Beyond Italy · Switzerland
Switzerland & Italy tours
Lakes, mountain railways and Alpine villages, just across the border from Lake Como. Switzerland is its own country, not part of Italy, and we plan it on its own or combined with Italy.
Beyond Italy
A separate country, one smooth journey
Switzerland is an independent country outside the European Union, with its own currency, the Swiss franc, and four national languages, including Italian in Ticino.
Its lakes and Alps flow naturally into ours: Lucerne and the Bernina Express are a scenic train ride from Lake Como, so we often combine the two countries in a single journey.
Getting around
Every train and border, handled
Switzerland’s scenic railways are a highlight in themselves. We book trains, transfers and border crossings so moving between the two countries is effortless.
Scenic trains
The Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano and other panoramic routes, with reserved seats.
Mountain excursions
The Golden Round Trip to Mt Pilatus by boat, cogwheel railway and cable car.
Private drivers
Cross-border transfers between Lake Como, Lugano, Lucerne and Zurich.
City guides
Private guides in Lucerne and Zurich.
Sample itinerary
Six days in Switzerland and Lake Como
Based on our real family proposals: two countries, mountains and lakes.
- Day 1 · Zurich to LucerneArrival in Zurich and a transfer to Lucerne’s old town and Chapel Bridge.
- Day 2 · Mt PilatusA private tour with a cruise on Lake Lucerne and the ride up Mt Pilatus.
- Day 3 · Into ItalyA scenic journey south across the Alps to Lake Como.
- Days 4–5 · Lake ComoA guided hike from Como up to Brunate and a full day on the lake by boat.
- Day 6 · DepartureA private transfer to Milan, or onwards through Italy.
When to go
Switzerland through the year
Switzerland is a year-round destination.
Spring
Blossom by the lakes and snow on the peaks.
Summer
Mountain railways, hiking and lake cruises at their best.
Autumn
Golden larches and crisp, clear days.
Winter
Snow, skiing and Christmas markets.
Combining two countries
Switzerland and Italy together
Our most popular combinations pair Lucerne or St. Moritz with Lake Como, Lake Maggiore or Milan, then continue through Italy.
Switzerland and Italy grand tour · Lake Como · Lake Maggiore
Is Switzerland part of Italy?
No. Switzerland is a separate country, with its own currency, the Swiss franc. It is not a member of the European Union but is part of the Schengen area, so the same entry rules apply as for Italy.
Its Italian-speaking region, Ticino, borders Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, which makes Switzerland a natural and easy addition to an Italian lakes journey.
What are the best things to do in Switzerland?
Switzerland is a separate country, and combined with Italy it adds spectacular mountain railways, alpine lakes and elegant towns to your journey. These are the experiences we most often include:
The Bernina Express. Ride one of the world’s most scenic railways from Tirano, in Italy, across the Alps to St. Moritz.
St. Moritz. Enjoy the glamour of this famous alpine resort, its lake and its mountain views.
Lugano. Stroll the lakefront of the Italian-speaking Ticino region, less than an hour from Lake Como.
Lucerne. Walk across the Chapel Bridge and take a boat or cogwheel railway to Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi.
Zermatt and the Matterhorn. Ride the Gornergrat railway for unforgettable views of the Matterhorn.
The Glacier Express. Travel between Zermatt and St. Moritz on this legendary panoramic train.
Locarno, Ascona and the Verzasca Valley. Discover the northern shores of Lake Maggiore and the emerald waters of the Verzasca.
Zurich. Explore the old town and the lakefront of Switzerland’s largest city.
The Jungfrau region. Reach the Jungfraujoch, one of the highest railway stations in Europe.
Swiss cheese and chocolate. Taste the country’s famous specialities, from Gruyères cheese to artisan chocolate.
How can I combine Switzerland with a trip to Italy?
Very easily. Lugano is less than an hour from Lake Como, and Locarno is at the northern end of Lake Maggiore. St. Moritz can be reached on the Bernina Express from Tirano, and Zermatt is around three hours from Milan.
We design seamless journeys that combine the Italian lakes, Milan or the Dolomites with the Swiss Alps, with private transfers and train reservations all taken care of.
What is the Bernina Express?
The Bernina Express is one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, crossing the Alps between Tirano in Italy and St. Moritz or Chur in Switzerland. The route is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with dramatic viaducts, glaciers and mountain passes.
The panoramic carriages require a seat reservation, so we book them in advance, and we can arrange a private transfer from Lake Como to Tirano to start the journey.
Read our guide to riding the Bernina Express from Lake Como.
How many days should I spend in Switzerland?
As an addition to an Italian journey, three to five days work well, for example a few nights in St. Moritz after the Bernina Express, or in Lucerne and Zermatt. With more time, you can include the Glacier Express, which travels between Zermatt and St. Moritz in about eight hours.
What is the best time to visit Switzerland?
Summer, from June to September, is ideal for lakes, mountain railways and hiking. Winter brings excellent skiing and snowy landscapes, especially in St. Moritz and Zermatt. The Bernina Express runs all year round, and the journey is spectacular in every season.
Do I need a visa or ETIAS for Switzerland?
Switzerland follows the same Schengen rules as Italy, so most visitors from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia do not need a visa for short stays. When ETIAS is introduced, it will also apply to Switzerland, and one authorisation will cover a journey through both countries.
Is Switzerland expensive to visit?
Switzerland is generally more expensive than Italy, especially for hotels, dining and transport. We plan efficient itineraries and select hotels and experiences that offer the best value for your budget, so you can enjoy the Swiss Alps without surprises.
Are your Switzerland tours private?
Yes. Every journey we design that includes Switzerland, a separate country, is private and tailor-made, usually combined with the Italian lakes, Milan or the Dolomites.
That means private transfers between Italy and Switzerland, reserved seats on the Bernina Express and Glacier Express, and hotels chosen for location and comfort.
You also have 24/7 assistance in the Italian time zone throughout your trip, on both sides of the border.
To start, tell us about your trip for a free, no-obligation proposal, or book a free 30-minute call with our team.
“Exceptional assistance, whether our requests are last-minute or require troubleshooting.”
Lana S. · WeTravel review
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