A Scenic 5-Day Rail Journey From the Swiss Alps to Lake Como
Discover the perfect blend of Swiss alpine splendour and Italian charm on this five-day rail holiday. Begin in Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, before boarding the breathtaking Bernina Express to journey through snowy peaks and lush valleys into Italy. End your adventure on the tranquil shores of Lake Como, where historic architecture, serene boat rides, and stunning lakeside views await.
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
Overview
Experience the stunning combination of Lake Como and the Swiss Alps on this five-day rail holiday.
Begin your rail holiday to Lake Como with a night in Switzerland’s oldest city Chur, where you can enjoy the charms of the old town and dine at one of the many excellent restaurants. Then, experience the breathtaking scenery of the Bernina Express journey as you travel through snowy Alpine peaks, past lush mountain meadows en route picturesque Lake Como. Here, you can take a boat ride across the serene lake or explore the historic architecture of the Centro Storico, including Como’s impressive Gothic cathedral.
Trip Highlights
- Spend a night in Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city nestled in the Rhine Valley.
- Travel through picturesque mountain vistas onboard the Bernina Express.
- Enjoy three nights exploring the beauty of Lake Como
What's Included
Accommodation
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Chur with breakfast included
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Lake Como with breakfast included
Transport
- Flights to and from the UK (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras)
- Secure reservations for the Eurostar, TGV Lyria and Trenitalia trains
Excursions & Activities
- Full Bernina Express journey from Chur to Tirano
- Lake Como Food Tour
Day’s Itinerary
Get PricesChur
Embark on your journey from London's St Pancras station, with a Eurostar voyage from London to Paris. Transition seamlessly into your trip to Lake Como by rail by whisking through the picturesque landscapes of France en route to Switzerland in just over three hours. Throughout the journey, you’ll be captivated by the scenic beauty of lakes and mountains unfolding outside your window. Once in Zurich, your journey continues to Chur aboard the SBB Swiss Rail, immersing yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland. As the train winds through the picturesque Alpine terrain, breathe in the crisp, invigorating air that defines this region. Arriving in Chur, Switzerland's oldest city, you'll step into a charming Alpine town. (Overnight in Chur)
Como
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Chur, preparing for an unforgettable rail adventure. Board the iconic Bernina Express, renowned for its breathtaking scenic route through the Swiss Alps. As you depart from Chur, you'll immediately be immersed in stunning alpine landscapes, with towering peaks, lush valleys, and picturesque villages. As the train ascends, marvel at the engineering marvel of the Landwasser Viaduct. The train then continues to climb into the high-altitude beauty of the Bernina Range, where you'll be surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glistening glaciers. Descending towards Italy, your train will shortly arrive in Tirano, a charming Italian town where you can stretch your legs and explore. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local restaurants, sampling regional specialties and soaking in the Italian ambiance. You’ll then continue to Lake Como by rail and transfer to a regional train. As you travel through the Italian countryside, the beauty of Lake Como awaits you. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to relax and unwind. (Overnight in Como.)
Como
Today, immerse yourself in the authentic flavours of Lake Como on a guided food tour led by a passionate local expert. Step away from the tourist paths and discover hidden spots known only to locals as you stroll through the town’s charming streets. Along the way, enjoy at least four tastings paired with drinks, from traditional meats and cheeses with wine, to wood-fired pizza from a historic bakery, the regional favourite polenta uncia, crispy “sciat” pancakes, and a sweet finale of fluffy nuvola cake, rounded off with a classic Italian coffee. As you savour each dish, your guide will share stories and anecdotes that bring the area’s culinary traditions to life. This small-group experience also offers plenty of time to socialise and gather insider recommendations for the rest of your stay. (Overnight in Como).
Como
Enjoy a second day in beautiful Como. This rail holiday to Lake Como offers numerous opportunities for watersports, boat trips and even a bit of swimming. Perhaps take the funicular railway up to Brunate for panoramic views, or just sit at a lakeside bar and take in the striking scenery. (Overnight in Como)
Return home
After breakfast, hop on the train of your Lake Como by rail journey travelling from Como to Milan and proceed to the airport for your return flight to the UK. If you prefer the scenic route back to the UK by rail, including an overnight stay elsewhere, speak to one of our specialists who can arrange this, or an alternative extended stay for you.
Quick Enquiry!
Similar Packages
Lake Garda & the Swiss Alps
Best Time: January - December
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Chur with breakfast included
- 3-night’s hotel accommodation in Desenzano with breakfast included
- Bernina Express journey from Chur to Tirano
Italian Lakes Discovery
Best Time: January - December
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Geneva with breakfast included
- 2-night’s hotel accommodation in Stresa with breakfast included
- 3-night’s hotel accommodation in Como & Desenzano with breakfast included
- Lake Como Food Tour
Enchanting Italy
Best Time: January - December
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Geneva with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Venice, Florence & Rome with breakfast included
- Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride
- Priority access to Uffizi Gallery & Roman Forum, Palatine Hill And Colosseum Tour
Scenic Italy
Best Time: January - December
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Venice with breakfast included
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Lake Como with breakfast included
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Sestri Levante with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Florence & Rome with breakfast included
Italian Wonders
Best Time: January - December
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Geneva with breakfast included
- 2-night’s hotel accommodation in Venice, Lake Garda, Florence, Rome & Sorrento with breakfast included
Sicilian Treasures
Best Time: January - December
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Milan with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Taormina with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Catania with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Palermo with breakfast included
Testimonials & Reviews
Got questions about your rail holiday?
What makes Marvellous Escapes’ rail holidays different?
All our trips are 100% tailor-made. We design your journey around your interests, pace, budget, and preferred travel style.
Can you customise my itinerary?
Absolutely. Nothing is off the shelf. Whether you want a scenic rail journey through the Alps, a cultural city break, or a multi-country adventure, we design your itinerary from scratch.
What happens if my train is delayed or cancelled?
If your train is delayed or cancelled, don’t worry, we’re here to help. You’ll have access to our 24-hour on-trip support, and our team will assist with rebooking your journey, adjusting connections, or arranging alternatives where needed. We’ll make sure you can continue your trip with as little disruption as possible.
Do I need to print my train tickets?
We’ll send you a full printed ticket pack 2–3 weeks before departure, which includes all your train tickets, itinerary and travel documents. You’ll also receive a digital copy of your tickets, so you can choose whichever format you prefer when travelling.
What financial protection do you provide?
We protect every booking with our ATOL licence, the UK Package Travel Regulations, and a secure trust account (Protected Trust Services), ensuring your money and your holiday are safe.
Latest Travel Insights
