First off, we are 2 active seniors with no train travel experience, English speaking and some Spanish (which will not help on this trip).

We will be flying into Amsterdam late May or June 2020 for 1 month or more if needed.

Amsterdam 4-5 days as a base to visit small towns in the Netherlands.
Switzerland for up to a week. The goal there is to see the alps and scenery.
Lugano 2-3 nights
Venice 2 nights before board a cruise to see some of Croatia.
Flying back out of either Venice or Rome depending on end destination on cruise.

After researching Man in seat 61, and many other sites I am more confused than ever, especially the Switzerland portion.

I am trying to decide between flying from AMS to ZRH (or train and overnight stop in Cologne) and then taking train to Zermatt 2 nights, Glacier Express to Bernina Express and Bernina bus to Lugano. Would we see enough of the alps scenery by just taking the Bernina Express Zurich, spending the night in Chur and then Tirano on the other end before heading to Lugano?

I have also read about the Golden Pass train and wondered about incorporating it in somehow?

I know we can do the regular trains but I am concered about changing trains in route with luggage (although we will pack light with one medium roller each) and the language and signage barrier speaking only english.

I am trying to figure out how to get a taste of the alps and where to stay and for how many nights to get the best scenery.

Any advice on where to start or how to change this itinerary would be very helpful.