Combine one of Europe's most spectacular scenic rail journeys with 5 nights on beautiful Lake Como. Travel through Switzerland aboard the Bernina Express, crossing dramatic Alpine landscapes into Italy, before exploring Lake Como's elegant towns, historic villas and gardens. Return via Switzerland with an overnight stay in Karlsruhe, Germany.

Key highlights

Travel aboard the Bernina Express, one of Europe's most scenic trains, crossing the Swiss Alps via the famous Landwasser Viaduct and Bernina Pass.

Enjoy 5 nights beside Lake Como, with four full days to explore its beautiful towns, gardens and waterfront promenades.

Discover Bellagio, Menaggio and other lakeside villages, travelling by boat across the lake and enjoying views of the surrounding mountains.

Experience two contrasting Alpine rail routes, travelling south via the Bernina Pass and returning north through Switzerland's Gotthard region.

Explore Karlsruhe, with its grand Baroque palace, spacious gardens and attractive city centre, before continuing home through France.

The route

Chur

Como

Karlsruhe

London

Distance

400 miles

Travelling Time

~9 hours

Days

8 days

The route

1

Chur

2

Como

3

Karlsruhe

4

London

Distance

400 miles

Travelling Time

~9 hours

Days

8 days

Day 1

London to Chur

Begin your holiday aboard Eurostar, travelling from London to Paris before continuing by high-speed TGV Lyria towards Switzerland. After changing trains in Basel, enjoy the journey across northern Switzerland to Chur, the country's oldest city and gateway to the spectacular mountain landscapes of Graubünden. With its attractive Old Town, winding streets and historic buildings, Chur provides a welcoming introduction to Switzerland and a convenient starting point for tomorrow's Alpine adventure.

Extend the Journey

It's quite a long day of travel from London to Chur, so why not take the opportunity to visit one or more places along the way? Paris, Strasbourg and Basel are all popular cities to stop off en route to eastern Switzerland.

Day 2

Chur to Como via the Bernina Express

Today brings one of the highlights of your holiday as you board the famous Bernina Express. Travel through the magnificent landscapes of the Swiss Alps, crossing the iconic Landwasser Viaduct, passing mountain lakes and climbing towards the Bernina Pass before descending into Italy. At Tirano, change onto a regional train towards Lake Como, where a boat journey to Como town provides a memorable introduction to the lake and its beautiful mountain surroundings. Como town is your base for the next 5 nights.

Day 3

- 6

Lake Como

Enjoy four full days discovering the beauty of Lake Como, with its colourful waterfront towns, elegant villas and dramatic mountain scenery.

From Como town, regular boats provide opportunities to explore different parts of the lake. Visit Bellagio, celebrated for its narrow lanes, waterfront restaurants and beautiful gardens, or discover Menaggio, with its attractive promenade and relaxed atmosphere. Closer to Como, Cernobbio is known for its grand lakeside villas, while smaller villages such as Moltrasio and Faggeto Lario offer a quieter glimpse of life beside the water.

You might also enjoy exploring Como itself, with its impressive cathedral, lively squares and lakeside promenade, or taking the funicular to Brunate for panoramic views across the lake and surrounding mountains. With plenty of time at your disposal, you can combine sightseeing and boat excursions with leisurely lunches, lakeside walks and opportunities to simply enjoy the scenery.

Day 7

Como to Karlsruhe

Leave Lake Como behind and travel north through Switzerland, passing the beautiful landscapes of Ticino and Lake Lugano before continuing towards the Gotthard region. Enjoy the changing scenery as you journey from Italian-speaking Switzerland towards the country's German-speaking north.

Continue into Germany to Karlsruhe, a city known for its distinctive fan-shaped street layout, grand Baroque palace and spacious gardens. Its attractive centre provides a pleasant setting for your final evening, with restaurants, cafés and historic squares to explore.

Day 8

Karlsruhe to London

After breakfast, begin your journey home, travelling by high-speed train to Paris through the landscapes of southwestern Germany and eastern France. Continue by Eurostar to London, arriving later in the day after a memorable holiday combining spectacular Alpine rail journeys with the relaxed beauty of Lake Como.

Enhance your holiday

Swap destinations

Here are other destinations you could choose to swap with:

TRIPS

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TRIPS

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TRIPS

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Enhance your holiday

Swap destinations

Here are other destinations you could choose to swap with:

TRIPS

0

TRIPS

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TRIPS

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Upgrade your travel

Upgrade all rail journeys on this holiday to First Class from £150 per person and enjoy quieter coaches and more space to relax.

Day trips & excursions

Enjoy private lake cruises, visits to Como's celebrated gardens or even a cookery class by looking at our options on Viator. We can also help with private transfers to places like Bellinzona (Switzerland), Bergamo and Swiss capital Bern. Or alternatively, ask us about train tickets to Milan for the day, only 40 minutes away on a regional service.