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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Gems of Switzerland

11-day independent Swiss rail tour, Zurich to Lucerne, six named trains

Illustration of Gems of Switzerland

Railbookers operates this 11-day independent rail vacation across Switzerland, starting and ending near Zurich with an 8-day Swiss Pass covering most of the travel. The route climbs into the Bernese Oberland first, with a day trip on Day 3 to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454m, before the GoldenPass train carries you to Montreux for lunch aboard its Belle Epoque carriages. From Zermatt, Day 6's Gornergrat Cog Railway delivers close views of the Matterhorn, and Day 7's Glacier Express crosses alpine valleys, forests, and mountain streams to Chur. Day 8 continues on the Bernina Express past glaciers and the Bernina Pass to Lugano, and Day 10 finishes with the Gotthard Panorama Express in first class and a paddle steamer to Lucerne. With several one-night stops between the longer stays in Grindelwald, Zermatt, and Lugano, the pace moves quickly. The trip suits rail enthusiasts chasing named scenic trains, photographers, and travelers drawn to five-star options like Zurich's Baur Au Lac.

What to know before you look closer

  • The 34 listed hotels are accommodation options rather than fixed bookings; the actual hotel in each city depends on the tier and availability you choose.
  • Day 8's Bernina Express itinerary switches from train to the Bernina Express Bus at Tirano, Italy, to continue to Lugano; not the entire day is on rail.
  • The evidence does not list specific departure dates; confirm current availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zurich

    Welcome to Switzerland

    On arrival at Zurich airport take the short train journey to Zurich main station and make your way to your hotel. In the evening enjoy Zurich old town and the lakeside.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Grindelwald

    Grindelwald

    At a time of your choosing, take train to Bern where a change of trains is needed onto Interlaken, then Grindelwald. Check in to your hotel on arrival in Grindelwald.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Grindelwald

    Jungfrau Day Trip

    Today you'll take the journey of a lifetime, to the highest railway station in Europe atop the Jungfrau Mountain, via Kleine Scheidegg and the Jungfrau narrow gauge railway to 3,454m above sea level.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Montreux

    The GoldenPass to Montreux

    Head down the mountain this morning and from Interlaken to Zweisimmen where you board the classic GoldenPass train to Montreux. Enjoy a lunch onboard the evocative Belle Epoque carriages.

  5. Day 5overnight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    When you are ready to leave, make use of your Swiss Pass travelling to Zermatt via Visp. On arrival check into your hotel for a two-night stay.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Zermatt

    Gornergrat Day Trip

    Today take the historic Gornergrat Cog Railway for the best views of the imposing Matterhorn Mountain and surrounding peaks.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Chur

    The Glacier Express

    Take the Glacier Express from Zermatt to the capital of the historic canton of Graubunden, Chur. Spectacular views of the alps, breath-taking valleys, dense forests, and mountain streams.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Lugano

    The Bernina Express

    Board the Bernina Express through the gorgeous mountain scenery of Switzerland, passing glaciers, the Bernina Pass, and Lago Bianco toward Poschiavo. In Tirano, Italy, board the Bernina Express Bus to Lugano.

  9. Day 9overnight: Lugano

    Lugano

    Today, take advantage of your Swiss Pass and enjoy a cruise on gorgeous Lake Lugano (also called Lake Ceresio) in the afternoon sunshine.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Lucerne

    Gotthard Panorama Express

    Experience a wonderful, scenic train ride through the historic Gotthard Pass to Fluelen and then a paddle steamer cruise to Lucerne all in first class.

  11. Day 11rail

    End Of Tour

    Take a direct train to Zurich airport for your flight home, or speak to any of our Sales Consultants to discuss perhaps continuing your travels elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3A day trip via the Jungfrau narrow gauge railway to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454m above sea level.
  • Day 4Riding the classic GoldenPass train from Interlaken via Zweisimmen to Montreux, with lunch onboard the Belle Epoque carriages.
  • Day 6The historic Gornergrat Cog Railway, for views of the Matterhorn Mountain and surrounding peaks.
  • Day 7The Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur, passing spectacular alpine views, valleys, dense forests, and mountain streams.
  • Day 8The Bernina Express through mountain scenery past glaciers, the Bernina Pass, and Lago Bianco toward Poschiavo.

Included

  • 8 day Swiss Pass
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Grindelwald
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Montreux
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Chur
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lugano
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne
  • Reservations for The GoldenPass, The Glacier Express, The Bernina Express train and Bus
  • First Class reservations on The Gotthard Panoramic Express
  • Day trips on the Jungfrau and Gornergrat railways

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. An 8-day Swiss Pass is included, along with reservations for the GoldenPass, Glacier Express, and Bernina Express (train and connecting bus), First Class reservations on the Gotthard Panorama Express, and day trips on the Jungfrau and Gornergrat railways.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent, self-guided rail vacation. Railbookers arranges transfers, hotels, and train reservations, but travelers move between stops on their own with the Swiss Pass.
Which trains does the trip use?
Six named Swiss trains: the GoldenPass (Zweisimmen to Montreux), Jungfrau Railway (Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch), Gornergrat Cog Railway (Zermatt to Gornergrat), Glacier Express (Zermatt to Chur), Bernina Express (Chur area to Tirano), and Gotthard Panorama Express (Gotthard Pass to Fluelen, with a boat to Lucerne).
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 34 accommodation options across seven cities and different tiers, including the Baur Au Lac, Park Hyatt Zurich, and The Dolder Grand in Zurich, and Hotel Belvedere Grindelwald and Hotel Derby in Grindelwald.
How high does the trip go?
Day 3's Jungfrau day trip reaches 3,454m above sea level at the highest railway station in Europe; Day 6 visits Gornergrat and Day 8 crosses the Bernina Pass, also at altitude.
When does this trip run?
The evidence does not list departure dates. Confirm current availability with Railbookers before booking.

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