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Railbookers · Self-guided rail holiday

The Mountain Peaks of Lucerne from Zurich

7-day self-guided Swiss rail holiday from Zurich to Lucerne

Illustration of The Mountain Peaks of Lucerne from Zurich

Railbookers operates this 7-day, 6-night self-guided rail holiday through Switzerland, starting in Zurich and based in Lucerne for five nights. Travelers use a Swiss Travel Pass rather than a guide, taking a direct train to Lucerne on day 2, with services running every 30 minutes and the freedom to stop in Bern along the way. From Lucerne, three day trips reach some of Switzerland's best-known viewpoints: the steepest cogwheel railway in the world up Mount Pilatus, the oldest mountain cog railway in Europe to Rigi Kulm for 360-degree views, and the Rotair, a revolving cable car, over the Titlis Glacier to Mount Titlis. Each excursion returns to the same Lucerne hotel, keeping the pace settled despite the high-altitude scenery. A final day in Lucerne includes the Chapel Bridge and an optional visit to the Swiss Transport Museum. This suits travelers who want alpine views without hiking, planning their own schedule with a rail pass instead of an escort.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence lists 12 hotel options across Zurich and Lucerne without specifying which is confirmed for a booking; confirm accommodation with Railbookers.
  • No current departure dates are listed in our records for this package.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Your Journey Begins in Zurich

    On arrival into Zurich check into your hotel, and head out in the evening to explore the beautiful Old Town.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lucerne

    Zurich to Lucerne

    After breakfast enjoy some more time in Zurich, or head to the station at a time of your choosing to take the train to Lucerne. There is a direct service every 30mins and your Swiss Pass gives you the freedom to take any train. One suggestion is to take a train to Bern perhaps, and spend an hour or two enjoying this gorgeous city. Once you arrive into Lucerne make your way to your hotel and check in for a five-night stay.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lucerne

    Mount Pilatus Day Trip

    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'll find the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel and restaurant where you can enjoy refreshments, or you can enjoy one of the numerous walking trails. After soaking up the wonderful views, make your way back down the mountain via the jaw dropping gondola and cable car to Kriens and a short bus ride to Lucerne.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Lucerne

    Mount Rigi Day Trip

    Back on the lake again today, with a 1hr scenic cruise on to Vitznau, then the oldest mountain cog railway in Europe 1800m up to Rigi Kulm. Once at the top you get to enjoy some spectacular 360-degree views of as far afield as France and Germany on a clear day. Enjoy lunch at the top, and between May and October you may even have the chance to take a stroll with a St Bernard dog. On your decent take another scenic cog railway to the town of Art-Goldau then a train back to Lucerne.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Lucerne

    Mount Titlis Day Trip

    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'll board the Rotair (the world's first revolving 360-degree cable car) for the journey over the dazzling Titlis Glacier up to Mount Titlis. Up at the top, you'll find an array of tourist attractions and restaurants, an adventure park, alpine flower trails, and Europe's highest suspension bridge known as the Cliff Walk. Following your day adventure head back to Lucerne.

  6. Day 6overnight: Lucerne

    Lucerne

    Enjoy a relaxing day exploring Lucerne today. This compact city has so much to offer as well as its picturesque Chapel Bridge with its original 17th century paintings. A stroll along the lakeside is certainly worthwhile and venturing as far as the Swiss Transport museum if you were to choose to be also worth it. A final dinner in the historic Wilden Mann restaurant this evening is a lovely way to say goodbye to this charming city.

  7. Day 7rail

    Your Journey Ends in Lucerne

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast and take a convenient direct train to Zurich airport for your flight home. Speak to one of our Rail Experts if you'd like to extend your holiday, perhaps riding the rails to another destination.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A direct train from Zurich to Lucerne, with the Swiss Travel Pass allowing a stop in Bern along the way.
  • Day 3A steam cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, then the steepest cogwheel railway in the world up Mount Pilatus.
  • Day 4A scenic cruise to Vitznau, then the oldest mountain cog railway in Europe up to Rigi Kulm for 360-degree views.
  • Day 5A gondola to Stand, then the Rotair, the world's first revolving 360-degree cable car, over the Titlis Glacier to Mount Titlis.

Included

  • Rail Travel throughout as per the itinerary
  • 4-day Swiss Travel Pass
  • 1 night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • 5 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne
  • Day trip to Mount Pilatus
  • Day trip to Mount Rigi
  • Day trip to Mount Titlis

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, rail travel is included throughout, along with a 4-day Swiss Travel Pass covering day trips to Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi and Mount Titlis.
Is it escorted or independent?
It's a self-guided trip using a Swiss Travel Pass rather than a guide, so travelers plan their own timing for trains and day trips.
What is included?
Rail travel per the itinerary, a 4-day Swiss Travel Pass, 1 night in Zurich, 5 nights in Lucerne, and day trips to Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi and Mount Titlis.
How much walking is involved?
The mountain day trips are reached by cog railway, cable car and gondola rather than on foot, though optional walking trails are available at Mount Pilatus and alpine flower trails at Mount Titlis.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $1,219 USD per person.

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