Gear up for an iconic adventure that covers more Alpine territory than the driven snow! Travel from the meditative grandeur of the Dolomites to the spiking heights of the Swiss Alps, embracing the charm of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the delights of Verona, and reveling in the shadow of the Matterhorn in Zermatt. Traverse the mountains via some of the most unique train journeys known to man and use the multi-destination benefits of your Icon Pass to conquer some of the greatest ski slopes in existence. This itinerary reaches the pinnacle of winter escapism!
Itinerary:
- 3 nights in Cortina
- 3 nights in Val Gardena or Alta Badia
- 2 nights in Verona
- Bernina Express
- 2 nights in St. Moritz
- Glacier Express
- 3 nights in Zermatt
Day 1 – Arrival
Arrive at the Venice or Innsbruck Airport, where a private driver will be waiting to transfer you to a hotel of your choice in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Day 2 – Hiking Experience Around Cortina with Hot Tub Aperitivo on Panoramic Terrace
Get to know the mighty peaks around you as an experienced Mountain Guide takes you on an enchanting hike around Cortina, showcasing the Queen of the Dolomites in all her glory. Finish your day with an Italian aperitivo in hand on the panoramic terrace of Rifugio Mietres, as you enjoy a relaxing soak in a hot-tub and admire what have often been called “the most beautiful mountains in the world”.
Day 3 – Skiing in the Dolomites Superski
Enjoy a day of skiing with your Ikon Pass at the legendary Cortina d’Ampezzo Dolomiti Superski, home to Italy’s first Olympic Games. Admire the majestic peaks that crown Queen Cortina as you explore 75 miles of slopes and embrace the resorts’ blend of sporting heritage and dolce vita essence.
Day 4 – Transfer to Val Gardena or Alta Badia
A private car will transfer you from your hotel in Cortina to your hotel of choice in Val Gardena or Alta Badia, where your adventure through the Dolomites shall continue.
Day 5 – Lake Braies & Prato Piazza Plateau Tour
Witness some of the most captivating scenery in existence as you stroll along the shores of Lake Lage di Braies and view the monumental reflection of the overlooking Dolomites in its pristine waters. Next, venture to the endless plateaus of Prato Piazza – Platzwiesen, and revel in some of nature’s finest landscapes as you walk beneath the majestic Mount Croda Rossa. End this picturesque experience with a delightful lunch at one of the charming rifugi in the area.
Day 6 – Skiing in the Dolomites Superski
Enjoy another day of skiing with your Ikon Pass in the Dolomites Superski. Whether you find yourself in the vast winter wonderland of Val Gardena or in the picturesque Alta Badia, you are guaranteed to be spoiled with bountiful natural beauty, crisp Alpine air, and the most scenic skiing experiences that you’ve ever had.
Day 7 – Transfer to Verona with stop in Lake Garda
Hop on a private car transfer and make your way to Verona, taking in the awe-inspiring sights of the Dolomites and the Italian Lakes’ Region along the way. Once you reach Lake Garda, enjoy some time at leisure in Sirmione or Riva del Garda before moving on to Verona, where you will check-in at your hotel of choice.
Day 8 – Verona Walk & Taste Tour
Savour Verona’s charm and culinary delights — as well as some Shakespeare — as you venture through its historical center and visit the Piazza delle Erbe, get operatic at the Arena, and recite some lines from Romeo and Juliet under Juliet’s balcony; all before sampling biscuits inspired by the “pair of star-crossed lovers” and enjoying a board with polenta, cheese, salami and a glass of wine. After finishing you tasting session with some sweet “risino pastry”, you will have a chance to visit St. Anastasia’s Basilica, one of Italy’s hidden Gothic gems.
Day 9 – Transfer to Tirano Train Station and Bernina Express to St. Moritz (Long transfer)
Your private driver will transfer you from your hotel in Verona to the train station of Tirano, where you will board the Bernina Express to St. Moritz. Connecting Italy and Switzerland, the Bernina Express invites passengers to enjoy the varied sights of natural beauty that grace both countries, as well as cross a UNESCO World Heritage as you pass through the Abula/Bernina part of the Rhaetian Railway. Once in St. Moritz, check into your hotel of choice.
Day 10 – Skiing in St. Moritz
Enjoy another day of skiing with your Ikon Pass at Corviglia in the sunny St. Moritz, whose winter sports legacy speaks for itself. Home to the iconic 1928 and 1948 winter Olympics, as well as one of the first ski lifts in Switzerland, this location is a must-have on your skiing/snowboarding resume.
Day 11 – Glacier Express to Zermatt
Hop on board of the Glacier Express, the slowest express train of the world and the most famous panoramic train in Europe. Revel in the 8-hour journey and become a part of the country’s scenery as you traverse areas that are as high as 6,670 feet above sea level and etch detailed vistas of the Matterhorn, the Rhone Glacier, and the Engadine Valley forever into your memories. Once in Zermatt, check into your hotel of choice.
Day 12 – Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with Matterhorn Crossing
Spend a day as an independent Alpine explorer and discover the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Use the summit lift to ascend 3,883 meters to the highest mountain station in Europe for a 360º panoramic view of 38 magnificent Alpine peaks — something that is guaranteed to take your breath away; and not just because of the altitude. Find your way into the icy Glacier Palace and take a ride on the Matterhorn Glacier Ride’s brand-new Crystal Ride cabins, and if the season allows, use Matterhorn Crossing gondola and complete the world’s highest border crossing for a visit to the Italian Alpine village of Cervinia.
Day 13 – Skiing in Zermatt
Enjoy another day of skiing with your Ikon Pass in Zermatt and take in the colossal sight of the world-renowned Matterhorn as you explore over 220 miles of the highest lift-served terrain in Europe. Featuring one of the longest trails in the world (16 miles), this ski paradise is as glorious as the mountain that overlooks it. Once you have conquered the slopes beneath it, head over to the top of Rothorn to capture a panoramic view of the Matterhorn in all its glory.
Day 14 – Departure
A private transfer will take you to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your memorable journey through Italy and Switzerland.