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Lucerne to Montreux with the GoldenPass, and the Chocolate Train

Eight-day Swiss rail trip: Lucerne, GoldenPass Express, Montreux, Chocolate Train

Illustration of Lucerne to Montreux with the GoldenPass, and the Chocolate Train

Railbookers operates this eight-day, seven-night rail trip through Switzerland, beginning in Lucerne for a three-night stay before continuing on the GoldenPass Express to Montreux for three more nights, then finishing with a night in Zurich. An 8-day Swiss Pass covers rail travel throughout. Day 2 rides the world's steepest cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus after a steam cruise on Lake Lucerne, and Day 3 crosses the Titlis Glacier by gondola and revolving cable car. Day 4's GoldenPass Express passes through meadows and villages along Lake Geneva with a pre-booked Apero-food plate. Montreux serves as a base for a day trip to the medieval Chateau de Chillon and for the Chocolate Train, which runs to Gruyeres and the Cailler chocolate factory for a tasting. The trip is independent throughout, using the Swiss Pass to move between named trains and excursions, and suits travelers who want a full slate of alpine sights and Swiss food traditions without a group guide.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list for this package is 18 options across different tiers and cities rather than a fixed set of stays, so the specific hotel you get depends on the tier and city you choose.
  • The return boat journey from Montreux to Chateau de Chillon, with admission, is covered by the Swiss Pass only, so it depends on holding that pass.
  • This is an independent rail itinerary. The day trips to Mount Pilatus, Mount Titlis, and Chateau de Chillon are self-guided, using the included Swiss Pass and named trains.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lucerne

    Your Journey Begins in Lucerne

    Welcome to Switzerland! Arrive at Zurich airport and make your way to Lucerne on a direct train from the airport. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a three-night stay. In the evening, stroll along the famous chapel bridge and enjoy a lake-side dinner with a view.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lucerne

    Day Trip to Mount Pilatus

    Today, enjoy a trip to the top of the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. First, enjoy a scenic hours' steam cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad where you then take the 30-minute ride which has an average gradient of 35%. At the top, you will find the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel and restaurant.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lucerne

    Day Trip to Mount Titlis

    After breakfast take a 45-minute train ride to Engelberg and then climb aboard an eight-person gondola up to Stand. Once you reach Stand, you will board the Rotair (the world's first revolving 360-degree cable car) for the journey over the dazzling Titlis Glacier up to Mount Titlis.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Montreux

    GoldenPass Express to Montreux

    This morning, take a direct train from Lucerne to Interlaken; where you will board the famous GoldenPass Express. Traverse lush meadows, charming villages, and the pristine waters of Lake Geneva. Enjoy a pre-booked Apero-food plate.

  5. Day 5overnight: Montreux

    Day Trip to Château De Chillon

    Embark on a captivating day trip to Château de Chillon, where the medieval fortress stands sentinel on the shores of Lake Geneva. Enjoy the option of taking a return boat back to Montreux or opting for the leisurely lake stroll back to the city center.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Montreux

    The Chocolate Train from Montreux

    Embark on a delectable journey aboard the Chocolate Train from Montreux, winding through Switzerland's idyllic countryside. The journey begins with a train trip, by Belle Époque carriage if you wish, from Montreux to Montbovon. First stop: Gruyère's, then Broc for the famous Cailler chocolate factory, with tasting.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Zurich

    Montreux to Zurich

    After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely train journey to Zurich to end your trip with an overnight stay. In the evening, why not take a stroll along the shores of Lake Zurich.

  8. Day 8rail

    Your Journey Ends in Zurich

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you would like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A scenic steam cruise across Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad connects to the world's steepest cogwheel railway, climbing at an average gradient of 35 percent to the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel.
  • Day 3A gondola and the Rotair, the world's first revolving 360-degree cable car, carry the trip over the Titlis Glacier to the summit of Mount Titlis.
  • Day 4The GoldenPass Express carries the trip from Interlaken to Montreux through lush meadows and villages along Lake Geneva, with a pre-booked Apero-food plate included.
  • Day 5A day trip visits Chateau de Chillon, a medieval fortress on the shores of Lake Geneva, with the option of a return boat to Montreux.
  • Day 6The Chocolate Train, available in a Belle Epoque carriage, runs from Montreux to Montbovon via Gruyeres, stopping at the Cailler chocolate factory in Broc for a tasting.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Montreux
  • 1-night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • 8-Day Swiss Pass in Standard Class
  • Seat Reservations on the GoldenPass and the Chocolate Train
  • Apero-food plate included with GoldenPass
  • Day trip to Mount Pilatus from Lucerne
  • Day trip to Mount Titlis from Lucerne
  • Return Boat Journey from Montreux to Château de Chillon with Admission - Covered by Swiss Pass Only

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. An 8-day Swiss Pass covers rail travel as per the itinerary, and seat reservations are included on the GoldenPass Express and the Chocolate Train.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is independent. The day trips and city time are self-guided, using the Swiss Pass and named trains, with no group guide mentioned.
What hotels are used?
The package offers a list of 18 hotel options across Lucerne, Montreux, and Zurich at different tiers, so the specific hotel depends on the tier and city option you select.
Is the boat trip to Chateau de Chillon included?
Yes, the return boat journey from Montreux to Chateau de Chillon, with admission, is included and covered by the Swiss Pass.
What is the Chocolate Train?
A train from Montreux to Montbovon via Gruyeres, with a stop in Broc for a tasting at the Cailler chocolate factory. A Belle Epoque carriage option is available.
How much walking or altitude is involved?
The Pilatus Cogwheel Railway climbs an average gradient of 35 percent, and Mount Titlis is reached by gondola and revolving cable car. No hiking is described in the itinerary.

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