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Railbookers · Self-guided rail vacation

Zurich and Lucerne from Zurich

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

Illustration of Zurich and Lucerne from Zurich

Railbookers runs this 7-day, 6-night self-guided trip through Switzerland, based in Zurich and Lucerne. After settling into Zurich's old town district of Niederdorf, day 2 is a full-day trip to Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe', traveling by luxury coach through the Bernese Oberland to Grindelwald and then by gondola and cable car to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed mountain pass. A direct train, timed at your own choice, then continues to Lucerne for three nights, including the Chapel Bridge and medieval Old Town, a cogwheel railway day trip up Mount Pilatus, and an evening gourmet dinner cruise on Lake Lucerne. A high-speed train returns to Zurich for a final night. A 6-Day Swiss Pass and breakfast throughout are included. This suits travelers who want two marquee Alpine excursions and an included dinner cruise, and who don't mind one day of the trip being by coach rather than train.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Jungfraujoch day trip on day 2 travels by luxury coach and cable car, not train, despite this being sold as a rail vacation.
  • 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! Zurich is Switzerland's most cosmopolitan and elegant city, situated on the banks of the river Limmat. Spend the evening by the lake in the old town district of Niederdorf, famous for its bars, restaurants, lounges, and fashion shops.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Zurich

    Day Trip to Jungfraujoch

    Following breakfast, Ascend to one of Europe’s highest peaks on a full-day trip to the magnificent mountain region of Jungfrau from Zurich. Travel by luxury coach through the scenic splendor of the Bernese Oberland region to the charming village of Grindelwald. Board the gondola Eiger Express of the newly opened V-Cableway and ascend the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jungfraujoch mountain pass. Absorb sweeping vistas of a sprawling Alpine wonderland from the vertiginous vantage point of the Sphinx Observatory. This full-day excursion to Jungfrau is a feast for the senses, an immersion into the beauty of the Swiss Alps, and an opportunity to stand at the top of Europe, all within reach from the vibrant city of Zurich.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lucerne

    Zurich to Lucerne

    Following breakfast, at a time of your choice board a direct train service to Lucerne. Explore Lucerne's iconic landmarks, including Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, and the medieval Old Town.

    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 with an average gradient of 35%. The Cogwheel Railway operates between May and November, while at other times you can reach the top via a spectacular aerial gondola and cableway. At the top, you will find the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel and restaurant where you can enjoy refreshments, or you can enjoy one of the numerous walking trails but beware of the legendary dragon who has magical healing powers and lives in the mountain. After soaking up the wonderful views, make your way back down the mountain massif via the jaw-dropping gondola and cable car to Kriens and a short bus ride to Lucerne. (Overnight Lucerne)

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5

    Lucerne

    Today, enjoy a relaxing day at your own leisure; Immerse in the tranquillity of Lake Lucerne with a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade. In the evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner cruise on Lake Lucerne – be wined and dined as you travel along the crystal blue lake. (Overnight Lucerne)

    Meals: B

  6. Day 6railovernight: Zurich

    Lucerne to Zurich

    Enjoy a final breakfast in Lucerne this morning before embarking on a direct high-speed train back to Zurich for a final overnight stay. Make sure to visit any tourist attractions or restaurants you have not yet got a chance to see in Zurich.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A full-day trip to Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe', traveling by luxury coach through the Bernese Oberland to Grindelwald, then by the Eiger Express gondola and cable car to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed mountain pass.
  • Day 3A direct train to Lucerne, timed at your own choice, to explore the Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, and medieval Old Town.
  • Day 4A steam cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, then the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, with an average gradient of 35 percent, up Mount Pilatus.
  • Day 5An evening gourmet dinner cruise on Lake Lucerne.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne 6-Day Swiss Pass in Standard Class Small Group Jungfrau Day Trip from Zurich Day Trip to Mount Pilatus from Lucerne Lake Lucerne Gourmet Cruise - Dinner

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, for part of the trip. A 6-Day Swiss Pass in Standard Class covers rail travel including the direct trains between Zurich and Lucerne. The Jungfraujoch day trip on day 2 is by luxury coach and cable car, not train.
Is this trip guided or self-guided?
It is a self-guided rail vacation overall. The Jungfraujoch day trip is a small-group tour, and the Mount Pilatus day trip is included, but travelers otherwise set their own pace.
How many nights are included?
Six nights with breakfast: three in Zurich and three 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.
Is a meal included?
Yes, a gourmet dinner cruise on Lake Lucerne is included on day 5, alongside breakfast each morning.
How much does the trip cost?
Prices start from $1,759 per person (USD), about $251 per day.

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