Switzerland: The Alps to the Italian Lakes 2025
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Switzerland’s turquoise lakes and soaring snow-capped mountains stir the soul like few places in Europe, while the charms of cities like Zurich and Bern swap alpine beauty for Old World architecture and hearty meals. On this enriching journey that combines the beautiful Swiss Alps with Italy’s glorious Lakes District, discover the region’s people, traditions and culinary splendors backdropped by rugged natural wonders.
Arrive in Zermatt in style on the Glacier Express, which affords first-class seating, unique glass ceilings and views of Switzerland’s beautiful mountain scenery
Gain private access to Bern’s landmark Zytglogge bell tower for an intimate guided visit
Savor famously smooth Swiss chocolate during a tasting workshop at an independent producer
Discover Lake Maggiore by private boat, and savor a special farewell dinner on beautiful Isola Bella
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive Zurich, Switzerland
Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city and one with a well-deserved reputation for offering a high quality of life, among the best in the world. You are met and transferred to your hotel, where you meet your fellow guests this evening for dinner.
Day 2 | Zurich - Breathtaking Views & Scenic Paths
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Zurich this morning, taking in its alluring mix of modern and Old World architecture while strolling its wide, pedestrian-friendly avenues. Zurich is known for its churches, and your walk incorporates several noteworthy ones, including the Fraumünster, with its Marc Chagall-designed stained glass windows, and the Grossmünster, supposedly founded by Charlemagne and later playing a key part in establishing the Reformation in Switzerland. After lunch at a local bierkeller (beer cellar), gather for a sweet finish with a visit to an independent chocolate producer. Learn about the fascinating history and production of Swiss chocolate at the last manufacturer who still starts with the raw cacao beans.
Day 3 | Lucerne - Peaks of the Alps
Travel to Lucerne, on the shores of its beautiful lake, and stroll the streets of this medieval jewel. The city's most famous landmark is the Chapel Bridge, the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe. Its interior is decorated with vivid paintings, many of which date back to the 17th century and depict events from the city's history. You also visit Corn Market Square and the nearby Old Town Hall, built in 1602. There is time for lunch at leisure or further exploration, Continue to Alpnachstad and board the cogwheel train for a ride on the world's steepest railway to the top of Mt. Pilatus. Descend via a cable car and alpine gondola. Continue to your hotel in Bern, named for the bears that may still be seen in Europe's wilderness.
Day 4 | Bern - Capital City
This morning, discover the charms of Switzerland's intimate capital, strolling delightful old streets and stepping inside the Zytglogge for a private, guided visit of this legendary medieval clock tower. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure, free to relax or explore on your own. Tonight, dine at your elegant hotel.
Day 5 | Interlaken - Play the Alphorn
Travel to the pretty mountain village of Habkern and partake in two Swiss traditions. Enjoy a special class with a yodel teacher and a lesson in the history of the famous alphorn. Once, these massive horns were used by herdsmen on the mountain slopes to communicate with people in the valleys below; today, they are enjoyed as musical instruments, and your lesson includes the option to play one yourself. After lunch, visit scenic Interlaken and cruise beautiful Lake Thun, surrounded by the glory of the Alps. Return to Bern for an evening at leisure.
Day 6 | Zermatt - All Aboard the Glacier Express
Drive to Stans for a visit to the Culinarium Alpinum, a center where chefs, schnapps distillers, farmers, butchers, sommeliers, cheesemakers and master bakers come together to help preserve Alpine culinary heritage. Join a guide for a tour with tastings, culminating in a traditional Swiss fondue lunch. Then, board the renowned Glacier Express, traversing majestic scenery in your first-class carriage, and enjoying dinner onboard before arriving in the mountain town of Zermatt — a popular waypoint for Alpine explorers.
Day 7 | Zermatt - Design Your Day
Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:
- Ascend to the Summit of Gornegrat Mountain by cog railroad to take in vistas of the Matterhorn and more.
- Hike in the Zermatt Mountains with an expert guide to see picturesque alpine lakes that reflect jaw-dropping scenery.
- Indulge in a Spa Experience, taking advantage of your hotel's exceptional amenities for a relaxing massage.
Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Day 8 | Stresa, Italy - Shores of Lake Maggiore
A short train ride takes you out of Zermatt today. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the spectacular Simplon Pass before arriving in the Italian Lakes District and the beautiful resort town of Stresa, nestled on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Ernest Hemingway set portions of his World War I novel A Farewell to Arms here, although he didn't actually visit in person until 1948. Settle in to your lakeside hotel and enjoy a Scenic Sundower overlooking the glittering lake, followed by a fine dinner.
Day 9 | Stresa - Picturesque Island
Drive to Orta San Giulio, a charming medieval town resting upon a shimmering lake. The town occupies a promontory commanding wide views over the lake and farther shore, and its shaded streets are made for wandering. Take a boat to the nearby island of San Giulio to see its Benedictine monastery and church. Legend claims the island was once infested by serpents and monsters that terrorized local villages, until patron saint Julius of Novara arrived with a great storm at his back and banished them forever. Return to Stresa in the afternoon.
Day 10 | Stresa - Lush, Alpine Lake Maggiore
This morning, relax and enjoy the amenities at your hotel, stroll the local market in Stresa or just sit in a café and watch the world go by. Later, board a private boat for a tour of Lake Maggiore and its islands, renowned for their impressive gardens. On beautiful Isola Bella, enjoy a special farewell dinner with your fellow guests as the sun sets over the surrounding mountains.
Day 11 | Depart Milan
Transfer this morning to Milan Malpensa Airport for your onward travel.
Interested in a similar itinerary but want to Travel Privately?
Our Travel Experts are here to craft your perfect tailormade holiday.
Itinerary
Itinerary:
Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city and one with a well-deserved reputation for offering a high quality of life, among the best in the world. You are met and transferred to your hotel, where you meet your fellow guests this evening for dinner.
Itinerary:
Interested in a similar itinerary but want to Travel Privately?
Our Travel Experts are here to craft your perfect tailormade holiday.
Hand Selected for an Unmatched Experience
Dates & Prices
Prices are in USD, per person, double occupancy.
Inclusions
Minimum age is 10 years old
Welcome dinner at 5:30 p.m. on Day 1
Farewell dinner at 7:00 p.m. on Day 10
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests
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11 Days
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from $14,995
|
18 guests
