Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains

Day 1 - Saturday, September 19: Overnight flight

Day 2 - Sunday, September 20: Lake Maggiore, Italy

Welcome to the tranquil resort area with crystal clear waters set against the backdrop of the Alps, known as Lake Maggiore. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the area independently. As the evening approaches, leave your hotel to board a private boat for a cruise to Isola Dei Pescatori. On the island, toast to the start of your journey with your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner. (D)

Day 3 - Monday, September 21: Lake Maggiore

This morning, set sail to Isola Bella, known as the “beautiful island.” With an expert guide beside you, journey into the Borromeo Palace — a lakeside Baroque beauty adorned with an exotic garden. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps you’ll take time to stroll the cobbled streets of Stresa or soak up the sun along the waterfront. (B) 

Day 4 - Tuesday, September 22: Zermatt, Switzerland

Take on the day as you depart Italy and make your way to Switzerland. Visit a family-owned cow farm in Val di’ Ossola, where you’ll meet the owners and learn about life on the farm and their family business before enjoying some homemade products over lunch. Continue towards Switzerland and enjoy scenic mountain views on a drive through the Simplon Pass, used for centuries as a main trading route between northern Italy and Switzerland and by Napoleon to cross the Alps. Complete your day in the unique, car-less village of Zermatt. (B, L, D) 

Day 5 - Wednesday, September 23: Zermatt

Start your morning by joining a walk with your Tour Manager to get familiar with the quaint mountain village of Zermatt. With free time for the rest of the day, perhaps you’ll follow your curiosity to uncover history in the Matterhorn Museum or follow your adventurous side to the Gornergrat Railway to experience elevated views of the Matterhorn. (B) 

Day 6 - Thursday, September 24: St. Moritz

This morning, experience the world-renowned Glacier Express train.* This iconic train route takes you through some of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, dense forests, and gurgling streams. Your final stop is St. Moritz, with the afternoon at leisure to relax or stroll the lakeside boulevard. (B, L) 

Day 7 - Friday, September 25: Le Prese

Take a rail journey on the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Le Prese, soaking in striking landscapes of the Swiss Alps like the famed Morteratsch glacier. Step off the train in Le Prese, a village nestled between steep mountain slopes on the shores of Lago di Poschiavo. Spend time at a family-owned farm that cultivates aromatic herbs from the sun-drenched slopes of the Val Posciavo region. Learn about the careful processing of the organic herbs in the company’s own factory, the Erboristeria Biologica, and top off the visit with a delicious lunch featuring farm-grown products. After some time to relax, return by motorcoach to St. Moritz. (B, L) 

Day 8 - Saturday, September 26: Lucerne

Today, travel to Lucerne, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Make a stop at the renewed Lion Monument, carved from sandstone to commemorate heroic soldiers of the Swiss Guard. The “Swiss Paradise on the Lake,” nestled among breathtaking mountains and a picturesque lake, is yours to explore. The evening is yours to relax or you may choose to join an optional evening cruise on the lake. (B)

Day 9 - Sunday, September 27: Lucerne

This morning, join a locally guided tour through Lucerne’s Altstadt (Old Town), passing through the covered 14th century Chapel Bridge. Along the way, see the famous Water Tower that once served as a prison. Then, it’s your choice! Choose to take a short funicular ride to exciting views over Lucerne and the lake from the famous Gütsch viewpoint -OR- connect with Lucerne’s natural and cultural heritage at the engaging Museum Lucerne. Later, enjoy the splendour of pure nature while gliding over a clear landscape in panoramic gondolas and spectacular cable cars. Ascend Pilatus** on a unique excursion along the steepest railway in the world. From the top, soak in the magnificent Alpine views from 7,000 feet above sea level. Enjoy leisure time at the summit, where you can stroll along the walkway for new vantage points. Venture back down the mountain by panoramic gondola for another bird’s-eye view. Gather tonight for a farewell dinner featuring Swiss specialties. (B, D) 

Day 10 - Monday, September 28: Return flight to Toronto

Your scenic journey comes to an end today in Lucerne. (B)