From the spectacular Swiss Peaks and shadow of the iconic Matterhorn Mountain to viewing one of the world's most treasured artworks, and all by 2 of the world’s most breath-taking train journeys really is a holiday by rail to remember! From Zurich head to the heart of the Valais, Zermatt. Spend one night in the village then a full day exploring the wonderful Gornergrat and a night in the historic Hotel Riffelhaus 1853 some 2500m above sea level. After a final night in the village step aboard the famous Glacier Express train in Excellence Class crossing Switzerland to St. Moritz, then the following day it is a journey aboard the breath-taking Bernina Express and onto Milan. Your journey ends with a private guide will show you Da Vinci’s Last Supper in all its glory.
Includes:
· First class rail in Switzerland
· 1 night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
· 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof.
· 1 night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in Hotel Riffelhaus 1853
· 1 night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in St. Moritz
· 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Milan
· Return Gornergrat tickets
· Porterage between the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof and Hotel Riffelhaus 1853
· Excellence Class on the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz
· The Bernina Express
· Private half-day walking tour and visit to The Last Supper in Milan
DAY 1 - Your Journey Begins in Zurich
Following your flight to Zurich, you will check in at your hotel for the night. Enjoy your evening in the wonderful old town. (Overnight Zurich)
DAY 2 Zurich to Zermatt -
At a time of your choosing make your way to Zurich station for your train south. Change trains in Visp and have your cameras ready for some dramatic alpine scenery as the train follows the Matter valley to Zermatt. Call your hotel ahead of time and they will have you picked up from the station and taken to the hotel and for the rest of the day enjoy the grandest hotels in all of Zermatt. The 5* Hotel Zermatterhof is the heart of the village and boasts both an indoor and outdoor pool fabulous spa facilities as well as rooms with the absolute best Matterhorn views. (Overnight Zermatt)
DAY 3 The Gornergrat -
This morning leave your bags with the staff at the hotel and make your way to the Gornergrat train station. The 40min climb to the top on Europe’s second highest railway is one of the most spectacular, passing through fragrant pine forests, and up mountainsides, all under the watchful eye of the majestic Matterhorn Mountain. At the top, you will find a plethora of wonderful walking trails surrounded by 29 peaks rising above 4000m above sea level, and often the chance to spot Ipex, marmot, and other alpine wildlife. The restaurant serves a great lunch, and when you are ready hop on the train down for 5mins to Rotenboden and from here (if the weather allows) follow the walking signs to Riffelalp. The easy downhill route passes the Alpine Lake of Riffelsee, which offers a fabulous reflection of the Matterhorn in all its glory. If you would rather not walk, then simply stay on the train until you reach the Riffelhaus stop and stroll down to your destination is the historic hotel Riffelhaus 1853, which is where you will find your luggage. With just 25 rooms a stay here is unique, and you will follow in the footsteps of mountaineers and royalty. The sunset followed by the gorgeous night sky this high up really are something to behold. (Overnight Riffelhaus)
DAY 4 Riffelhaus and Zermatt -
Enjoy breakfast on the hotel's terrace and take a dip in the spectacular outdoor jacuzzi whilst gazing at the Matterhorn, then at a time of your choosing take the train back down the mountain to the village below. Again, no need to worry about your luggage as it will be taken to the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof on your behalf. Enjoy exploring the village today, visit the impressive Matterhorn Museum which is covered by your Swiss Pass. Speak to any of our Rail Experts if you might like to scale another mountain today, with a trip to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise! (Overnight Zermatt)
DAY 5 The Glacier Express -
Step onboard the famous red train of the Glacier Express and enjoy the next 8hrs of truly breath-taking scenery in the luxury of Excellence Class. You will be served a total of 8 different courses along the way, whilst crossing 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels. The stunning climb out of Andermatt over the Oberalp Pass, and the Rhine Gorge are just 2 of the highlights along the route, and the average train speed of 24 miles an hour means it is extremely hard to miss from your comfortable reclining seat. Call your hotel in Zermatt ahead of time and they will meet you from the station. Enjoy your evening with dinner by the lake in St. Moritz. (Overnight St. Moritz)
DAY 6 The Bernina Express -
Today is another day that will live long in the memory as you travel from Switzerland into Italy via the World Heritage Rhaetian Railway onboard the iconic Bernina Express train. From colossal mountain peaks and glistening glaciers, the train meanders through numerous spectacular passes and over some amazing pieces of engineering such as the famous spiral of the Brussio Viaduct down into the palm tree-lined valley of Poschiavo. At Tirano why not enjoy a pizza and glass of wine before hopping onboard the regional train to Milan. (Overnight Milan)
DAY 7 Milan and The Last Supper -
Following breakfast make your way to the Duomo and meet your personal guide for the next four hours. Take a leisurely stroll and learn all there is to know about Milan’s major sights such as the Duomo itself, the Art Nouveau Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, La Scala Opera House, and the Sforza Castle, a 14th-century fortified complex home to museums and art collections Your guide will lead you through the heart of Milan’s fashion district and on to the famous refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazies’ church, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, one of the world’s most famous pieces of art. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. (Overnight Milan)
DAY 8 Your Journey Ends in Milan -
You will be met at your hotel today and driven to the airport for your flight home. Do speak to any of our Rail Experts if you might like to return by train however or extend your travels elsewhere.
All prices are subject to availability and change at any time by the supplier, information and details all supplied by Railbookers.
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