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Zermatt, The Matterhorn
Isola Madre
Gornergrat Railway Station
St. Moritz
Milan Cathedral
Starting at $9,750 per person
Enjoy the highlights of Swiss and Italian scenery in style on this nine-day journey by rail that carries you from the peaks of the Alps to the island-dotted waters of Lake Maggiore. You will be joined by longtime favorite Great Courses Professor Patrick Allitt on a trip inspired by his best-selling and top-rated course, How Railways Transformed the World. Board your first train in Zürich for a picturesque ascent into the mountains of Zermatt. Explore this quaint mountain town and ride cable cars high into the peaks to the dramatic Matterhorn Glacier Paradise for unparalleled views of the surrounding mountain ranges. From Zermatt, journey on the iconic Glacier Express to the stylish Alpine resort of St. Moritz at the heart of the Engadine region of mountains and lakes. Board the Bernina Express train travelling to Tirano, just across the border in Italy. Continue to the elegant resort of Como and come to rest along the shores of Lake Maggiore in Stresa. The final days of your trip are spent enjoying the charming Borromean Islands. Swiss hospitality and Italian dolce vita come together in this unforgettable trip.
with Patrick Allitt
Switzerland by Rail and Italy's Lake District
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICING
DEPARTURE DATE AND PRICING
BOOK NOW
May 17-25, 2026
May 17-25, 2026 | with Patrick Allitt
Spend several days soaking up the atmosphere of Lake Maggiore and exploring the jewel-like Borromean Islands of Isola Bella and Isola Madre.
Spend a day in stylish Milan, where history and modernity converge, and visit the imposing Milano Centrale train station, constructed in the 1930s, to showcase the dominance of then-Prime Minister Mussolini’s regime.
Take an immersive journey into the fascinating history and lore of trains and rail travel alongside Dr. Patrick Allitt, Great Courses professor of How Railways Transformed the World, and learn why railways are one of the most important inventions in modern history.
Take in the sight of some of Switzerland’s most dramatic peaks as you explore the mountain town of Zermatt and the towering Matterhorn Glacier Paradise—the highest cable car station in all of Europe—with views of the tallest peaks in Switzerland, France, and Italy.
Savor Switzerland’s picture-perfect landscapes in style on iconic trains, including the Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
Highlights
Patrick Allitt
Michael E. Wysession is the Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. An established leader in seismology and geophysical education, Professor Wysession is noted for his development of a new way to create three-dimensional images of Earth's interior from seismic waves. These images have provided scientists with insights into the makeup of Earth and its evolution throughout history. He is the coauthor of An Introduction to Seismology, Earthquakes, and Earth Structure; the lead author of Physical Science: Concepts in Action; and the primary writer for the texts Earth Science, Earth's Interior, Earth's Changing Surface, and Earth's Waters. Professor Wysession has received the Innovation Award of the St. Louis Science Academy and the Distinguished Faculty Award of Washington University and in 2014 the inaugural Ambassador Award of the American Geophysical Union. Professor Wysession earned his ScB in Geophysics from Brown University and his PhD from Northwestern University. He has created three Great Courses, including, The World’s Greatest Geological Wonders: 36 Spectacular Sites, How the Earth Works, and The Science of Energy: Resources and Power Explained; and he contributed to National Geographic Polar Explorations.
Michael Wysession
Patrick Allitt
Patrick N. Allitt is Cahoon Family Professor of American History at Emory University, where he has taught since 1988. He has a passion for railroad history that resulted in him creating his very popular and highly rated Great Course How Railways Transformed the World. In addition, he has led student and adult tours abroad for decades. Professor Allitt received his PhD in American History from the University of California, Berkeley, and completed postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard Divinity School and Princeton University. He is a widely published author whose books include A Climate of Crisis: America in the Age of Environmentalism; The Conservatives: Ideas and Personalities throughout American History; and Religion in America since 1945: A History. Professor Allitt has created more than 10 Great Courses, including The Industrial Revolution; The American West: History, Myth, and Legacy; and The Great Tours: England, Scotland, and Wales.
Journey Experts
Patrick Allitt
Patrick Allitt
Patrick Allitt
Patrick N. Allitt is Cahoon Family Professor of American History at Emory University, where he has taught since 1988. He has a passion for railroad history that resulted in him creating his very popular and highly rated Great Course How Railways Transformed the World. In addition, he has led student and adult tours abroad for decades. Professor Allitt received his PhD in American History from the University of California, Berkeley, and completed postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard Divinity School and Princeton University. He is a widely published author whose books include A Climate of Crisis: America in the Age of Environmentalism; The Conservatives: Ideas and Personalities throughout American History; and Religion in America since 1945: A History. Professor Allitt has created more than 10 Great Courses, including The Industrial Revolution; The American West: History, Myth, and Legacy; and The Great Tours: England, Scotland, and Wales.
Journey Expert
Patrick Allitt
Zermatt, Switzerland
Arrive at Zürich Airport. Meet with fellow passengers and board your first Swiss train for a ride to Zermatt, an Alpine gem famed for its association with the Matterhorn. This mountain town was nearly unknown until the mid-1800s, when adventurous climbers seeking to conquer the peak of the Matterhorn made it a popular destination. Arrive in Zermatt and check in to your hotel. Delve into the history of Swiss mountaineering and railways with insights from your Great Courses expert Patrick Allitt. Settle into the Hotel National amidst breathtaking mountain vistas. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner this evening.
Included Meal: Dinner, Reception
Accommodations: Hotel National
Zermatt
Board one of Zermatt’s iconic red cable cars and ascend to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Europe’s highest cable car station at 12,740 feet. At the summit, enjoy unparalleled views of Switzerland, France, and Italy, with over a dozen snow-capped peaks towering above 13,000 feet. Continue your journey into Italy for lunch in Cervinia, a scenic ski resort town known for its connection to the Matterhorn’s southern face. Then, return by cable car to Zermatt where, in an informal lecture, Professor Allitt will explore the highlights and themes of Switzerland’s long history. Explore the charming, car-free mountain town on your own this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel National
Gorner Glacier
Step aboard the historic Gornergrat Railway, the highest open-air cog railway in Europe, for an ascent to one of Switzerland’s most spectacular vantage points. This legendary train winds its way up the mountainside, offering panoramic views of the Matterhorn along with 28 other 12,000-foot peaks. At the summit, gaze upon the Dufourspitze, Switzerland’s highest mountain, and the striking Gorner Glacier, one of the longest in the Alps. Descend to Zermatt for a traditional fondue lunch. Visit the Matterhorn Museum, where exhibits detail the triumphs and tragedies of the first climbers to reach the peak in 1865. Then, enjoy a walking tour of Zermatt’s historic quarter, home to centuries-old wooden buildings perched on stilts, designed to protect grain stores from rodents. Along the way, visit a beloved Swiss chocolatier and sample handcrafted sweets. Enjoy an evening at leisure, perhaps relaxing in one of the town’s cozy taverns for dinner or strolling its atmospheric streets.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel National
Landwasser Viaduct
Rise early today to catch one of Switzerland’s most famous trains, the Glacier Express. As noted by Professor Allitt, it is dubbed the “slowest express train in the world.” This eight-hour journey traverses three cantons–Valais, Uri, and Graubünden—offering a front-row seat to some of the most striking landscapes in the Swiss Alps. Travel through deep gorges, over dramatic viaducts, and past picturesque mountain villages, while enjoying a gourmet lunch with fine Swiss wines. Along the route, observe landmarks such as the Landwasser Viaduct and the Rhine Gorge, also known as the “Swiss Grand Canyon.” Disembark at the end of the line in St. Moritz and check into your centrally located hotel. Your evening is your own to enjoy in this glamorous alpine town, a playground for the world’s elite boasting stunning lake views and a rich history in winter sports.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Schweizerhoff
St. Moritz
Wake up in the heart of the Engadine region, known for its pristine lakes and elegant resorts. Take a ride on the Chantarella Funicular, which connects St. Moritz with the Corviglia summit. Ascend to take in breathtaking views of the Upper Engadine Valley, where glacial lakes shimmer against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Upon returning to St. Moritz, enjoy a group lunch highlighting regional specialties such as Engadine nut cake. Later, visit the Engadine Museum, set in a beautifully preserved early 20th-century house, where exhibits showcase traditional alpine life, from wood-carved furniture to historic farming tools. This afternoon, Professor Allitt delivers a fascinating lecture on the unique history of mountain railways. Spend the remainder of the day and evening exploring the elegant streets of St. Moritz on your own, perhaps stopping for coffee at a historic café or browsing luxury boutiques.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Schweizerhoff
Bernina Express
Today, embark on the Bernina Express, a UNESCO-listed railway that takes you from St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy. This spectacular journey traverses the Bernina Pass, reaching an altitude of 7,400 feet, and descends through a landscape of glaciers, mountain lakes, and charming villages. The train’s panoramic windows offer unparalleled views of landmarks such as the spiraling Brusio Viaduct and the dazzling Morteratsch Glacier. Upon your arrival in Tirano, board a private coach for a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Como, passing elegant villas and colorful villages nestled against the lake’s edge. Pause for a leisurely lunch en route and visit the elegant resort of Como before continuing to Lake Maggiore, one of Italy’s most enchanting destinations. Arriving in Stresa, settle into your lakeside hotel and enjoy a group dinner and remarks from Professor Allitt, where you can savor fresh local cuisine while taking in the peaceful ambiance of the lake at sunset.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: La Palma Hotel
Isola Bella
Today, set sail across the sparkling waters of Lake Maggiore to explore the Borromean Islands, a collection of stunning island retreats owned by the noble Borromeo family since the 17th century. Begin at Isola Bella, home to the magnificent Palazzo Borromeo, a grand Baroque palace adorned with opulent frescoes, intricate tapestries, and priceless artworks. Wander through the island’s terraced gardens, where peacocks roam freely among rare botanical species. Continue to Isola Madre, the largest of the islands, known for its lush English-style gardens filled with exotic plants and tranquil ponds. In the afternoon, return to Stresa for a wine tasting, a perfect way to toast the beauty of the region. With Professor Allitt as your guide, learn about the history of Milan and northern Italy in a brief lecture. Enjoy an evening at leisure, whether strolling along the waterfront promenade, dining at a lakeside trattoria, or simply relaxing and soaking in the serene atmosphere of this picturesque retreat.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: La Palma Hotel
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Venture to Milan, Italy’s bustling fashion and cultural capital. Visit Milano Centrale (Milan’s famous central train station), a striking example of 1930s fascist architecture designed to showcase the dominance of Mussolini’s regime. Take a private walking tour through Milan’s historic center, beginning at the grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an ornate 19th-century shopping arcade. Continue to the façade of the world-famous La Scala opera house before arriving at the city’s architectural crown jewel—the Duomo di Milano. Admire the cathedral’s intricate façade. Those who choose can ascend to the rooftop for panoramic views of the city and distant Alps. Art lovers will enjoy a visit to the Brera Art Museum, home to masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Tintoretto. Professor Allitt will also lead a group to the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology to see some of Italy’s earliest steam trains. Return to Stresa in the evening for a celebratory farewell dinner, sharing memories of your journey over fine Italian cuisine and wine, as you bid farewell to this remarkable Alpine and lakeside adventure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Reception
Accommodations: La Palma Hotel
La Palma Hotel, Stresa (3 Nights)
Situated along the picturesque shores of Lake Maggiore in Stresa, La Palma Hotel offers a harmonious blend of modern luxury and classic Italian elegance. The hotel features contemporary decor with sleek lines and a soothing color palette, creating a serene ambiance. Each room is meticulously designed, with plush furnishings and private balconies that provide stunning lake or mountain views. Guests can indulge in the rooftop Sky Bar and pool, offering unparalleled vistas of the surrounding landscape. Additional amenities include a state-of-the-art wellness center, lush gardens, and direct access to the lake's promenade. With its prime location near Stresa's historic center and a short distance from the Borromean Islands, La Palma Hotel serves as an ideal base for exploring the rich cultural and natural beauty of the region.
Hotel National, Zermatt (3 Nights)
Nestled in the heart of Zermatt, Hotel National is the only hotel in the city center offering majestic views of the Matterhorn. The boutique property seamlessly blends modern design with traditional Alpine charm, creating a warm, familial atmosphere. Each room is thoughtfully furnished, providing a cozy retreat after a day of adventure. The property features a full-service spa, wellness center, and exceptional on-site dining.
Hotel Schweizerhoff, St Moritz (2 Nights)
For over 120 years, Hotel Schweizerhof has been a landmark in the center of St. Moritz. Located just a three-minute walk from the Chantarella funicular, the Schweizerhoff offers unparalleled access to the Corviglia mountain and breathtaking views of the Engadine mountains and Lake St. Moritz. The decor exudes timeless elegance, featuring classic furnishings that reflect its rich heritage. Guests can savor refined local cuisine in one of the hotel's on-site restaurants and unwind in the rooftop relaxation area, which includes a sauna and steam bath. With its blend of tradition and modern comfort, Hotel Schweizerhof ensures an unforgettable stay in St Moritz.
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