Discover journey to the harbour city of Genua with the
«SUISSE TRAIN BLEU»
from Winterthur, Zurich, Olten, Bern, Spiez nach Genua
2 to 6 October 2025
Prices from: CHF 2'635.-
Genua - «La superba»
We embark on a journey of discovery by special train to the Italian region of Liguria and its capital Genua. The city is a true jewel on the Mediterranean, rich in history, culture and gastronomy. With its 113 hectares, Genua’s old town is the largest medieval city centre in Europe in terms of area.
It also has the highest population density. The old town centre consists of a labyrinth of small alleyways that often lead unexpectedly into small squares, which, like the numerous churches, often have close links to the noble Genoese families.
The Italian poet Petrarch called the harbour city of Genua ‘La Superba’, the proud one. Magnificent streets, squares and churches, palaces and villas of famous noble families and a harbour that was one of the most important in Europe are evidence of its rich historical heritage. Together with Lille, Genua was declared European Capital of Culture by the European Union in 2004. In 2006, the Strade Nuove with the Renaissance and Baroque buildings of the Palazzi dei Rolli was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For centuries, merchant ships brought tropical plants to Genua, which have found a second home on the mild Ligurian coast in villa gardens and parks. Of course, there is also plenty of time to pursue your own interests.
«Suisse Train Bleu» Extra train
We take our seats in the nostalgic ‘Suisse Train Bleu’ 1st class coaches from the 1960s with comfortable side-aisle compartments (2 or 4-seater occupancy). The carriages are not air-conditioned, but are equipped with lowered windows. For a cosy break with a coffee or a glass of wine, you can meet in the ‘Schützengarten’ lounge car.
In the elegant dining car ‘Le Salon Bleu’ of the ‘Prestige Continental Express’ in the style of the legendary ‘Orient Express’, we experience the railway feeling of the Belle Époque. This luxuriously furnished carriage is air-conditioned. Lunch is served at two fixed table times. We enjoy the fascinating journey with constantly changing views.
Itinerary
Sunday, 02 to Thursday, 06 October 2025
Departure from Winterthur around 8.30 AM on the ‘Suisse Train Bleu’. Stops in Zurich main station approx. 9.00 AM, Olten approx. 9.45 AM, Bern approx. 10.45 AM, Spiez approx. 11.45 AM. Journey via Lötschberg, Simplon and Domodossola to Genua.
Welcome lunch in the dining car.
On arrival in Genua, transfer to your booked hotel class. Check-in and overnight stay in Genua.
After breakfast, a city tour of Genua. We get our first impression from the Spianata Castelletto with its magnificent panoramic view as far as the harbour. On the guided tour through the picturesque alleyways of the lively old town, we learn a lot of interesting facts about Genua’s eventful history.
We visit the Palazzo Lomellino with its (otherwise) inaccessible terraced garden in Via Garibaldi. The ensemble of palazzi in Via Garibaldi is an important example of the Europe-wide development of architecture and urban planning in the Mannerist and Baroque styles and has therefore been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
After breakfast, we set off on a half-day tour outside the city walls to one of the most historically important villas: The Villa del Principe, its Italian-style garden with geometrically laid out flowerbeds and a large Neptune fountain.
In the Pegli district, a romantic garden with a fairytale atmosphere spreads out. Here you can admire temples, obelisks, grottos, lakes, pagodas and rare and majestic trees.
Today we are going on an excursion to Rapallo and Portofino. First we head to Rapallo, a beautiful seaside town.
From here we take the boat to one of Italy’s most famous places, Portofino. The community of 400 people is located 40 kilometres east of Genua on a natural harbour on the Ligurian Riviera and used to be a fishing village. It is located on the south-western tip of the Portofino peninsula, surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation on an area of two square kilometres.
It was apparently founded by the Romans. They called the settlement Portus Delphini. The place was first mentioned in a document in 986.
After lunch in a good restaurant, return to Genua.
Arrivederci e alla prossima – today it’s time to say goodbye to Liguria.
On board our special train ‘Suisse train bleu’ we start our return journey via Domodossola – Simplon – Lötscherg. Disembarkation stops: Spiez 4.00 PM, Bern approx. 5.15 PM, Olten approx. 6.20 PM, Zurich main station approx. 7.15 PM and Winterthur approx. 7.45 PM
A delicious, freshly prepared lunch is served in the dining car.
Thursday, 2 Oct. 2025
Departure from Winterthur around 8.30 AM on the ‘Suisse Train Bleu’. Stops in Zurich main station approx. 9.00 AM, Olten approx. 9.45 AM, Bern approx. 10.45 AM, Spiez approx. 11.45 AM. Journey via Lötschberg, Simplon and Domodossola to Genua.
Welcome lunch in the dining car.
On arrival in Genua, transfer to your booked hotel class.
Check-in and overnight stay in Genua.
Friday, 3 Oct. 2025
After breakfast, a city tour of Genua. We get our first impression from the Spianata Castelletto with its magnificent panoramic view as far as the harbour. On the guided tour through the picturesque alleyways of the lively old town, we learn a lot of interesting facts about Genua’s eventful history.
We visit the Palazzo Lomellino with its (otherwise) inaccessible terraced garden in Via Garibaldi. The ensemble of palazzi in Via Garibaldi is an important example of the Europe-wide development of architecture and urban planning in the Mannerist and Baroque styles and has therefore been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Saturday, 4 Oct. 2025
After breakfast, we set off on a half-day tour outside the city walls to one of the most historically important villas: The Villa del Principe, its Italian-style garden with geometrically laid out flowerbeds and a large Neptune fountain.
In the Pegli district, a romantic garden with a fairytale atmosphere spreads out. Here you can admire temples, obelisks, grottos, lakes, pagodas and rare and majestic trees.
Sunday, 5 Oct. 2025
Today we are going on an excursion to Rapallo and Portofino. First we head to Rapallo, a beautiful seaside town.
From here we take the boat to one of Italy’s most famous places, Portofino. The community of 400 people is located 40 kilometres east of Genua on a natural harbour on the Ligurian Riviera and used to be a fishing village. It is located on the south-western tip of the Portofino peninsula, surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation on an area of two square kilometres.
It was apparently founded by the Romans. They called the settlement Portus Delphini. The place was first mentioned in a document in 986.
After lunch in a good restaurant, return to Genua.
Monday, 6 Oct. 2025
Arrivederci e alla prossima – today it’s time to say goodbye to Liguria.
On board our special train ‘Suisse train bleu’ we start our return journey via Domodossola – Simplon – Lötscherg. Disembarkation stops: Spiez 4.00 PM, Bern approx. 5.15 PM, Olten approx. 6.20 PM, Zurich main station approx. 7.15 PM and Winterthur approx. 7.45 PM
A delicious, freshly prepared lunch is served in the dining car.
Hotels in Genua
Best Western Hotel Metropoli (3 stars):
incl. breakfast
Standard double room: CHF 2’635.- | Standard single room: CHF 2’985.-
NH Hotel Marina (4 stars):
incl. breakfast
Premium double room with harbour view: CHF 2’835.- | Premium single room with harbour view: CHF 3’385.-
Best Western Hotel Metropoli
***
A cosy hotel in the immediate vicinity of Via Garibaldi. Inviting hotel bar. The tasteful rooms are decorated in pastel colours. Standard room, approx. 15 m², shower/WC, safe, kettle.
NH Hotel Marina
****
The hotel is part of Genua’s old harbour, which was redesigned by the world-famous architect Renzo Piano. Just a few steps from the impressive Aquarium and the Maritime Museum and 10 minutes from the old city centre. Premium room with harbour view, approx. 27 m², rain shower/WC, air conditioning, safe, kettle, espresso machine.
Booking
Prices per person (incl. VAT)
plus 0.25% risk contribution for the guarantee fund
Included:
Travel on the special train ‘Suisse Train Bleu’ to Genua and back, reserved seats in the 1st class carriage and for meals in the dining car, four nights’ accommodation in the desired hotel category including breakfast and all taxes, two lunches on board and one lunch in Portofino, accompanying table drinks, sightseeing and excursions with German-speaking local guides, transfers where required, documentation, general tips, tour guide.
Programme and itinerary are subject to change. The organiser’s general information and travel conditions apply. A minimum number of participants is required for the tour to take place.