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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Swiss Peaks & Lakes

Eight-day Swiss rail loop from Geneva through alpine peaks and lakeside towns

Illustration of Swiss Peaks & Lakes

Marvellous Escapes' eight-day Swiss Peaks and Lakes is an independent tailor-made rail journey from Geneva to Tirano, passing through Montreux, Lucerne, Zurich, and Chur. The trip strings together three of Switzerland's most celebrated train routes: the GoldenPass Express descends from Montreux through vineyard-covered foothills and alpine lakes to Interlaken; the Luzern-Interlaken Express completes the scenic passage to Lucerne; and the Bernina Express makes a roundtrip from Chur through the high Alps into Italy, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct. Between rail days, you'll spend one to two nights in each town, with included visits to Chateau de Chillon overlooking Lake Geneva, an ascent of Mount Pilatus via steam cruise and cogwheel railway, and guided walks and lake cruises in Zurich. A Swiss Travel Pass covers regional rail travel throughout, and flights or roundtrip rail from London are included. The pace is relaxed, the journey is self-directed with operator support always available, and the focus is on the trains and the Alpine scenery they traverse.

What to know before you look closer

  • The cogwheel railway to Mount Pilatus operates May to November; other times the ascent is via aerial gondola and cableway, which may differ from the advertised experience.
  • Day 8 is departure only; there is no new destination or activity included on the final day.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Montreux

    Montreux

    Today, you will fly from London to Geneva. Alternatively, roundtrip rail is available from London via Paris (Zurich to Paris on the return journey). You'll then head onwards to Montreux and visit Chateau de Chillon, an impressive medieval fortress on the edge of the lake. Wander through its ancient halls, dungeons, and towers, while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and water. Spend the night in Montreux, with the peaceful sounds of the lake as your backdrop.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lucerne

    Lucerne

    Today, you'll get to experience one of Switzerland's most iconic rail journeys as you travel the entire GoldenPass line. Begin your day aboard the GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken, captivated by stunning views of terraced vineyards, snow-capped peaks, and shimmering alpine lakes. Upon reaching Interlaken, continue your journey on the Luzern-Interlaken Express, taking in lush valleys and rugged mountain landscapes, bringing you to Lucerne, a charming lakeside city known for its medieval architecture. On arrival, explore its scenic streets or stroll across the famous Chapel Bridge.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lucerne

    Lucerne

    Today, embark on an extraordinary journey to the summit of the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. Begin your day with a scenic hour-long steam cruise on Lake Lucerne, taking you to Alpnachstad. From there, you'll board a 30-minute cogwheel railway ride (operates May to November; other times via aerial gondola and cableway). At the pinnacle, discover the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel and restaurant, or explore hiking trails. Descend from the mountain massif via gondola and cable car to Kriens, followed by a short bus ride back to Lucerne.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zurich

    Zurich

    This morning, board a comfortable Swiss train for a scenic journey from Lucerne to Zurich, Switzerland's largest and most vibrant city. Explore the city by strolling through the winding streets of the Old Town, marvel at centuries-old architecture, and visit landmarks like the iconic Grossmunster.

  5. Day 5overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Spend the day immersing yourself in the beauty and culture of Zurich. Begin with a guided walking tour through the city's historic Old Town, visiting the Fraumunster Church with its Chagall windows, and strolling along Bahnhofstrasse. In the afternoon, relax aboard a scenic cruise on Lake Zurich. Cap off your day with an exhilarating cable car ride to Felsenegg, where you'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Zurich, the lake, and the Swiss countryside.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Chur

    Chur

    This morning, board a Swiss train for a picturesque journey from Zurich to Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland. Upon arrival, explore this charming town, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant arts scene. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, visit the Chur Cathedral, or relax at a local cafe. Chur serves as your gateway to the majestic Bernina Express.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Chur

    Chur

    Today, embark on one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world with a roundtrip on the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano and back. Enjoy panoramic views as the train winds through the Swiss Alps, crossing viaducts, passing glaciers, and descending into Italy, including the famous Landwasser Viaduct. Upon arrival in Tirano, enjoy some free time to explore this quaint Italian town before boarding the return train to Chur for another overnight stay.

  8. Day 8

    Return home

    Today you'll head to Zurich airport from Chur for your return journey home. If you would like to extend your stay in Switzerland, speak to your Marvellous Escapes Travel Designer.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Visit Chateau de Chillon, a medieval fortress on the shore of Lake Geneva, exploring its ancient halls, dungeons, and towers
  • Day 2Travel the full GoldenPass line aboard the GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken, then the Luzern-Interlaken Express to Lucerne, surrounded by alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, and terraced vineyards
  • Day 3Take a steam cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, then board the world's steepest cogwheel railway for a 30-minute ascent to Mount Pilatus summit
  • Day 7Ride the Bernina Express roundtrip from Chur to Tirano, crossing the famous Landwasser Viaduct and descending through the Swiss Alps into Italy

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Montreux with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Lucerne with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Zurich with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Chur with breakfast included
  • Flights to and from the UK (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras)
  • Bernina Express roundtrip Chur to Tirano
  • GoldenPass Express & Luzern-Interlaken Express
  • Swiss Travel Pass for the duration of the journey
  • Visit to Chateau de Chillon from Montreux
  • Day trip to ascend Mount Pilatus
  • Zurich walking tour
  • Cruise on Lake Zurich
  • Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The GoldenPass Express, Luzern-Interlaken Express, Bernina Express roundtrip, and a Swiss Travel Pass valid for the duration are all included. Flights from London or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras via Paris are also included.
Is this an escorted or independent trip?
It is an independent tailor-made journey with 24/7 on-trip support from Marvellous Escapes. There is no daily group guide, though some days include guided activities such as the Zurich walking tour.
What is the total cost?
From GBP 1,949 per person (approximately USD 2,603). This covers hotel accommodation with breakfast, all named trains, the Swiss Travel Pass, entry to Chateau de Chillon, the Mount Pilatus excursion, Zurich activities, and flights or rail travel from the UK.
How many nights are in each city?
One night in Montreux, two nights each in Lucerne, Zurich, and Chur.
What activities are included?
Visit to Chateau de Chillon, Mount Pilatus day trip with steam cruise on Lake Lucerne and cogwheel railway, guided walking tour of Zurich's Old Town, cruise on Lake Zurich, and cable car ride to Felsenegg.

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