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Swiss Alps in a nutshell: 3-day train tour of Switzerland itinerary

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Swiss Alps in a nutshell: 3-day train tour of Switzerland itinerary

Are in coming to Switzerland on a time crunch but still want to experience the best of this Alpine country?

We’ll be happy to help you! With our special 3-day train tour of Switzerland itinerary, you will:

  • visit Zermatt
  • ride aboard two panoramic Swiss trains: Gornergrat Railways and Glacier Express
  • enjoy a guided hike around Zermatt
  • a fabulous lake cruise.

Choose this short and sweet Switzerland rail tour and immerse yourself in the Swiss culture, nature, and enjoy authentic Swiss gastronomy.

Let’s go!

alps hiking packing list

Highlights of ECHO 3-day Tour Of Switzerland

The main highlights of your 3-day train tour of Switzerland itinerary include: 

  • Flexible pick up locations
  • Zermatt and the Matterhorn
  • Two-night stay at a 4* hotel
  • Choice of guided walks/hikes and excursions
  • A lake cruise on Lake Lucerne
  • Panoramic rides on Gornergrat Railway and Glacier Express
  • Famous Matterhorn at a hand’s reach
  • Personal assistance of English-speaking guide
  • Flexible itinerary designed to meet your needs

Day 1 - From The Airport to Zermatt

Regardless of where you land, our ECHO Rails guide will pick you up at the chosen airport or train station.

After a meet & greet, your guide will escort you on the train to Zermatt. There will be time to go thorugh the itinerary of the trip and to make any changes. Meanwhile you will be able to enjoy a relaxing 3 ½ hour train journey to this world-famous alpine resort o.

Depending on your time of arrival, you can relax at the hotel’s spa, take a stroll around town or catch a few sunrays on the balcony featuring a magnificent view of Matterhorn. 

In the evening, you will enjoy an authentic Swiss dinner at one of the local restaurants.

brief history of gornergrat railways

Day 2 - Hiking in Zermatt

Today your 3-day train tour of Switzerland will take you on a guided trip up to Gornergrat.

Gornergrat is a famous peak in the vicinity of Zermatt. Its peak offer one of the most breathtaking alpine views in Europe. It features the Matterhorn, of course, and 29 other marvellous peaks. You can climb it on board one of the oldest cogwheel trains on the continent. Enjoy a breathtaking ride with Gornergrat Bahn to the top station at a staggering 3089 metres/10,135 ft above sea level.

Our ECHO guide will offer you a selection of hikes and walks around Gornergrat. Depending on your preferences and fitness level, you can hike to other vantage points or simply enjoy a summit experience. 

We especially recommend a hike around Lake Riffel, which offers breathtaking reflection of Matterhorn’s famous silhouette.

In the afternoon you can still enjoy the village, shop for souvenirs or take a cable car to conquer another peak or two: the Rothorn, for example.

gornergrat cogwheel train

Day 3 - Glacier Express and Lake Cruise

On day three of your of your 3-day train tour of Switzerland you will get a change to ride a Glacier Express and enjoy a relaxing two-hour-long lake cruise.

Starting in Zermatt, you will get another chance to travel down the astonishing mountain valley to Visp. Here the train will start its winding route up the mountains, along the southern edge of the Swiss Alps. 

After a few hours you will reach Andermatt, a beautiful alpine town in canton Uri. Here you will change to a small cogwheel train which will transport you to Göschenen. From here, you will board a train to Fluelen.

In Fluelen the last portion of your trip begins. Board a 100-year-old steam ship and glide thorugh the Lake Lucerne. Admire the famous peaks of Central Switzerland: Schweizer Mythen, Stanserhorn, Pilatus and Rigi.

You will arrive in Lucerne’s docks by afternoon. Here your 3-day train tour of Switzerland ends. 

ECHO Rails will be happy to advise you on your next destination. You can also extend your tour with a 3-day post-tour in Lucerne, which includes a guided tour of Mount Rigi. 

5-Day Switzerland Train Tour

3-Day Train Tour Of Switzerland With ECHO Rails

Planning a holiday in Switzerland by train can be a challenge.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple on their honeymoon or going on a family holiday, finding a smooth itinerary combining interesting sights and activities is never easy. Ler alone booking all the tickets and finding the right schedules!

At ECHO Rails we love planning unforgettable holidays in Switzerland by train. With over 13 years of experience, we can turn your vacations by rail into a trip of a lifetime.

Our ECHO Rails private tours take you wherever your heart desires with the support of a local guide.

Our private 3-day train tour of Switzerland will give you a perfect “the best” experience with top-class amenities and comforts.

What else?

  • the best panoramic trains in Switzerland
  • seamless and flexible itineraries
  • optional hikes and walks
  • the assistance of a local guide
  • variety of cultural and outdoor experiences
  • luggage transfer 
  • Swiss dining experience at local restaurants and bars
  • the best panoramic trains in Switzerland

Let us take care of the organization and the logistics while you simply enjoy rail adventure of a lifetime. 

Don’t wait, book you 3-day train tour of Switzerland today.

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