Traverse the majestic Swiss Alps and Italian Lakes on iconic rail journeys. Witness the marvel of mountain engineering as you glide past snow-capped peaks and secluded villages. Absorb the pioneering spirit of early mountaineers and explore the historic villas and islands dotting Lake Maggiore. Immerse yourself in the region's culture, absorbing the grand spectacle of this Alpine wonderland.
Travel Style
National Geographic Signature
Service Level
Luxury
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Signature Moment: Matterhorn Museum After-Hours Visit, Zermatt
Signature Moment: Segantini Museum, St. Moritz
Your Foodie Moment: Chocolate Making Demonstration, St. Moritz
Your Foodie Moment: Rocca di Angera Cooking Class, Angera
Signature Moment: Isola Bella Visit and Dinner, Isola Bella. Arrival and Departure Transfer. Lucerne Walking Tour. Gornergrat Visit. Expert Led Walk to Zermatt. Matterhorn Museum. Expedition Leader Walk of Zermatt. Cable Car to Furi. Gondola to Glacier Paradise. Glacier Express to St Moritz. Expert Segantini Museum. Muottas Muragi Funicular. Confectionary shop Lecture and Chocolate Making Demonstration. Bernina Pass Train Ride. Cruise to Villa del Balbianello with Tour. Expedition Leader Led Walk of Bellagio. Rocca di Angera Cooking Class. Walking Tour of Isola Madra. Walking Tour of Borremeo Villa. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expert Throughout. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Enjoy a spectacular early-morning ride through Alpine valleys travelling in comfort into the Italian-speaking area, Enjoy an exclusive post-closure talk with the Museum Director detailing the mountain's history and first ascent, Learn to prepare fresh pasta inside the historic Rocca di Angera castle followed by a wine tasting, Gain insight into Alpine art and landscapes during a curator-led tour of the Segantini Museum in St. Moritz, Take a private walking tour of the Borromeo Villa on Isola Bella followed by an exquisite farewell dinner with spectacular views of Lake Maggiore.
How large will the group be?
Max 22.
What meals are included in this trip?
9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, train (first class or best available seating), cable car, gondola, local bus, private boat, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (9 nts).
Itinerary
Zürich/Lucerne
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.
Lucerne/Zermatt
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.
Zermatt
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.
Zermatt
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..
Zermatt/St. Moritz
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.
St. Moritz
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.
St. Moritz/Lago Maggiore
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.
Lago Maggiore
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.
Lago Maggiore
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.
Lago Maggiore
Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
