This is truly a different way to discover Switzerland! Marvel at spectacular scenery from the first-class carriages of the Swiss train network, with rides on the GoldenPass Panoramic train, Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and the Gornergrat open-air cogwheel train. Your vacation begins with an overnight in Zürich, then on to Lucerne, the delightful medieval town with its famous wooden bridge. Travel through breathtaking mountain pastures and quaint villages like Interlaken and Zweisimmen before reaching Lausanne on Lake Geneva. Visit elegant Montreux and Zermatt at the foot of the imposing Matterhorn. Spend two nights in this beautiful car-free village, then take an exciting ride on the Glacier Express from Zermatt to glitzy St. Moritz. Travel through the pristine natural wonders of the Alps, the perfect prelude to your train ride on the Bernina Express. From St. Moritz, return to Zürich for the finale of your grand Swiss rail journey.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Zürich, Switzerland. Check into your hotel in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this exciting city. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)
Day #2 Zürich–Lucerne. Today, journey by train from Zürich to Lucerne. Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most idyllic medieval cities, surrounded by a beautiful lake and nestled amidst snowcapped Alps. The rest of the day is at leisure to discover the delights of this charming city or to join one of the optional excursions. (B)
Day #3 Lucerne–Goldenpass Train–Interlaken–Zweisimmen–Lausanne. Leave Lucerne this morning on the GoldenPass Panoramic train. Beginning in Lucerne, cross Brunig Pass en route to Interlaken for a visit. The GoldenPass continues its scenic journey to Montreux via Zweisimmen. Enjoy a visit in the renowned winter resort of Interlaken before reaching Lausanne for an overnight. (B)
Day #4 Lausanne–Montreux–Täsch–Zermatt. This morning, depart for the delightful Swiss mountain resort of Zermatt. En route, stop in the town of Montreux, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and known as the “Swiss Riviera.” Time for leisure or maybe join the optional excursion to Chillon with an opportunity to enjoy the guided visit of its castle before continuing by train to Zermatt for two overnights. (B,D)
Day #5 Zermatt. Gornergrat Excursion. Today, enjoy the included excursion to the famous Gornergrat, traveling onboard Europe’s highest rack railway. The views from its summit are spectacular. The rest of the day is at leisure in Zermatt—with a variety of interesting shops, cafés, bars, and narrow streets to explore. (B)
Day #6 Zermatt–Glacier Express–St. Moritz. The train journey today aboard the spectacular Glacier Express is without a doubt one of the main highlights of the tour. Enjoy an unforgettable journey as it makes its way through the unspoiled natural beauty of the Alps on its direct route from Zermatt to the world-famous mountain resort of St. Moritz. (B,D)
Day #7 St. Moritz. Bernina Express to Tirano, Italy. Today, take the Bernina Express train (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to Tirano for one of Europe’s most spectacular and breathtaking train rides. Travel across lofty Bernina Pass via the Swiss Poschiavo area to Tirano in the Italian Valtellina, witnessing an array of beautiful mountain streams, glaciers, and alpine scenery along the way. Overnight in St. Moritz. (B)
Day #8 St. Moritz–Zürich. Leave St. Moritz this morning for the journey back to Zürich (standard class between Samaden and Sagliains). Overnight in Zürich. (B)
Day #9 Zürich. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)