There's no other country that does stunning scenery quite like Switzerland, and it's all accessible by train. Rolling hills dotted with wooden chalets, snowy peaks, dramatic waterfalls and mountain-fringed lakes and choose from a variety of itineraries and activities, from scenic gondola rides to hiking adventures.
Experience the Best of Switzerland with an Eight-Night Rail Odyssey
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Swiss countryside with this all-encompassing itinerary. Begin your adventure with a two-night stay in the grand St Moritz, followed by a breathtaking ride on the Bernina Express train. Discover the historical town of Zermatt for two nights and indulge in the iconic Matterhorn Mountain via the Gornergrat Cog Railway. Take a night to relax in the lakeside town of Montreux before continuing your journey along the Golden Pass line to the traditional Swiss town of Lucerne. Spend three nights in Lucerne, exploring the world's steepest cogwheel train line on Mount Pilatus and visiting the highest railway station in Europe on the Jungfrau Railway.
Upon arriving in Zurich, make the most of your 8-Day Swiss Pass by taking the scenic rail journey to the historic town of St. Moritz. Check into your hotel for a two-night stay and take a relaxing stroll around the picturesque lake.
Enjoy the chic surroundings of the town, which was the first alpine holiday destination for the international jet-set. St. Moritz is known for having some of the freshest air in Europe and is home to Alpine sports. If you're lucky, your visit might coincide with a toboggan race down the historic 'Cresta Run', which dates back to 1885, or a summer ice skating rink in the city center. At night, revel in the classic glitz and glamour of the St. Moritz Casino.
Day Two: 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 snowcapped 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 Zurich)
Day Three: Glacier Express to Zermatt - the foot of the Matterhorn
Today you enjoy the full splendor 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 is otherwise known as the slowest express train in the world, and winds its way over numerous high passes and meanders past many small Swiss lakes and villages until pulling into Zermatt nearly 8 hours after departure. (Overnight Zermatt)
Day Four: Cog Railway to Amazing Views
Today, take an exciting ride on the Gornergrat cog railway, which climbs from 1,604 meters above sea level to 3,090 meters 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 as well as the surrounding peaks and glaciers all around you. You might be lucky enough to spot an Chamois or Marmot during your visit, and enjoy a stroll through the nature reserve and 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 Zermatt)
Day Five: On to Montreaux
Make the most of your Swiss 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 the city. Perhaps a stroll along the lake to the picturesque Chillon Castle, or try your hand in the historic casino. In the evening enjoy a drink in the history Jazz Café. (Overnight Montreux)
Day Six: The Golden Pass Line - Montreux to Lucerne
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before taking the short hop to Montreux, from where you board the Golden Pass 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 at Jaman before continuing onto Chateaux d'Oex and Gstaad before peaking at its highest point of 4,179 feet before pulling into Zweisimmen where the lines changes and so do the trains. From here the train follows the Simme Valley down into Interlaken between Lakes Thun and Brienz, and from here, makes one final change onto a train to Lucerne. On arrival in Lucerne, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. (Overnight Lucerne)
Day Seven: Day Trip to Mount Pilatus
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, 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)
Day Eight: Jungfrau Day Trip
After breakfast, take the short hop to Interlaken where you will board the historic railway line to Europe's highest railway station, at 3,454 meters above sea level. The Jungfrau Mountain is sandwiched between the huge peaks of the Monch and Eiger Mountains, and the Jungfrau railway line runs the final 9km in a tunnel through these two mountains from where you can still enjoy the spectacular views through windows built into the mountainside. It's hard to comprehend how such a railway was built in such harsh conditions as there are here in winter, particularly back in the early 1900s when this line was opened. Once you reach the top, however, you can only marvel in awe at the amazing view which on a clear day can be as far as the Black Forest of Germany and France. There is an ice sculpture gallery and the opportunity to take a walk on a glacier, as well as 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. Enjoy your final evening in medieval lakeside Lucerne. (Overnight Lucerne)
Depart from Zurich, an easy, one hour train ride from your accommodation in Lucerne.
This sample itinerary can be done in reverse, or we can add days anywhere you would like. It's very flexible and just offered as a suggestion. Trips by Mary can help you customize your experience so that the whole trip works for you and is stress-free and seamless. My professional planning allows you to focus on enjoying your trip with your family or friends.
To start planning your trip, please visit my Calendly and schedule a Discover Call: https://calendly.com/trips-by-mary/discoverymeeting
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