Search

exodustravels.com · Guided Group

Discover Switzerland by Rail

Eight-day guided rail journey from Zurich to Montreux through Swiss Alps

Illustration of Discover Switzerland by Rail

Exodus Travels operates this eight-day guided journey through Switzerland by rail, beginning in Zurich and ending in Montreux. An expert tour leader accompanies the group throughout, ensuring access to insider knowledge and local guides at each stop. The itinerary combines three named trains with cable cars, boats, and walking tours, threading through lakeside towns, Alpine villages, and vineyard regions. Day 3 highlights the Gotthard Panorama Express, a celebrated boat-and-train route that crosses Lake Lucerne beneath Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi before ascending by train through mountain passes to Lugano. Days 5 and 6 take the Centovalli Express through dramatic valleys and climb by cable car to Bettmerhorn, overlooking the Aletsch Glacier. The tour includes accommodation in classic to premium hotels, most meals, and the Swiss Travel Pass. It suits travelers new to rail travel who prefer guided structure, couples seeking cultural immersion, and food-and-wine enthusiasts interested in chocolate workshops, raclette lunches, and Lavaux wine tastings.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of USD 4,920 covers accommodation, most meals, and activities; flights to and from Switzerland are not included.
  • Several hotels are listed as 'or similar,' meaning the exact property may differ based on availability and the accommodation tier you select.
  • Day 5 includes travel through Italy (Domodossola) as part of the Centovalli Express route.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Hotel Alexander/Central Plaza (or similar)

    Adventure begins in Zurich

    Begin your adventure in Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland and a long-time centre for banking, art and innovation. Around 6pm, say grüezi to your tour leader and fellow travellers. Your tour leader then ensures a big Swiss welcome by arranging a three-course group dinner at a local restaurant.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Hotel Waldstaetterhof (or similar)

    Train to Lucerne • Discover the art of making chocolate

    Board the train (40 minutes) to Lucerne, a lakeside city framed by the Alps. On arrival, we join a local guide for a walking tour of the Old Town, taking in the Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, Jesuit Church, and more. After free time for lunch, hop on the train (15 minutes) to a chocolatier, where we learn the history and artistry of Swiss chocolate.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Hotel Parco Paradiso (or similar)

    Take the Gotthard Panorama Express, a scenic boat and rail ride to Lugano

    Experience an icon of Swiss travel this morning: the Gotthard Panorama Express, a unique journey that combines a boat cruise and scenic train ride. Begin on the boat, gliding across Lake Lucerne to Flüelen, enjoying views of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi. Then board the train southwards, travelling first class through mountain passes, spiralling tunnels, and dramatic valleys. Our final stop is Lugano.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Hotel Parco Paradiso (or similar)

    Discover the farming traditions of the Ticino canton

    We take the train (35 minutes) to Locarno to meet a local guide and learn about the agricultural heritage of the Ticino canton. Then we ride the Centovalli train to the mountain village of Intragna, before heading to Cavigliano and a local farm for a rustic spread of polenta, hummus and local wine. We return by train to Lugano.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: Hotel Waldhaus (or similar)

    To the mountain village of Bettmeralp via the Centovalli Express

    Take the train to Locarno after breakfast, then ride the Centovalli Express to Domodossola in northern Italy. Pause for lunch before continuing by train to the Swiss Alpine town of Brig. In the afternoon, take the train and cable car up to car-free Bettmeralp. Tonight, enjoy a group dinner at your hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Hotel Royal Plaza (or similar)

    Cable car to Bettmerhorn for views over Aletsch Glacier • Train to Montreux

    We take the cable car to the top of Bettmerhorn mountain, gazing over the mighty Aletsch Glacier and visiting the Glacier World exhibition. We travel by rail (25 minutes) to Sierre for a traditional raclette lunch at Château de Villa, then continue by train (1hr 30min) to Montreux.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  7. Day 7railovernight: Hotel Royal Plaza (or similar)

    Explore the iconic Chillon Castle • Wine tasting in the Lavaux vineyards

    Visit Chillon Castle this morning, built on a rocky islet on the scenic shores of Lake Geneva. We continue by train (15 minutes) to Vevey, then ride the train (15 minutes) to the Lavaux vineyards for a wine tasting, before returning to Montreux by rail.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8rail

    Adventure ends in Montreux

    You've explored Switzerland by rail, gazed over the mighty Aletsch Glacier, and stepped inside the medieval walls of Chillon Castle, but now it's time to begin your return journey home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Gotthard Panorama Express: boat across Lake Lucerne with views of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, then first-class train through mountain passes and spiralling tunnels to Lugano.
  • Day 5Centovalli Express to Domodossola followed by cable car ascent to car-free Bettmeralp in the Swiss Alps.
  • Day 6Cable car to Bettmerhorn summit overlooks the Aletsch Glacier; visit Glacier World exhibition and enjoy traditional raclette lunch at Château de Villa in Sierre.
  • Day 7Visit medieval Chillon Castle on the rocky shores of Lake Geneva, then train to Lavaux vineyards for a wine tasting.

Included

  • All accommodation: 2 Premium nights (hotels), 2 Superior nights (hotels), 3 Classic nights (hotels)
  • All breakfasts, one lunch, two dinners
  • Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities
  • Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
  • Swiss Travel Pass included to cover all travel by public transport

Not included

  • Flights

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included in the price?
Yes. The Swiss Travel Pass is included to cover all public transport by rail, boat, and cable car throughout the tour.
What are the named trains on this tour?
The tour includes the Gotthard Panorama Express (a boat-and-train combination from Lake Lucerne to Lugano) and the Centovalli Express (Locarno to Domodossola).
Is this tour guided or independent?
It is a fully guided group tour. An expert tour leader accompanies the group throughout, and local guides join for specific activities in Lucerne, the Ticino farming region, and the Lavaux vineyards.
What meals are included?
All breakfasts are included, plus one lunch and two dinners. On Day 1 a group dinner is arranged; Day 5 includes a group dinner at the hotel; Day 6 includes a traditional raclette lunch.
How much walking is involved?
The tour is Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). It includes a walking tour of Lucerne's Old Town and visits to villages and attractions, but no sustained hiking or high-altitude challenges.
When does the tour depart?
Exodus Travels offers departures in June, September, and October 2027, with one departure in October 2026. Prices range from USD 4,920 to USD 6,645 depending on the date and accommodation tier.

Similar journeys