Italy, SwitzerlandSignature: Iconic Trains of Switzerland & Italy's Lake District
Welcome to Switzerland. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Zurich, greeted by the fresh mountain air of the Swiss Alps. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Lucerne. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader for an introduction to your journey along with a welcome reception and short presentation from the National Geographic Expedition Expert before dinner.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. There will be an included group welcome dinner after the meeting.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
Spend the morning exploring the beautiful city of Lucerne on a walking tour, strolling the waterfront and admiring the historic and majestic architecture. Continue by train deep into the Alps to the car-free village of Zermatt, lying below the iconic and imposing peak of the Matterhorn. In the evening, discover local cuisine on a walking tapas tour and sample some of the region’s delicacies like Switzerland’s ubiquitous fondue, while soaking in the atmosphere of this historic alpine village.
Lucerne Walking Tour
Step through history as we visit the medieval Chapel Bridge and the storied streets of the Altstadt. We'll stop at the majestic Jesuit Church and climb the Musegg Wall towers for the city’s best views—all centered around the sparkling waters of the Reuss River.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Explore Zermatt however you wish before dinner with free time this evening.
Accommodation
Hotel Zermama
Gather for a discussion about the natural history of the region and how climbers have been attracted to this area since the late 1800s, then board the Gornergrat train. This electric cogwheel railway is a true marvel of engineering–ascending to the heart of the mountains at 3100m (10,171ft), offering continuous, breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. Descend the mountain by train with an option to walk part of the way then enjoy some free time in the village before regrouping in the evening for a private, after-hours visit to the Matterhorn Museum. Engage in an exclusive talk with the Museum Director, detailing the history of mountaineering and the dramatic story of the first ascent by Edward Whymper. This unique access provides deep context into the human desire to conquer these rugged peaks.
Gornergrat Train
Take this 33min train ride from the village centre in Zermatt to Gornergrat for an incredible mountain panoramic view.
Descend Riffelalp
Descend from Riffelalp either on foot or by train - whichever you prefer.
Signature Moment: Matterhorn Museum After-Hours Visit
Join Beat Truffer, Museum Director, for an exclusive lecture followed by free time in the museum.
Accommodation
Hotel Zermama
Join your Expedition Leader this morning on a short walking tour through the village of Zermatt on the way to the cable car station. Travel along the multi-stage cable car route, ascending from the valley to Glacier Paradise at the top of Klein Matterhorn, Europe's highest cable car station. At 3,883m or 12,740ft, the crisp air accentuates the magnificent views of the surrounding glacier-glazed peaks. Descend to the quaint village of Furi for lunch, savouring traditional rösti in a spectacular setting. You can choose to return to Zermatt by gondola or take a scenic hike down into the village, traversing well-maintained trails while soaking in the mountain scenery..
Walking Tour Zermatt
Follow your Expedition Leader through the charming streets of Zermatt. Wander past sun-weathered wooden chalets, pay your respects at the poignant Mountaineers' Cemetery by the village church, and stroll the main thoroughfare as we make our way toward the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable station.
Cable Car to Furi
Take a quick, panoramic cable car flight from the valley floor to the mountain hamlet of Furi, the gateway to the Matterhorn’s high-alpine wonders.
Gondola to Glacier Paradise
Ascend through the clouds and over deep glacial crevasses to arrive at Europe’s highest mountain station.
Descend Furi
Descend from Furi either on foot or by cable car - whichever you prefer.
Free Time
Enjoy free time this afternoon where you can wander from designer boutiques to centuries-old wooden barns in a single, car-free stroll. It’s a place where the pace is set by the surrounding peaks, inviting you to simply relax on a sun-drenched terrace while the Matterhorn looms overhead.
Accommodation
Hotel Zermama
Take a seat on the world-famous Glacier Express and set off on a breathtaking journey along a true marvel of rail engineering. The train gracefully traverses three high-mountain passes, across 291 bridges, and through 91 tunnels. Soak up magnificent vistas of skyscraping, glacier-glazed peaks, feeling the constant motion of this elegant rail journey into the Upper Engadin Valley. Disembark in St. Moritz, the birthplace of winter tourism, and settle into your hotel. The evening is at leisure, allowing you to explore the chic Alpine village or relax in the cosy surroundings of your hotel.
Train
Board the Iconic Glacier Express Train and travel in first class from the shadow of the Matterhorn to the glitz of St. Moritz, relaxing in spacious comfort as you cross 291 bridges and climb through the dramatic Oberalp Pass.
Free Time
Your evening is free to soak up the legendary 'Champagne Climate' of St. Moritz.
Accommodation
Art Boutique Hotel Monopol
Stroll to the nearby Sagantini Museum for a private tour with the museum’s curator to learn about and peruse the works of alpine artist Giovanni Sagantini–then take a funicular to the top of Muottas Muragl to admire the breathtaking landscapes that Segantini once painted. Back in St. Moritz, visit a local patisserie for an exclusive chocolate tasting and short demonstration, linking the famous Swiss chocolate tradition to the region's rich cultural history. Conclude the day with a delicious dinner in town.
Walking
Join your Expedition Leader on a 700m walk to the Segantini Museum.
Signature Moment: Segantini Museum
Join curator Claudia for a private tour and lecture at the Segantini Museum, where you will gain expert insight into the life and masterpieces of Giovanni Segantini. Following the presentation, enjoy free time to explore the museum’s impressive rotunda and alpine-inspired galleries at your own pace.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Muottas Muragi Funicular
Take the 10-minute funicular ride to the top of Muottas Muragl, where you will find a hotel featuring both a casual café and a seated restaurant. Once at the summit, you have free time to enjoy lunch on a walk-in basis or explore the various hiking trails offering panoramic views of the Upper Engadine.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Your Foodie Moment: Chocolate Making Demonstration
Visit the Hanselmann Confectionery for a private presentation on the history and craft of traditional chocolate making. Go behind the scenes for a guided tour of the kitchen to watch a live demonstration of the confectionery process.
Accommodation
Art Boutique Hotel Monopol
Board the Bernina Pass train for a spectacular early-morning ride, travelling in comfort through the Alpine valleys to the town of Poschiavo, then cross into Italy by coach, to the shores of iconic Lake Como. In the early afternoon, take a private boat to the Villa del Balbianello for a tour of the beautiful terraced gardens and of the elegant villa itself, noted for its appearance in several major films. Continue by boat to scenic Bellagio for a short walking tour and some free time before transferring to your hotel on Lake Maggiore.
Local Train
Board the train to traverse the Bernina Pass, a spectacular route that reaches the highest point of the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway at over 2,200 meters above sea level. This journey showcases incredible early 20th-century engineering, taking you from high-altitude glaciers down to the palms of the Italian border.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Boat
Set sail across the shimmering waters of Lake Como on a private boat cruise toward the forested peninsula of Punta del Balbianello. As you approach, you'll enjoy a unique perspective of the villa’s tiered terraced gardens and iconic loggia, which have served as a dramatic backdrop for numerous world-famous films.
Villa del Balbianello Tour
Follow a local expert through the villa’s intimate rooms to learn about its storied past and the eccentric collections housed within. From the high-altitude maps in the library to the ancient sculptures in the salon, this guided walk offers a deep dive into the cultural and personal history of Lake Como’s most famous residence.
Bellagio Cruise and Walk
Board a private boat from the villa for a scenic cruise to Bellagio, the "Pearl of Lake Como," where you can choose between a guided walking tour of its charming cobblestone streets or independent exploration. Afterward, continue your journey down the lake, passing iconic sights such as the historic Roman bridge at Nesso, George Clooney’s villa, and the elegant shores of Cernobbio.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Hotel Splendid
Meet this morning for a discussion about the natural history of the Italian Lake district and how it has attracted settlers over the years, resulting in the area’s lavish and elegant villas. Next, travel to Rocca di Angera castle for a unique culinary experience. Participate in a cooking class inside the historic castle, learning how to prepare fresh pasta from scratch and concluding with a special lunch, enjoying your prepared pasta with cured meats, cheeses, and local wine. You’ll then have time to explore the castle's famous Doll and Toy Museum and the serene Medieval Garden before returning to the Lago Maggiore area for a free afternoon and evening.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Foodie Moment: Rocca di Angera Cooking Class
Travel to the historic Rocca di Angera for a hands-on culinary workshop where you will master the art of hand-rolling fresh pasta within the castle's ancient walls. Afterward, enjoy a meal featuring your creations paired with regional specialties and local wines before taking time to explore the estate's unique museum and its tranquil medieval gardens.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Hotel Splendid
Explore the jewels of Lake Maggiore today — the enchanting Borromean Islands. Board a private boat for a picturesque ride across the lake to Isola Madre, for a guided tour of the elegant Palazzo. Next, head to Isola dei Pescatori for some free time to discover the charming atmosphere of this small island. Tonight, the expedition culminates in an unforgettable farewell dinner on picturesque Isola Bella. You’ll first take a sunset cruise to the island, enjoying an aperitif on a veranda overlooking the lake before a private dinner in the historic Villa, celebrating the end of your magnificent exploration of the Swiss Alps and Italian Lakes.
Walking Tour Isola Madre
Stroll through the lush botanical gardens of Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands, renowned for its rare exotic plants and roaming peacocks. This guided walk takes you through a "green paradise" of curated landscapes, featuring the historic palazzo and one of Europe’s finest collections of camellias, azaleas, and ancient cypress trees.
Free Time
Explore Isola dei Pescatori, the only Borromean Island to be inhabited year-round, to explore its narrow winding lanes and traditional fishing harbor. You can browse the local boutiques, visit the historic Church of San Vittore, or simply relax at a lakeside café to soak in the authentic atmosphere of this charming, timeless village.
Signature Moment: Isola Bella Visit and Dinner
Experience the ultimate in lakeside luxury with a private visit to Isola Bella. Enjoy a personalized tour of the villa’s historic halls followed by an alfresco reception on the veranda and a multi-course dinner, offering a rare opportunity to savor the island’s beauty in a serene, intimate setting.
Accommodation
Hotel Splendid
Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.
Departure Transfer
You will be met at your hotel in Lake Maggiore and transferred to the Milan airport at the end of your adventure.
