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9 nights · Switzerland & Italy · Rail + boutique hotels

Alpine Rail Escape.

Zurich to Milan via the Glacier Express, Bernina Pass and Lake Como — nine nights of first-class rail, hand-picked lodges in Zermatt, St. Moritz and Bellagio, and slow-travel pacing that lets you actually see the valleys.

May – October departures 2 – 8 guests per booking First-class rail reserved From $3,740 pp
See full itinerary
Trip overview

Rail-paced. Hotels chosen for the view.

Start in Zurich, finish in Milan. In between: eight hours on the Glacier Express, a stay beneath the Matterhorn, the Bernina Pass descent into Italy, and two quiet nights on Lake Como before the last leg into Milan. First-class rail reservations are held before departure — no scrambling for seats in Chur station.

Hotels are a mix of traditional and design — Monte Rosa in Zermatt, Kulm in St. Moritz, Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Como. All chosen because they are either on the rail line or a 10-minute transfer from the station.

Glacier Express crossing a stone viaduct
Day by day

Nine-night itinerary.

1

Arrive Zurich

Airport transfer to Widder Hotel in the old town. Light welcome dinner at Kronenhalle with the planner.

2

Zurich → Zermatt via Visp

Morning rail to Visp then the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn up to Zermatt (car-free village). Afternoon gondola to Sunnegga for the first view of the Matterhorn. Overnight at Monte Rosa.

3

Gornergrat day

Gornergrat cogwheel train to 3,089 m for the Matterhorn / Monte Rosa panorama. Light hike to Riffelalp for lunch. Free afternoon.

4

Glacier Express to St. Moritz

Eight hours of panoramic rail (Excellence Class or Class 1) across the Oberalp and Albula passes to St. Moritz. Check-in at Kulm Hotel, dinner at K restaurant.

5

St. Moritz — Bernina Diavolezza

Cable car up Diavolezza for a walk along the Pers glacier moraine. Late afternoon spa time in the Kulm. Dinner at Chesa Veglia.

6

Bernina Express → Tirano → Lake Como

Famous Bernina Pass descent, one of the steepest non-cogwheel railways in the world. Transfer by car from Tirano to Bellagio. Overnight at Grand Hotel Tremezzo.

7

Lake Como free day

Private boat tour of Villa del Balbianello, Bellagio and Villa Carlotta (3 hours). Optional e-bike ride along the lake.

8

Milan

Transfer to Milan for two nights at Senato Hotel. Late-afternoon Duomo rooftop visit. Dinner at Ratanà.

9

Milan — art & aperitivo

Guided visit of the Last Supper (pre-booked), Brera gallery, and Navigli for evening aperitivo.

10

Depart Milan Malpensa

Private transfer to MXP airport, Fast Track immigration included.

Pricing ladder

Three tiers.

Prices per traveler, double occupancy. Solo supplement from $1,240.

Classic
Boutique 4-star properties
$3,740/ traveler
  • 9 nights 4-star accommodation
  • First-class rail reservations
  • Glacier Express Class 1 seat
  • Private transfers Zurich / Tirano / MXP
  • Last Supper reservation included
  • Daily breakfast + 3 dinners
Atelier
Suites and private rail
$9,800/ traveler
  • Junior suites throughout
  • Private rail carriage (Zermatt–St. Moritz)
  • Helicopter transfer Zermatt–St. Moritz (weather permitting)
  • Michelin tasting menu with wine pairings in Milan
  • Personal 1:1 concierge throughout
  • All meals included

Included in every tier

  • 9 nights accommodation
  • All rail reservations (first class)
  • Glacier Express + Bernina Express
  • Private airport transfers
  • Guided visits as noted
  • Daily breakfast
  • 24/7 concierge on-trip

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunches (except Gornergrat)
  • Alcoholic beverages outside indicated dinners
  • Gratuities (€15-20/day suggested)
Limited seats

Reserve the Glacier Express leg.

Excellence Class seats are released 180 days out and sell down fast for July-September departures.

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