Lake Como via the Gotthard Pass
- 6 Days
- From £799
- Italy
- Take the train to Zurich in Switzerland via Paris
- Cross the Alps along the stunning Gotthard Pass route
- Three nights in Como town, with time to explore the resort towns and villages along the lake
- Return via Milan with an overnight stop in Chambery, in the Rhône-Alpes region of France
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 5 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- City maps and comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets and hotel vouchers
- All credit card surcharges and delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Your holiday begins with a morning Eurostar from London to Paris. After a straightforward transfer of stations from the Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon, you board a sleek TGV Lyria service which will take you directly to Zurich. On arrival, check in at the Hotel Adler (or similar) for an overnight stay.
Zurich may be associated with business and financial institutions, but it’s also one of Switzerland’s culture capitals with a pretty old town and a stunning setting on the River Reuss.
Spend a morning exploring Zurich. Perhaps browse the shops along the Bahnhofstrasse or, if the weather is fine, take a morning cruise out on Lake Zurich. After lunch, head back to the station and board a train bound for the Swiss Alps. After an easy change in Erstfeld, you’ll arrive into Como in the early evening.
Make your way to the Barchetta Excelsior Hotel (or similar) and check in for your 3-night stay.
With two full days in the town of Como, you have time walk around Como town or use the pier to discover a range of destinations up and down the lake by ferry. Head to Cernobbio with its famous millionaires’ villas, or maybe to the lower-key resorts of Moltrasio or Faggeto Lario for an authentic Lake Como experience.
TMR RECOMMENDS: Extend your stay in Lake Como so that you have more time to explore. Or perhaps choose a different location along the lake such as the popular resort towns of Bellagio or Menaggio.
After another morning in Como town, make your way back to San Giovanni station for another beautiful journey through the Susa Valley and up across the border into France. Arrive in Chambery in the early evening and check in at the Mercure Chambery Centre (or similar) for an overnight stay.
Chambery is the historic capital of the Savoy region of France, with a 13th century chateau (pictured) amongst its attractions.
After a leisurely start today, catch a high-speed TGV service back to Paris and then transfer to the Gare du Nord for the Eurostar back to London, arriving midway through the evening at St Pancras International station.
TMR RECOMMENDS: If you’ve not visited Paris before, why not break your journey and stay overnight so that you can see a few of the city’s famous sights, like the Eiffel Tower
Typical hotels on this itinerary
ZurichThe Hotel Adler is situated in the Niederdorf Old Town area of Zurich and occupies a building dating back to the 16th century. Bedrooms are decorated in classic Swiss style with complimentary Wi-Fi and soft drinks. The hotel also boasts a traditional Swiss restaurant.
ComoOverlooking Piazza Cavour on the shore of Lake Como, this modern hotel offers elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars. Some rooms have lake views and/or balconies. Guests can enjoy fine regional cuisine at the in-house restaurant, Bistro.
ChamberyA minute’s walk from Chambery Station, this modern, comfortable hotel is also within easy reach of attractions such as Chambéry Cathedral. The classically furnished bedrooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars. Amenities at the hotel include a restaurant and a cosy bar.
