Glide through the Swiss Alps by rail and explore northern Italy

Itinerary

1. Day

   1

   Arrive in Brig

   Brig, Switzerland

   Today you'll arrive in Zurich either by air or on the Eurostar from London St Pancras and connecting rail from Paris.

   On arrival, you will transfer to your hotel in the pretty Alpine town of Brig, perfectly located in the Rhône Valley at the head of the Simplon Pass, surrounded by beautiful lofty peaks.

   The town grew in prominence during the 17th century after monopolising the trade in silk, salt and mail between France and Italy. The wealth that this silk trade created led to the construction of the country's largest private residence; The Stockalper Palace.

2. Day

   2

   Zermatt and The Matterhorn

   Zermatt, Switzerland

   After breakfast at the hotel, you'll set off on your first day trip, to the Alpine town of Zermatt.

   Climbing upwards into the Mattertal Valley, the scenery becomes ever more spectacular. Lush meadows covered with wildflowers and studded with tiny shepherds' huts give way to dense forests, crowned by snow-capped mountains glistening in the autumn sun.

   You'll eventually arrive at the famous resort town of Zermatt, nestling at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn, the ultimate Alpine peak and the national symbol of Switzerland.

   Should you wish to take in an even better view, you'll have the chance to take the cog railway up 10,000 feet to Gornergrat. This can be arranged locally with your Tour Manager for an additional cost.

3. Day

   3

   Lake Maggiore

   Lake Maggiore ,

   This morning, you'll travel over the Simplon Pass to the warm sunshine of Italy and the tranquil shores of Lake Maggiore.

   You'll visit the Lake's most charming town, Stresa, which owes its origin to the days of the 'Grand Tour,' when Europe's 19th Century aristocracy crossed the border from Switzerland and experienced their first taste of Italy.

   On arrival in Stresa, enjoy some free time to wander the cobbled streets and explore the traditional shops, bakers and butchers with a mouthwatering selection of cakes, salamis, hams and other delicacies. Book lovers can relax at the bar of the Grand Hotel, featured in Hemingway's 'A Farewell to Arms'.

   Later you'll enjoy a scenic cruise across central Lake Maggiore to visit Isola Bella and its amazing Baroque palazzo. You'll tour the fascinating and elaborate interior with the company of an expert guide.

4. Day

   4

   Montreux

   Montreux, Switzerland

   Today you'll travel to Montreux, on the sunny shores of Lake Geneva, where you have a full day free to spend as you wish.

   You could take a cruise with lunch on one of the many beautiful belle époque style paddle steamers which glide across the lake. Or you might choose a journey on the spectacular cog-wheel railway to the peak of Rochers de Naye.

   Back down by the lakeshore, the famous 13th-century Chateau de Chillon stands guard over the Rhône Valley just outside the town. Or perhaps you'd prefer to simply stroll along the charming lakeshore promenade, admiring the surrounding vine-clad terraces?

   You may also choose to stay in Brig and walk in the fresh mountain air on some easy footpaths close to the hotel.

5. Day

   5

   The Glacier Express

   Chur, Switzerland

   Today you'll ride the legendary Glacier Express, known as one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world.

   Your four-hour journey winds and twists its way through ever more stunning scenery, passing mountain ranges, cascading waterfalls, forest-covered hillsides and ravines with torrential rivers.

   The highest point on your journey is the Oberalp Pass at 6,700 feet, where you're well above the tree line. Another highlight is the Upper Rhine Gorge, sometimes called the 'Swiss Grand Canyon', totally inaccessible until the railway was opened in 1903.

   Following a relaxing journey, you'll arrive in Chur, where a coach will take you up to Klosters, known as the Royal Family's favourite ski resort. Here, you'll check into your hotel for the next three nights, the four-star Silvretta Parkhotel, located in the village centre.

6. Day

   6

   Klosters

   Klosters, Switzerland

   Today you'll have the day free to spend as you wish. Take a leisurely stroll around the town with its typical dark-wood chalets surrounded by alpine peaks.

   While in Klosters you'll also have free or discounted access via the nearby cable cars and chair lifts to the surrounding peaks, allowing you to easily explore the heavenly surrounding mountains.

   Here, you can enjoy a wonderland of stunning Alpine views linked by spectacular walks, before stopping in at one of the many traditional chalet restaurants that serve local specialities on their sunlit terraces.

7. Day

   7

   The Bernina Express

   Tirano, Italy

   You'll enjoy another historic train route today, with a ride on the Bernina Express to Tirano, just over the Italian border. The Bernina Express railway and its surrounding countryside were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008 and is considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.

   This remarkable train twists upwards through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges past the chic resort of St Moritz to the summit at Ospizio Bernina and at 7,400 feet, Europe's highest through station. Here you'll be surrounded by stunning views over the surrounding snow-clad peaks and glacial lakes.

   Next, you'll wind your way down through pretty pastures and dense pine forests to Tirano. You have some free time here before boarding a coach to Klosters via the stunning Upper Engadine Valley over the Fluela Pass.

8. Day

   8

   Departure

   Klosters, Switzerland

   Today, after a final breakfast at your hotel, your Swiss adventure comes to an end. You'll be transferred to the airport or train station to begin your journey home.