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Rail Escape

Alpine Adventure through Switzerland

Ten-day Swiss rail journey from Zurich through Bern, Interlaken to Zermatt

Illustration of Alpine Adventure through Switzerland

Rail Escape's Alpine Adventure through Switzerland is a 10-day journey connecting Switzerland's cultural and natural landmarks by first-class rail. The tour departs Zurich, Switzerland's cultural capital on Lake Zurich, spends time in Bern's UNESCO-listed medieval old town, explores the outdoor region of Interlaken near the Jungfrau, and culminates in Zermatt at the base of the Matterhorn. The itinerary alternates between urban exploration, visiting museums, historic landmarks, and local neighborhoods, and alpine pursuits: boat trips on glacial lakes, the Gornergrat cog railway for mountain views, and optional hiking or paragliding near Interlaken. Each stop allows two to three nights to settle in. Accommodation is in 3 to 4-star hotels near train stations; breakfast is provided daily. This itinerary suits repeat rail travellers and couples seeking a balance of culture, history, and mountain scenery without the pace of constant movement.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of $4,249 covers accommodation, rail, breakfast, and transfers only; excursions, entrance fees to museums, meals beyond breakfast, local transportation within cities, and tips are not included.
  • Some regional trains may offer second-class seating only, despite the package stating first-class rail travel throughout.
  • Day 6 in Interlaken lists optional activities (Jungfraujoch, boat cruises, paragliding, skydiving) with no indication of what is guided versus independent or what additional costs apply.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Arrive in Zurich

    Welcome to Zurich! After checking into your hotel for a two-night stay, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Limmat River. Visit the iconic Grossmünster church and climb its towers for panoramic views of the city. In the evening, explore the trendy Zürich-West district, known for its innovative restaurants and bars housed in former industrial buildings. [Night in Zurich]

  2. Day 2overnight: Zurich

    Explore Zurich

    Start your day with a visit to the Swiss National Museum to learn about Swiss history and culture. Then, take a boat trip on Lake Zurich to enjoy the stunning Alpine scenery. In the afternoon, wander through the charming Old Town (Altstadt) and indulge in some shopping along the famous Bahnhofstrasse. End your day with a traditional Swiss dinner at a local restaurant. [Night in Zurich]

  3. Day 3railovernight: Bern

    Zurich to Bern

    After breakfast, catch a train to Bern, Switzerland's capital. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Begin exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, visiting the iconic Zytglogge (Clock Tower) and walking along the covered arcades. Don't miss the Bear Park, home to Bern's symbol, the brown bear. [Night in Bern]

  4. Day 4overnight: Bern

    Discover Bern

    Start your day with a visit to the Swiss Parliament Building (Bundeshaus). Then, explore the Einstein House, where Albert Einstein lived while developing his theory of relativity. In the afternoon, visit the Paul Klee Center to admire works by the famous Swiss-German artist. End your day with a relaxing swim in the Aare River, a popular local pastime in summer. [Night in Bern]

  5. Day 5railovernight: Interlaken

    Bern to Interlaken

    After checking out, take a scenic train ride to Interlaken. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the afternoon taking a funicular ride up to Harder Kulm for breathtaking views of the Jungfrau region. Later, enjoy a stroll along the main street, Höheweg, and savor some Swiss chocolate at a local chocolatier. [Night in Interlaken]

  6. Day 6overnight: Interlaken

    Adventure in Interlaken

    Dedicate this day to outdoor activities. Consider taking a trip to Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe," or enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. For thrill-seekers, try paragliding or skydiving for unparalleled views of the Alps. End your day with a traditional Swiss fondue dinner. [Night in Interlaken]

  7. Day 7railovernight: Zermatt

    Interlaken to Zermatt

    After breakfast, embark on a scenic train journey to Zermatt, home of the iconic Matterhorn. Check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the car-free village, visiting the Matterhorn Museum, and enjoying the mountain views from various vantage points around town. [Night in Zermatt]

  8. Day 8railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt and Gornergrat

    Take the Gornergrat cog railway for spectacular views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. Spend time hiking or simply enjoying the alpine scenery. In the afternoon, relax at a mountain restaurant with views of the Matterhorn, or consider visiting the Glacier Paradise for year-round snow activities. [Night in Zermatt]

  9. Day 9railovernight: Zurich

    Zermatt to Zurich

    After a final morning in Zermatt, take the train back to Zurich for your last night in Switzerland. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Spend your final afternoon visiting the Kunsthaus Zurich art museum or taking a food tour to sample local delicacies. End your trip with a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city. [Night in Zurich]

  10. Day 10

    Depart Zurich

    Enjoy your last Swiss breakfast before checking out of your hotel and heading to the airport for your departure. Auf Wiedersehen!

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Boat trip on Lake Zurich with views of the Alps and the surrounding foothills.
  • Day 5Funicular ride up to Harder Kulm for views of the Jungfrau region.
  • Day 8Gornergrat cog railway ascent for views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.

Included

  • Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey.
  • First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating.
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience.
  • Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options.
  • Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Not included

  • International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights.
  • Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs.
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility.
  • Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.
  • Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered.
  • Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion.
  • Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Rail Escape includes first-class rail travel throughout the itinerary, though some regional trains may offer second-class seating only.
What is included in the package?
The package includes first-class rail travel, accommodation in 3 to 4-star hotels, daily breakfast, airport transfers, and a welcome package. Excursions, entrance fees, meals beyond breakfast, local transportation within cities, and tips are not included.
Is the tour escorted or independent?
The itinerary indicates independent exploration at each stop; there is no mention of a guide or group activities.
Which cities does the tour visit?
The tour starts in Zurich, then travels to Bern, Interlaken, and Zermatt before returning to Zurich.
How many nights are spent in each city?
Three nights in Zurich (nights 1 to 2 and night 9), two nights in Bern (nights 3 to 4), two nights in Interlaken (nights 5 to 6), and two nights in Zermatt (nights 7 to 8).
What is not included?
International airfare, excursions and entrance fees, lunch and dinner, local taxes or fees, personal expenses, tips and gratuities, and local transportation within cities are not included.

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