Switzerland and northern Italy by train
UK, Basel, Milan, Florence, Bologna, Tirano, Lucerne, Strasbourg, UK
Explore Switzerland and northern Italy on an independent, luxury train holiday that combines panoramic rail trips with top-quality hotels in stunning towns and cities. Beautiful scenery, architecture and world-famous cuisine will be on repeat as you explore each destination at your own pace. We recommend 13 days to do the trip as advertised, but all our holidays can be personalised to suit you. Send a booking enquiry or give us a call and we will prepare you a bespoke itinerary and quote, plan everything for you, and give you 24-hour support while you travel.
All rail travel in 1st class, including the Bernina Express route through Switzerland.
All accommodation, including breakfast and exclusive perks for Trip Me Up customers.
24-hour support while you travel.
Florence: Uffizi + David & Accademia small group tour.
Milan: Duomo Cathedral tour – including rooftop tickets.
Basel: cheese, chocolate and local pastry tasting private tour.
Bologna: walking food tour (3 hours).
Lucerne: Mount Pilatus tour (5.5 hours).
Prices start from £2,750pp, but depend on season of travel, accommodation and tours chosen. Give us a call or send a booking enquiry and we will create you a personalised itinerary.
Day 1 Train from London to Basel
Sink into your Premium Eurostar seat for the trip to Paris, then pop next door to the Gare de l'Est to catch the train to Basel and check into your hotel.
Day 2 Explore Basel + food tour
A full day beckons in Basel, which boasts a beautiful old town, the Rhine, 40 museums, and a fascinating mix of traditional and modern architecture. History, art, cheese, chocolate and pastries are waiting for you on a 2-hour tour that celebrates authentic Swiss specialities (alternative tours are available).
Day 3 Basel to Milan
Settle down for a scenic journey from Basel to Milan, where you can enjoy the alpine scenery en route to the plains of Lombardy. Jump off at Milano Centrale - you have arrived in Italy!
Day 4 Explore Milan + Duomo tour
A masterpiece of architectural and artistic achievement, don’t just admire the breathtaking interior of the Duomo on this 2-hour tour, take it to new heights with a rooftop adventure (by lift) for an unrivalled cityscape. Gaze upon the panorama from Milan’s once highest point, graced by the golden statue of Mary. Tours can also be arranged to see Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper, the Teatro alla Scala and Sforzesco Castle - or simply enjoy some of the famous shopping and people watch from a cafe.
Day 5 Milan to Florence
It's just two hours to the beautiful city of Florence, adorned with magnificent architectural masterpieces, including the iconic Duomo, with its distinctive dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with shops, and the Palazzo Vecchio, a grand palace in the heart of the city.
Day 6 Explore Florence + Uffizi Gallery tour
Discover one of the most important museums in the world with an expert local guide, who will explain to you the most beautiful artworks to appreciate the art and the story of the Italian Renaissance. Among its many masterpieces there are the works of artists and protagonists of the Renaissance such as Michelangelo, Giotto, Botticelli, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci and many others. You will enter from the priority entrance to the Gallery, and once inside will enjoy a chronological itinerary that will allow you to travel back through time, starting from the Byzantine art in Tuscany to the wonderful Renaissance.
Day 8 Explore Bologna + walking food tour
Enjoy a three-hour walking food tour that takes you on a gastronomic journey to discover the unique places and food that only the locals know. Start with an aperitivo, then move on to cold cuts and cheeses, always accompanied by local wines. Next, walking through the old town centre, have a handmade pasta paired with wine. Finish with the best gelato in town!
Day 9 Bologna to Tirano
Board the train back to Milan, where you will continue on to the town of Tirano on the Italian border with Switzerland. Stay the night here in preparation for the Bernina Express route the following day.
Day 10 Bernina Express route; Chur to Lucerne
Get going early this morning and take the beautiful Bernina Express route from Tirano to Chur, stopping for lunch in St Moritz. Relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery en route. In Chur, continue on to Lucerne, where you will stay for two nights.
Day 11 Explore Lucerne + Jungfraujoch tour
The highlight of any Swiss holiday is a full-day excursion to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe! Enjoy a magnificent view from Europe’s highest train station over the Aletsch Glacier, UNESCO World Heritage of the Swiss Alps, and explore its multifaceted summit attractions.
Day 12 Lucerne to Strasbourg
Bid farewell to Switerland and squeeze in one night in France with a stopover in Strasbourg. Stay in a 5* in the heart of the Petite France district, wander round the beautiful city and prepare for your final leg home the following day.
Day 13 Return to the UK
It's less than two hours back to Paris, where you can catch the Eurostar back to the UK. Hopefully, you have had a fabulous holiday and are ready for your next rail adventure!
Day 7 Florence to Bologna
The next stop on your trip is Bologna, renowned for its delicious cuisine, such as Bolognese sauce and mortadella, a type of cured meat that originated in the city.
