The Experience

Visiting Switzerland, Venice, and Milan in 4 nights would be a whirlwind experience, offering a taste of diverse cultures and landscapes. Explore the stunning Swiss Alps, picturesque lakes, and charming towns like Interlaken or Lucerne. Experience Swiss efficiency, enjoy delectable chocolate, and marvel at breathtaking scenery. Immerse yourself in the romantic ambiance of Venice, known for its intricate canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. Discover iconic landmarks like St. Mark's Square, take a gondola ride, and savor authentic Italian cuisine along winding alleyways. Delve into Milan's cosmopolitan atmosphere, renowned for its fashion, art, and architecture. Visit the majestic Duomo, explore Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, and indulge in shopping at the upscale boutiques of Via Montenapoleone. After eventful days, unwind in the conveniently located hotels that offer contemporary accommodation in en suite rooms.

Travel to Venice by rail via the scenic Simplon Pass and through the Swiss Alps

The Lucerne-Interlaken Panoramic Express

The Lucerne-Interlaken Express turns the journey between the two cities into a remarkable experience. In just two hours, passengers can admire five crystal clear mountain lakes, surrounded by protective rock faces. The train utilizes cogwheel technology to conquer the steep ascent of Brünig Pass. Once arrived in Interlaken, why not take a cruise on either Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. Enquire with any of our knowledgeable Rail Experts about a short trip to the top of Harder Kulm, where you can enjoy a dinner with a breathtaking view.

Lakes on the route:

1. Lake Luzern

2. Alpnachersee

3. Lake Sarnen

4. Lake Lungern

5. Lake Brienz

Experience the iconic European cities of Switzerland and Italy on this four-night vacation by rail. Spending your nights in beautiful cities of Switzerland, further continue your journey through the magnificent scenery of the Swiss Alps, riding the rails through the Simplon Pass towards the enchanting city of Venice. Once in Venice, spend memorable moments exploring the must-see landmarks and attractions of this sought after destination.

Begin your explorations of this magical city. Of course, no vacation to Venice would be complete without taking a gondola ride along the fairytale-like canals. Stoll the vibrant St. Mark’s Square, see the Basilica and maybe visit the Doge's Palace.

With so much to see, experience, and taste, there’s no telling what kind of memories you’re bound to make today. Start with a short walking tour for some stories of the city's labyrinthine streets and campos (squares), then enjoy a gondola ride down the Grand Canal. Visit museums, exquisite art galleries and ornate churches, indulge in some authentic Italian cuisine by the water, peruse the Rialto Markets, or take a tour of the famous glassblowers on Murano island. In the evening watch the world go by from one of the historic cafés on St Mark's Square with a with a glass of local Prosecco or a Bellini.

The Itinerary

• Day 1: Fly to Zurich/Geneva & further take the train from Zurich/Geneva to Luzern & stay overnight in Luzern.
• Day 2: Take the Panoramic Express from Luzern to Interlaken & stay Overnight in Interlaken.
• Day 3: Take the train from Interlaken to Brig. Take the Simplon Pass scenic route by bus from Brig to Domodossola. Further, take the train from Domodossola to Milan & stay overnight in Milan.
• Day 4: Take the train from Milan to Venice & stay overnight in Venice.
• Day 5: Fly back to the UK.

The Hotels

• ibis Styles Luzern City or Baeren Hotel, The Bear Inn in Switzerland
• B&B Hotel Milano Sesto in Milan
• Hotel Garibaldi in Venice

Groupon's Guide To Venice

The capital of the Veneto region, listed as a World Heritage Site, Venice is set on a group of 118 small islands separated by a labyrinth of canals and linked by century-old bridges. Collonaded squares, domes and arches can be seen while on a sleek motorboat or during a gondola ride that will carry visitors through the city's main waterways.

Tourists shouldn't miss out on the opportunity to visit the Doge’s Palace, a symbol of the republic’s wealth and mastery over land and sea. On the eastern end of St. Mark’s Square, the world-renowned Byzantine basilica has become a landmark of the city with its four bulbous domes and golden mosaics. Throughout the cobbled streets, there are countless shops where travellers can pick out unique handmade masks painted according to the 800-year-old Venetian tradition.

Groupon's Guide To Milan

A magnet for designers, artists, photographers, and models, Milan is one of the world's fashion centres, boasting an elegant backdrop rooted in Roman times.

From its imposing historic centre and fashion districts to the countryside outskirts, Milan is a rare and appealing mixture of ancient values and contemporary lifestyle. The Navigli area features an abundance of restaurants, ranging from pizzerias to fine seafood haunts, while Piazza del Duomo, boasting the Milan Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in the world guarding the city’s cobblestoned streets since 1385, opens to shops, theatres, museums, and galleries in the city centre. Big fashion names can be found in the Corso Buenos Aires or Corso Vercelli, and cultural sights are plentiful, including attractions such as the Sforza Castle. Art lovers will rejoice at the chance to take in Italian art from the 14th century to modern times at Pinacoteca di Brera. Milan has a humid subtropical climate with hot days of summer and humid rather cold days of winter. During summer, the temperatures are expected to be around 21°C and sometimes a sudden rain accompanied by thunderstorms will thrill the cityscape. Spring and autumn come with moderate weather conditions when the nights will be colder than the days, and rainy moments will be frequent. Winter knocks at the door with temperatures around 7°C, but the sun won't shine like in the previous months.

Groupon's Guide To Switzerland

Switzerland is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including the majestic Alps, pristine lakes, and picturesque villages. The country is famous for its chocolate, with Swiss chocolate considered among the finest in the world, thanks to its high-quality ingredients and craftsmanship. Switzerland is home to numerous international organizations, including the United Nations Office in Geneva and the International Red Cross, making it a global hub for diplomacy and humanitarian efforts. Despite its small size, Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh, reflecting its rich cultural diversity. The Swiss are known for their punctuality and precision, which is evident in their world-class public transportation system, renowned for its efficiency and reliability.