Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Best of Switzerland by Rail

Best of Switzerland by Rail, a rail journey with Vacations By Rail

The quintessential Switzerland experience awaits on this 10-day roundtrip tour through Zürich, Lucerne, Lausanne, Zermatt and St. Moritz.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zürich

    Arrival in Zürich

    Make your own way by rail or taxi to the Zürich hotel. The remainder of the day is free before meeting the Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Zürich

    Zürich guided tour and Lindt Museum

    A guided walking tour of Zürich's Old Town, Opera House and Fraumünster church, followed by a transfer to the Lindt Chocolate Museum. Evening free to dine independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lucerne

    Lakeside Lucerne and Mount Rigi Cogwheel Railway

    Train to Lucerne, a lake cruise, then a journey on Europe's oldest mountain railway, the Mount Rigi Cogwheel Railway, to nearly 5,900ft, descending via Rigi Kaltbad and a cable car to Weggis before returning to Lucerne by boat.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Vevey

    Across the Swiss Highlands to glistening Lake Geneva

    The Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Interlaken, then the GoldenPass Express across the Brünig Pass, past Gstaad and down to Lake Geneva, checking in for the night in Vevey.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Zermatt

    By rail to tranquil Zermatt in the heart of the Alps

    A free morning in Vevey (optional independent visit to Château de Chillon), then a scenic rail journey along the Rhône and through the Matter Valley to the car-free resort of Zermatt.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6railovernight: Zermatt

    Marveling at the Matterhorn on the Gornergrat Railway

    A journey on the historic Gornergrat Mountain Railway to over 10,000ft for views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa, followed by a guided tour of Zermatt's old town.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: Engadin Valley

    Experiencing the Glacier Express to St Moritz

    An eight-hour journey the full length of the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz, crossing the Furka and Oberalp passes with lunch served at your seat.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  8. Day 8railovernight: Engadin Valley

    Crossing to Italy aboard the stunning Bernina Express

    A UNESCO-listed crossing of the Alps on the Bernina Express from Tirano to St Moritz in reverse, passing the Palü Glacier and the Brusio corkscrew viaduct, with free time in Tirano.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9railovernight: Zürich

    Return to Zürich

    A final rail journey back to Zürich via the Albula Line and Chur, with the afternoon free to explore before a farewell dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  10. Day 10rail

    Traveling home

    Return to Zürich Airport by rail on an open ticket provided by the Tour Manager, with hotel departure time based on your flight schedule.

    Meals: Breakfast

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 9 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast each day, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between all hotels
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

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