How much does it cost?

From £2,365 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $3,195 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is the train travel included?

Yes. Eurostar travel from London St Pancras and rail travel throughout Switzerland are included in the price, with a First Class Eurostar upgrade available for £250 more.

Is it escorted or independent?

Escorted, with a Tour Manager throughout.

Which trains are used?

The Rigi Railway, the Brienz Rothorn Railway, the Pilatus Railway (the steepest cogwheel railway in the world), and the Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway on the original Glacier Express route.

What hotel is included?

The Seehotel Pilatus in Hergiswil, for all seven nights of the tour.

Railtrail Tours · Escorted tour

Switzerland Steam-Powered Six 2026

Escorted Switzerland tour on four scenic mountain and steam railways

Railtrail Tours runs this 8-day escorted rail tour from a single base at the Seehotel Pilatus in Hergiswil, with Eurostar travel from London St Pancras included in the price. A Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout. The week is built around four named mountain railways and three lake cruises: the historic Rigi Railway, running since 1871 to the summit known as the Queen of the Mountains; a steamboat cruise across Lake Zurich; the steam-powered Brienz Rothorn Railway, climbing to Rothorn Kulm since 1892; the Pilatus Railway, the steepest cogwheel railway in the world; the Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway on the original route of the Glacier Express, with views of the Rhone Glacier; and a paddle-steamer cruise across Lake Lucerne. The trip suits travellers who want to focus on Switzerland's historic mountain railways and lake steamers from one hotel, without changing rooms each night.

Day by day

Day 1railovernight: Seehotel Pilatus, Hergiswil
Eurostar to Hergiswil
Travelling by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, then onwards to Hergiswil and our hotel for seven nights, the Seehotel Pilatus, where we check in and enjoy our first evening meal together.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2railovernight: Seehotel Pilatus, Hergiswil
The Rigi Railway
After breakfast today, we will experience the historic Rigi Railway, Europe's first mountain railway transporting visitors from all over the world to the top of the 'Queen of the Mountains' since 1871. The Rigi's unique location and panoramic views made it a famous destination for writers and heads of state during the 'Belle Epoque' era, and even Queen Victoria journeyed to the peak.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3railovernight: Seehotel Pilatus, Hergiswil
Lake Zurich Steamboat Cruise
Today, we take the train to Rapperswil on Lake Zurich where we board one of the Lake Zurich steamboats for a gentle cruise along the scenic lake past prosperous villages to the city of Zurich itself. We enjoy some free time in Switzerland's largest city before returning to Hergiswil by train in time for our evening meal together.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4railovernight: Seehotel Pilatus, Hergiswil
Brienz Rothorn Railway & Lake Brienz
This morning, we journey on one of Switzerland's most scenic mainlines over the Brunig Pass from Lucerne to Brienz. Here, we join the wonderful Brienz Rothorn Railway, an historic steam cog railway that has climbed Rothorn Kulm (2,244m) since 1892 at incredible gradients; the thrilling ride through meadows and forests leads to spectacular mountain panoramas. Afterwards, we enjoy a leisurely cruise aboard a nostalgic steam paddler along Lake Brienz to Interlaken before returning by rail to Hergiswil in time for our evening meal.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5railovernight: Seehotel Pilatus, Hergiswil
The Pilatus Railway
Today, we enjoy the drama and thrills of the famous Pilatus Railway! This amazing round trip provides the best of mountain railways as we ride the steepest cogwheel railway in the world through woods and tunnels, along alpine meadows, and rocky outcrops to the top of this rugged pre-Alpine peak. After free time at the summit, we enjoy breathtaking views on the aerial cable car and the panorama gondola as we travel to Lucerne, Switzerland's prettiest city.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6railovernight: Seehotel Pilatus, Hergiswil
Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway
After breakfast this morning, we transfer to Realp where we join the Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway travelling high into the mountains to Oberwald along the original route of the Glacier Express - crossing viaducts, journeying through tunnels, and past alpine meadows full of flowers. Marvel at the Rhone Glacier viewed between snow-covered mountain peaks before we return to Hergiswil by rail.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7overnight: Seehotel Pilatus, Hergiswil
Lake Lucerne Paddle-Steamer Cruise
Today, we cruise across Lake Lucerne, the most beautiful lake in Switzerland surrounded by mountains and forests. Relax on board the lake steamer as we criss-cross between idyllic lakeside villages on our way to Fluelen before returning to Hergiswil for our final evening meal together.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8rail
Homeward via Eurostar
We bid farewell to Hergiswil and to Switzerland, returning by rail to Paris, where we will join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 4The Brienz Rothorn Railway, a historic steam cog railway that has climbed to Rothorn Kulm (2,244 metres) since 1892.
Day 5The Pilatus Railway, the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, climbing through woods, tunnels, and alpine meadows to the summit.
Day 6The Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway follows the original Glacier Express route from Realp to Oberwald, with views of the Rhone Glacier between snow-covered peaks.
Day 7A paddle-steamer cruise across Lake Lucerne, crisscrossing between lakeside villages on the way to Fluelen.

Included

7 nights bed, breakfast & evening meal
Local Transport Pass
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
Eurostar and rail travel to and from Switzerland in the class of your choice
All transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £2,365 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $3,195 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is the train travel included?: Yes. Eurostar travel from London St Pancras and rail travel throughout Switzerland are included in the price, with a First Class Eurostar upgrade available for £250 more.
Is it escorted or independent?: Escorted, with a Tour Manager throughout.
Which trains are used?: The Rigi Railway, the Brienz Rothorn Railway, the Pilatus Railway (the steepest cogwheel railway in the world), and the Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway on the original Glacier Express route.
What hotel is included?: The Seehotel Pilatus in Hergiswil, for all seven nights of the tour.