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Travelmarvel (APT Travel Group) · Rail Tour

Switzerland by Rail

Alpine rail circle from Geneva to Zurich aboard five famous trains

Illustration of Switzerland by Rail

Travelmarvel's Switzerland by Rail is an 11-day escorted journey from Geneva to Zurich, combining five celebrated train rides through the Alps. The itinerary spans nine towns and cities across Switzerland and Italy, with two nights each in Interlaken, Lugano, and Lucerne, allowing time to absorb each destination. Travelers board the narrow-gauge Glacier Express from Brigg to St. Moritz, ascend to Jungfraujoch on the Jungfrau Railway, and cross the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway on the Bernina Express to Italy, with a documented photostop at Alp Grüm and passage over the Brusio Circular Viaduct. The Gotthard Panorama Express travels historic rail corridors through alpine valleys and spiral tunnels in First Class panoramic carriages. A Travelmarvel Tour Director and expert local guides accompany throughout. Seventeen meals, accommodation, transfers, and porterage are included. This tour suits repeat rail travellers who prize comfort, photographers seeking scenic windows, and those who value guided structure and included meals.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights to Geneva are not included; confirm whether they are covered under any package option when booking.
  • Hotels are listed by night count and city but specific names and stars are not detailed; confirm the accommodation tier and properties with Travelmarvel.
  • Mount Pilatus excursion on Day 9 involves mountain activity; assess your comfort with this leg before committing.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Geneva

    Arrive Geneva

  2. Day 2overnight: Lausanne

    Geneva, Lausanne

  3. Day 3railovernight: Interlaken

    Lausanne, Montreux, GoldenPass Express, Interlaken

  4. Day 4railovernight: Interlaken

    Interlaken, Jungfrau Railway

  5. Day 5railovernight: St. Moritz

    Interlaken, Brigg, Glacier Express, St. Moritz

  6. Day 6railovernight: Lugano

    St. Moritz, Bernina Express, Tirano, Lugano

  7. Day 7overnight: Lugano

    Lugano

  8. Day 8railovernight: Lucerne

    Lugano, Gotthard Panorama Express, Flüelen, Lucerne

  9. Day 9overnight: Lucerne

    Lucerne, Mount Pilatus

  10. Day 10overnight: Zürich

    Lucerne, Zürich

  11. Day 11

    Depart Zürich

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Board the GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken, passing through Gstaad and Château-d'Oex among alpine meadows and towering peaks.
  • Day 4Ride the Jungfrau Railway with observation stops carved from solid rock between the rail tunnel and the north face of the Eiger.
  • Day 5Travel the narrow-gauge Glacier Express from Brigg to St. Moritz, viewing panoramic vistas through large carriage windows.
  • Day 6Ride the Bernina Express across the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway, climbing the Bernina Pass with a photostop at Alp Grüm and curving across the Brusio Circular Viaduct before descending to Tirano in Italy.
  • Day 8Travel the Gotthard Panorama Express in First Class panoramic carriages, seeing waterfalls, mountain villages, and spiral tunnels through the historic Gotthard route.

Included

  • Two nights in Interlaken, Lugano, Lucerne, One night in Geneva, Lausanne, St. Moritz, Zurich
  • 17 meals - 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 6 dinners
  • Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and expert local guides
  • Transfers, porterage and tipping
  • Explore nine towns, villages and cities
  • Journey aboard the Glacier Express to St. Moritz
  • Ride the Bernina Express, passing glaciers and rushing mountain streams
  • Travel the historic Gotthard Panorama Express rail route

Not included

  • Flights (unless specified)

Questions travellers ask

Are train tickets included in the price?
Yes. The package includes journeys on the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, GoldenPass Express, Gotthard Panorama Express (First Class), and Jungfrau Railway.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. Travelmarvel provides a Tour Director throughout and expert local guides at key stops.
What meals are included?
Seventeen meals: 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 6 dinners.
How many nights do I stay in each city?
Geneva, Lausanne, St. Moritz, and Zürich have one night each. Interlaken, Lugano, and Lucerne have two nights each.
What is the walking level?
The tour includes city walking and a Mount Pilatus excursion on Day 9, plus observation stops on the Jungfrau Railway. Moderate fitness is recommended.
Are flights included?
No. Flights are not included unless specified in your booking option.

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