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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Alpine Escape

Ten-day Swiss rail loop from Zurich through Lucerne, Interlaken, and Geneva.

Illustration of Alpine Escape

Marvellous Escapes' Alpine Escape is a ten-day tailor-made rail holiday across Switzerland, departing from London by Eurostar and TGV Lyria or from a UK airport with an onward train connection, and ending in Geneva. The journey links Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreux, and Geneva with nine nights in hotels and guided experiences at each stop. Day 2 begins with a Zurich city tour, lake cruise, and Lindt Chocolate Factory visit. The Luzern-Interlaken Express carries you on Day 5 through alpine scenery beneath the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau peaks. Days 6 and 7 in Interlaken offer a Lakes Thun and Brienz cruise and a hands-on Swiss cheese fondue cooking class. The GoldenPass Express on Day 8 winds through vineyards and lakeside views to Geneva, with a stop at Chillon Castle. A final day trip to Gruyeres on Day 9 includes chocolate and cheese tastings. The mix of independent exploration and guided cultural experiences, combined with world-class scenic rail routes, suits couples, food-focused travellers, and those seeking structured comfort with flexibility.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 2,899 covers the package; rail fare from London (Eurostar and TGV Lyria) or a UK flight with onward rail connection is included, but confirm final costs with Marvellous Escapes.
  • Day 1 offers a choice between rail travel (London St Pancras to Zurich via Paris) or flying from a UK airport with an onward train; allow planning time for your preferred route.
  • This is a tailor-made journey; final hotel selections and some activity details may depend on your choices and Marvellous Escapes' availability at the time of booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Your Swiss adventure begins today! Travel from London to Zurich by rail (Eurostar to Paris, then high-speed TGV Lyria) or opt for a flight to Zurich with an onward train connection. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel.

  2. Day 2overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Start with a guided city tour of Zurich's historic Old Town, then hop aboard a scenic cruise on Lake Zurich. In the afternoon, visit the world-famous Lindt Chocolate Factory for a guided tour and tastings.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lucerne

    Lucerne

    Embark on a scenic rail journey from Zurich to Lucerne. Upon arrival, explore Lucerne's picturesque Old Town, stroll along the shores of Lake Lucerne, or visit the iconic Chapel Bridge.

  4. Day 4overnight: Lucerne

    Lucerne

    Start your day with a walking tour of Lucerne, crossing the iconic Chapel Bridge, visiting the Jesuit Church, and admiring the modern architecture of the KKL Luzern, including a look at the medieval Musegg Wall.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Interlaken

    Interlaken

    Enjoy a scenic rail journey aboard the Luzern-Interlaken Express, one of Switzerland's most iconic train routes. Upon arrival in Interlaken, you'll be surrounded by the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountains.

  6. Day 6overnight: Interlaken

    Interlaken

    Experience Switzerland's breathtaking lake scenery with a cruise on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, past historic castles, rolling vineyards, and the majestic peaks of the Bernese Oberland.

  7. Day 7overnight: Interlaken

    Interlaken

    Dive into Switzerland's culinary heritage with a hands-on cheese fondue cooking class at the Fondue Villa, learning to make traditional Swiss cheese fondue and fondue pizza with local wines.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Geneva

    Geneva

    Embark on the stunning GoldenPass Express from Interlaken to Montreux, taking in views of Lake Geneva. Explore Montreux and its iconic Chillon Castle before continuing by rail to Geneva.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Geneva

    Geneva

    Enjoy a day trip to Gruyeres: visit a Swiss chocolate factory, then travel through the countryside to a cheese dairy for Le Gruyere AOP, ascend Moleson Mountain for a tasting session, and explore medieval Gruyeres before returning to Geneva on the GoldenPass train.

  10. Day 10rail

    Return home

    Your Swiss adventure comes to a close as you embark on your journey back to the UK from Geneva either by rail or fly.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Guided tour of Zurich's Old Town followed by a scenic cruise on Lake Zurich and a guided tour with tastings at the Lindt Chocolate Factory.
  • Day 5Day 5: The Luzern-Interlaken Express carries you through alpine scenery as the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountains come into view upon arrival.
  • Day 7Day 7: Hands-on cheese fondue cooking class at the Fondue Villa, learning to make traditional Swiss cheese fondue and fondue pizza with local wines.
  • Day 8Day 8: The GoldenPass Express journey from Interlaken to Montreux with views of Lake Geneva, including a visit to Chillon Castle before arriving in Geneva.
  • Day 9Day 9: Day trip to Gruyeres with visits to a chocolate factory and cheese dairy, followed by Moleson Mountain ascent for a tasting session, then return to Geneva by GoldenPass train.

Included

  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Zurich with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Lucerne with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Interlaken with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Geneva with breakfast included
  • Rail London to Zurich via Paris or fly to Zurich with onward rail
  • Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Lucerne, GoldenPass Line
  • Zurich Tour with Cruise & Lindt Chocolate Factory
  • Lucerne Walking Tour
  • Lakes Thun & Brienz Cruise
  • Chocolate & Cheese tour & Cheese Fondue Cooking Class

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes the Luzern-Interlaken Express from Zurich to Lucerne, the GoldenPass Express from Interlaken to Geneva via Montreux, lake cruises, and your departure travel from London (Eurostar and TGV Lyria) or a UK flight with onward train connection.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is independent tailor-made travel between destinations with guided excursions at each stop, such as city tours, walking tours, a cooking class, and day trips. Marvellous Escapes provides 24-hour on-trip support.
What hotels are included?
Two nights in Zurich, two in Lucerne, three in Interlaken, and two in Geneva, all with breakfast included. Hotel specific details and stars are confirmed when you book with your Travel Designer.
How much walking is involved?
Daily activities include guided city walks through Zurich and Lucerne, lake cruises, a cooking class, and optional exploration of towns and castles. Mobility to walk for 2 to 4 hours per day is typical.
What is included in the price?
Hotel accommodation with breakfast, named rail journeys, the Zurich tour with lake cruise and Lindt visit, Lucerne walking tour, Lakes Thun and Brienz cruise, chocolate factory and cheese dairy visits, Moleson Mountain tasting, Gruyeres exploration, and cheese fondue cooking class.
When does this trip run?
Marvellous Escapes has not published specific departure dates in their materials; contact them directly to confirm availability and book your preferred dates.

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