Scenic Switzerland: Rail Journey through the Mountains
Explore Switzerland: from mountain ranges to cityscapes
Take 11 amazing nights to see some of the best sights Switzerland has to offer. Embark on a whirlwind journey through picturesque cities and towns, exploring the rich traditional life preserved in its streets or the fantastic modern life of the Swiss. Snap photos of mountains stretching out for miles, snowy wonderlands, fields of summer flowers, and glittering blue lakes.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Zurich (ZRH)
- Private arrival airport transfer from Zurich airport (ZRH) to Zurich hotel
- 2 nights in Zurich at the Hotel Sternen Oerlikon, or similar
- Zurich City Tour
- Standard-class train ticket from Zurich to Interlaken
- 2 nights in Interlaken at The Hey Hotel, or similar
- Train ticket for Jungfraujoch
- Standard-class train ticket on Golden Pass Line through Zweisimmen to Montreux
- 1 night in Montreux at the Hotel Splendid, or similar
- Standard-class train ticket from Montreux to Zermatt
- 1 night in Zermatt at Hotel Bristol, or similar
- Standard-class Glacier Express train from Zermatt to St. Moritz
- 1 night in St. Moritz at the Hotel Europa St. Moritz, or similar
- Standard-class Bernini Express train from St. Moritz to Lugano
- 1 night in Lugano at the Hotel International au Lac, or similar
- Gotthard Panorama Express train from Lugano to Lucerne*
- (Regular train from Lugano to Bellinzona, Gotthard Panorama Express to Fluelen, steamboat to Lucerne)
- 2 nights in Lucerne at the Alstadthotel Krone, or similar
- Standard-class train ticket from Lucerne to Zurich
- 1 night in Zurich at the Hotel Sternen Oerlikon, or similar
- Breakfast daily
*Gotthard Panorama Express operates from May 1 - October 24, Tuesday through Sunday. At the other times of year and every Monday, this route will be taken by regular train.
Great Ways to Explore
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Enjoy a tour through Zurich, the capital, and take in its sights and maze of city streets.
- Sit back and relax as you take a comfortable train from destination to destination.
-
Explore the beauty of Switzerland, from Lake Lucerne to the Top of Europe: Jungfraujoch.
-
Snap photos of medieval castles in Bellinzona, palaces in Tirano, and stunning natural scenery encompassing almost every stop.
-
Indulge in the cuisine of Switzerland, from cheese fondue to Basel-style roasted flour soup.
Experience the majesty of Switzerland in 11 magical nights. Take the train from city to city, watching as the notoriously beautiful countryside glides by.
Start in the capital of Zurich and explore it with a tour through its historic and beautiful streets. Find the balance the city strikes between its heritage and the modern age before making way for the charming city of Interlaken. Here you'll get to see a bit more of traditional Switzerland, with a city tucked into the mountains, and even visit the top of Europe, Jungfraujoch.
After you've enjoyed Interlaken, begin your train ride through Zweisimmen, Tirano, Bellinzona, and Fluelen, with overnight stays in Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Lugano, and Lucerne. Enjoy a whirlwind of lake-side cities, mountains, stunning scenery, medieval castles, boarder cities with beautiful palaces, and more!
Finally, you'll slow down with a stay in charming Lucerne. Here you can visit beautiful churches, historic buildings, the oldest covered bridge in Europe, and pick up some sweet souvenirs. Head back to Zurich for a final night before taking your plane home.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Zurich (ZRH)
- Private arrival airport transfer from Zurich airport (ZRH) to Zurich hotel
- 2 nights in Zurich at the Hotel Sternen Oerlikon, or similar
- Zurich City Tour
- Standard-class train ticket from Zurich to Interlaken
- 2 nights in Interlaken at The Hey Hotel, or similar
- Train ticket for Jungfraujoch
- Standard-class train ticket on Golden Pass Line through Zweisimmen to Montreux
- 1 night in Montreux at the Hotel Splendid, or similar
- Standard-class train ticket from Montreux to Zermatt
- 1 night in Zermatt at Hotel Bristol, or similar
- Standard-class Glacier Express train from Zermatt to St. Moritz
- 1 night in St. Moritz at the Hotel Europa St. Moritz, or similar
- Standard-class Bernini Express train from St. Moritz to Lugano
- 1 night in Lugano at the Hotel International au Lac, or similar
- Gotthard Panorama Express train from Lugano to Lucerne*
- (Regular train from Lugano to Bellinzona, Gotthard Panorama Express to Fluelen, steamboat to Lucerne)
- 2 nights in Lucerne at the Alstadthotel Krone, or similar
- Standard-class train ticket from Lucerne to Zurich
- 1 night in Zurich at the Hotel Sternen Oerlikon, or similar
- Breakfast daily
*Gotthard Panorama Express operates from May 1 - October 24, Tuesday through Sunday. At the other times of year and every Monday, this route will be taken by regular train.
-
Enjoy a tour through Zurich, the capital, and take in its sights and maze of city streets.
- Sit back and relax as you take a comfortable train from destination to destination.
-
Explore the beauty of Switzerland, from Lake Lucerne to the Top of Europe: Jungfraujoch.
-
Snap photos of medieval castles in Bellinzona, palaces in Tirano, and stunning natural scenery encompassing almost every stop.
-
Indulge in the cuisine of Switzerland, from cheese fondue to Basel-style roasted flour soup.
Experience the majesty of Switzerland in 11 magical nights. Take the train from city to city, watching as the notoriously beautiful countryside glides by.
Start in the capital of Zurich and explore it with a tour through its historic and beautiful streets. Find the balance the city strikes between its heritage and the modern age before making way for the charming city of Interlaken. Here you'll get to see a bit more of traditional Switzerland, with a city tucked into the mountains, and even visit the top of Europe, Jungfraujoch.
After you've enjoyed Interlaken, begin your train ride through Zweisimmen, Tirano, Bellinzona, and Fluelen, with overnight stays in Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Lugano, and Lucerne. Enjoy a whirlwind of lake-side cities, mountains, stunning scenery, medieval castles, boarder cities with beautiful palaces, and more!
Finally, you'll slow down with a stay in charming Lucerne. Here you can visit beautiful churches, historic buildings, the oldest covered bridge in Europe, and pick up some sweet souvenirs. Head back to Zurich for a final night before taking your plane home.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Switzerland!
Land in beautiful Switzerland and start off in the country's capital, Zurich! Check into your hotel to drop off your bags, and spend the rest of the day exploring as you like!
Transfer to hotel
Check-in - Hotel Sternen Oerlikon
Just five minutes away from Hallenstadion (indoor stadium), Zurich-Oerlikon Train Station, and the exhibition center Messe Zurich, the Hotel Sternen Oerlikon offers comfortable lodgings along with a 24-hour lobby bar, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant. Enjoy daily business lunch, international and regional cuisine, and convenience at every step.
Rooms are cheery and equipped with parquet floors, flat-screen cable TV, a safe, hypo-allergenic bedding, air conditioning, free bottled water, a desk, coffee or tea making facilities, and private bathrooms complete with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Bus and tram stops can be found a short 300 feet away from the hotel, making for excellent travel, sight-seeing, and shopping.
Day 2. Zurich
Embark on a tour through the extraordinary city of Zurich. From fascinating museums and amazing clocks to lovely parks and villas, Zurich is a stunning city.Â
When in Switzerland, be sure not to leave without trying the fondue, and what better place to go for it than the country's capital?
Zurich City Tour
Explore the beautiful city of Zurich, which was awarded "The City with the Best Quality of Life." Visit its national museum, the Guild Houses, the Clock of St. Peter, the world-famous business center at the Bahnhofstraße, Zurich Lake, and more! Hop aboard the Cogwheel (Dolderbahn) train and ride to the residential area where villas and parks dot the land. Stop in at the University of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, where Einstein once taught, seek out opera festivals in June, and finish up your tour with a visit to the Fraumunster church.
Day 3. Zurich – Interlaken
Catch your train to the city of Interlaken, tucked away into the mountains. This small city offers breathtaking views of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, both of which rest at the foot of Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger Mountains.Â
Train to Interlaken!
Check-in - The Hey Hotel
Day 4. Interlaken - Jungfraujoch- Interlaken
Today, you'll get to explore the Top of Europe: the Jungfraujoch. As one of the must-see destinations of Switzerland and a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, Jungfraujoch is a magical sight encased in ice and snow. Be sure to seek out the Ice Palace carved into the heart of a glacier as well.
Round-trip Train to Jungfraujoch
Day Trip to Jungfraujoch
Take your ticket and board the train to the very top of Europe, the Jungfraujoch. At an elevation of 11,371 feet, this train station is the highest in Europe, and is surrounded by ice and snow. Explore the stunning land capped in white surrounding you, and be sure to visit the unforgettable Ice Palace, carved into the frozen heart of a glacier.
Day 5. Golden Pass Line:Interlaken - Zweisimmen - Montreux
Make way for Montreux, with a stop in at Zweisimmen to board the Golden Pass Line. Watch as some of the most beautiful scenery in Switzerland drifts by your window on this comfortable train ride.
Train to Montreux!
Check-in - Hotel Splendid
Rest your head in the incredible historical Splendid Hotel. Built in 1904, the hotel offers beautiful panoramic views of Lake Geneva, and includes free Wi-Fi, local and international cuisine served up at the on-site restaurant, free local public transport, a cozy cafe to enjoy a little down time, and is close to a few popular attractions in Montreux.
Rooms reflect the history of the building and do not have air conditioning, but they do have Wi-Fi, a flat-screen cable TV, a hairdryer, and a private bathroom. Some rooms have a terrace or balcony, and many have views of the lake. Only a thousand feet away is the Freddy Mercury Memorial Statue, and both the train station and the conference center are close by.
Day 6. Montreux – Zermatt
Catch your train out of Montreaux, waving goodbye to beautiful Lake Geneva, to Tasch, where you'll change trains and board one set for Zermatt. This town rests at the foot of the massive Mount Matterhorn. Here, you'll be unable to find a single car, since the city has banned them to preserve the original infrastructure.
Train to Zermatt!
Check-in - Hotel Bristol
Situated between the train station and the Klein Matterhorn cable car in Zermatt, the family-run Hotel Bristol offers wonderful views of the Matterhorn and comfortable lodging as well. Offering free Wi-Fi, a spa area, a restaurant, breakfast, a bar, a sauna and steam bath, and a large terrace, this hotel is in a particularly excellent spot for those skiing down the Matterhorn. With Winter sports facilities and cable cars nearby, and the hotel offering ski rentals, and cable car and lift tickets, its a snow-lovers haven.
Rooms are bright and airy with a lodge-like feel, and come with a desk, a safe, a TV, a phone, and private bathrooms that include a hairdryer. Most rooms also have a view of the Matterhorn. Shuttles for those adventuring can be arranged between 8 am and 5pm free of charge.
Day 7. Glacier Express: Zermatt - St. Moritz
Enjoy breakfast in the shadow of the Matterhorn, then board the anything but chilly Glacier Express. Enjoy magnificent views of the Swiss Alps on your way to St. Moritz. This city dazzles during any time of year, either blanketed with snow and stocked with cozy activities, or offering beautiful views over the water with patches of green and summer flowers.
Train to St. Moritz!
Check-in - Hotel Europa St. Moritz
At the Hotel Europa in St. Moritz, guests can enjoy a meal with a stunning view, lounge in the warmth of the sun terrace, indulge in the spa center, and more. Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises, the bar offers a wonderful selection of drinks, and the hot tub and pool are both indoors with floor-to-ceiling windows to allow a view. With skiing being the popular sport in the area, the hotel also has ski storage on site, as well as a 24-hour front desk, a gift shop, private parking, room service, and dry cleaning services.
Rooms are lodge-like and are outfitted with a TV, a safe, complimentary newspapers, and private bathrooms that include a hairdryer. Some rooms also have a sitting area. The Agno Airport is 55 miles away, while Davos is 22, and Licigno is even closer at only 16 miles away.
Day 8. Bernina Express: St. Moritz - Tirano – Lugano
Begin your travels in the morning and make way for Tirano, Italy. Stop in to see the charming 17th and 18th century palaces, as well as the Marian Shrine.Â
Then, continue on to Lugano, where amazing scenery unfolds beneath the city. Look out over stunning mountains and hills, and glittering waters.
Train to Lugano!
Check-in - Hotel International au Lac
Revel in the serenity of the Hotel International au Lac resting on the shore of Lake Lugano. Offering a garden, an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and a lobby bar, the hotel makes for a wonderful stay to relax and enjoy yourself. The surrounding Old Town features lovely restaurants, bars, and shops all well within walking distance, and a private underground garage is available with a fee.
The rooms are elegant and feature air conditioning, blackout drapes, a safe, and a private bathroom including a hairdryer. Nearby the history of the town comes to life. The Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, whicb dates back to 1515, is right next door, and even features a famous fresco by Bernardino Luini.
Day 9. Gotthard Panorama Express: Lugano - Bellinzona - Flüelen – Lucerne
Head towards Lucerne in the morning, with stops in Bellinzona and Fluelen. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the stoic medieval castles adorning Bellinzona, before lightening the mood with a visit in the lovely Fluelen on the banks of Lucerne Lake. Once you've had the chance to explore a bit, board a steamboat to Lucerne and enjoy the incredible scenery that drifts by.
Train to Fluelen!
*Gotthard Panorama Express operates from July 1 - October 22. At the other times of year, this route will be taken by regular train.
Steamboat to Lucerne!
Check-in - Altstadt Hotel Krone Luzern
The Altstadt Hotel Krone Luzern sits comfortably in the busy heart of Lucerne's Old Town, situated right in Weinmarkt Square. With a traditional restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and a summer terrace, the hotel makes for a pleasant stay to enjoy a moment of peace.
Rooms are spacious and come with a minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, a satellite TV, a safe, a desk, and a private bathroom. Guests can easily explore the surrounding area, with the Congress Center, KKL Culture, and the main train station all within a 7-minute drive.
Day 10. Lucerne
Walk the charming cobbled streets where thousands of visitors have before you. Find the oldest covered bridge in Europe, visit stunning baroque churches, stop in at historic houses, and more as you take the day to explore all you can of this popular and beautiful city.
While here, you might want to pick up some Swiss chocolate to bring home with you! Lucerne has some of the best places to find delectable chocolate.
Lucerne
Day 11. Lucerne – Zurich
After breakfast, board the train from Lucerne to return to Zurich. Its your last night in Switzerland, so be sure to try anything you didn't find the time to!
Train to Zurich!
Check-in - Hotel Sternen Oerlikon
Just five minutes away from Hallenstadion (indoor stadium), Zurich-Oerlikon Train Station, and the exhibition center Messe Zurich, the Hotel Sternen Oerlikon offers comfortable lodgings along with a 24-hour lobby bar, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant. Enjoy daily business lunch, international and regional cuisine, and convenience at every step.
Rooms are cheery and equipped with parquet floors, flat-screen cable TV, a safe, hypo-allergenic bedding, air conditioning, free bottled water, a desk, coffee or tea making facilities, and private bathrooms complete with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Bus and tram stops can be found a short 300 feet away from the hotel, making for excellent travel, sight-seeing, and shopping.
Day 12. Depart Switzerland
Pack away your watches, chocolate, and cheese, its time to head to the airport and catch your flight home.
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
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