Scenic Switzerland

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • London to St. Moritz

  Enjoy a flight from the UK to Zurich and upon arrival, make use of your eight-day Swiss Travel Pass for the scenic rail journey to historic St. Moritz, and check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Take a relaxing stroll around the lake and enjoy the chic town itself, the first real Alpine holiday destination for the international jet set. St. Moritz is said to enjoy some of the freshest air in Europe and is the official home of Alpine sports. Your visit might even coincide with a toboggan race down the historical “Cresta Run,” which dates back to 1885, or the city centre ice skating rink in the summer. (Overnight in St. Moritz)

• Day 2 • Bernina Express Day Trip

  After breakfast, embark on one of the world's most scenic train lines south into Italy. The Bernina Express is a spectacular journey, from the snow-capped heights of the Alps and the Bernina Pass itself, down into the lush Poschiavo Valley and vineyards surrounding Tirano. A stop is made for a traditional pizza in Tirano before returning north again on the Bernina Express to melt away into the awe-inspiring scenery, which changes drastically in the afternoon light. Make sure your camera batteries are fully charged because you are guaranteed to capture some amazing shots from the comfort of the panoramic carriages of the train. (Overnight in St. Moritz) B

• Day 3 • The Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt

  Today, you'll enjoy the full splendour of one of Switzerland's most famous journeys, the Glacier Express. Early in the journey, the train cruises over the impressive Landwasser Viaduct, which is a marvel of Swiss engineering from a bygone era. This train, otherwise known as the “slowest express train in the world” winds its way over numerous high passes and meanders past many small Swiss lakes and villages until pulling into Zermatt nearly eight hours after departure. (Overnight in Zermatt) B *(Between mid-October and early December, the Glacier Express train does not run, so the journey will be made on local trains. Ask your Rail Expert for more details)

• Day 4 • Gornergrat Day Trip

  Today, take an exciting ride on the Gornergrat railway, which climbs from 1,604 metres above sea level to 3,090 metres in just 33 minutes, and is a marvel of 19th-century engineering. From the top, take in one of the most spectacular panoramas in all of Switzerland with the iconic outline of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks and glaciers. You might be lucky enough to spot a chamois or marmot during your visit as you stroll through the nature reserve or maybe even enjoy a fondue. Take the same route back down to Zermatt, where you can enjoy the numerous small bars and restaurants on the car-free roads of this beautiful village. (Overnight in Zermatt) B

• Day 5 • Montreux

  Make the most of your Swiss Travel Pass by travelling to Montreux via a quick change of trains in Visp at a time of your choosing, then check in at your hotel and head out to explore the city. During the day, perhaps stroll along the lake to the picturesque Chillon Castle, and in the evening, maybe enjoy a drink at the local jazz cafe. (Overnight in Montreux) B

• Day 6 • The GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Lucerne

  Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before boarding the GoldenPass Express train. This line rises steeply at first, passing sloping back gardens to one side and amazing views of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Riviera on the other. The train passes through a mountain tunnel before peaking at its highest point of 4,179 feet and then pulling into Zweisimmen station. From here, the train follows the Simme Valley down into Interlaken between the Thun and Brienz lakes, and then finally onward to Lucerne. Once you arrive, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. (Overnight in Lucerne) B

• Day 7 • Day Trip to Mount Pilatus

  Today, enjoy a trip to the top of the world's steepest cogwheel railway at Mount Pilatus. First, enjoy a scenic hourslong steam cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, where you then take the 30-minute ride with an average gradient of 35%. The railway operates between May and November; at other times, you can reach the top via a spectacular aerial gondola and cableway. At the top, you'll find the historic Hotel Pilatus-Kulm and restaurant, where you can enjoy refreshments or one of the numerous walking trails, but beware of the fabled dragon with magical healing powers that 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 then take a short bus ride to Lucerne. (Overnight in Lucerne) B

• Day 8 • Jungfrau Day Trip

  After breakfast, prepare yourself for your small-group tour, where you will board the historic railway line to Europe's highest railway station, at 3,454 meters above sea level. The Jungfrau mountain peak is sandwiched between the Monch and Eiger mountains, and the Jungfrau Railway line runs the final 9 kilometers between them in a tunnel. Enjoy the spectacular views through windows built into the mountainside. Once you reach the top, marvel at the amazing view, which on a clear day can stretch as far as Germany and France. There is an ice sculpture gallery and a restaurant, and what is believed to be the world's highest chocolate shop. On your way back down the mountain, the route takes you through the village of Lauterbrunnen, from where you get a good view of a gorgeous waterfall. Upon your return, enjoy your final evening in Interlaken. (Overnight in Interlaken) B

• Day 9 • Zurich to London

  Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then take the one-hour train trip to Zurich Airport for your flight back to the UK. If you wish to extend your holiday, perhaps with additional nights in a particular destination, one of our Rail Experts would be happy to help you with all the details. B