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Travel to Europe (To-Europe) · Independent rail circle tour

8-Day Germany & Switzerland Rail Circle Tour (8R06)

Eight-day rail circle from Munich through German and Swiss cities

Illustration of 8-Day Germany & Switzerland Rail Circle Tour (8R06)

Travel to Europe operates this eight-day, seven-night independent rail tour connecting six German and Swiss cities in a loop from and to Munich International Airport. You travel by train through Heidelberg, Bern, Interlaken, Lucerne, and Zurich, staying in three- and four-star hotels and receiving a day-by-day itinerary with no tour manager. All rail tickets are included, as are seven breakfasts and admission to Munich's major palaces and museums. The journey balances city exploration with alpine scenery: Day 4 brings views of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau above Interlaken, and Day 5 features the Golden Pass panoramic train descending from Interlaken to Lucerne past snow-covered mountains. This tour suits independent travellers new to rail who want the logistics arranged but the freedom to explore each city on their own schedule.

What to know before you look closer

  • All meals other than daily breakfast are not included
  • First-class upgrade available for an additional USD $319 per person but does not include the Munich-Zurich Express Bus leg
  • Single supplement is USD $3,649 compared to USD $2,339 per person double occupancy, a significant premium

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Munich

    Munich

    Commuter train from Munich International Airport directly to Munich Central Station. Self-guided walking tour of the city center and museum admissions.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Heidelberg

    Heidelberg

    About 3-hour speed rail journey from Munich to Heidelberg Central Station, plus taxi transfer to the hotel. Walking tour of the Old Town and Heidelberg Castle.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Bern

    Bern

    Taxi transfer to Heidelberg Main Station, then Speed train to Bern. Visit the Cathedral of Bern and the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Interlaken

    Interlaken

    Under one hour by Speed Rail from Bern to Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Lucerne

    “Golden Pass” Panorama train ride to Lucerne / Lucerne

    Scenic-Panorama 'Golden-Pass' train ride from Interlaken to Lucerne. Visit the Chapel Bridge and the Lion of Lucerne.

  6. Day 6overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Under one hour to Zurich. Visit the Old Town, Grossmunster Church, Lindenhof and the Bahnhofstrasse shopping street.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Munich

    Munich

    Direct train from Zurich to Munich Central Station (a little over 4 hours), with the Munich admission ticket still valid for additional sightseeing.

  8. Day 8rail

    Munich International Airport

    Tour ends after breakfast. Direct commuter train from Munich Main Station to Munich International Airport (about 40 minutes).

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Day 4: Arrive in Interlaken by Speed Rail and encounter views of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountains framing the town between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
  • Day 5Day 5: Ride the Golden Pass panoramic train from Interlaken to Lucerne, passing views of snow-covered mountains and alpine scenery

Included

  • Commuter train ticket Munich Int. Airport to Munich
  • Admission to Munich Residence Museum, Treasury, Cuvillies-Theatre, Hall of Fame and Statue of Bavaria, Nymphenburg Palace and Park, Marstallmuseum and Museum of Nymphenburg Porcelain
  • Rail ticket Munich to Heidelberg, plus taxi transfer from Heidelberg Central Station to hotel
  • Rail ticket Heidelberg to Bern
  • Rail ticket Bern to Interlaken
  • Golden Pass scenic train ticket Interlaken to Lucerne
  • City Tour with aerial cable car to Felsenegg and ferry ship across Lake of Zurich
  • Rail ticket Lucerne to Zurich
  • Rail ticket Zurich to Munich
  • Rail ticket Munich to Munich Int. Airport
  • Buffet breakfast daily
  • 7 nights hotel accommodation per itinerary

Not included

  • Airfare from/to your origin to/from Munich International Airport
  • All meals other than breakfast
  • Gratuities (tips)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. All rail tickets are included: commuter train to/from Munich Airport, IC and Speed Rail between cities, the Golden Pass scenic train from Interlaken to Lucerne, and return rail from Zurich to Munich. The package covers second class; first-class upgrade is available for USD $319 per person.
Is this tour escorted or self-guided?
This is a self-guided independent tour. Travel to Europe provides a day-by-day itinerary and tour information sheets, but there is no tour manager or guide accompanying the group.
What is included in the price?
All seven nights' hotel accommodation, all rail tickets, buffet breakfast daily, commuter train from the airport, and museum admissions in Munich (Residence Museum, Treasury, Cuvillies-Theatre, Hall of Fame, Statue of Bavaria, Nymphenburg Palace and Park, Marstallmuseum, Museum of Nymphenburg Porcelain). Also included: city tour with aerial cable car to Felsenegg and ferry across Lake of Zurich.
What meals are provided?
Buffet breakfast is provided every day. Lunch and dinner are not included and are the traveller's responsibility.
How much walking is involved?
Each city includes self-guided walking tours of the Old Town or city center. Expect moderate city walking; no strenuous hiking is described in the itinerary.
When does this tour run?
No specific departure dates are published in the available information. Contact Travel to Europe directly for current availability.

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