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Days
10
Price from
£3,265GBP
Map of Alpine Railway Journey - Limited Edition including Germany, Italy and Switzerland

All aboard for a picturesque journey taking in Milan, Lucerne and Zurich

Embrace the romance of the railway on this splendid alpine tour through Italy, Switzerland and Germany. Begin in Milan and enjoy picturesque lakeside towns before rolling on to Zermatt for alpine adventure and incredible views. Ride the steepest cog railway to Mount Pilatus and take in the German city of Munich as you enjoy regional food, historical sights and the relaxing environment of alpine communities. A relaxing and incredibly picturesque journey, you’re sure to be invigorated by the crisp mountain air on this unique European rail tour.

Start
Milan, Italy
Finish
Munich, Germany
Destinations
Germany, Italy, Switzerland
Style
Peregrine
Theme
Limited Edition
Code
PERJ
Physical rating
Traveller’s rating
15 reviews
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 4, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • There's nothing quite like train travel in Europe. This trip covers as much history as it does gorgeous Alpine scenery

  • It's big on relaxation, but not without adventure. Riding the world's steepest cog railway at Mt Pilatus will be a tale for the grandchildren

  • The Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur rates among the greatest, slowest, most romantic train trips in the world

  • Enjoy a chocolate making demonstration in Lucerne. Mixing a passion for chocolate with a pantry full of natural ingredients, a team of chocolate-making magicians will demonstrates their skills exclusively to our group.

  • Listen to thrilling stories of various attempts at the summit of mighty Matterhorn, while snacking on local specialities on the picnic lunch at the foot of the mountain.

  • There's plenty of time to eat, drink and be merry in Munich, the alpine town of delicious regional cuisine, festive beer culture and royal Bavarian heritage

  • At the beautifully located Neuschwanstein Castle, you'll enjoy a guided tour of its fairytale-like interior – a grandiose 19th-century throwback to the Middle Ages

  • Enjoy the view of might Matterhorn from your features stay hotel in Zermatt, the village like no other.

Is this trip right for you?

  • The trains are comfortable and well-equipped with amenities. Most are second-class, which includes reservation and luggage storage, but some might be a regional trains without reserved seats and luggage storage. Please note that you will have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, and also up or down few flights of stairs as unfortunately some of the stations may not have lifts. In that case it is recommended to bring a backpack instead of rigid wheelie suitcase. Make sure the luggage doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'What to Take' section of the trip notes.

  • There are some short boat trips involved, so you'll need to be comfortable with being out on the water. One of these is a peaceful amble around Lake Maggiore (Day 2); the second is a brief ride across Lake Lucerne (Day 5), en route to the Golden Circle route at Mt Pilatus.

  • The Mt Pilatus railway journey is spectacular but steep. Those sensitive to heights should prepare for some views of sheer drops.

Alpine Railway Journey
Germany, Marienplatz
Germany Neuschwanstein Castle
Switzerland Mt Pilatus view of Lake Lucerne
Switzerland view around Zermatt

Itinerary
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Arrive in Milan at any time, you will be met by a Peregrine representative and transferred to your hotel. Meet your trip leader and your fellow companions at the welcome meeting. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner in one of the traditional restaurants near the hotel. After dinner, the rest of the evening is free for you to explore the town, or to rest up in preparation for tomorrow's early start.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Doria Milan or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Welcome dinner in Milan
Meals Included
  • Dinner

Discover Milan, Italy's second largest city, an interesting mix of glamour and industry. Take an orientation walk and see the main sights, including the Duomo (the Gothic cathedral in the centre of town). Later, board the train to Stresa for the first leg of your journey (approximately 1 hour). This small town is situated on the banks of beautiful Lake Maggiore. The three tiny Borromean Islands here, known for their terraced gardens and aristocratic villas, are well worth visiting. Perhaps reach one of them on an afternoon ferry stroll across Lake Maggiore. You'll catch your first views of the Alps in the background.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Milan Speranza au Lac or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ferry trip on Lake Maggiore
Optional Activities
  • Sforzesco Castle - Free
  • La Scala Museum - EUR7
  • Duomo Entrance - EUR2
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you will take another train journey, reaching further in to the Alps. Arrive at the famous mountain resort of Zermatt. On the way, yet more scenic views of the Alps reveal themselves. Continue to Zermatt, a place famed for its mountaineering and excellent skiing. The views of the Swiss Alps are excellent from here if changeable alpine weather permits. At over 4,478 metres above sea level, with the mighty Matterhorn looming above, you might feel you have reached the heart of the Alps. Enjoy included guided walk and listen to the stories of various attempts at the summit; some tragic, some successful, but all fascinating and truly adventurous. Balance of the day is free for you to stroll around town.
Accommodation
  • The Schlosshotel Zermatt or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Guided walk Zermatt
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Wake up this morning to a fresh, crisp Alpine air. The day is free for you to enjoy as you wish. The village of Zermatt itself is lovely and car-free, with old-fashioned brown chalets and winding alleys. Its main street, Bahnhofstrasse is lined with boutique shops, hotels and restaurants. Perhaps enjoy an easy day soaking in the atmosphere of the adventure that surrounds the place. If you feel more active today, walk to Gornerschlucht may be a great way to discover more of the neighbourhood. It is a 20-minute walk from town along the river to this dramatic gorge, carved out of green serpentine rock and accessed by a series of wooden staircases and walkways. When you’re back in Zermatt, make sure you’ll join a line for a street grilled sausage and chunk of bread, a speciality of the region.
Accommodation
  • The Schlosshotel Zermatt or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After a hearty breakfast at the foot of Matterhorn, it's time for a scenic train ride across the alps. The Glacier Express Train will take you from Zermatt through Andermatt to Chur (approximately 6 hours). This is a fascinating journey through scores of tunnels and bridges and over the Oberalp Pass (2,033 m). The train is a narrow-gauge train, known to be one of the slowest in the country. Sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery, which is only made better by the panoramic sightseeing windows on board. There will be lunch on the train – perhaps enjoy it with a glass of crisp Swiss white wine. On arrival to Chur, you will change trains and then continue to Lucerne, where the remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Monopol Luzern or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

This morning will be an early start, but otherwise a leisure one, as you take another epic train to the top of Mount Pilatus via the famous Golden Circle route. Firstly you will take a short boat ride on Lake Lucerne, then board the world’s steepest cog railway to the top of the mountain. On some sections of the trip you may be exposed to the sheer drops and high bridges. Those prone to vertigo might want to refrain from looking down. Luckily the scenery is as gorgeous as it is dramatic. Enjoy panoramic views of the Alps (weather dependent) before taking the aerial cableway and gondolas down to Kriens, from where you will take a short drive back to Lucerne. An orientation walk in Lucerne on arrival will give you some ideas for where to dine this evening, but before that, you will enjoy a classy, private chocolate making show. Mixing a passion for chocolate with a pantry full of natural ingredients, a team of chocolate-making magicians will demonstrates their skills exclusively to our group.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Monopol Luzern or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mt Pilatus Golden Circle
  • Chocolate making demonstration in Lucerne
Optional Activities
  • Transport Museum - CHF30
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Rise early this morning for another train trip. This time you will stop over in Zurich. An orientation walk around town will introduce you to some of its main sites. There will be plenty of time for you to have lunch in one of Zurich's great eateries. Carry on to Munich in the afternoon, arriving in the early evening to check into your hotel. The night is free for you to explore the Bavarian capital or simply relax.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Europa or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Karlsturm Climb Zurich - CHF4
  • Kunsthaus Museum Zurich - CHF22
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Starting early morning we will go on private minibus trip to Schloss Neuschwanstein castle, nineteenth-century Romanesque Revival palace on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau. The palace was built by the King Ludwig II, known to be very shy. The purpose of this beautiful construction was for the king to hide from the public. In 1886, only after 7 weeks from Ludwig II death, the palace was opened to the public and receives a vast numbers of visitors each year. Learning about its history and soaking up the atmosphere of the place we will spend most of our day here. If you fancy feeling like a King or a Queen, try the horse carriage ride around the palace. You will also have a chance to enjoy a lunch in nearby restaurants (at your own expense) You will be back to Munich for late afternoon and dinner.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Europa or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Castle Neuschwanstein guided tour
Optional Activities
  • Deutsches Museum - EUR11
  • Third Reich Tour - EUR15
  • Bavarian Royal Palace- combined ticket 3 sights - EUR13
  • Horse drawn carriage - Castle Neuschwanstein (return) - EUR10
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After a peaceful morning we will take an Orientation Walk around Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Once you know your whereabouts, you may want to visit the Marianplatz, the Neues Rathaus (the New Town Hall), or perhaps the medieval city gates that still remain standing. Another must see is the Englischer Garten, one of the biggest urban parks in the world. Regroup in the late afternoon to enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers. Famous Munich beerhall are the best way to finish of a week of alpine adventure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Europa or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. There are no further activities planned and you are free to depart at any time.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Europa or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

Taxi, Train, Ferry

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (8 nights), Feature Stay (1 night)

Included Activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Welcome dinner in Milan
  • Ferry trip on Lake Maggiore
  • Guided walk Zermatt
  • Mt Pilatus Golden Circle
  • Chocolate making demonstration in Lucerne
  • Castle Neuschwanstein guided tour

Reviews

Our Alpine Railway Journey - Limited Edition trips score an average of 4.8 out of 5 based on 15 reviews in the last year.

Alpine Railway Journey - Limited Edition, May 2018

Pam Longe

Review submitted 15 Jun 2018

Alpine Railway Journey - Limited Edition, May 2018

Ken Buckle

Review submitted 07 Jun 2018

Dates & availability

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Important notes

2019 ITINERARY
The start day of the trip changes to Sunday. This is reflected in 2019 dates available.

A single supplement is available on this trip with no exceptions. Please ask your agent for more details about pricing and availability.

ARRIVAL TRANSFER
An arrival transfer from the airport to the start point hotel is included in the price of the trip. Please advise your travel agent of your flights times at least 2 weeks before your departure date. If you are planning to reach the destination by train or bus, please enquire the possibility of re-scheduling the transfer with your travel agent at the time of booking.

Essential trip information

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