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Railbookers · Self-guided rail vacation

Zurich and Lucerne

Self-guided Swiss rail trip: Zurich, Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi

Illustration of Zurich and Lucerne

Railbookers runs this 7-day, 6-night self-guided rail trip through Switzerland, based in Zurich and Lucerne. After two nights in Zurich, which include a guided walking tour and a scenic lake cruise, travelers take the train to Lucerne, using a 6-day Swiss Travel Pass with no fixed departure time, for a four-night stay. Two day trips are included from Lucerne: a steam cruise on Lake Lucerne followed by the world's steepest cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus, and a cruise to Vitznau followed by Europe's oldest mountain cog railway up Mount Rigi, where clear days bring views as far as France and Germany. A free day in Lucerne includes the 17th-century Chapel Bridge and the option of the Swiss Transport Museum. Breakfast is included throughout. This suits travelers who want two mountain rail excursions and lake scenery based from a pair of Swiss cities, without changing hotels more than once.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Mount Pilatus cogwheel railway operates from May to November; outside that window, the ascent is by aerial gondola and cableway instead.
  • No current departure dates are listed in the evidence for this trip; confirm availability and exact pricing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Your Journey Begins in Zurich

    Welcome to Zurich! Upon arrival, check in to your hotel ready for a two-night stay. As a nice introduction to the city, why not head out for an evening stroll around the old town and lake, and try some local cuisine?

  2. Day 2overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Today, you enjoy a walking tour of Zurich with a tour guide before boarding a scenic lake cruise in the afternoon. This is a perfect way to see as much of the city as possible in just under a few hours whilst still leaving some time for you to independently enjoy some exploring. Your Swiss Pass is valid today, so be sure to check for any attractions where you may be eligible for a discount and make the most of your full day.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lucerne

    Zurich to Lucerne

    After breakfast, make your way to Zurich station and board the train to Lucerne. Thanks to your Swiss Pass, you are not restricted to a specific train time and have full flexibility of when you would like to depart Zurich and arrive at Lucerne. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and check-in for a four-night stay.

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4rail

    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%. The Cogwheel Railway operates between May and November, whilst at other times you can reach the top via a spectacular aerial gondola and cableway. 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. (Overnight Lucerne)

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5railovernight: 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. The railway carriages haven't changed much in 100yrs, and 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, synonymous with the area. On your descent take another scenic cog railway to the town of Art-Goldau then a train back to Lucerne, or if you're feeling adventurous hop off at Rigi Kaltbad and take the cable car to Weggis from where there is a 15-minute walk to the boat cruise back to Lucerne.

    Meals: B

  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 is also worth it, as it features a fascinating array of transportation from trains to submarines and everything in between.

    Meals: B

  7. Day 7rail

    Your Journey Ends in Lucerne

    Travel with ease from Lucerne direct to Zurich Airport this morning ready for your onward journey. Speak to one of our Rail Experts if you would like to extend your trip, or add any additional stops or cities not featured.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A guided walking tour of Zurich followed by a scenic lake cruise in the afternoon.
  • Day 3A flexible train ride from Zurich to Lucerne, with no fixed departure time thanks to the Swiss Pass.
  • Day 4A steam cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, then a 30-minute ride on the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, with an average gradient of 35%, up Mount Pilatus.
  • Day 5A cruise to Vitznau, then Europe's oldest mountain cog railway climbing 1,800 metres to Rigi Kulm for 360-degree views reaching France and Germany on a clear day.

Included

  • Rail travel as specified in the itinerary 6-Day Swiss Travel Pass 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich 4 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne Sightseeing tour of Zurich Day trip to Mount Pilatus Day trip to Mount Rigi

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The trip includes a 6-Day Swiss Travel Pass covering rail travel as specified in the itinerary, including the train from Zurich to Lucerne and the cogwheel railways to Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi.
Is this trip guided or self-guided?
It is a self-guided rail vacation. A Zurich sightseeing tour and the Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi day trips are included, with independent time built in around them.
How many nights are included?
Six nights with breakfast: two in Zurich and four in Lucerne.
When does the Mount Pilatus cogwheel railway run?
It operates from May to November. Outside that window, the ascent is by aerial gondola and cableway instead.
How much does the trip cost?
Prices start from $1,069 per person (USD), about $153 per day.
What is there to do in Lucerne?
The itinerary points to the Chapel Bridge, with its original 17th-century paintings, a lakeside stroll, and the option to visit the Swiss Transport Museum.

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