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Railbookers

Lucerne and Zurich from Basel

Five-day Swiss rail trip: Basel, Lucerne, and Zurich

Illustration of Lucerne and Zurich from Basel

Railbookers operates this five-day, four-night rail trip through Switzerland, beginning in Basel and continuing to Lucerne for a three-night stay before a final night in Zurich. A 4-day Swiss Pass covers the rail travel throughout, including two mountain day trips. Day 1 arrives in Lucerne's old town to see the Baroque Jesuit Church and the medieval Chapel Bridge. Day 2 rides the Rotair revolving cable car to the glaciers of Mount Titlis, 9,800 feet above sea level. Day 3 combines a steam cruise across Lake Lucerne with the world's steepest Cogwheel Railway, which climbs to the Pilatus Kulm and runs between May and November, using an aerial cable car the rest of the year. Day 4 continues by direct train to Zurich for a self-guided look at the Lake Promenade, the Old Town, and the Kunsthaus. The trip is independent throughout, suited to travelers comfortable navigating Switzerland's rail network on their own, including as a pre or post add-on to a Rhine river cruise.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list for this package is 16 options across different tiers and cities rather than a fixed set of stays, so the specific hotel you get depends on the tier you choose.
  • The Mount Pilatus Cogwheel Railway described on Day 3 operates between May and November; outside those months the ascent is made by aerial cable car instead.
  • This is an independent rail itinerary. City time in Lucerne and Zurich, and the day trips to Mount Titlis and Mount Pilatus, are self-guided using your Swiss Pass.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lucerne

    Basel to Lucerne

    Your rail journey begins in Basel where you will board the direct train to Lucerne using your included 4-day Swiss Pass. Upon your arrival in Lucerne, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. Take some time to explore the old town's classical Swiss architecture, including the stunning Baroque Jesuit Church and the medieval Chapel Bridge.

  2. Day 2overnight: Lucerne

    Day Trip to Mount Titlis

    After breakfast this morning, use your Swiss Pass to embark on a day excursion to stunning glaciers of Mount Titlis, nestled in the Swiss Alps, 9,800 feet above sea level. Take in panoramic views of the snowy mountaintops as you ascend on the Rotair revolving cable car.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lucerne

    Day Trip to Mount Pilatus

    Today, enjoy an exciting trip on the steepest Cogwheel Railway in the world up to the top of the Pilatus Kulm. Your journey begins with a scenic, one hour steam cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, where you will then take the 30 minutes ride, which has an average gradient of 35%. The Cogwheel Railway operates between May and November, while at other times of the year you can reach the top via a spectacular aerial gondola and cableway.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zurich

    Lucerne to Zurich

    After breakfast this morning, take the direct train from Lucerne to Zurich, and upon arrival in Zurich, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy discovering the city at your leisure, perhaps ambling down the Lake Promenade and the winding streets of the Old Town, unearthing the artistic masterpieces of the Kunsthaus, or shopping along Bahnhofstrasse.

  5. Day 5rail

    Depart Zurich

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, perhaps with an additional stop in a different destination, one of our Rail Specialists would be happy to help you with your options.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrival in Lucerne's old town brings a look at the Baroque Jesuit Church and the medieval Chapel Bridge.
  • Day 2A day trip on the Rotair revolving cable car climbs to the glaciers of Mount Titlis, 9,800 feet above sea level.
  • Day 3A steam cruise across Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad connects to the world's steepest Cogwheel Railway, which climbs to the Pilatus Kulm on an average gradient of 35 percent.
  • Day 4The direct train to Zurich is followed by a self-guided look at the Lake Promenade, the Old Town, and the Kunsthaus art museum.

Included

  • 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Lucerne
  • 1-night hotel stay with breakfast in Zurich
  • 4-day Swiss Pass
  • Mount Titlis and Mount Pilatus day excursions

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. A 4-day Swiss Pass covers the direct trains from Basel to Lucerne and Lucerne to Zurich, along with the Mount Pilatus Cogwheel Railway excursion.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is independent. City time in Lucerne and Zurich and the day trips to Mount Titlis and Mount Pilatus are self-guided using your Swiss Pass, with no group guide mentioned.
What hotels are used?
The package offers a list of 16 hotel options at different tiers, including hotels in Lucerne and Zurich where nights are included in this package, so the specific hotel depends on the tier you select.
When can I ride the Pilatus Cogwheel Railway?
The Cogwheel Railway operates between May and November. Outside those months, the ascent is made by aerial cable car instead.
How much altitude is involved on the mountain excursions?
Mount Titlis reaches 9,800 feet above sea level, reached by cable car, and the Pilatus Cogwheel Railway climbs an average gradient of 35 percent. No hiking is described.

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