Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains

The scenery in Switzerland was spectacular and our tour guide was very knowledgeable and helpful.

Not Collette's best effort but memorable tour. Previous tours were highly enjoyable, this one was fine.

Made a snow-ball of Switzerland snow!

Great trip. Tour leader excellent, very personable, responsive to issues and great sense of humor. Driver also very good. Nice hotels, good balance of planned activities and free time

Aside from arriving in Zurich 24 hours later than expected due to American Airlines mechanical problem with the plane, the trip was wonderful. Ned, our tour manager was extremely knowledgable about the region and had a great sense of humor. Our hotel accommodations were very nice, in particular, Hotel Alex in Zermott.

The tour, once it commenced, was well paced and spectacular. Our guide, Ned, was very knowledgeable and easy to interact with. Our accommodations were very fine, comfortable, in great locations.

I left my wedding ring at a hotel in Switzerland & didn’t discover until Italy. Our tour manager managed every detail & had it safely back on my finger in 3 days!🥰

Switzerland was breathtaking. From trains, gondolas, buses and walking paths we were so impressed . Collette travel selected charming towns, lovely hotels and informative tours. Our guide. Vili, kept us on schedule and also provided ample time for browsing , shopping and lunch. His subtle chocolate treats and wine tasting added a nice touch.

Our tour guide and bus driver were wonderful. They were so knowledgeable and helped me, with my walking and agility disability.

the tour was definitely well organized and our guide and even the bus driver were great. I think we were in Zermatt and I went looking for a tshirt. When I came out of the store, I was surprised by a whole herd of goats being herded down main street!

Seeing the Matterhorn was amazing. The tour guide, Javier Gimeno, was the best. He was fantastic and I feel lucky we got him. Milo, our bus driver was outstanding. Accommodations were great. Switzerland and Italy were amazing. The problem with the trip was the order of the trip. I feel the full day in Zurich should be the last full day of the trip. The wine tasting in Italy was a waste of time. And the stop in St. Moritz was pointless. I'd rather have an extra day in Lucerne and skip St Moritz all together.

Javier was the best! Some hotels did not provide the best experience ( Dino Lake Maggiore had many features not operating, jacuzzi, sauna etc). Others had coffee machines but no coffee. Bernina express was incredible….a must see. A little too much time on the bus the day of the Bernina express.

Our tour manager Marie Pillar Rocchio was outstanding. She was very good and friendly to all on our tour. She was the best tour manager I ever encountered in my more than 10 trips to Europe.

Tour manager was outstanding Staying in Zermatt and Lucerne , accommodations were nice and central location, easy walking to attractions Taking the train through the mountains Should probably pick a different town other than St Moritz if nothing is open and going on in the town

Our tour manager, fellow travelers and scenery made the trip! Bravo Collette!

This was my first Colette tour and it exceeded all expectations. Our tour guide Patryk Preiss was the best! He made the trip so much better with his wit, stories and energy. The trip was fast paced with everyday bringing new adventures by train, coach or walking tour. And boat! I enjoyed it so much I want to go again!

Train trips were great! Lucerne and Zermatt were special.

Mt Pilatus, fondue, Bernina pass regional train, Zermatt and Hotel Alex, Isola Bella, Oira, final dinner all fabulous. Size of hotel rooms for 2 people with carry on only- meh- I had to climb over my bag to get in/out of bed in Stresa, for example.

The most memorable part of our tour was our tour guide. He was very knowledgeable, engaging, and a multitasker. He was very lighthearted and provided an enjoyable tour for us.

The small town of Oira with the family's wine tasting and very old chapel was my favorite even though it was raining.

Now being remembered as my worse tour ever. The thing I neglected to mention in my first review was our welcome dinner. Alex, our tour guide met us in the lobby of hotel for a walk to restaurant. Dinner was lovely. We were then told to walk around town or back to hotel. He wasn't returning us to the hotel or even putting us on the right street. After some time wandering in this foreign city, someone from our group found us and redirected us onto the correct street. The extent of my disappoint is huge. And to add insult to injury, Collette offered us "compensation " in the form of $150.00 credit on future travel. Kind of feels like a slap in the face.

We had a great time. Mo Was an excellent tour guide. She was very organized and knowledgeable. She made everything go smoothly, despite a couple of hiccups on our trip, she made arrangements so that we did not miss a beat. Most of the hotels were excellent with the exception of the Hotel Stefani in Saint Moritz. Several elements in the room were not in working order and the towels were very limited and small (and we had to search for the towels in a cupboard). We loved the Alex hotel and of course the hotel at Lake Maggiore.. We enjoyed the excursions, particularly the walking tour in Zermatt, Matterhorn museum, Mount Pilatus, and the trip to Oira where Mario was the perfect local guide. Loved the wine and cheese and will never forget Mario’s uncle the cigarette smuggler.

Especially enjoyed the lion monument (found it very moving), the hotel and stay at Zermatt, and loved the cheese and wine tasting in Oira. Lake Maggiore and the hotel there were lovely.

This tour was well planned and was a very memorable trip. I feel that everyone was well taken care of, accommodations were made for various needs and sensitivities without any fuss at all. The scenery was spectacular from beginning to end. I would recommend this trip to anyone interested in this part of the world. The only negatives, such as they are, were too little time spent in Montreux, Gstaad, and St. Moritz. I know there was no additional time to better include those stops, but for places of such stature, it felt incomplete to have spent so little time in each of them. Other than that, I have nothing but positive feelings for the trip, Mojca (or tour guide), or our fellow travelers. We will likely book at least a couple more trips with Collette in the years to come.

If I were to promote this trip to my clients again, I would not go in May. Also I believe you should reword the cruise on Lake Como because it is a waste of time to go to the Palace for that long of an excursion. More water time and time in the village. I think the Palace should be added on as an optional tour. My group thought the cruise on the Lake would have be much much longer. Lake Maggiori was wonderful

Tour was too rushed. Although it was advertised as a "train" tour, we went by bus from Lucerne to Montreux. We spent about an hour in Montreux. Most of us would have liked to spend more time there. Our experience in Zermatt was marred by poor weather conditions, which made it difficult to enjoy our day there. Our "scenic" train trip to St. Moritz was cloud-covered and not very scenic. Again, we only stayed overnight in St. Moritz. It would have been nice to spend at least a day there. Fortunately, the clouds cleared and we did have a scenic train trip to Lake Maggiore. The size of the group made it difficult to manage. Included meals were not very good.

The best part was having Cynthia as our tour guide. Zermatt and Lucerne were my favorites. The scenery was breathtaking the hotels and meals were outstanding.

This tour is very scenic and travel by train through Switzerland and Italy is great. Hotels used could have been better. First hotel in Lucern dod not have bathroom exhaust fans. Rooms were too warm. Lights, door locks did not work in the hotel in Zermatt. Bed was so bad you sank into the middle and had a back ache the next day. We were also traveling with a large group that were loud at every venue, which made it difficult to hear the tour guide. Food the first night in Lucern was nice, but other locations where dinner was included was okay. Our farewell dinner was mostly fish items, which my husband and two others at our table did not eat.

What an experience traveling by train through the beautiful Alps! Also loved Lake Maggiore! Unfortunately some of our rooms were not the best; very small and overlooking a dirty courtyard or train platform roof. Our tour guide was very informative and helpful but at times rude and abrasive to folks in our group. When we arrived in our added days in Milan, the trip went downhill. The tour was too hard for most in our group. Two of our group got hurt trying to use the metro. They asked for the hotel desk to get them a cab but were directed to use the metro. Two weeks later at home, our friend is still in a rehab center because of her fall on the escalator.

The tour was beautiful. The scenery was so beautiful. You have to travel in the train to see the beautiful views. It is hard yo describe.

Train ride is beautiful. Nobody can explain. You must go in the train and see the beautiful nature views. Train was very comfortable. Excellent lunch.

Excellent tour We were very pleased with the entire program

It was all amazing but my ultimate favorite was the Glacier Express! Loved Lucerne, Zermatt, Montreux, and Lake Maggiore the best. Seeing the Duomo and the Last Supper was glorious. Vili was an excellent guide!! He cared about the group and made the tour a wonderful experience. Mili, too, was excellent. I felt very comfortable and safe with him as our bus driver. Both men were extremely skilled, kind, polite and made it fun for all.

Everything was great. ….

Thought the 7 hour train ride was quite long - views were fabulous though

The trip was beautiful! I would highly recommend adding the train ride up to the Madahorn to the agenda as it was the best part of the trip. The 7 hour bus ride was a bit long and would have been more fun to break it up a bit and see something else instead of sitting that long. Other than that, it was wonderful!

Loved the trip-would do it again

Too much land covered in a short amount of time. I would have liked to spend more time in Zermatt.

To much time spent on buses in small seats. Tour manager kept walking too fast leaving some couples behind on our walking tours. Spectacular scenery.

We had a fantastic Tour Manager. The hotel in Lucerne, the Astoria, was not up to standards, due to a club on the top floor that had loud music with an intense bass until 4am. Very unsatisfactory. More time at Montreal would have been nice. The Hotel Alex was exceptional.

The gondola ride to the top of the alps was awe inspiring. The hotels were very nice and clean. One had beautiful views of the lake. The food, the wine the people. It was just such a great experience.

Informative, good pace, great tour manager

Nice amount of free time. Great restaurants. Guide was great

This was supposed to be my dream trip of traveling by train - especially the Glacier Express - across Switzerland. Prior to my departure, I began trying to contact Collette about the possibility of upgrading my Glacier Express ticket to Excellence Class. My travel agent also contacted Collette. I was told our tickets were for 2nd class - with no option to change. I was so disappointed. Sitting 2 X 2 with a couple who talked incessantly about their careers, trips, money, etc. for eight hours was a bit overwhelming. We didn’t have much room for our feet. The meal was good. I did, however, have my earphones playing beautiful Swiss music in my ear. Thank goodness for that perk. Prior to my Collette trip, I had dreamed of sitting on the train for eight hours, just enjoying looking at the beautiful scenery, in my own dream world. As I said - the Glacier Express was supposed to be the highlight of the trip. Then - to top it off - when I boarded the Bernina Pass, the same couple sat with me on that two-hour journey. I must confess, I think I might have been a little rude because I only wanted to view the scenery - not listen to the ‘braggarts!’ The other train ride from Gstaad to Montreux was also less than enjoyable. As I understand, a group of school children were sitting in our tour group’s car, so as the train made it’s very short stop, we had to hurriedly cram into whatever seats we could find in another car. I understand - Collette has very little control over the actual train rides. BUT this was advertised as ‘Scenic Trains,’ and I wanted to enjoy the scenery in quiet wonder. I am disappointed. I have traveled with Collette many, many times - and actually have more Collette trips already scheduled. This is one of the first times that I am really complaining about the packaging of the tour. Please take this under advisement, because I would imagine that other Collette travelers would welcome traveling in Excellence Class rather than Class 2.

From booking through the tour itself, the entire process was very well organized. The Collette customer service team is the best and all aspects of the tour met or exceeded my expectations.

It's so wonderful to travel with trust that all my needs are met. My only requirement was to enjoy. Who could ask for more.

Beautiful scenery while on the train Winery trip

Beautiful scenery and wonderful people. Tour guide very knowledgeable.

Loved the town of Zermatt. The Matterhorn was awesome

The entire tour was amazing

Well organized and efficiently run.

Beautiful tour, scenery was great! Tour guide was very helpful.

The train rides were exceptional!

Loved all the cities and places visited. My favorites were Luzerne and Zermatt. Especially liked the stop at Mt. Pilatus just outside Luzerne. Train travel was comfortable and quite scenic.

Great trip with lots of things to do. Enjoyed the ability to get out and tour on my own pace.

The trains were spectacular; the views breathtaking. The tour's pace was the best mix of group and free time; I never felt rushed. See you next time!

Trainstrainstrainstrainstr

Hotel room in Lucerne was a little small and the bus seating a little cramped.

Disappointed in the room size in Lucerne and the tight conditions on the bus.

Really enjoyed the tour. Best part was the cruise of Lake Como.

Wonderful trip inspire of the guide

The tour was good . Trip via cable car up the mountain was beautiful

Our first room overlooked a construction sight. The next 2 hotels were5 stars. The optional train ride to the Matterhorn was awesome. The Glacier Express though a little too long was relaxing and the scenery was non stop

All aspects of or tour were well-planned and well-managed, our guide was excellent as were the hotels we stayed in.

I enjoyed the trip very much. The Matterhorn was incredibly beautiful! Will definitely recommend Collette.

The tour guide was excellent and made the trip a great experience.

Seeing the matterhorn and great weather

Trains to all locations plus Italy tour in small village

The top of the Matterhorn

The train tours were excellent. The Matterhorn was unforgettable. The Swiss countryside was beautiful If you would like more details on the tour guide, please let me know

Seeing the Mattahorn from your hotel balcony was breath-taking. The train rides were scenic and each day top with the last with the Bernina Train ride the best of all. Could not sit with so many views to photograph.

The train rides can be long, but what beautiful scenery- mountains, valleys, glaciers, quaint villages. Loved Zermott. Fun walking street and what views of the Matterhorn. Unbelievably clean, safe and friendly.

Mt. Pilatus Gornergrat - Zermatt

The tour surpassed my expectations! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and made it an enjoyable experience for all. I can’t think of one time when we were not impressed by the beauty of the country side.

I loved the free time to explore and the excursions each day.

The tour exceeded our expectations. Lovely hotels, great food, stunning scenery, and wonderful memories

We enjoyed both the optional excursions, and the included events. I really enjoyed all the train trips that were part of this package, and the group with which we traveled was very friendly and prompt. The side trip to Oira to meet Mario was a definite highlight.

I enjoyed the itinerary the scenery and the food Plus the companionship of my fellow travelers . Our Tour guide and Driver were the best ever.

The Matterhorn! Such an amazing day!

Lucerne and Zermatt were beautiful. We did the optional excursions to the top of Mt. Pilatus in Lucerne and Gornergrat in Zermatt and we'd highly recommend both.

It is worth every star given.

Riding the trains through the Alps was memorable. The stay in Stressa was fantastic and was a dream-come-true to express the Italian Lakes.

There was a good mixture of travel on the bus, train, and boat rides. We especially liked the train ride through the mountain past the glacier.

No favorites. Began in Lucerne, which was awesome, and every day kept getting better and better. Really enjoyed Zermatt, and Glacier Express, and glacier.

Switzerland was amazing. Como was disappointing

Beautiful people, amazing views!

All of it was, can't say there was one bad thing about it

Scenery and people. matterhorn.

optional train ride to top of mountain in Lucern

Zermatt and the glacier paradise

Loved the trips up the mountain. Train rides were fun and scenic. The all day train trip was too long. Lake Como ferry was fun but we had to turn in our earphones in Switzerland and couldn't hear any narrative from our guide. Overall we loved it and would do it again!

There were so many memorable experiences that it's difficult to choose. No doubt, The Mount Pilatus tour was one of the highlights.

The train excursions through Switzerland were unforgettable.

Hard to pick one thing. All was so good

wonderful scenery, European trains are clean, quiet and on time. Loved the gondola rides and getting so close to the glaciers.

Each stop was well planned and very well coordinated.

Definitely worth the money

Good hotels and itinerary

Everything on the tour was great

Loved Lucerne best, Lakes Como and Maggiore a close second. Unfortunate rain in Zermatt and could barely see the Matterhorn, but Hotel Alex was my favorite hotel/resort of the trip.

Traveling through Alps on trains

Great tour guide. Loved Zermatt.

Shopping and tour at Zermatt. We liked the village.

Zermatt was a favorite place.

Really liked the glacier!

Overall, a wonderful tour. Great manager and group. Only request would be to have a nicer hotel in Lucerne. And maybe a nicer get together for the group in the beginning of the tour. The restaurant at the hotel was just ok. Something a little more special to start off the tour on a good note!

Our guide, Cinthya ! She was fantastic.

The tour was beautiful and just as stated - lakes and trains. My favorite city was Zermatt although Lucerne was a close second. Everyone we encountered was friendly. Aside from getting close to the Matterhorn, the food is really something to rave about.

The trip up Mt. Pilatus was most enjoyable!

Great tour of the Swiss and Italian Alps

All of it. it was a beautiful tour,

We got what we paid for and more. Truly a great experience.

great hotels, perfect itinery

Tour guide could have made this trip excellent, but because he was not very informative, unless you asked a question, most times it was a quite bus ride. He did get a little better towards then end....BUT

When looking for a tour of Switzerland, the Glacier Express and Zermatt had to be on the itinerary. Seeing the Matterhorn on a clear day in Zermatt was truly a highlight.

See first response. Final dinner was amazing...all other group dinners were a disappointment.

Seeing the Matterhorn and also one day it snowed while we were on the train. Also Isle Bella--don't miss it! Zermatt--well perfection.

Great scenery. My favorite was a special trip up to Gornergrat. The Bernini Pass by train on a SNOWY day was also wonderful.

Very good mix of free and organized time

Tour guide was fantastic. She kept us moving and on time providing lots of info and many great comments about the area and sights. The Alps were beautiful and the weather was great. The tour ended too soon.

Loved Lake Lucerne and Lake Maggiero - scenery was spectacular and tour director was extremely knowledgeable about everything. I think she made the trip the success it was *Personal details removed by Feefo*. Would love to travel with her again.

Just had a very pleasant vacation

Skiing in zermatt was very memorable

Beautiful scenery and interesting tour. Average hotel accommodations but below average dinner meals.

Train ride to St Moritz too many hours, beautiful scenery. Matterhorn is a must see, best part of the trip.

There is room for improvement in the quality of food.

Going to the top of the Matterhorn, and then at Lake Maggiiore, Isola Bella gardens, and Bottromeo castle. This definitely should be included in the trip.

well organized tour and interesting sights

Most of the tour was enjoyable.. Travel train to Italy from St. Moritz was too long. Could have used more free time in St. Moritz. Disappointed in hotel in Zermatt ( back room without flowered balcony as most rooms had ). Guide and driver were excellent. Wine sampling in Italy was great as well. Disappointed with very limited wine at dinner in Switzerland ( compared to Spanish trip we took last year with Collette ). Included dinners were ok but nothing special.

Wonderful itinerary. Great guide. Countries were beautiful.

Not enough time to shop for souvenirs; Gondola ride to glacier (an add on for this trip our guide said) was great and the old city of Oira (spelling?) was fabulous. Mount Pilatus was good as was the Matterhorn. I can't say enough positive about our tour guide Jan. His command of languages was awe inspiring and he was affable all the while. The best tour manager we have ever had by far! We've been on at least six tours.

Lots of extra's popped into the tour, so we kept busy most of the time. Lucerne was a peaceful and beautiful start for a tour with majestic views. Vast views on train journeys, and opportunities to get up close to the scenery. Lots of Kodak moments!

An excellent Italian coach driver. There was a round of applause when he reached the bottom of a steep pass. The mountains, lakes and glaciers were stunning. The tour manager took two group photos but I didn't receive them.

The overall trip was great and we really enjoyed the trains and Zermatt.

Tour was great except for tour guide who confused a lot of people and thought she was funny when on the mike. I will say she was very knowledgeable about the Switzerland.

I loved the stop at the glacier outside of St. Moritz. It reminded me of how much I love snow.

Traveling high up into Alps on cog railway and descending via the gondola!! Magnificent scenery!!

Lucerne stay was definitely a highlight. Lago Maggiore dinner on Isola dei Pescatori was delightful. The village of Oira was also unforgettable.

Seeing the Matterhorn from my hotel room window!