This Scenic Switzerland by Train tour is the perfect way to see Switzerland’s breathtaking mountains, charming mountain resorts, fascinating old towns, and beautiful lakes—all while you relax aboard Switzerland’s famous trains. You’ll overnight in Zurich, Lucerne, Lausanne, the Zermatt area, and St. Moritz. One of the highlights of this Switzerland train tour is the train journey aboard the Glacier Express from Zermatt, a picturesque cluster of rustic chalets beneath the majestic Matterhorn, to glitzy St. Moritz, one of the world’s most famous resorts. From your carriage windows, marvel at the thundering waterfalls, impressive snow-capped peaks, glacial ice fields, lush meadows, and picture-perfect villages. On this Switzerland train tour, you’ll also love the journey aboard the Bernina Express (aka, the red train) from St Moritz to Tirano, Italy. Traveling on the highest railway across the Alps, you’ll witness glistening glaciers, stunning mountain streams, and alpine scenery, through tunnels and over bridges that are engineering masterpieces! But that’s not all…in Zermatt you’ll also experience the Gornergrat open-air cog railway, Europe’s highest. You’ll cross remarkable bridges, pass through tunnels along rocky ravines and beautiful lakes. The views of the Matterhorn from the top are nothing short of spectacular! Another celebrated rail journey you’ll experience on this tour through Switzerland is aboard the Golden Pass Panoramic train to Montreux, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and known as the “Swiss Riviera.” You’ll feel immersed in the landscapes passing you by. Stunning scenery and thrilling train rides…there’s no better way to see scenic Switzerland! So, grab your camera and get ready for an amazing, value-minded adventure!
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore in smaller groups with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and complimentary headsets. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app. And that’s not all! Your tour includes peak experiences aboard the Glacier Express featuring the Golden Pass Panoramic train to Montreux in the Swiss Riviera; the Glacier Express for stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps; the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy; and the Gornergrat open-air cog railway for breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.
Notes: To make your train journey more comfortable, one piece of luggage will be transferred from one hotel to the next.This rail tour requires guests to walk between hotels and train stations. Uneven terrain and stairs in some train stations and included experiences may pose challenges for guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. High altitudes may be challenging for some guests. Maximum elevation is 10,100 ft. (3086 m) at Gornergrat and 5,978 ft (1,822 m) at St. Moritz.
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Zurich with the help of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions
Day 2
Board the train for your journey from Zurich to Lucerne. Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most idyllic medieval cities, surrounded by a beautiful lake and nestled amidst snow-capped Alps. The rest of the day is at leisure to discover the delights of this charming city such as the famous wooden bridge or the picturesque town centre.
Today’s Distance: 37 mi/ 60 km
Day 3
Depart Lucerne on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express. Cross Brunig Pass en route to Interlaken and spend some time strolling through the quaint streets or aim a little higher with an optional excursion by funicular to the Harder Kulm for lunch and magnificent views of the legendary Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. From Interlaken, take the Golden Pass panoramic train for your unforgettable journey to Montreux, then continue to Lausanne.
Today’s Distance: 155 mi/ 250 km
Day 4
Discover the delightful Swiss mountain region of Zermatt. En route, stop to visit the town of Montreux, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, surrounded by vineyards against the breathtaking backdrop of snow-covered Alps. Enjoy some free time or consider an optional guided excursion to Chillon Castle. standing as solid as its rocky island on which it has endured on the water’s edge for nearly four centuries. Enjoy a wine tasting of local wine before continuing by train to Zermatt.
Today’s Distance: 109 mi/ 175 km
Day 5
An included excursion takes you to the famous Gornergrat, traveling on board Europe’s highest rack railway. The views of the Matterhorn from its summit are nothing short of spectacular. The rest of the day is at leisure in Zermatt—with a variety of interesting shops, cafés, bars, and picturesque streets to explore
Day 6
The train journey today aboard the spectacular Glacier Express is without a doubt one of the main highlights of the tour. Enjoy unforgettable views as you make your way through the unspoiled natural beauty of the Alps on the direct route to the world-famous mountain resort of St. Moritz. This picture-perfect town is more than just a holiday resort. It was also the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism (in 1864) and has twice hosted the Winter Olympics. Stretch your legs this evening, and admire the beautiful chalets decorated with gorgeous geraniums.
Today’s Distance: 174 mi/ 280 km
Day 7
Take the Bernina Express train (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to Tirano and back for one of Europe’s most spectacular and breathtaking train rides. Travel across the lofty Bernina Pass via the Swiss Poschiavo area to Tirano in the Italian Valtellina, witnessing an array of beautiful mountain streams, glaciers, and alpine scenery along the way.
Today’s Distance: 75 mi/ 120 km
Day 8
Leave St. Moritz for the journey back to Zurich. Enjoy some time at leisure and take a stroll around the city center. Perhaps indulge in some chocolate tasting or follow the course of the river Limmat until it reaches the banks of Lake Zurich.
Today’s Distance: 137 mi/ 220 km
Day 9
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Accommodations
Zurich
Lucerne
Lausanne
Zermatt
St. Moritz
Ibis Zurich City West Superior Tourist-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Drei Koenige Superior Tourist-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Alpha Palmiers Superior Tourist-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Holiday Hotel Superior Tourist-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Hotel Baeren Superior Tourist-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.