Welcome to Switzerland!

After your long journey, a warm welcome awaits you in Zurich. You’re probably ready to rest, and we’ve made sure your first night will be as comfortable as possible.

For your first night, the hotel is conveniently located directly at the Zurich Airport, ensuring a quick and hassle-free check in. All necessary details and instructions will be sent to you, ensuring you can settle in effortlessly.

In Zurich Airport area, you’ll find everything you need — ATMs, restaurants, and various services — all within easy reach. Once you arrive at the hotel, take your time to check in and unwind. This is your moment to relax and acclimate, preparing yourself for the exciting Swiss adventure that lies ahead!

Accommodation: Zurich Airport Hotel Hyatt Regency or Place (or comparable lodging).

Today, your adventure begins with a warm welcome from your Guide at 9:00 am at the Zurich Airport Hotel. There will be an itinerary briefing and a Q&A session, providing a perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and clarify any questions you might have about the journey ahead.

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After the briefing, we start the adventure with a swift train journey eastward to the charming city of St. Gallen. Here, you will step back in time at the magnificent St. Gallen Abbey Library, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marveling at its ornate Rococo hall and collection of ancient manuscripts.

After soaking up this architectural brilliance, you’ll board the picturesque Voralpen-Express, trading high-alpine drama for the idyllic, rolling green hills of the “pre-Alps.”

This delightful route winds past small villages, moorlands, and tranquil lakes, delivering you directly into the postcard-perfect city of Lucerne, where we explore the city’s highlights: from the iconic Chapel Bridge, the intricately painted Water Tower, to the poignant Lion Monument.

After taking in these cultural treasures, we’ll gather for a local dinner in the city center, savoring traditional Swiss cuisine while soaking in the charm and vibrant atmosphere of Lucerne by night.

Scenic Journey Duration: approx. 2 hours.

Journey Mode: Train & Voralpen-Express.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Waldstätterhof (or comparable lodging).

Today is a dual-peak masterpiece, dedicated to conquering two of Central Switzerland’s most iconic summits. Your morning ascent begins with Mount Rigi (the Queen of the Mountains). We’ll board a piece of railway history: the charming, Rigi cogwheel train. With over a century of history, this line guides you smoothly up to Rigi Kulm.

At the peak, you are rewarded with a sweeping 360-degree panorama that showcases the full glory of the Swiss heartland—majestic Alps, distant glistening glaciers, lush green meadows dotted with grazing cows, and the serene, expansive waters of Lake Lucerne laid out below.

In the afternoon, the adventure continues with Mount Pilatus (the Dragon Mountain), where you will board the engineering marvel that is the world’s steepest cogwheel train, tackling a thrilling 48% gradient as you climb towards the heavens.

Once on the summit, you’ll have a focused hour to fully immerse yourself in the experience: admire the spectacular panorama across the surrounding Alps and the deep-blue Lake Lucerne, embark on a refreshing short walk, catch a documentary film detailing Pilatus’s legendary history, or simply savor a quiet cup of coffee with a million-dollar view.

A short train ride back to Lucerne concludes this extraordinary day, leaving your heart full, your camera brimming, and your soul stirred by the magic of the Alps.

Scenic Journey Duration: approx. 5 hours.

Journey Mode: Train, Pilatus Cogwheel Train, Rigi Cogwheel Train & Cruise.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Waldstätterhof (or comparable lodging).

Today, we begin with a serene morning cruise on Lake Lucerne, retracing the historic path of the Swiss Confederation’s founders as you sail towards Flüelen.

In Flüelen, you will transition to the famed Gotthard Panorama Express. This is no ordinary train; it’s a historic line that follows the legendary Gotthard route, first opened in 1882. The journey is a masterclass in railway engineering, dramatically climbing the old route, looping through spiral tunnels, and famously circling the church at Wassen three times to gain altitude.

Plunge into the long Gotthard Tunnel and emerge into a whole new world: the Italian-speaking, palm-lined shores of Ticino, signaling your arrival in the vibrant city of Lugano.

Scenic Journey Duration: approx. 5 hours.

Journey Mode: Lake Lucerne Cruise & Gotthard Panorama Express.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel International Au Lac (or comparable lodging).

Heading to Bellagio, today we indulge in a glorious cross-border excursion to Italy, where Swiss efficiency meets Italian dolce vita. A short journey brings you to the shores of the world-famous Lake Como.

Here, you will witness one of Italy’s most beautiful, third-largest, and deepest lakes, instantly recognizable by its inverted “Y” shape, covering an impressive area of about 146 square kilometers (56 square miles).

You will board a delightful Lake Como Cruise, gliding past grand, luxurious villas and exquisite gardens that line the banks. These include the famous Villa del Balbianello with its exquisite terraced gardens, and Villa Carlotta, renowned for its art collections and stunning botanical displays.

As the sun begins to dip toward the mountains, we settle in Como town for a leisurely dinner, savoring authentic Italian cuisine paired with local wines. With the shimmering lake as your backdrop and the gentle evening air around you, it’s the perfect way to toast a day of beauty, culture, and unforgettable scenery.

Scenic Journey Duration: approx. 3 hours.

Journey Mode: Train & Lake Como Cruise.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel International Au Lac (or comparable lodging).

Today offers a stunning transition from Mediterranean flair to high-alpine glamour. The day starts with the spectacular Bernina Express Bus from Lugano, tracing a scenic route along the shores of Lake Como before crossing into Italy and arriving at Tirano. 

Maybe grab some nice Italian gelato and board the legendary Bernina Express Train. This part of the journey is truly spectacular, following a UNESCO World Heritage line renowned for its breathtaking scenery and engineering marvels. As the train ascends towards St. Moritz, it is an engineering triumph, climbing dramatically without the aid of cogwheels, traversing the iconic Brusio Spiral Viaduct, and passing by glistening glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Bernina Range.

The train’s panoramic windows ensure you won’t miss any of the incredible views on this unforgettable route, which delivers you to the glamorous resort town of St. Moritz. After checking into your luxurious hotel, take the time to explore this elegant alpine setting: stroll around the picturesque Lake St. Moritz, browse the upscale shops, or simply relax and breathe in the crisp mountain air.

We’ll come together for a relaxed dinner in town, savoring local flavors and the charming Swiss ambiance.

Scenic Journey Duration: approx. 5 hours.

Journey Mode: Bernina Express Bus, Bernina Express Train.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Hauser (or comparable lodging).

Today is dedicated to exploring the crystalline world of the Upper Engadine. The morning focuses on a spectacular combination of viewpoints: ascend via cable cars (using local transport connections) to the lofty heights of Diavolezza and Corvatsch. These peaks offer you close-up, visceral perspectives of the powerful Bernina Massif and its vast, dramatic glaciers—a chance to feel truly humbled by the scale of the Alps.

The afternoon brings a sophisticated shift in pace. You will board the charming Muottas-Muragl-Bahn, a historic funicular railway that climbs high above St. Moritz. At the top, you’ll be treated to unparalleled panoramic views of the entire Engadine valley and the surrounding majestic mountains. Here, you will enjoy a truly memorable, exclusive lunch, perfectly pairing delicious cuisine with the most photographed vista in the region—a grand finale to your time in this iconic alpine resort.

Scenic Journey Duration: approx. 2 hours.

Journey Mode: Cable cars, Muottas-Muragl Funicular (Subject to a seasonal closure).

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch.

Accommodation: Hotel Hauser (or comparable lodging).

Today, we bid farewell to the elegant Engadine and embark on one of Switzerland’s most iconic rail journeys: the Glacier Express, traveling from St. Moritz to Zermatt.

Relax in your panoramic carriage as this legendary train, known as the “Slowest Express train in the World“, weaves through a stunning eight-hour alpine tapestry, crossing 291 bridges and winding through 91 tunnels. The ride is a sequence of breathtaking highlights: marvel at the majestic Landwasser Viaduct, a towering structure that curves into a tunnel, and traverse the spectacular Rhine Gorge, often dubbed the “Swiss Grand Canyon,” with its sheer white cliffs and wild river.

The train then tackles the climb to the route’s highest point, the Oberalp Pass, cresting at 2,033 meters (6,670 ft) above sea level, offering vast, sweeping mountain views.

A highlight of the journey is a 3-course lunch served directly on board, allowing you to savor delicious Swiss cuisine while admiring the ever-changing panorama—from the peaceful high plains to the dramatic ravines—all through the oversized windows.

The journey culminates in the arrival at the iconic, car-free village of Zermatt, where the powerful silhouette of the Matterhorn stands ready to greet you, marking a magnificent close to a full day of rail splendor.

Scenic Journey Duration: approx. 8 hours.

Journey Mode: Glacier Express.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch.

Accommodation: Hotel La Ginabelle (or comparable lodging).

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Matterhorn and the surrounding Alps on a leisurely excursion aboard the historic Gornergrat Cogwheel Railway. This 125-year-old narrow-gauge line is Europe’s second-highest railway and the highest open-air railway on the continent, climbing to 10,134 feet (3,089 meters) while offering unforgettable views of the Matterhorn along the way.

At the summit of Gornergrat, enjoy ample time to take in the sweeping panorama of 29 alpine peaks towering over 13,123 feet (4,000 meters). For a truly unique perspective, immerse yourself in Zooom the Matterhorn, a virtual reality experience that lets you glide above the iconic peak without leaving the ground.

After soaking in the alpine vistas, your guide will suggest the best spots for a memorable lunch in Zermatt or high above the village, depending on your preference and the weather.

In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore the charming streets of Zermatt at your own pace. Browse local shops, relax in a café, or join a one-hour guided tour of the village, including Zermatt’s historic “Old Village,” and discover how locals lived over 200 years ago.

Scenic Journey Duration: approx. 1 hour.

Journey Mode: Gornergrat Cogwheel.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Accommodation: La Ginabelle (or comparable lodging).

Today offers a fascinating juxtaposition of deep earth and glistening water, showcasing both Switzerland’s industrial history and its romantic Riviera charm.

We begin with a beautiful train ride through the sunny Valais vineyards to Bex. Here, you’ll descend deep into the earth at the Mines de Sel de Bex (Salt Caves) for an immersive, historical tour. You will travel by small train through the humid, subterranean network of tunnels carved out over centuries, discovering the vital process of salt extraction that has shaped the region’s economy since the 17th century.

After emerging into the sunshine, you continue your train journey to the shores of Lake Geneva to visit the iconic Chillon Castle. This perfectly preserved medieval fortress appears to float majestically on the turquoise lake, connected to the shore by a small drawbridge.

Explore its courtyards, great halls, and the famous dungeon, immortalized by Lord Byron, gaining insight into centuries of regional military and social history.

From there, it’s a short hop to your hotel in the chic, palm-lined atmosphere of Montreux, the vibrant heart of the Swiss Riviera.

Scenic Journey Duration: approx. 4 hours.

Journey Mode: Trains.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner.

Accommodation: Hôtel Eden Palace Au Lac in Montreux (or comparable lodging).

Embrace the glamorous Riviera lifestyle with a relaxing morning Lake Geneva Cruise from Montreux to the elegant, sloping city of Lausanne.

As the world’s Olympic Capital, Lausanne is home to the world-class Olympic Museum, which you will explore for a powerful dose of sporting history and inspiration, tracing the origins and legends of the modern games.

Your return journey is equally spectacular: take a local train along the breathtaking Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These steep, ancient terraces, supported by dry stone walls that have been cultivated since the 11th century, plunge directly into the lake, offering an endless parade of stunning, vineyard-framed views that epitomize the Swiss Riviera’s charm.

Be sure to look out for the small, picturesque winegrower villages tucked into the slopes.

Scenic Journey Duration: approx. 4 hours.

Journey Mode: Lake Geneva Cruise.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch.

Accommodation: Hôtel Eden Palace Au Lac in Montreux (or comparable lodging).

Prepare for a scenic triumph as you board the famous GoldenPass Line, the final major leg of your Grand Tour.

The journey begins with a dramatic climb from Montreux, passing through the green pastures of the Gruyères region, famous for its cheese, and over a scenic mountain pass before dramatically descending into the Bernese Oberland at Interlaken.

Upon arrival in this adventure hub, you will immediately indulge in a delightful, hands-on Swiss Chocolate Workshop. Spend a satisfying hour mastering the secret techniques behind Switzerland’s most delicious export and proudly crafting your own custom treats.

Once your sweet tooth is satisfied, a short local train ride whisks you to the dramatically situated village of Grindelwald, nestled directly beneath the legendary, formidable face of the Eiger North Face, where we’ll have an authentic Swiss dinner and you will check in for the night.

Scenic Journey Duration: approx. 4 hours.

Journey Mode: GoldenPass Line.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Derby (or comparable lodging).

Today we experience the absolute pinnacle of this Swiss adventure with a journey to the Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe”.

Start with the high-speed Eiger Express cable car from Grindelwald, gliding effortlessly up the mountainside, before transferring to the final cogwheel train ride that tunnels dramatically through the Eiger massif.

At the highest railway station in Europe, you can explore the magical Ice Palace, a labyrinth carved deep into the glacier ice, and take in the panoramic views over the vast, white expanse of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps.

In the afternoon, we descend into the pristine Lauterbrunnen Valley, often called the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls“.

The highlight here is the powerful, subterranean Trümmelbach Falls. This natural wonder consists of ten glacier-fed waterfalls concealed within the mountain, accessible via a tunnel-funicular complex built in 1913. These falls cascade with the force of up to 20,000 liters (5283 gallons) of glacier meltwater per second, crashing over 20,000 tons (over 40 mln pounds) of boulders, creating a continuous spectacle that resonates with the sheer magnificence of nature.

After witnessing this extraordinary wonder, we’ll return to Grindelwald for a delicious dinner awaiting us.

Scenic Journey Duration: approx. 4 hours.

Journey Mode: Eiger Express Cable-Car, Train & Cogwheel.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Derby (or comparable lodging).

Our final day in the Bernese Oberland blends serene water travel with historic mountain transport. Begin with a tranquil Lake Brienz Cruise across the shimmering turquoise waters, the color often comes from glacial sediment, to the village of Brienz.

From here, you’ll board the charming, historic, steam-powered Brienz Rothorn Railway, a breathtaking ascent that rewards you with incredible views over the lake and the surrounding peaks.

Descending the Rothorn, continue your journey aboard the PostBus, winding through the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch. This remarkable region, recognized for its unique landscapes of moorlands, limestone cliffs, and pastoral valleys, offers a scenic and immersive passage through one of Switzerland’s most pristine natural areas. The bus route provides panoramic views of rolling hills, traditional villages, and alpine pastures as you make your way to Sörenberg, the gateway to the region’s natural wonders.

From Sörenberg, we board the train to Bern, Switzerland’s historic capital, and catch a glimpse of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its arcaded streets, medieval towers, and elegant fountains, offering a perfect cultural pause before your final leg.

Continue by train to Zürich, and conclude the day with the Cosmopolitan city of Switzerland, providing a serene and unforgettable farewell to the Swiss Alps.

Scenic Journey Duration: approx. 4 hours.

Journey Mode: Lake Brienz Cruise & Brienz Rothorn Railway.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner.

Accommodation: Central Plaza Hotel (or comparable lodging).

Our day begins with a comfortable train ride to Winterthur, where a smooth connection takes us onward to the storybook village of Stein am Rhein.

Upon arrival, wander through this beautifully preserved medieval gem, famous for its colorful frescoes, half-timbered houses, and riverside charm.

We’ll board a peaceful Rhine River cruise that drifts through Northern Switzerland’s picturesque landscapes all the way to Schaffhausen.

Once in Schaffhausen, enjoy a guided stroll through the charming old town before continuing to the day’s grand finale, the Rhine Fall, Europe’s largest waterfall. 

We add even more excitement with the Rock Experience, a thrilling 30-minute boat ride that takes you right to the foot of the roaring falls, for a perspective you’ll never forget.

After soaking in the sights, your adventure wraps up with a smooth return to Zürich, where we’ll come together for a memorable farewell dinner to celebrate the journey and share our favorite moments.

Scenic Journey Duration: approx. 4 hours.

Journey Mode: Rhine River Cruise, Train & Rock Boat Ride.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner.

Accommodation: Central Plaza Hotel (or comparable lodging).

Your unforgettable Swiss rail adventure comes to an end today.

The memories of your scenic train rides, charming Swiss cities, and breathtaking alpine landscapes will stay with you long after your departure.

We wish you safe travels and hope to welcome you on another Swiss rail adventure in the future!

Meals included: Breakfast.