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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Ultimate Swiss Cities & Lakes in Winter With Swiss Travel Pass

Swiss cities and lakes by train over 15 days with included Travel Pass

Illustration of Ultimate Swiss Cities & Lakes in Winter With Swiss Travel Pass

Vacations By Rail's Ultimate Swiss Cities & Lakes in Winter is a 15-day independent rail vacation that takes you through Zürich, Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreux, ending in Geneva. The package includes 14 nights in 3 or 4-star hotels, daily breakfast and a comprehensive Swiss Travel Pass covering unlimited train, bus and boat travel plus admission to over 500 museums. You travel on your own schedule following a planned itinerary, with most days left free to explore each city and region at your own pace. The two signature rail journeys are the Lucerne-Interlaken Express, a two-hour scenic ride through the Brünig Pass on day 8, and the GoldenPass Express from Interlaken to Montreux on day 12, which passes Lakes Thun and Brienz and Alpine villages. Multi-night stays in each location allow you to experience Swiss winter scenery, medieval old towns, lake cruises and optional mountain excursions without constant hotel changes. This trip suits independent explorers and first-time rail travellers seeking control over their itinerary while enjoying the convenience of included rail passes and accommodation.

What to know before you look closer

  • Days 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13 and 14 are at leisure; you design your own activities using the Travel Pass or optional paid excursions
  • The from-price covers the package; confirm current pricing and winter season dates with Vacations By Rail before booking

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zürich

    Starting your winter adventure in Zürich

    Arrive in Zürich and make your way by rail from the airport to the city center to check in for the next three nights. Begin exploring Switzerland's wintertime offerings with your 15-day Swiss Travel Pass in hand.

  2. Day 2overnight: Zürich

    Discovering Zürich or further afield

    Explore Zürich's Old Town, Christmas market, and museums included with the Swiss Travel Pass, or travel further afield to Bern or Rhine Falls using free public transportation. Optional excursions available at a supplement.

  3. Day 3overnight: Zürich

    Discovering Zürich or further afield

    A second day at leisure in Zürich or beyond, using the included Swiss Travel Pass for museums, cruises and optional excursions.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Lucerne

    Traveling to Lucerne

    Travel independently by rail from Zürich to Lucerne, a journey of under an hour, then check in to your hotel for the first of four nights in the medieval city.

  5. Day 5overnight: Lucerne

    Uncovering Lucerne or the frosted mountains of central Switzerland

    Explore Lucerne's Altstadt, the Chapel Bridge and included museums, or use the Swiss Travel Pass to cruise Lake Lucerne or travel to Engelberg beneath Mount Titlis. Optional excursions bookable at a supplement.

  6. Day 6overnight: Lucerne

    Uncovering Lucerne or the frosted mountains of central Switzerland

    Continue discovering Lucerne and the surrounding central Switzerland region at your own pace.

  7. Day 7overnight: Lucerne

    Uncovering Lucerne or the frosted mountains of central Switzerland

    A final day based in Lucerne, with optional mountain excursions such as Mt. Rigi, Mt. Pilatus and Mt. Titlis available at a supplement.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Interlaken

    The Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Interlaken

    Board the Lucerne-Interlaken Express for a two-hour scenic rail journey via Lake Sarnen and the Brünig Pass to Interlaken, tucked between Lakes Thun and Brienz, then check in for a multi-night stay.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Interlaken

    Discovering the sensational Bernese Oberland

    Explore Interlaken's Höheweg promenade, take a Swiss Travel Pass lake cruise, or travel by train to Grindelwald, Kleine Scheidegg or Zermatt. Optional excursions bookable at a supplement.

  10. Day 10overnight: Interlaken

    Discovering the sensational Bernese Oberland

    A further day in the Bernese Oberland region, with optional excursions to the Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn or a Swiss cheese fondue cooking class.

  11. Day 11overnight: Interlaken

    Discovering the sensational Bernese Oberland

    A final day based in Interlaken to explore the Jungfrau region at leisure or on optional excursions.

  12. Day 12railovernight: Montreux

    Aboard the GoldenPass Express to the Swiss Riviera

    Travel from Interlaken to Montreux aboard the GoldenPass Express, passing Lakes Thun and Brienz and villages including Gstaad and Château-d'Oex before Lake Geneva comes into view. Check in for three nights in Montreux.

  13. Day 13overnight: Montreux

    At leisure overlooking the French Alps in Montreux

    Explore Montreux's lakeshore promenade and old town, or use the Swiss Travel Pass to cruise Lake Geneva or visit Lausanne, Vevey or Gruyères. Optional excursions bookable at a supplement.

  14. Day 14overnight: Montreux

    At leisure overlooking the French Alps in Montreux

    A further day at leisure in the Swiss Riviera, with optional excursions including Chateau de Chillon, Glacier 3000 and Rochers-de-Naye.

  15. Day 15

    Tour conclusion

    Check out of your hotel and use the Swiss Travel Pass for a final time to travel to Geneva to begin your onward journey home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 8Board the Lucerne-Interlaken Express for a two-hour scenic rail journey via Lake Sarnen and the Brünig Pass to Interlaken
  • Day 12Travel on the GoldenPass Express from Interlaken to Montreux, passing Lakes Thun and Brienz and villages including Gstaad and Château-d'Oex before Lake Geneva comes into view

Included

  • 14 nights' 3 or 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • 1st & Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks
  • Breakfast each day
  • Swiss Travel Pass, featuring free transportation by bus, rail and boat, admission to more than 500 museums, and select included mountain rail excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. All rail travel between cities is included, as well as unlimited train, bus and boat travel via the 15-day Swiss Travel Pass.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is self-guided. Vacations By Rail provides a well-planned itinerary, but you travel on your own and choose how to spend each day.
Which trains does the trip use?
The named transfers are the Lucerne-Interlaken Express (day 8) and the GoldenPass Express (day 12). You may take any other trains within Switzerland using your Travel Pass.
What is included in the price?
14 nights in 3 or 4-star hotels, daily breakfast, first and standard class rail travel on local networks, and the 15-day Swiss Travel Pass with free transportation and admission to 500-plus museums.
What is not included?
Flights to Switzerland, optional excursions (such as mountain cable cars or cooking classes), and travel insurance.
When does this trip run?
The trip is offered in winter; confirm exact departure dates and availability with Vacations By Rail.

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