SWITZERLAND

Independent train tour

8 days/7 nights

There is no better way of traveling through Switzerland than doing it by train, especially the scenic trains. Switzerland is famous for its high quality trains and the beautiful views.

HIGHLIGHTS: Golden Pass, Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Gotthard Panorama Express Trains.

Day 1  Arrival Zürich

After arrival in Zürich take the train and go to your hotel for check in.

As a «metropolis of experiences» by the water, with a magnificent view of the snow-capped Alps on the horizon, Zürich offers a unique mixture of attractions – over 50 museums and more than 100 art galleries, international fashion labels and Zürich designs, and the most famous and lively nightlife in Switzerland. Depending on your arrival time opportunity to discover the world famous shopping mile Bahnhofstrasse or stroll along the banks of Lake Zürich. 

Overnight in Zürich.

Day 2  Zürich – Lucerne - Interlaken 

Train travel to Lucerne. When boarding the Luzern–Interlaken Express, you are about to go on an unforgettable journey right into the heart of Switzerland. This 2-hour ride will take you along the shores of crystal clear lakes, past romantic waterfalls and over the magnificent  Brünig mountain pass. After a short journey you arrive in Interlaken. The city lies in the Bernese Oberland on an alluvial plain, between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The vacation destination is presided over by the three mighty mountains, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Overnight in Interlaken.

Day 3  Interlaken – Montreux (GoldenPass Line)   

Take the train along the shores of Lake Thun and reach Zweisimmen and the world known holiday resort of Gstaad and further on the scenic villages of Château d’Oex and Montbovon. Continue the journey through a tunnel before you will be surprised by a panoramic view of the Lake Geneva and Montreux. In the afternoon you will have time to visit Chillon Castle which as made famous by Lord Byron's poem.

Overnight in Montreux.

Day 4  Montreux – Zermatt (optional excursion Gornergrat)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and afterwards travel from Montreux to Zermatt. The rest of the day is at your disposal.

Zermatt lies at the foot of the Matterhorn. The vacation destination is a car-free zone and has preserved its original character. After arriving in Zermatt you have the possibility to do an optional self-guided excursion to the Gornergrat. A trip up the exhilarating open air Gornergrat railway is not to be missed, for unrivaled views over the 4000m peaks surrounding Zermatt. 

Overnight in Zermatt.

Day 5  Zermatt – St. Moritz (Glacier Express)

In the morning depart Zermatt on the world famous Glacier Express for a thrilling 8-hour ride in a panorama carriage to St. Moritz. Take in some of the dramatic scenery Switzerland has to offer. Along the deep Rhone valley, the Glacier Express travels through an incredibly fascinating part of the Alps. The train drives on over the Oberalp pass (2,033m/6,670ft) and through the impressive Rhine gorge. After an exhilarating trip, you will arrive in St. Moritz.

Overnight in St. Moritz.

Day 6  St. Moritz – Lugano (Bernina Express) 

Board the narrow-gauge Bernina Express train in St. Moritz and enjoy one of the most impressive scenic rail journeys Switzerland offers. Travel over circular viaducts and pass through winding tunnels before reaching Tirano in Italy which is the end of the Bernina Express rail line. Change to the Bernina Express Bus which will take you onwards to Ticino. The journey ends in Lugano – Southern Switzerland’s largest town.

Overnight in Lugano.

Day 7  Lugano – Lucerne (Gotthard Panorama Express)   

With the Gotthard Panorama Express you travel from the Mediterranean south to the traditional heart of Switzerland. The journey takes you along the spectacular Gotthard route – an unforgettable trip through impressive countryside. You will travel by 1st class panorama carriage from Lugano to Flüelen.  The train winds its way from 470 to 1100 metres altitude, disappearing into the 15-kilometre Gotthard Tunnel. In Flüelen board the historic paddle steamer for the cruise across Lake Lucerne. Lunch can be enjoyed on board. 

Overnight in Lucerne.

Day 8  Departure Lucerne

After your breakfast train transfer back to Zurich airport or depending on your departure time possibility to visit Mount Pilatus or to do the Pre-Alpine Express excursion.

EXTENTION OPTIONS, if time permits:

* We suggest to add 1 night in Luzern so that client has time for a mountain excursion to Mt. Pilatus.

* We suggest to add 1 night in Interlaken in order to enjoy a full day excursion on top of Jungfraujoch mountain, over 11,000 ft. above sea level.

This itinerary can be changed around. Some scenic trains are seasonal. Depending on budget, 3* to 5* hotels can be used.

Contact us if you would like to work on a customized itinerary for your clients.

Independent train tour 

7 days / 6 nights 

Experience the wonder of Switzerland in December while you explore the unique and magical world of the Swiss Christmas markets, including a ride on the Golden Pass train and a side trip to Mulhouse, France.

HIGHLIGHTS: Christmas Markets in Montreux, Bern, Mulhouse (France), Basel, Zurich, scenic Golden Pass Train

Day 1  Geneva - Montreux

Independent arrival at the Geneva Airport. Travel by first class train to Montreux an hour’s journey along Lake Geneva. Enjoy your first experience of a Swiss Christmas Market in Montreux. 

Overnight in Montreux.

Day 2  Geneva - Bern via Golden Pass

Today you have reserved seats on the scenic Golden Pass train on your way to Bern. This evening visit one of Bern’s two Christmas markets.

Overnight in Montreux.

Day 3  Bern

Day at leisure to explore Bern and its old town at your own pace and enjoy all its rich sights. Bern is the capital of Switzerland and UNESCO protected. In the evening visit one of Bern’s Christmas markets to enjoy it with all its lights. 

Overnight in Bern. 

Day 4  Bern - Basel

Continue by train to Basel, located in the three-country corner of Switzerland, France, and Germany. Basel has a deep-rooted tradition as Switzerland’s most beautiful and largest Christmas city. It boasts Europe’s longest illuminated Christmas street. In the evening you can visit Basel’s Christmas Markets. 

Overnight in Basel.

Day 5  Mulhouse (France) day trip

First class train tickets are included for today’s day trip to Mulhouse, France.Place de la Réunion: the historic heart of the city is home to an impressive Christmas Market that has maintained its authenticity in a prestigious setting. 

Return to Basel for overnight.

Day 6  Basel - Zurich

Travel by train to Zurich to visit the last Christmas Market of your trip. Zurich is packed with exciting activities such as the enchanting “Lichterschwimmen” floating candles display, Christmas circuses, the "Live On Ice" skating rink, the “Singing Christmas Tree,” and the "Lucy Christmas Lights" at tje Bahnhofstrasse. A 2-hour ride on a nostalgic trolley will introduce you to the main sights of Zurich. 

Overnight in Zurich. 

Day 7  Departure Zurich

Depart Zurich Airport for your flight back to the USA. 

This itinerary can be customized to fit the client’s individual preferences. More hotel nights can be added, 5* hotels can be used.  

Contact us if you would like to work on a customized itinerary for you.