Classic 4.6 feefo-stars

Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains

featuring a cruise on Lake Maggiore and scenic trains in Switzerland & Italy
9 DAYS
$3,599 pp*
Save up to $120
*Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy, tour inclusions and available options may vary based on departure date.
Please select a date below for more details.

About This Tour

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Climb aboard legendary Alpine railways and set out on a journey across the captivating Alpine landscapes of Switzerland and Italy. Ride 3 legendary train routes – the GoldenPass Panoramic Train, the Glacier Express, and the Bernina Pass Train. Explore Lucerne, the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Relax in some of Europe’s most stunning and exclusive resort villages, including Zermatt, St Moritz and Lake Maggiore, Italy. Spend time at a family-owned farm where you sample their handmade cheeses paired with local wine. Cruise across one of the world’s most scenic lakes – Lago Maggiore. Across 2 countries, pass by towering mountain landscapes and discover quaint villages.

Your Tour Includes
  • 4 Handpicked Accommodations
  • 11 Meals
  • 2 Choice on Tour Options
Included Highlights
  • Lucerne
  • GoldenPass Train
  • Zermatt
  • Choice on Tour

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Your Tour at a Glance

Stay

9 Days

8 Nights


Meals

11 Meals

7 Breakfasts

1 Lunches

3 Dinners


Activity

2 - Moderate

What's This?

Travel Style

Classic

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Best Time for travel
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Post Tour 2 Night Milan

$549.00 pp

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Optional Excursions

Starting at $75.00

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* With Insurance Purchased

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  • Traveling Well Safety
  • No booking fee, *no change fees
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Getting Prepared

Know Before You Go

Enhance Your Tour

Accommodations

Arrive Earlier

Pre Night: Hotel Astoria Lucerne
From $240 per night

...
Hotel Astoria Lucerne

Nights 1-2

...
Hotel Alex

Nights 3-4

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Hotel Steffani

Night 5

...
Zacchera Hotels

Nights 6-7

Stay Longer

Post Night: Zacchera Hotels
From $130 per night

Trip Reviews

Live, Unedited, & Independent Traveler Reviews

Rating

112 reviews
Overall Trip Rating
4.6
Out of 5
feefo-stars
Based on 112 independent reviews
5
77
4
26
3
6
2
1
1
2
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Everything was great. ….
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    Thought the 7 hour train ride was quite long - views were fabulous though
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    The trip was beautiful! I would highly recommend adding the train ride up to the Madahorn to the agenda as it was the best part of the trip. The 7 hour bus ride was a bit long and would have been more fun to break it up a bit and see something else instead of sitting that long. Other than that, it was wonderful!
    Sandra Mountz
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Loved the trip-would do it again
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    3star
    Too much land covered in a short amount of time. I would have liked to spend more time in Zermatt.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    To much time spent on buses in small seats. Tour manager kept walking too fast leaving some couples behind on our walking tours. Spectacular scenery.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    We had a fantastic Tour Manager. The hotel in Lucerne, the Astoria, was not up to standards, due to a club on the top floor that had loud music with an intense bass until 4am. Very unsatisfactory. More time at Montreal would have been nice. The Hotel Alex was exceptional.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    The gondola ride to the top of the alps was awe inspiring. The hotels were very nice and clean. One had beautiful views of the lake. The food, the wine the people. It was just such a great experience.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Informative, good pace, great tour manager
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Nice amount of free time. Great restaurants. Guide was great
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    This was supposed to be my dream trip of traveling by train - especially the Glacier Express - across Switzerland. Prior to my departure, I began trying to contact Collette about the possibility of upgrading my Glacier Express ticket to Excellence Class. My travel agent also contacted Collette. I was told our tickets were for 2nd class - with no option to change. I was so disappointed. Sitting 2 X 2 with a couple who talked incessantly about their careers, trips, money, etc. for eight hours was a bit overwhelming. We didn’t have much room for our feet. The meal was good. I did, however, have my earphones playing beautiful Swiss music in my ear. Thank goodness for that perk. Prior to my Collette trip, I had dreamed of sitting on the train for eight hours, just enjoying looking at the beautiful scenery, in my own dream world. As I said - the Glacier Express was supposed to be the highlight of the trip. Then - to top it off - when I boarded the Bernina Pass, the same couple sat with me on that two-hour journey. I must confess, I think I might have been a little rude because I only wanted to view the scenery - not listen to the ‘braggarts!’ The other train ride from Gstaad to Montreux was also less than enjoyable. As I understand, a group of school children were sitting in our tour group’s car, so as the train made it’s very short stop, we had to hurriedly cram into whatever seats we could find in another car. I understand - Collette has very little control over the actual train rides. BUT this was advertised as ‘Scenic Trains,’ and I wanted to enjoy the scenery in quiet wonder. I am disappointed. I have traveled with Collette many, many times - and actually have more Collette trips already scheduled. This is one of the first times that I am really complaining about the packaging of the tour. Please take this under advisement, because I would imagine that other Collette travelers would welcome traveling in Excellence Class rather than Class 2.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    From booking through the tour itself, the entire process was very well organized. The Collette customer service team is the best and all aspects of the tour met or exceeded my expectations.
    Thomas Gannon
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    It's so wonderful to travel with trust that all my needs are met. My only requirement was to enjoy. Who could ask for more.
    Judith Haggerty
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Beautiful scenery while on the train Winery trip
    Veena Girdhar
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  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Beautiful scenery and wonderful people. Tour guide very knowledgeable.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Loved the town of Zermatt. The Matterhorn was awesome
    Mae Bomnskie
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    The entire tour was amazing
    Jamie Shashack
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Well organized and efficiently run.
    Joanne Gallo
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Beautiful tour, scenery was great! Tour guide was very helpful.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    The train rides were exceptional!
    Willa Jackson
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Loved all the cities and places visited. My favorites were Luzerne and Zermatt. Especially liked the stop at Mt. Pilatus just outside Luzerne. Train travel was comfortable and quite scenic.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Great trip with lots of things to do. Enjoyed the ability to get out and tour on my own pace.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    The trains were spectacular; the views breathtaking. The tour's pace was the best mix of group and free time; I never felt rushed. See you next time!
    Denise Gelfand
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    Trainstrainstrainstrainstr
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Hotel room in Lucerne was a little small and the bus seating a little cramped.
    Philip Gayari
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    Disappointed in the room size in Lucerne and the tight conditions on the bus.
    Eileen Gayari
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Really enjoyed the tour. Best part was the cruise of Lake Como.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    2star
    Wonderful trip inspire of the guide
    Emmett Guest
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    3star
    The tour was good . Trip via cable car up the mountain was beautiful
    Christine La Torre
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    Our first room overlooked a construction sight. The next 2 hotels were5 stars. The optional train ride to the Matterhorn was awesome. The Glacier Express though a little too long was relaxing and the scenery was non stop
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    All aspects of or tour were well-planned and well-managed, our guide was excellent as were the hotels we stayed in.
    William Lively
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    I enjoyed the trip very much. The Matterhorn was incredibly beautiful! Will definitely recommend Collette.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    The tour guide was excellent and made the trip a great experience.
    Larry Lijewski
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Seeing the matterhorn and great weather
    Carol Lijewski
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Trains to all locations plus Italy tour in small village
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    The top of the Matterhorn
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    The train tours were excellent. The Matterhorn was unforgettable. The Swiss countryside was beautiful If you would like more details on the tour guide, please let me know
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Seeing the Mattahorn from your hotel balcony was breath-taking. The train rides were scenic and each day top with the last with the Bernina Train ride the best of all. Could not sit with so many views to photograph.
    Jane Loupos
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    The train rides can be long, but what beautiful scenery- mountains, valleys, glaciers, quaint villages. Loved Zermott. Fun walking street and what views of the Matterhorn. Unbelievably clean, safe and friendly.
    Michael Miller
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Mt. Pilatus Gornergrat - Zermatt
    Joanne Richards
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    The tour surpassed my expectations! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and made it an enjoyable experience for all. I can’t think of one time when we were not impressed by the beauty of the country side.
    Thomas Hayes
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    I loved the free time to explore and the excursions each day.
    Marcia Fisher
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    The tour exceeded our expectations. Lovely hotels, great food, stunning scenery, and wonderful memories
    Elizabeth Anton
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    We enjoyed both the optional excursions, and the included events. I really enjoyed all the train trips that were part of this package, and the group with which we traveled was very friendly and prompt. The side trip to Oira to meet Mario was a definite highlight.
    David R
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    I enjoyed the itinerary the scenery and the food Plus the companionship of my fellow travelers . Our Tour guide and Driver were the best ever.
    Marjorie Courtney
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    The Matterhorn! Such an amazing day!
    Cynthia Stonecipher
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Lucerne and Zermatt were beautiful. We did the optional excursions to the top of Mt. Pilatus in Lucerne and Gornergrat in Zermatt and we'd highly recommend both.
    Carole Prest
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    It is worth every star given.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    1star
    Riding the trains through the Alps was memorable. The stay in Stressa was fantastic and was a dream-come-true to express the Italian Lakes.
    Elyse Sporkin
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    There was a good mixture of travel on the bus, train, and boat rides. We especially liked the train ride through the mountain past the glacier.
    James Norris
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    No favorites. Began in Lucerne, which was awesome, and every day kept getting better and better. Really enjoyed Zermatt, and Glacier Express, and glacier.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Switzerland was amazing. Como was disappointing
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Beautiful people, amazing views!
    Wendy Legere
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    All of it was, can't say there was one bad thing about it
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    1star
    Scenery and people. matterhorn.
    Debra Johnston
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    optional train ride to top of mountain in Lucern
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Zermatt and the glacier paradise
    Lesley Mchugh
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Loved the trips up the mountain. Train rides were fun and scenic. The all day train trip was too long. Lake Como ferry was fun but we had to turn in our earphones in Switzerland and couldn't hear any narrative from our guide. Overall we loved it and would do it again!
    Sandra Sheppard
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    There were so many memorable experiences that it's difficult to choose. No doubt, The Mount Pilatus tour was one of the highlights.
    Keith Winters
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    The train excursions through Switzerland were unforgettable.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Hard to pick one thing. All was so good
    Judith Boldt
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    wonderful scenery, European trains are clean, quiet and on time. Loved the gondola rides and getting so close to the glaciers.
    Donna Nelson
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Each stop was well planned and very well coordinated.
    William Unger
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Definitely worth the money
    Debra Unger
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    Good hotels and itinerary
    Jeevajothie Karthigesan
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Everything on the tour was great
    Emanuel Bachman
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    Loved Lucerne best, Lakes Como and Maggiore a close second. Unfortunate rain in Zermatt and could barely see the Matterhorn, but Hotel Alex was my favorite hotel/resort of the trip.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Traveling through Alps on trains
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Great tour guide. Loved Zermatt.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Shopping and tour at Zermatt. We liked the village.
    Rosalyn Kolb
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Zermatt was a favorite place.
    Grace George
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    Really liked the glacier!
    Daniel Sherman
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Overall, a wonderful tour. Great manager and group. Only request would be to have a nicer hotel in Lucerne. And maybe a nicer get together for the group in the beginning of the tour. The restaurant at the hotel was just ok. Something a little more special to start off the tour on a good note!
    Sandra Mccarthy
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Our guide, Cinthya ! She was fantastic.
    Charles Lombardo
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    The tour was beautiful and just as stated - lakes and trains. My favorite city was Zermatt although Lucerne was a close second. Everyone we encountered was friendly. Aside from getting close to the Matterhorn, the food is really something to rave about.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    The trip up Mt. Pilatus was most enjoyable!
    Michael Gingerich
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Great tour of the Swiss and Italian Alps
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    All of it. it was a beautiful tour,
    James Dowling
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    We got what we paid for and more. Truly a great experience.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    great hotels, perfect itinery
    John Conroy
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    Tour guide could have made this trip excellent, but because he was not very informative, unless you asked a question, most times it was a quite bus ride. He did get a little better towards then end....BUT
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    When looking for a tour of Switzerland, the Glacier Express and Zermatt had to be on the itinerary. Seeing the Matterhorn on a clear day in Zermatt was truly a highlight.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    3star
    See first response. Final dinner was amazing...all other group dinners were a disappointment.
    Kathleen Hinkley
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Seeing the Matterhorn and also one day it snowed while we were on the train. Also Isle Bella--don't miss it! Zermatt--well perfection.
    Frances Hatton
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Great scenery. My favorite was a special trip up to Gornergrat. The Bernini Pass by train on a SNOWY day was also wonderful.
    Elizabeth Ford
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Very good mix of free and organized time
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Tour guide was fantastic. She kept us moving and on time providing lots of info and many great comments about the area and sights. The Alps were beautiful and the weather was great. The tour ended too soon.
    Douglas Gausman
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Loved Lake Lucerne and Lake Maggiero - scenery was spectacular and tour director was extremely knowledgeable about everything. I think she made the trip the success it was *Personal details removed by Feefo*. Would love to travel with her again.
    Agnes Grounard
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Just had a very pleasant vacation
    Daniel Grounard
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    Skiing in zermatt was very memorable
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    3star
    Beautiful scenery and interesting tour. Average hotel accommodations but below average dinner meals.
    Wayne Ashenberg
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    Train ride to St Moritz too many hours, beautiful scenery. Matterhorn is a must see, best part of the trip.
    David Hammond
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    3star
    There is room for improvement in the quality of food.
Reviewed on
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    Going to the top of the Matterhorn, and then at Lake Maggiiore, Isola Bella gardens, and Bottromeo castle. This definitely should be included in the trip.
    Sandra Cabral
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    well organized tour and interesting sights
    George Burkett
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    3star
    Most of the tour was enjoyable.. Travel train to Italy from St. Moritz was too long. Could have used more free time in St. Moritz. Disappointed in hotel in Zermatt ( back room without flowered balcony as most rooms had ). Guide and driver were excellent. Wine sampling in Italy was great as well. Disappointed with very limited wine at dinner in Switzerland ( compared to Spanish trip we took last year with Collette ). Included dinners were ok but nothing special.
    Gerard Dillmann
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Wonderful itinerary. Great guide. Countries were beautiful.
    Arthur Mcquillan
Reviewed on
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Not enough time to shop for souvenirs; Gondola ride to glacier (an add on for this trip our guide said) was great and the old city of Oira (spelling?) was fabulous. Mount Pilatus was good as was the Matterhorn. I can't say enough positive about our tour guide Jan. His command of languages was awe inspiring and he was affable all the while. The best tour manager we have ever had by far! We've been on at least six tours.
    Bebe
Reviewed on
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    Lots of extra's popped into the tour, so we kept busy most of the time. Lucerne was a peaceful and beautiful start for a tour with majestic views. Vast views on train journeys, and opportunities to get up close to the scenery. Lots of Kodak moments!
    Tessa
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    An excellent Italian coach driver. There was a round of applause when he reached the bottom of a steep pass. The mountains, lakes and glaciers were stunning. The tour manager took two group photos but I didn't receive them.
Reviewed on
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    The overall trip was great and we really enjoyed the trains and Zermatt.
    Dennis
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    Tour was great except for tour guide who confused a lot of people and thought she was funny when on the mike. I will say she was very knowledgeable about the Switzerland.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    I loved the stop at the glacier outside of St. Moritz. It reminded me of how much I love snow.
    Betty
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    5 stars
    Traveling high up into Alps on cog railway and descending via the gondola!! Magnificent scenery!!
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Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    Lucerne stay was definitely a highlight. Lago Maggiore dinner on Isola dei Pescatori was delightful. The village of Oira was also unforgettable.
Reviewed on
  • Trip Rating:
    4 stars
    Seeing the Matterhorn from my hotel room window!
    Glenda
Reviewed on

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