11 Day Grand Paris to Milan via the Classic Highlights of Switzerland

Welcome to Milan! On arrival, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Famed for its sophisticated fashion, opulent architecture and trademark dishes of Lombardy and northern Italy, Milan has something to offer for every traveler. Be sure to visit the Gothic Duomo di Milano, the city's crowning glory and a magnificent spectacle! Also pay a visit to the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, home of 'The Last Supper', Leonardo da Vinci's famous masterpiece. Stroll through the Brera district and enjoy the art galleries, boutique shopping opportunities and exquisite dining. (Overnight Milan)

After breakfast this morning, take the train from Milan to Tirano, then board the famed Bernina Line of the Bernina Express to St. Moritz. Enjoy beautiful valley and mountain views from the panoramic sightseeing cars on this epic route that runs over the Bernina Pass. Once to St. Moritz, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay and begin exploring this classic resort town with a distinct belle epoque ambience. Here, also you'll pick up your Engadin Card (May-Oct only) which includes free use of all local cable-cars and mountain railways throughout your stay. (Overnight St. Moritz) B

Make use of your Engadin card today with a ride on the local funicular and cable-car to Piz Nair (May-Oct only). This mountain peak rewards all visitors with some spectacular views of Graubunden and beyond. If you'd rather simply relax and enjoy the town, spend some time strolling around the gorgeous lake or dining in one of the many restaurants or grabbing high tea in the lobby at Badrutt's Palace Hotel, visit the Kulm Country Club and Segantini Museum, shop along Via Serlas, or try your luck at the St Mortiz Casino. (Overnight in St. Moritz) B

Today, enjoy the full splendour of one of Switzerland's most famous journeys, the Glacier Express. Early in the journey the train cruises over the impressive Landwasser Viaduct, which is a marvel of Swiss engineering from a bygone era. This train is otherwise known as the slowest express train in the world, and winds its way over numerous high passes and meanders past many small Swiss lakes and villages until pulling into Zermatt nearly 8 hours after departure. (Overnight Zermatt) B

Today, take an exciting ride on the Gornergrat cog railway, which climbs from 1,604 metres above sea level to 3,090 metres in just 33 minutes, and is a marvel of 19th century engineering. From the top, take in one of the most spectacular panoramas in all of Switzerland with the iconic outline of the Matterhorn as well as the surrounding peaks and glaciers all around you. You might be lucky enough to spot a Chamois or Marmot during your visit, and enjoy a stroll through the nature reserve and maybe even enjoy a fondue. Take the same route back down to Zermatt where you can enjoy the numerous small bars and restaurants on the car free roads of this beautiful village (Overnight in Zermatt)

Another lovely train journey awaits you today, from Zermatt to Interlaken. On arrival in Interlaken, check in for a two-night stay and begin exploring the popular resort town. Enjoy one of the many friendly hikes around town or shop for watches at one of the boutiques in town. (Overnight Interlaken) B

After breakfast, take the short hop to Interlaken where you will use your Swiss Pass to board the historic railway line to Europe's highest railway station, at 3,454 meters above sea level. The Jungfrau Mountain is sandwiched between the huge peaks of the Monch and Eiger Mountains, and the Jungfrau railway line runs the final 9km in a tunnel through these two mountains from where you can still enjoy the spectacular views through windows built into the mountainside. Once you reach the top, marvel in awe at the amazing view which on a clear day can be as far as the Black Forest of Germany and France. There is an ice sculpture gallery and the opportunity to take a walk on a glacier, as well as a restaurant and what is believed to be the world's highest chocolate shop. On your way back down the mountain, the route takes you through the village of Lauterbrunnen from where you get a good view of a gorgeous waterfall. Upon your return, enjoy your final evening in Interlaken. (Overnight Interlaken) B

Take the scenic, short train ride from the Interlaken Ost Station to Lucerne. After getting settled, begin exploring all this stunning Central Switzerland city has to offer. The medieval Chapel Bridge is a great place to start as it is considered to be one of the oldest, covered wooden bridges in Europe. Lucerne is also full of picturesque town squares where you can relax, indulge in some Swiss delicacies and soak in the Swiss culture. (Overnight in Lucerne) B

Today, enjoy a trip to the top of the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. First enjoy a scenic hours' steam cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad where you then take the 30-minute ride which has an average gradient of 35%. The Cogwheel Railway operates between May and November, whilst at other times you can reach the top via a spectacular aerial gondola and cableway. At the top you'll find the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel and restaurant where you can enjoy refreshments or you can enjoy one of the numerous walking trails, but beware of the legendary dragon who has magical healing powers and lives in the mountain. After soaking up the wonderful views, make your way back down the mountain massif via the jaw dropping gondola and cable car to Kriens and a short bus ride to Lucerne. (Overnight Lucerne) B

After breakfast this morning, board the train in Lucerne for your journey to Paris via Basel. Enjoy more of the spectacular Swiss mountain scenery on the way and on arrival in Paris, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy a day at leisure in the 'City of Light.' Visit the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral or go shopping along the Rue St. Honore. Visit a range of museums dotted around the city, take in the Eiffel Tower, or simply relax at a Parisian cafe and sample local specialities. (Overnight in Paris) B

Check out of your hotel this morning and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, perhaps with additional nights in a particular destination, one of our Rail Specialists would be happy to help you with all the details. B