Explore The Ultimate Swiss Panorama with Railbookers
Price: From $7,079 CAD Per Person based upon availability and subject to change. Receive an additional $100 gift card per booking.
Booking Window: December 4 - December 18, 2024
Embark on a mesmerizing 15-day train journey, immersing yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the Alps and the charming lakeside towns of Montreux, Lucerne, Lugano, and Como. Begin your adventure in Zurich, then head south and traverse the iconic Bernina and Glacier Express routes, experiencing the magic of St. Moritz and Zermatt. Ride the rails of the scenic Golden Pass Express to Interlaken and uncover the majestic Jungfrau, ascend the panoramic peaks of Mount Pilatus, and traverse the Gotthard Pass, culminating in the tranquil elegance of Lugano and the scenic splendor of Lake Como. This itinerary offers everything you can dream to visit in Switzerland; a perfect balance of scenic train rides, panoramic mountain trips, relaxing lakes, and cultural exploration.
Photo: Golden Pass Train, Switzerland
Inclusions:
Photo: Itinerary Map
Day 1: Your Journey Begins in Zurich
Welcome to Zurich! Arrive in the city center and check in for an overnight stay at your hotel. Zurich is Switzerland's most cosmopolitan and elegant city, situated on the banks of the river Limmat. Spend the evening by the lake in the old town district of Niederdorf, famous for its bars, restaurants, lounges, and fashion shops. (Overnight in Zurich).
Day 2: Zurich to St Moritz
Travel from Zurich to St Moritz today and check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. Enjoy a full day soaking up the scenery of St Moritz, famous for its champagne climate and its glamorous ski scene. It is said that winter sports were invented here, and there are plenty of activities to choose from in winter and summer. Explore some of the 112 miles of walking trails, some through Switzerland's only national park. Or try your hand at mountain biking, windsurfing, golf, or of course skiing. Alternatively, for a bit of culture, head to the Segantini Museum, which has a lovely collection of works by local artist Giovanni Segantini. (Overnight in St Moritz) B
Day 3: The Bernina Express Roundtrip
Head south to Italy today and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery seen from a train anywhere in the world. Cross mountain passes and admire the spectacular peaks of Piz Bernina and Piz Palu. Have your camera ready for the magical Brusio spiral viaduct before arriving at Tirano, northern Italy. Enjoy lunch before hopping back on the train and heading back to St Moritz. The varying light gives the scenery a different life, and once back in St Moritz enjoy taking stock of the amazing photos you have captured. (Overnight St Moritz) B
Photo: St Moritz, Switzerland
Day 4: The Glacier Express to Zermatt
After breakfast at your hotel make your way to the station for a journey aboard the slowest express train in the world. The Glacier Express takes you over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels. The views from the panoramic windows you pass mountain peaks, deep gorges, and idyllic mountain villages are often breath-taking. The eight hours onboard will fly by before you pull into car-free Zermatt for a two-night stay. (Overnight Zermatt) B
Day 5: Gornergrat Day Trip
At a time of your choosing take a ride up to 3090m above sea level on the historic Gornergrat cog railway. Enjoy priority boarding included with your reservation which will allow you to beat the queue! We advise that you sit on the right-hand side of the train for panoramic Matterhorn views. As the train climbs over bridges and through a fragrant forest of fir trees passengers are awarded with a spectacular view of the iconic Matterhorn Mountain. At the top, there are some gentle walking trails where you might catch a glimpse of a wild Chamois or Marmot, and when you are ready take the train back down the mountain and enjoy dinner in one of Zermatt's great local restaurants. (Overnight Zermatt) B
Day 6: Zermatt to Montreux
Enjoy breakfast in your hotel this morning before checking out and catching the train to Montreux. The journey is a lovely, scenic trip taking in sparkling vistas of Lake Geneva. On arrival, check-in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Once checked in, head out to view the famous Chteau de Chillon castle in Lake Geneva with the use of your included Swiss Pass. (Overnight in Montreux) B
Photo: Zermatt, Switzerland
Day 7: The GoldenPass Express to Interlaken
Embark on a breathtaking journey aboard the GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken, where every twist and turn reveals the dramatic beauty of the Swiss Alps. Your reservation includes an included breakfast box with a hot and cold beverage to enjoy as you take in the views. As the panoramic windows frame the majestic peaks, the train gracefully meanders through lush green meadows, charming alpine villages, and crystal-clear lakes. Upon arrival in Interlaken, check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. In the afternoon, walk over to the Harder Kulm funicular and enjoy panoramic views of Interlaken and the Jungfrau from the viewing deck. (Overnight in Interlaken) B
Day 8: Jungfrau Day Trip
After breakfast, you will climb to Europe's highest-altitude railway station on Jungfrau Mountain, a colossal 11,332 feet high. The journey takes you to Kleine Scheidegg, before reaching the station at Eigergletscher, which is well known for its mountain restaurant and Huskies. At Jungfraujoch, take in the breathtaking views of the Black Forest in Germany and the Vosges Mountains in France. After a spectacular day of sightseeing, return to the hotel for the second night of your stay. (Overnight in Interlaken) B
Day 9: Interlaken to Lucerne
Board the train at Interlaken Ost station, then enjoy the wonderful views on the 2-hour ride to Lucerne. The line skirts around Lake Brienz before heading through Meiringen and then up into the mountains. These trains often run with panoramic windows, so you enjoy all the glorious scenery as they pass numerous alpine lakes before arriving in Lucerne, your home for two nights. In the evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner cruise on Lake Lucerne – be wined and dined as you travel along the crystal blue lake. (Overnight Lucerne) B
Photo: Mt Pilatus - Cogwheel Train, Switzerland
Day 10: Mount Pilatus Day Trip
Between May-Oct enjoy a cruise on Lake Lucerne before taking the steepest rack railway in the world to the top of Mount Pilatus. Enjoy some spectacular views, easy walking trails, and lunch perhaps before returning down the other side of the mountain via gondola and cable car, which is the route up as well during the winter. In the evening take a stroll over the wooden Chapel Bridge and enjoy some dinner in Lucernes' idyllic old town. (Overnight Lucerne) B
Day 11: Gotthard Panorama Express to Lugano
After breakfast enjoy a paddle cruiser ride across the gorgeous Lake Lucerne en route to Fluelen and relish in the amazing views of the snow-capped mountains along the way. Then you will board the scenic Gotthard Panorama Express for a lovely journey along the historic Gotthard railway line, where stunning scenery awaits. You’ll be treated to fascinating history and the legend of the Gotthard region along the way. There is also a photography coach on the train where you can take all the pictures you desire. On arrival in Lugano, check-in for a two-night stay. (Overnight in Lugano) B
Day 12: Lugano
Spend today getting to know Lugano. Located in Switzerland right on the Italian border, this city offers all the loveliness of Switzerland with a Mediterranean flair. Lugano Arte e Cultura, otherwise known as LAC, is the city’s cultural centre, and is full of local and cantonal art. If you are interested in architecture, visit Swissminiatur, an open-air museum that features over 120 1:125 scale models of the most famous buildings and monuments in Switzerland. The park also features 1,500 plants and over 10,000 flowers for your viewing pleasure! (Overnight in Lugano) B
Day 13: Lugano to Lake Como
Take a direct train from Lugano to Lake Como for another lake stay! Once checked in perhaps take a leisurely boat tour of Lake Como on your own and enjoy the sights of grand villas, rolling hillside vineyards, historic towns, alpine peaks, and wooded islands that line the shore. In the evening, spend some time strolling along the town’s cobblestone streets to the bustling public square of Piazza Cavour or visiting a lakeside restaurant and having dinner. (Overnight in Lake Como) B
Day 14: Lake Como
The town of Como is one that combines beautiful historic architecture with stunning natural beauty and today you will explore with the help of a local guide. The Centro Storico, an old town is a maze of picturesque little streets, squares, and pavement cafés. Wander around the shops and boutiques or visit one of the many cultural monuments the city has to offer. (Overnight in Como) B
Photo: Lake Como, Italy
Day 15: Your Journey Ends in Lake Como
Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and meet your driver for your private transfer to Milan Airport. If you would like to extend your vacation to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements. B
