Switzerland by Rail: Alpine Wonders & Lugano’s Dolce Vita

Welcome to Switzerland, your rail tour adventure begins in the charming city of Lucerne.

Your Local English-speaking guide will meet you at 1 p.m. at the reception of the Hotel for a one-hour tour briefing. This is an excellent opportunity to ask any questions regarding the organization of the trip and to get familiar with the itinerary.

Following the briefing, we will embark on a walking tour around Lucerne’s picturesque old town. Our stroll will take us through narrow cobblestone streets, past historic buildings, and to some of the city’s most famous landmarks. You will learn about Lucerne’s rich history and its significance in Switzerland today.

After the walking tour, we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the city center.

Meals included: Dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Waldstätterhof (or comparable lodging).

Today prepare for a day of stunning scenery and unforgettable experiences as we travel from Lucerne to Lugano.

After breakfast, we begin our day with an excursion to Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains“. First, we enjoy an amazing cruise on Lake Lucerne, which will bring us to Vitznau. From there we hope on the train to Arth Goldau where the guide will lead the way up to the summit of Mount Rigi boarding the oldest cogwheel train in Switzerland opened in 1871. From there we will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and the surrounding lakes.

After taking in the views and exploring Mount Rigi, we start the next leg of our journey.

We will travel by the Famous Gotthard Panorama Express route. One of the standout features of this route is the journey through the Gotthard Tunnel, a 15 kilometers (9 miles) engineering marvel completed in 1882. This historic tunnel was one of the longest in the world at the time of its completion and revolutionized travel through the Swiss Alps by providing a direct route between northern and southern Switzerland.

Once in Lugano we’ll stroll along the beautiful lakeside promenade and enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Scenic Journey Duration: approx. 7 hours.

Journey Mode: Rigi Cogwheel, Cruise & Train.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner.

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

Today, we continue our rail adventure with one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, travelling from Lugano to St. Moritz via the renowned Bernina Express.

After breakfast we’ll check out and make our way to the train station. Here, we will board the Bernina Express bus, which will take us on a picturesque route through the charming landscapes of Northern Italy.

We’ll witness one of the most beautiful and third-largest and deepest lakes in Italy, Lake Como, shaped like an inverted “Y” and covering an area of about 146 square kilometers/56 square miles. Lake Como is surrounded by luxurious villas and gardens, including the famous Villa del Balbianello with its exquisite terraced gardens, and Villa Carlotta, renowned for its art collections and stunning botanical gardens.

Upon arriving in Tirano, we will have time to explore this charming Italian town before boarding the Bernina Express train. Depending on our confirmed Bernina Express reservation time, we will either enjoy lunch in Tirano before boarding the train or dinner after arriving in St. Moritz. This flexibility allows us to secure the best available Bernina Express reservation while ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.

We will then board the Bernina Express train. This part of the journey is truly spectacular, as the train winds its way through the stunning Swiss Alps. The Bernina Express route is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and engineering marvels.

As we travel towards St. Moritz, we will cross the iconic Brusio Spiral Viaduct, traverse the Bernina Range, and pass by the glistening glaciers and snow-capped peaks. The train’s panoramic windows ensure you won’t miss any of the incredible views.

We will arrive in the glamorous resort town of St. Moritz, known for its luxury and beautiful alpine setting. After checking into our hotel, you will have some free time to explore the town at your own pace. You might choose to stroll around Lake St. Moritz, visit some of the upscale shops, or simply relax and enjoy the mountain views.

Scenic Journey Duration: approx. 5 hours.

Journey Mode: Bernina Express Train & Bus.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Hauser (or comparable lodging).

Today we’re travelling on the famous Glacier Express, often referred to as the “world’s slowest express train” operating since 1930, from St. Moritz to Zermatt. During this breathtaking 8-hour journey, you will see countless natural and man-made wonders. From 91 tunnels and 291 impossibly high viaducts to the Rhine Gorge (dubbed Switzerland’s “Grand Canyon”) and the soaring peaks around the Oberalp Pass (2033 metres/6000 feet), the Glacier Express offers an unforgettable experience through many of Switzerland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Along the way, we will also pass through the famous 65 meter-high (213 feet) Landwasser Viaduct and enjoy vistas of the pristine alpine lakes.

During this panoramic journey you will enjoy the comfort of a first class carriage, and a delicious hot meal at the restaurant car before arriving in Zermatt in the afternoon.

Once in Zermatt, you can choose to relax in your hotel, stroll around the village or even take a short hike, depending on the weather. Be sure to take in the best views of the famous Matterhorn. For dinner your guide will share with you recommendations on the best restaurants in the area.

Scenic Journey Duration: approx. 8 hours.

Journey Mode: Glacier Express.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch.

Accommodation: Hotel La Ginabelle (or comparable lodging).

Experience breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and the Alps in an excursion that combines a cogwheel train ride with an optional easy to moderate day hike.

The Gornergrat Cogwheel Railway is a time-honored narrow gauge line that’s Europe’s second-highest railway and the highest open-air railway on the continent. It climbs up to 10,134 feet (3089 meters) and offers incredible views of the Matterhorn along the way.

At the top of Gornergrat we will have a selection of activities to do. Our group will walk up to the 360-degree platform area, providing a panoramic view of 29 alpine peaks higher than 13,123 feet (4000 meters), including the world-famous Matterhorn. Those who wish to do so, can embark on an immersive experience at  Zooom the Matterhorn. Here, thanks to VR, you can experience what it’s like to glide above the Matterhorn.

For those ready for adventure, embark on a captivating 1.5-hour hike from Rotenboden to Riffelberg. This trail, weaving through an alpine nature reserve, is marked by signposts and offers breathtaking views of the Matterhorn reflected in crystal-clear alpine lakes—a scene that will leave you in awe.

After this invigorating hike, the plan becomes wonderfully flexible, adapting to the day’s weather. Post-lunch, the choice is yours: delve into the enchanting streets of Zermatt, indulge in some shopping, or simply unwind and soak in the serene mountain atmosphere. Our guides will be happy to take you on a 1-hour-long guided tour of Zermatt: learn more about how people lived here more than 200 years ago and visit Zermatt’s “Old Village”.

Scenic Journey Duration: approx. 1 hour.

Journey Mode: Gornergrat Cogwheel.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel La Ginabelle (or comparable lodging). 

On this final day of your rail adventure, we travel from the majestic Alps to the vibrant cities of Bern and Zurich, with guided walking tours showcasing the best of each city.

After breakfast in Zermatt, we board a train to Zurich, with a stop in Bern along the way. The journey will take us through the scenic landscapes of Switzerland, offering views of rolling hills, rivers, and picturesque villages as we make our way towards the capital.

We will arrive in Bern, the charming medieval city and the capital of Switzerland. After a brief break, we will begin our walking tour through the historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through the cobbled streets and discover the city’s iconic landmarks, including the famous Zytglogge clock tower, the Federal Palace, and the beautiful Bear Park. Your guide will share fascinating insights into Bern’s history, culture, and significance as the political heart of Switzerland.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey to Zurich. Upon arrival, we will embark on a walking tour of Switzerland’s largest city. Explore the picturesque old town (Altstadt), visit the stunning Bahnhofstrasse – one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets – and learn about Zurich’s role as a global financial hub. Your guide will also point out historic buildings, churches like Grossmünster, and the charming lakeside promenade.

Scenic Journey Duration: approx. 4 hours.

Journey Mode: Train.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Hyatt Place or Regency (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.