Grand Alpine Rail Tour: Lake Como, Switzerland & Mont Blanc
A first-class journey through the heart of the Alps, from Lake Como to Mont Blanc.
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Tour Overview
13 Days | From USD 9,995 | Small Group Guided Rail Tour | Guaranteed Fixed Departure Dates*
Journey through Italy, Switzerland & France aboard spectacular scenic railways. Experience Alpine icons like the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Lake Como & Lake Geneva.
Travel in comfort and style with 1st Class rail, handpicked hotels & an English-speaking local expert.
Thisis a Small-group, once-in-a-lifetime travel designed to be effortless and unforgettable.
Highlights
- Small group size (max. 16 participants)
- Local english-speaking Guide always with you throughout the trip
- Two-night stays at authentic hotels/lodges
- Luggage transfers throughout the trip
- Early check-in from 11:00 AM on arrival day
- 1st Class Swiss Travel Pass - 8 Days
- Lake Como – Italy's Most Elegant Lake
- Maison Cailler – Switzerland's Sweetest Experience
- Two Fairytale Castles - Château de Chillon & Gruyères Castle
- Authentic Italian Cuisine
- Gornergrat & the Matterhorn
- The Spectacular Aare Gorge
- Wine Tasting in the Valais
Featured Railways
- The Centovalli Railway
- Gornergrat Cogwheel Train
- Luzern–Interlaken Express
- Bernese Oberland Railway
- Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn
- Brunate Funicular
- Brienz Rothorn Steam Railway
Grand Alpine Rail Tour Itinerary
Welcome to Italy! Your journey begins as you arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport, the gateway to an unforgettable adventure through Northern Italy and the breathtaking landscapes beyond.
After clearing customs, simply walk to the conveniently located Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel, directly connected to Terminal 1, where you’ll check in for your first night. With no scheduled activities today, you have time to unwind after your flight, enjoy the hotel’s amenities, or simply relax and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Take this opportunity to settle in, adjust to the local time, and anticipate the scenic rail journeys, charming lakeside towns, and spectacular Alpine views that await you.
Accommodation: Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel (or comparable lodging).

After breakfast, at 9.30 AM, meet your tour guide for a welcome briefing, where you will receive an overview of the journey ahead and important travel information.
The day begins with a comfortable train ride from Malpensa Terminal 1 to Saronno, followed by a connecting regional train to Como Lago, arriving in the heart of one of Italy’s most beautiful lakeside towns.
Lunch is at your leisure. Choose from one of the many cafés or traditional trattorias overlooking the charming streets and piazzas of Como.
In the afternoon, board the historic Brunate Funicular, which has connected Como with the hilltop village of Brunate since 1894. During the short ascent, enjoy spectacular panoramic views over Lake Como, the surrounding mountains, and, on clear days, even the distant Alps.
Returning to Como, discover the city’s rich history during a guided walking tour. Highlights include the magnificent Cathedral of Como, an architectural masterpiece that blends Gothic and Renaissance styles; the medieval Palazzo del Broletto, once the city’s town hall; the beautiful Basilica di San Fedele, one of Lombardy’s finest Romanesque churches; the elegant Teatro Sociale, a historic opera house dating from the early nineteenth century; and the monument dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the celebrated physicist and inventor of the electric battery who was born in Como.
Following the tour, check in to your hotel and enjoy some time to settle in before gathering for a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Barchetta Excelsior (or comparable lodging).

Wake up to another beautiful day on Lake Como before boarding a leisurely, slow ferry for one of the lake’s most scenic cruises. As you glide across the sparkling waters, admire elegant villas, colorful lakeside villages, and the dramatic mountain backdrop that has captivated travelers for centuries.
Arrive in Bellagio, often called the Pearl of Lake Como, where a delightful lunch awaits before exploring this enchanting village on foot.
Your guided walking tour takes you through Bellagio’s picturesque Old Town, a maze of narrow cobblestone lanes lined with boutique shops, cafés, and historic buildings. Visit the beautiful Basilica of St. Giacomo, stroll along the elegant waterfront promenade, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini. Climb the famous Salita Serbelloni, one of Bellagio’s most photographed streets, adorned with charming stone staircases, colorful façades, and inviting artisan shops.
The tour concludes at Punta Spartivento, the spectacular viewpoint where the three branches of Lake Como meet. Here you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and shimmering waters—one of the most iconic vistas in Northern Italy.
After some free time to browse local boutiques, relax at a lakeside café, or simply soak in Bellagio’s timeless atmosphere, board a fast ferry back across the lake to Como.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Barchetta Excelsior (or comparable lodging).

After breakfast, bid farewell to Lake Como and embark on one of the most spectacular rail journeys of the tour as you travel from Italy into the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Today’s adventure covers approximately 6.5 hours, but every mile offers unforgettable scenery.
Your first train takes you along the shores of Lake Como before crossing into Switzerland and arriving in the lakeside town of Locarno. Here, board the famous Centovalli Railway, one of Europe’s most scenic narrow-gauge railways. Meaning “One Hundred Valleys,” this remarkable route winds through deep gorges, dense forests, charming stone villages, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic bridges as it connects Switzerland with Italy.
Arrive in the historic town of Domodossola, where you’ll enjoy an included lunch before continuing your journey.
In the afternoon, travel by train through the Rhône Valley to Brig, then board the final train climbing high into the mountains to the world-famous alpine village of Zermatt, nestled beneath the iconic Matterhorn.
After checking in to your hotel, gather this evening for a traditional Swiss fondue dinner, a delicious introduction to one of Switzerland’s most beloved culinary traditions.
Depending on the season and weather conditions, those who wish may join an optional evening walk to the Murini Hill Viewpoint, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning sunset views over Zermatt and, if conditions are favorable, a glowing Matterhorn bathed in the warm light of dusk.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel La Ginabelle (or comparable lodging).
Today is dedicated to experiencing one of the world’s most spectacular mountain landscapes. After breakfast, board the legendary Gornergrat Railway, Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel railway, for an unforgettable journey to the summit of Gornergrat.
At 3,089 meters (10,135 feet), you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic Matterhorn and an impressive amphitheater of 29 peaks rising above 4,000 meters, alongside the magnificent Gorner Glacier.
For those seeking an even more immersive alpine experience, there is the opportunity to visit the interactive Zooom the Matterhorn exhibition, offering fascinating insights into the region’s geology, wildlife, mountaineering history, and the legendary peak itself.
Guests who enjoy hiking may choose the scenic trail from Rotenboden to Riffelberg, one of Switzerland’s most celebrated alpine walks. This easy-to-moderate hike passes crystal-clear mountain lakes, colorful alpine meadows, and offers continuous views of the Matterhorn, making it a photographer’s paradise.
After descending to Zermatt, enjoy lunch at your leisure and spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace. Browse the village’s charming boutiques, relax at a café, or simply soak up the atmosphere of this car-free alpine resort.
Those interested may also join an optional guided stroll through the picturesque streets of Zermatt, learning about its transformation from a quiet mountain farming village into one of the world’s premier alpine destinations.
Later in the afternoon, a Matterhorn Chocolate Workshop offers a fun and delicious opportunity to craft your own chocolate Matterhorn under the guidance of a local chocolatier—a memorable souvenir to take home or enjoy yourself.
Dinner is at your leisure this evening, with plenty of excellent restaurants serving traditional Swiss specialties as well as international cuisine.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel La Ginabelle (or comparable lodging).
After breakfast, leave the majestic Matterhorn behind and continue your journey through the heart of the Alps toward the legendary mountain town of Chamonix, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc.
Today’s scenic rail and local bus journey takes approximately 4.5 hours, combining breathtaking mountain landscapes with one of Switzerland’s finest wine regions.
Travel by train from Zermatt to Visp and continue through the sun-drenched Rhône Valley to Sion, the historic capital of the Valais canton. From here, a short local bus ride brings you to Mont d’Or, a picturesque vineyard overlooking the valley.
Enjoy a two-hour wine tasting experience, where you’ll discover the unique character of Valais wines while learning about the region’s centuries-old winemaking traditions.
Sample a selection of local wines paired with a light regional lunch platter featuring artisan cheeses, cured meats, fresh bread, and other local specialties.
Following your vineyard visit, continue by local bus and train through the Rhône Valley to Martigny before boarding the picturesque Mont Blanc Express. This charming narrow-gauge railway winds through dramatic alpine scenery, crossing the Swiss–French border as it climbs to Vallorcine and descends into the famous resort town of Chamonix, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Mont Blanc Massif.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some time to relax before gathering with your fellow travelers for an included dinner in one of Chamonix’s welcoming restaurants.
Meals included: Breakfast, Regional Lunch Platter, & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel de L’Arve Auberge du Manoir (or comparable lodging).
Prepare for an unforgettable day in the heart of the French Alps as you ascend to one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain viewpoints. After breakfast, board the famous Aiguille du Midi cable car, soaring from the center of Chamonix to an altitude of 3,842 meters (12,605 feet) in just 20 minutes.
The journey itself is an engineering marvel, offering ever-changing views of glaciers, jagged granite peaks, and the mighty Mont Blanc Massif.
At the summit, enjoy time to explore the breathtaking observation terraces, where panoramic views stretch across the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps.
Experience the thrilling Step into the Void, a glass skybox suspended high above the valley floor, providing a heart-pounding perspective unlike any other.
Continue your visit at the Espace Vertical Museum, where fascinating exhibits reveal the history of mountaineering, the construction of the cable car, and the remarkable story of human exploration in this extraordinary alpine environment.
Weather permitting, enjoy spectacular views of Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak, and watch climbers preparing for their ascent while glaciers sweep through the valleys below.
After descending by cable car, spend the afternoon at your leisure in the vibrant mountain town of Chamonix.
Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many cafés or traditional Savoyard restaurants, browse elegant boutiques, or simply relax while taking in the lively alpine atmosphere.
This evening, gather once again for an included dinner as you reflect on another memorable day surrounded by some of the world’s most iconic mountain scenery.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel de L’Arve or Auberge du Manoir (or comparable lodging).
Today we depart Chamonix and begin another scenic journey through the Alps.
Travel aboard the charming Mont Blanc Express from Chamonix to Vallorcine, crossing back into Switzerland before continuing through Martigny to the elegant lakeside town of Montreux, nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva.
From Montreux, a short local bus ride brings you to the magnificent Château de Chillon, Switzerland’s most famous medieval castle.
Beautifully positioned on a rocky island at the edge of the lake, this remarkably preserved fortress has guarded the shores of Lake Geneva for nearly a thousand years and has inspired artists and writers, including Lord Byron.
Enjoy a guided tour through the castle’s grand halls, medieval courtyards, underground vaults, and historic chambers while discovering the fascinating stories of the Counts of Savoy and the fortress’s strategic role throughout history.
Following your visit, step aboard a scenic Lake Geneva cruise and sail from Chillon to Lausanne-Ouchy. Relax on deck as vineyards, charming villages, and the snow-capped Alps create a spectacular backdrop along the sparkling waters of Switzerland’s largest lake.
Upon arrival in Lausanne, check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Wander the lakeside promenade, browse local shops, or simply unwind before the evening’s festivities.
Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for an included dinner, celebrating another memorable day of unforgettable scenery, history, and Swiss hospitality.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel de la Paix (or comparable lodging).
After breakfast, board a classic Lake Geneva paddle steamer for a memorable cruise from Lausanne-Ouchy to Geneva. Relax on deck as you glide past picturesque vineyards, elegant lakeside towns, and the stunning backdrop of the Alps.
Along the way, enjoy an included lunch while taking in the ever-changing scenery of Switzerland’s largest lake.
Upon arrival in Geneva, discover Switzerland’s international city during a guided walking tour of its historic center. Stroll along the waterfront to admire the iconic Jet d’Eau, one of the world’s tallest fountains, before wandering through the charming streets of the Old Town.
Visit the impressive St. Pierre Cathedral, where centuries of history and the Protestant Reformation come to life, continue through the picturesque Place du Bourg-de-Four, Geneva’s oldest public square, and stop at the colorful Flower Clock, a symbol of the city’s renowned watchmaking tradition.
The afternoon is devoted to one of Switzerland’s most celebrated crafts with a visit to the Patek Philippe Museum.
During your visit, explore an extraordinary collection of historic timepieces, rare pocket watches, intricate automatons, and beautifully handcrafted clocks that trace more than five centuries of horological excellence. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the artistry, innovation, and precision that have made Swiss watchmaking famous around the world.
Later, return to Lausanne by train before taking the tram back to the lakeside district of Ouchy, where you can enjoy a relaxing evening along the waterfront.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel de la Paix (or comparable lodging).

Today travel by train through the rolling countryside of western Switzerland to the charming medieval village of Gruyères, one of the country’s most picturesque destinations.
Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour through the beautifully preserved Old Town, where cobblestone streets, flower-filled balconies, and centuries-old buildings transport you back in time. Perched on a hilltop, the traffic-free village offers spectacular views of the surrounding Fribourg countryside.
Visit the magnificent Gruyères Castle, a fairy-tale fortress dating back to the 13th century, where elegant rooms, medieval architecture, and beautifully landscaped gardens reveal the fascinating history of the Counts of Gruyères.
After exploring the village, return to Broc for a visit to the famous Maison Cailler, Switzerland’s oldest chocolate brand.
Discover the story of Swiss chocolate through an immersive multimedia experience that traces the journey from cocoa bean to chocolate masterpiece. Learn about the craftsmanship behind Cailler’s world-renowned creations before enjoying a delicious tasting of a wide variety of premium Swiss chocolates—a highlight for chocolate lovers of all ages.
In the afternoon, continue by train to Bern, Switzerland’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour through the city’s remarkably preserved medieval Old Town, where sandstone arcades, elegant fountains, and historic landmarks create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the country. Highlights include the Zytglogge medieval clock tower, the Federal Palace, the charming shopping arcades, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the turquoise Aare River.
Following the guided tour, you may choose to continue exploring Bern at your own pace. Browse local boutiques, relax at a café beneath the historic arcades, or visit one of the city’s many museums before making your way to the hotel.
This evening, gather for an included dinner as you share stories from another memorable day exploring Switzerland’s rich history and culinary traditions.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner.
Accommodation: Kreuz Bern Modern Hotel (or comparable lodging).

After breakfast, set off on another unforgettable adventure into the heart of the Bernese Oberland.
Travel by train from Bern through Interlaken to the picturesque lakeside village of Brienz, renowned for its traditional woodcarving and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Here, board the historic Brienz Rothorn Railway, Switzerland’s only daily steam-powered mountain railway. As the locomotive climbs steadily through fragrant alpine forests and flower-filled meadows, enjoy spectacular views over Lake Brienz and the surrounding mountain landscape.
The nostalgic journey is one of the country’s most memorable rail experiences.
At the summit of the Brienzer Rothorn (2,350 meters / 7,710 feet), enjoy free time to admire breathtaking 360-degree panoramas stretching across the Bernese Alps, Central Switzerland, and, on clear days, as far as the Jura Mountains. Relax on the viewing terraces, take photographs, or simply breathe in the crisp mountain air before descending on the steam railway to Brienz.
Continue by train to Meiringen, then travel a short distance to the entrance of the spectacular Aare Gorge. Carved over thousands of years by the powerful Aare River, this dramatic natural wonder features towering limestone cliffs rising up to 180 meters (590 feet) above the rushing turquoise waters below. Follow the safe wooden walkways and tunnels through the narrow canyon while marveling at the incredible force of nature that shaped this remarkable landscape.
After your visit, enjoy some free time before returning by train to Meiringen, continuing through Interlaken and back to Bern.
This evening, gather for an included dinner and reflect on another extraordinary day filled with iconic Swiss rail journeys and unforgettable alpine scenery.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner.
Accommodation: Kreuz Bern Modern Hotel (or comparable lodging).
Today we depart Bern by train for the charming medieval town of Murten, one of Switzerland’s best-preserved historic gems.
Encircled by ancient ramparts and overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Murten, the town offers a wonderful introduction to the scenic Three Lakes region.
Board a relaxing cruise across Lake Murten, enjoying peaceful views of vineyards, rolling countryside, and picturesque lakeside villages as the journey continues toward Lake Neuchâtel, Switzerland’s largest lake entirely within the country’s borders.
Continue your scenic voyage through the interconnected waterways of the Three Lakes Region, eventually reaching Lake Biel, a landscape renowned for its wine-growing traditions and natural beauty.
Upon arrival in Biel/Bienne, board the train to Zurich, Switzerland’s vibrant financial and cultural capital.
Discover the city’s fascinating blend of history and modern life during a guided walking tour.
Stroll through the charming streets of the Old Town (Altstadt), admire the elegant guild houses along the Limmat River, and pass some of Zurich’s most famous landmarks, including Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s premier shopping avenues, Grossmünster, Fraumünster with its renowned stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall, and the picturesque Lindenhof, offering panoramic views over the city.
This evening, celebrate the conclusion of your unforgettable Alpine adventure with a special Farewell Dinner, sharing memories of spectacular rail journeys, breathtaking mountain landscapes, historic towns, and the friendships made along the way.
After dinner, we travel by train to Zurich Airport, where you’ll check in to your airport hotel for your final overnight stay.
Meals included: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
Accommodation: Zurich Airport Hotel Hyatt Regency or Place (or comparable lodging).
Today is departure day.
We wish you a safe onward journey to your next destination.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Details and pricing
Adult Standard: USD 9,995 per person, based on 2 people in a double/twin room
Single Supplement: USD 100 /night
10% Deposit secures the booking – balance due 90 days before the departure date
*Guaranteed Fixed Departure Dates
From December 1st, 2025, ECHO Rails group departures are always guaranteed, so you can book with confidence.
In the rare case a group happens to have 6 or fewer participants, a small-group surcharge of 5% applies. You’ll be notified well in advance, and you’ll always have the option to cancel.
For all the details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions. Terms & Conditions.
- Local english-speaking Guide always with you throughout the trip
- Carefully selected 3-4* hotels
- 1st Class Swiss Travel Pass Flex- 8 Days
- Early check-in on your arrival – subject to hotel availability
- 1 night at Malpensa Airport Hotel
- 2 nights in Como
- 2 nights in Zermatt
- 2 nights in Chamonix
- 2 nights in Lausanne
- 2 nights in Bern
- 1 night at Zurich Airport Hotel
- Luggage transfers throughout the trip (One piece pp. each piece must not exceed 23 kg/50 lbs; for further details, check the Terms & Conditions)
- 23 Meals (12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 8 dinners) lunches & dinners are 3-course and include water, wine tasting with snacks
- All ground transportation, including mountain railways, boats, and cable cars
- Complete digital itinerary including all documentation, delivered to you 3 weeks in advance to ensure the smoothest travel experience
- Taxes & fees
- Lunch and dinner (when not mentioned in the itinerary)
- Alcohol & soft drinks during meals
- Items for personal use
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Optional tips for the Guides
Tipping in Italy, Switzerland, and France is not mandatory but appreciated.
Restaurants: Leave a tip if you’re happy with the service. Usually, it’s around 10% of the bill.
Guides: Typically, a tip varies from 10$ to 20$ per person, per day. It is entirely at your discretion and should reflect the quality of your experience.
For reliable travel insurance, we are proud to partner with a top-notch company, ensuring your peace of mind on every journey. Check out our Travel Insurance Partner and get in touch for a quotation.
Visa, Maestro and Mastercard are commonly accepted in Switzerland. American Express is less popular and many businesses don’t accept it. The country is becoming more and more cashless with contactless and mobile payments (Google and Apple Pay). Still, it’s useful to have some cash on you while travelling. All banks provide currency exchange services at a favorable rate.
Reasonable Fitness Required
This is a tour based solely on public transportation. Bear in mind that, apart from optional walks and hikes, you’ll be accompanied by your guide, but you should be comfortable walking independently when commuting from the train station to the hotel, between the hotel and restaurants, and from one activity to the next. Such commute routes take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes.
The amount and intensity of walking every day vary throughout the trip. It’s safe to say that you will walk anywhere between 5,000 to 12,000 steps a day (40 minutes to 2,5 hours).
We make several train connections, or move from train to bus or boat, each day. This means you will be walking up and down train platform stairs or ramps to make the connection platform changes. These connection times can range from 7 to 15 minutes and are usually close to another, so a regular walk pace is all that’s needed.
Sometimes our reserved seats are on the end of a long train and sometimes we only know where our reserved seats are when the train arrives so then we need to walk briskly to enter the respective car.
Although this is a Rail Tour, a reasonable walking fitness is required to fully enjoy the splendour of Switzerland.
Here you can find all the information about the Packing List for the Grand Rail Tour of Switzerland.
- Click on any of the “Book now” buttons on the page.
- You will be redirected to our dedicated booking platform.
- Choose a desired date for your trip add number of participants. Click continue.
- Fill out the form with all travellers’ details and click “Confirm booking”.
- Once we receive your booking request you will be sent an email with payment instructions from our partner Flywire.
- Follow the instructions in the email.
- Once the payment is processed, your booking is confirmed.
See our Cancellation Policy for more details.
Plan Your Grand Alpine
Rail Tour
2027 Dates
- Sept 3 to 15
NOTE: Our Small-Group Guided Rail Tours are limited to 16 people. Book now to guarantee your seats.
Need more flexibility? Book a private departure
Grand Alpine Rail Tour: Lake Como, Switzerland & Mont Blanc 13 Days
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