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Euroventure · Self-guided rail holiday

Swiss Explorer: 2 Weeks

London to Geneva by rail through Swiss cities and Alps over 15 days

Illustration of Swiss Explorer: 2 Weeks

Euroventure's Swiss Explorer is a 15-day self-guided rail holiday linking London, Paris, and seven Swiss cities by train. You travel independently, moving from London to Paris (2.5 hours), then onward to Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Bern, Lausanne, and Geneva, before returning to Paris and London by rail. All train tickets, an Interrail or Eurail pass, seat reservations, and centrally located accommodation are included. Each city is yours to explore at your own pace: medieval old towns in Zurich and Bern, the Chapel Bridge and mountain views in Lucerne, the Alpine gateway of Interlaken, and Geneva's lakeside setting beneath Mont Blanc. Euroventure provides walking directions, a personalised travel booklet with maps and language guides, optional local activities at partner hostels, 24-hour emergency support, and 1GB of free data via eSIM. This trip suits first-time rail travellers, independent explorers, budget-conscious couples, and anyone seeking a mix of Swiss culture and mountain scenery without a guide.

What to know before you look closer

  • Accommodation is either hostels or hotels depending on the tier; confirm your specific venue before booking.
  • The itinerary spans 15 calendar days but includes 14 nights; two nights are split across London and Paris at trip start and end.
  • Optional activities such as paragliding, skiing, and boat cruises are not included in the base price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: London

    London

    Start in London, walkable from the pop-up stalls of the South Bank to the West End and Hyde Park.

  2. Day 1railovernight: Paris

    Paris

    Train to Paris (2.5 hours). Highlights: see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre; watch a cabaret act at the Moulin Rouge; experience the nightlife of the Marais.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Train to Zurich (4.5 hours). Untouched medieval centre. Highlights: see the stained-glass windows of Fraumunster; visit the Lindt chocolate factory outlet; window-shop on Bahnhofstrasse.

  4. Day 5railovernight: Lucerne

    Lucerne

    Train to Lucerne (1 hour). Highlights: cross the Chapel Bridge and see the Water Tower; take in vistas from Mount Pilatus; enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne.

  5. Day 7railovernight: Interlaken

    Interlaken

    Train to Interlaken (2.5 hours), gateway to the Bernese Oberland. Highlights: paraglide over town; ski at renowned local stations; skate on the ice circuit.

  6. Day 11railovernight: Bern

    Bern

    Train to Bern (1 hour), Switzerland's capital with a UNESCO Old Town. Highlights: see the animated Zytglogge Clock Tower; take in views from the Rose Garden; stroll the Aare River promenade.

  7. Day 13railovernight: Lausanne

    Lausanne

    Train to Lausanne (1.5 hours) on Lake Geneva, home to the International Olympic Committee. Highlights: relax on the Ouchy Promenade; admire Lausanne Cathedral; explore the Collection de l'Art Brut.

  8. Day 14railovernight: Geneva

    Geneva

    Train to Geneva (1 hour), surrounded by the Alps with views of Mont Blanc. Highlights: climb the Cathedral towers; see the Jet d'Eau; relax by the lake.

  9. Day 16railovernight: Paris

    Paris

    Train to Paris (3.5 hours) for a final one-night stay. Highlights: revisit the Eiffel Tower and Louvre; explore Montmartre or Le Marais; dine at a traditional French bistro.

  10. Day 17rail

    London

    Train back to London (2.5 hours) to conclude the trip; Interrail pass covers a complimentary onward journey to your nearest UK station the same day.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Arrive in Zurich and discover the medieval old town, Fraumunster stained-glass windows, and Bahnhofstrasse shopping.
  • Day 5Train to Lucerne and cross the Chapel Bridge; take in Mount Pilatus views or a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne.
  • Day 7Reach Interlaken, gateway to the Bernese Oberland, with the option to paraglide or ski at local stations.

Included

  • All overland transport tickets from the first to the last city
  • Any Interrail or Eurail passes if required, based on the best value for you
  • Compulsory seat reservations on high-speed rail, night trains or ferries
  • Accommodation in top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels, tested by us
  • Walking directions between the stations and your booked accommodation
  • Optional walking tours, pub crawls and other activities at our partner hostels
  • A personalised travel booklet with maps, language guides, top tips, and more
  • Access to our 24hr emergency phone number while you're away
  • 1GB of free data, with the option to add more anytime with eSIM
  • Peace of mind with alternative travel included if there is a strike or similar disruption
  • Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. Euroventure includes all overland transport tickets from London to Geneva, plus any Interrail or Eurail passes, compulsory seat reservations, and a complimentary onward Interrail connection to your nearest UK station on the final day.
Is this tour guided or self-guided?
It is self-guided. You travel independently between cities, with walking directions provided between stations and your accommodation. Optional walking tours and pub crawls are available at partner hostels.
What accommodation is included?
Accommodation is in top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels (depending on the tier you choose), tested by Euroventure.
Which trains are used?
The itinerary specifies direct trains between each city: Paris (2.5 hours), Zurich (4.5 hours), Lucerne (1 hour), Interlaken (2.5 hours), Bern (1 hour), Lausanne (1.5 hours), Geneva (1 hour), and return to Paris (3.5 hours) and London (2.5 hours).
What is not included?
Meals (except walking directions to and from restaurants), optional activities like paragliding or skiing, attraction entrance fees, and any travel beyond your booked accommodation to attractions.
When does this tour run?
Euroventure publishes no departure calendar in the available information; contact them directly to confirm available dates.

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