How much does it cost?

From CHF 720 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $883 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is train travel included?

Yes, along with other public transport. The Zürich Card covers local transport in Zurich, and a cog railway climbs from Vitznau to Rigi Kaltbad on day 4.

Is this an escorted or independent tour?

This is a self-guided trip. You can start from any point in Switzerland, and day 5 allows you to extend your stay at a location of your choice instead of returning right away.

Which train is named in this itinerary?

The Vitznau to Rigi Kaltbad cog railway. Other travel between cities is by unspecified public transport.

What is included on Mount Rigi?

The cog railway up from Vitznau, a horse-drawn sleigh or carriage ride, and a cheese fondue.

What hotels are included?

Hotel accommodation priced as an example based on a 3-star double room, with 2 nights in Zurich and 2 nights in Lucerne.

What is not included?

Additional activities and mountain excursions can be added to the trip but are not included in the base price.

Switzerland Travel Centre · Self-guided city trip

Christmas Markets in Zurich and Lucerne

5-day self-guided Christmas markets trip through Zurich and Lucerne

Switzerland Travel Centre's Christmas Markets in Zurich and Lucerne is a 5-day, 4-night self-guided city trip that begins in Zurich and ends at Rigi Kaltbad. Day 1 brings you into Zurich with a Zürich Card for 72 hours of free public transport, and day 2 is spent visiting the Christkindlimarkt at the main railway station, the market in Niederdorf, and the Advent atmosphere on Sechseläutenplatz. Day 3 moves to Lucerne, where the Old Town is lit for the season and Franziskanerplatz hosts festive celebrations. Day 4 travels on to Vitznau and up to Rigi Kaltbad on a cog railway for a horse-drawn sleigh or carriage ride and a cheese fondue on snow-covered Mount Rigi, before returning to Lucerne. Day 5 is a return travel day, or you can extend your stay. Hotel accommodation is priced as an example on a 3-star double room. This trip suits independent travellers, couples, and food lovers drawn to Switzerland's Advent markets and mulled wine.

What to know before you look closer

Hotel accommodation is priced as an example based on a 3-star double room; the actual category may vary with the hotel you choose.
The transport list for this package names only rail, but the highlighted boat trip on Lake Lucerne between Lucerne and Vitznau is not a train; only the Vitznau to Rigi Kaltbad leg on day 4 is a cog railway.
The evidence lists no current departure dates; confirm timing and Christmas market opening dates for your travel window with Switzerland Travel Centre.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Zurich
Journey to Zurich
You travel to Zurich by public transport. Discover the Christmas markets and enjoy free travel throughout the city for 72 hours with the Zürich Card.
Day 2railovernight: Zurich
Stay in Zurich and visit to Christmas markets
Visit the Christkindlimarkt at the main railway station, stroll through the market in Niederdorf, and let the Advent atmosphere on Sechseläutenplatz enchant you.
Day 3overnight: Lucerne
Trip to Lucerne and visit to Christmas markets
Discover Lucerne's winter magic when the Old Town shines with lights. Franziskanerplatz becomes the center of festive celebrations.
Day 4railovernight: Lucerne
Mount Rigi with horse-drawn sleigh or carriage ride and cheese fondue
You travel from Lucerne to Vitznau. There you take the cog railroad to Rigi Kaltbad, where a horse-drawn sleigh or carriage ride awaits you. Afterwards, you can look forward to a delicious fondue.
Day 5
Return journey from Lucerne
Start your return journey by public transport. Alternatively, you can extend your stay.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 1Arrival in Zurich comes with a Zürich Card for 72 hours of free public transport around the city's Christmas markets
Day 2The Christkindlimarkt at Zurich's main railway station, the market in Niederdorf, and the Advent atmosphere on Sechseläutenplatz
Day 3Lucerne's Old Town shines with lights for the Christmas season, centered on Franziskanerplatz
Day 4A cog railway carries you from Vitznau up to Rigi Kaltbad for a horse-drawn sleigh or carriage ride and a cheese fondue on snow-covered Mount Rigi

Included

Digital Swiss Coupon Pass (over 100 2-for-1 experiences)
Travel from any starting point and back to any ending point in Switzerland
Zürich Card with 72 hours of free public transport in Zurich
Hotel accommodation (price example based on 3-star double room)
Horse-drawn sleigh or carriage ride and cheese fondue on Mount Rigi

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From CHF 720 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $883 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is train travel included?: Yes, along with other public transport. The Zürich Card covers local transport in Zurich, and a cog railway climbs from Vitznau to Rigi Kaltbad on day 4.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?: This is a self-guided trip. You can start from any point in Switzerland, and day 5 allows you to extend your stay at a location of your choice instead of returning right away.
Which train is named in this itinerary?: The Vitznau to Rigi Kaltbad cog railway. Other travel between cities is by unspecified public transport.
What is included on Mount Rigi?: The cog railway up from Vitznau, a horse-drawn sleigh or carriage ride, and a cheese fondue.
What hotels are included?: Hotel accommodation priced as an example based on a 3-star double room, with 2 nights in Zurich and 2 nights in Lucerne.
What is not included?: Additional activities and mountain excursions can be added to the trip but are not included in the base price.