The Ultimate Swiss Panorama

Rail Package

Single Supplement Available

13 Days / 12 Nights / 7 Destinations

April – September 2024 Departures

The Ultimate Swiss Panorama

Embark on a mesmerising 13-day train journey, immersing yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the Alps and the charming lakeside towns of Montreux, Lucerne, and Lugano.

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 splendour 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.

13 Days / 12 Nights

$8,249**pp twin share
  • Departures April – September 2024

Direction: Zurich → Lugano (also available in reverse)

DAY 1: Your Journey Begins in Zurich

Welcome to Zurich! Arrive in the city centre 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) 

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 bye before you pull into car-free Zermatt for a two-night stay. (Overnight Zermatt) 

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) 

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 Château de Chillon castle in Lake Geneva with the use of your included Swiss Pass. (Overnight in Montreux) 

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) 

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) 

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

fter 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) 

DAY 13: Your Journey Ends in Lugano

 

INCLUSIONS:

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 1-night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in St Moritz
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 1-night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Montreux
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Interlaken
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lugano
  • 15-Day Swiss Pass in Standard Class
  • Standard class seat reservations on the Bernina Express, The Glacier Express, and The GoldenPass Express trains (GoldenPass Express Breakfast Box included)
  • First-class seat reservations on the Gotthard Express
  • Day trip on the Gornergrat Cog Railway from Zermatt with Priority Boarding
  • Boat ride and entrance to Chillon Castle from Montreux
  • Harder Kulm Funicular from Interlaken
  • Daytrip to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken
  • Lake Lucerne gourmet dinner cruise
  • Day trip to the top of Mount Pilatus from Lucerne
  • Private Transfer from Milan Station to Milan Airport
  • Ride the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage train.
  • Experience the Glacier Express, the “Slowest Express Train in the World.”
  • Admire the Matterhorn, Zermatt’s iconic mountain.
  • Travel on the Golden Pass Line through scenic landscapes.
  • Visit the Jungfraujoch – the tallest railway station in Europe
  • Board a scenic boat and cogwheel train to ascend Mount Pilatus
  • Ride the Gotthard Panorama Express through the Gotthard Base Tunnel.