Switzerland by Rail

Delve into  Switzerland’s spellbinding alpine scenery by rail with extraordinary journeys aboard the Bernina Express, Glacier Express and GoldenPass Express. 

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Zürich 

Arrive before 1.30pm, and we'll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. An afternoon orientation discovery is on the cards, followed by a welcome reception. 

Day 2: Zürich, Lucerne, Engelberg 

You will be well looked after throughout your journey with a special baggage transfer service, which means we’ll take care of the heavy lifting as your bags are chauffeured from one hotel to the next. Journey to Lucerne and set out on a walking exploration of the city. You’ll then continue to your hotel in Engelberg, perched high in the mountains at the foot of Mount Titlis.

Day 3: Engelberg, Mount Titlis 

This morning, board a cable car, which takes you 3,020 metres above sea level as you ascend Mount Titlis. Visit the glacier cave, a walkway that descends ten metres below the surface of the only glacier in the region. You can then take in the breathtaking views on Europe’s highest suspension bridge. Later, enjoy free time to relax at your hotel and explore the charming village of Engelberg.

Day 4: Engelberg, Lugano

Embark on an exciting rail journey through the Gotthard Base Tunnel to Lugano. This picturesque lakeside city is nestled amid the mountains in the Italian region of Switzerland. On arrival in Lugano, a Signature Experience awaits.

Signature Experience – Tenuta Castello di Morcote Wine Tour

Visit Tenuta Castello di Morcote, a farm and wine estate located on a promontory entirely surrounded by Lake Lugano. View the estate’s terraced vineyards, olive groves and Morcote Castle, which was built in the 15th century. You’ll then savour a wine tasting experience.

Day 5: Lugano

Soak up the pleasant year-round climate in this beautiful city. Cruise the peaceful waters of Lake Lugano, then it’s time to ascend the peak of Monte Brè, which rewards you with sensational views over Lugano. The evening has been kept free for you to explore at your own pace.

Day 6: Lugano, Tirano, St. Moritz

Cross the border into Italy’s Tirano by coach, where you’ll join your rail journey aboard the Bernina Express. Take in the panoramic views as you travel to St. Moritz. 

Day 7: St. Moritz, Zermatt

Another day brings another incredible rail adventure. Board the Glacier Express to experience a journey from the Bernina Range to the Matterhorn. During the ride, you’ll cross more than 200 bridges and countless tunnels as you traverse the Alps in style before arriving in Zermatt.

Day 8: Zermatt

Take a ride on the Gornergrat Railway for the best views of the towering Matterhorn. Later, enjoy a Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Meet a Local Mountaineer

Meet a local mountaineer, who will share stories of their conquests and what life is like living in the mountains. 

Enrich Your Experience – Scenic Helicopter Flight

In the afternoon, you may like to embark on a scenic helicopter flight from Zermatt (additional expense). This unforgettable 20-minute flight offers an incredible aerial perspective of the region's spectacular mountains, including the Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, Dent Blanch, Matterhorn, Thodulpass, Breithron, and Gornergrat.

Day 9: Zermatt, Spiez, Wengen

Farewell Zermatt as you board your train bound for Spiez. Upon arrival into Spiez, board a lake cruise and travel along the picturesque alpine Lake Thun to Interlaken. From Interlaken, you will travel by train to the idyllic Swiss resort village of Wengen.

Day 10: Wengen, Jungfraujoch

Your rail journey today is nothing short of extraordinary as you travel to the Jungfraujoch railway station, the highest in Europe at 3,454 metres above sea level. As you take in the panoramic mountain vistas, you'll feel as though you're on top of the world.

Day 11: Wengen, Montreux

Travel to Interlaken, where you will embark on a scenic rail journey aboard the glass-domed GoldenPass Express. First, the train runs along the Aare River before passing the lush green farmland of the Simmen Valley and climbing to the line’s highest point at 1,279 metres above sea level into the heart of the Bernese Oberland. Arrive in Montreux with time to relax before dinner.

Day 12: Montreux, Geneva

Set out on a brief orientation tour of Montreux, then travel to Geneva. Here, you will embark on a one-hour cruise along the breathtaking shores of Lake Geneva. Take in unrivalled views of Mont-Blanc, the United Nations Office at Geneva, iconic landmarks, famous villas, and beautiful parks and gardens. Later tonight, come together for a farewell dinner.

Day 13: Depart Geneva

Today, your incredible adventure comes to an end. Following breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport.