolate tradition to the region's rich cultural history. Conclude the day with a delicious dinner in town.

    National Geographic Expert Presentation

    St. Moritz 1h

    Join a discussion on Alps and imagination, exploring the birth of skiers, and the transition from engineering/mountaineering to elegance; a haven for the rich and famous.

    Walking

    St. Moritz 0h15m

    Join your Expedition Leader on a 700m walk to the Segantini Museum.

    Segantini Museum

    St. Moritz 1h30m - 2h

    Join curator Claudia for a private tour and lecture at the Segantini Museum, where you will gain expert insight into the life and masterpieces of Giovanni Segantini. Following the presentation, enjoy free time to explore the museum’s impressive rotunda and alpine-inspired galleries at your own pace.

    Local Bus

    St. Moritz - Samedan 0h15m - 0h30m 6km

    Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

    Muottas Muragi Funicular

    Samedan 1h45m

    Take the 10-minute funicular ride to the top of Muottas Muragl, where you will find a hotel featuring both a casual café and a seated restaurant. Once at the summit, you have free time to enjoy lunch on a walk-in basis or explore the various hiking trails offering panoramic views of the Upper Engadine.

    Local Bus

    Samedan - St. Moritz 0h15m 6km

    Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

    Chocolate Making Demonstration

    St. Moritz 3h30m

    Visit the Hanselmann Confectionery for a private presentation on the history and craft of traditional chocolate making. Go behind the scenes for a guided tour of the kitchen to watch a live demonstration of the confectionery process.

    Acommodation

    Art Boutique Hotel Monopol

    Acommodation

    Art Boutique Hotel Monopol

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Dinner

    Day 7 : St. Moritz/Lago Maggiore

    Board the Bernina Pass train for a spectacular early-morning ride, travelling in comfort through the Alpine valleys to the town of Poschiavo, then cross into Italy by coach, to the shores of iconic Lake Como. In the early afternoon, take a private boat to the Villa del Balbianello for a tour of the beautiful terraced gardens and of the elegant villa itself, noted for its appearance in several major films. Continue by boat to scenic Bellacio for a short walking tour and some free time before transferring to your hotel on Lake Maggiore.

    Local Train

    St. Moritz - Poschiavo 1h15m - 1h30m 40km

    Board the train to traverse the Bernina Pass, a spectacular route that reaches the highest point of the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway at over 2,200 meters above sea level. This journey showcases incredible early 20th-century engineering, taking you from high-altitude glaciers down to the palms of the Italian border.

    Private Vehicle

    Poschiavo - Tremezzo 2h 102km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Boat

    Tremezzo - Villa del Balbianello 0h30m 10km

    Set sail across the shimmering waters of Lake Como on a private boat cruise toward the forested peninsula of Punta del Balbianello. As you approach, you'll enjoy a unique perspective of the villa’s tiered terraced gardens and iconic loggia, which have served as a dramatic backdrop for numerous world-famous films.

    Villa del Balbianello Tour

    Villa del Balbianello 1h15m - 1h30m

    Follow a local expert through the villa’s intimate rooms to learn about its storied past and the eccentric collections housed within. From the high-altitude maps in the library to the ancient sculptures in the salon, this guided walk offers a deep dive into the cultural and personal history of Lake Como’s most famous residence.

    Villa del Balbianello Tour

    Villa del Balbianello 1h15m - 1h30m

    Follow a local expert through the villa’s intimate rooms to learn about its storied past and the eccentric collections housed within. From the high-altitude maps in the library to the ancient sculptures in the salon, this guided walk offers a deep dive into the cultural and personal history of Lake Como’s most famous residence.

    Bellagio Cruise and Walk

    Villa del Balbianello - Bellagio 2h

    Board a private boat from the villa for a scenic cruise to Bellagio, the "Pearl of Lake Como," where you can choose between a guided walking tour of its charming cobblestone streets or independent exploration. Afterward, continue your journey down the lake, passing iconic sights such as the historic Roman bridge at Nesso, George Clooney’s villa, and the elegant shores of Cernobbio.

    Private Vehicle

    Cernobbio - Baveno 1h15m 92km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Splendid

    Acommodation

    Hotel Splendid

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Dinner

    Day 8 : Lago Maggiore

    Meet this morning for a discussion about the natural history of the Italian Lake district and how it has attracted settlers over the years, resulting in the area’s lavish and elegant villas. Next, travel to Rocca di Angera castle for a unique culinary experience. Participate in a cooking class inside the historic castle, learning how to prepare fresh pasta from scratch and concluding with a special lunch, enjoying your prepared pasta with cured meats, cheeses, and local wine. You’ll then have time to explore the castle's famous Doll and Toy Museum and the serene Medieval Garden before returning to the Lago Maggiore area for a free afternoon and evening.

    National Geographic Expert Presentation

    Baveno 0h45m

    Join a presentation on the evolution of the Italian Lakes, exploring the geological forces that carved the landscape and the human ingenuity used to "tame" the rugged terrain. You will discover how historical engineering and architectural vision transformed these shores into a haven for massive, elegant villas designed to showcase extraordinary private art collections.

    Private Vehicle

    Baveno - Angera 1h 38km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Rocca di Angera Cooking Class

    Angera 2h

    Travel to the historic Rocca di Angera for a hands-on culinary workshop where you will master the art of hand-rolling fresh pasta within the castle's ancient walls. Afterward, enjoy a meal featuring your creations paired with regional specialties and local wines before taking time to explore the estate's unique museum and its tranquil medieval gardens.

    Private Vehicle

    Angera - Baveno 1h 38km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Splendid

    Acommodation

    Hotel Splendid

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 9 : Lago Maggiore

    Explore the jewels of Lake Maggiore today — the enchanting Borromean Islands. Board a private boat for a picturesque ride across the lake to Isola Madre, for a guided tour of the elegant Palazzo. Next, head to Isola dei Pescatori for some free time to discover the charming atmosphere of this small island. Tonight, the expedition culminates in an unforgettable farewell dinner on picturesque Isola Bella. You’ll first take a sunset cruise to the island, enjoying an aperitif on a veranda overlooking the lake before a private dinner in the historic Villa, celebrating the end of your magnificent exploration of the Swiss Alps and Italian Lakes.

    Walking Tour Isola Madre

    Isola Madre 1h

    Stroll through the lush botanical gardens of Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands, renowned for its rare exotic plants and roaming peacocks. This guided walk takes you through a "green paradise" of curated landscapes, featuring the historic palazzo and one of Europe’s finest collections of camellias, azaleas, and ancient cypress trees.

    Free time:

    Isola dei Pescatori Afternoon

    Explore Isola dei Pescatori, the only Borromean Island to be inhabited year-round, to explore its narrow winding lanes and traditional fishing harbor. You can browse the local boutiques, visit the historic Church of San Vittore, or simply relax at a lakeside café to soak in the authentic atmosphere of this charming, timeless village.

    Isola Bella Visit and Dinner

    Isola Bella 2h

    Experience the ultimate in lakeside luxury with a private visit to Isola Bella. Enjoy a personalized tour of the villa’s historic halls followed by an alfresco reception on the veranda and a multi-course dinner, offering a rare opportunity to savor the island’s beauty in a serene, intimate setting.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Splendid

    Acommodation

    Hotel Splendid

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Dinner

    Day 10 : Lago Maggiore

    Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.

    Departure Transfer

    Lago Maggiore

    You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    dates start-End Availability remaining spaces Price Per Person
    May 2027
    Sun, 09 May - Tue, 18 May 7+ available £8,649 Request a quote
    Sun, 16 May - Tue, 25 May 7+ available £8,649 Request a quote
    Sun, 23 May - Tue, 01 Jun 7+ available £8,649 Request a quote
    Jun 2027
    Sun, 06 Jun - Tue, 15 Jun 7+ available £8,949 Request a quote
    Sun, 13 Jun - Tue, 22 Jun 7+ available £8,949 Request a quote
    Sun, 20 Jun - Tue, 29 Jun 7+ available £8,949 Request a quote
    Sun, 27 Jun - Tue, 06 Jul 7+ available £8,949 Request a quote
    Jul 2027
    Sun, 04 Jul - Tue, 13 Jul 7+ available £8,949 Request a quote
    Sun, 11 Jul - Tue, 20 Jul 7+ available £8,949 Request a quote
    Sun, 18 Jul - Tue, 27 Jul 7+ available £8,949 Request a quote
    Sun, 25 Jul - Tue, 03 Aug 7+ available £8,949 Request a quote
    Aug 2027
    Sun, 01 Aug - Tue, 10 Aug 7+ available £8,949 Request a quote
    Sun, 08 Aug - Tue, 17 Aug 7+ available £8,949 Request a quote
    Sep 2027
    Sun, 05 Sep - Tue, 14 Sep 7+ available £8,949 Request a quote
    Sun, 12 Sep - Tue, 21 Sep 7+ available £8,949 Request a quote
    Sun, 19 Sep - Tue, 28 Sep 7+ available £8,949 Request a quote
    Sun, 26 Sep - Tue, 05 Oct 7+ available £8,949 Request a quote

    More like this...