Description
Switzerland's beauty is a captivating tapestry of snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, lush meadows, and charming villages, all framed by an enchanting Alpine landscape.
Traveling through Switzerland on its trains is an extraordinary experience that offers a seamless blend of efficiency, comfort, and breathtaking scenic beauty. Renowned for its world-class rail network, Switzerland boasts a punctual and reliable system that connects even the most remote regions of the country. Whether you're traversing the majestic Swiss Alps or exploring picturesque lakeside towns, the panoramic views from the train windows provide a constant source of awe and inspiration. The Swiss trains are known for their spacious, clean, and well-maintained carriages, ensuring a pleasant and relaxing journey. With an extensive network of routes, travelers can effortlessly access major cities, charming villages, and iconic landmarks, making it an ideal mode of transport for exploring the diverse and enchanting landscapes that Switzerland has to offer.
One of the most compelling reasons to travel through Switzerland on its trains is the sheer convenience it offers. The Swiss Rail system is intricately designed, enabling smooth transfers between trains, buses, and boats, allowing travelers to effortlessly plan multi-modal journeys without the stress of coordinating different transportation modes. Along the way, passengers can relish delicious Swiss cuisine, served right on board, including delectable chocolates and world-famous cheeses, further enhancing the overall travel experience. With its focus on sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives, Switzerland's train travel also appeals to environmentally-conscious travelers, offering guilt-free exploration of this Alpine wonderland. Whether for leisure or adventure, the Swiss train journey promises an unforgettable and enriching experience that captures the essence of Switzerland's natural beauty and unparalleled efficiency.
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13
Australia Zurich, Switzerland
Today depart your home city for Zurich.
Meals: Inflight Menu
Zurich
Welcome to Switzerland. After your arrival at the airport, make your own way to the hotel and enjoy your first day at leisure. Start with the beauty of the city’s natural surroundings and enjoy a short city stroll.
Meals: None
Accommodation: Hotel Bristol or Similar
Zurich
Wake up to a delicious Swiss breakfast, then take a stroll along the famous Bahnhofstrasse. A quick detour will lead you to the narrower cobbled streets of Zurich's Old Town and its smaller, independent artisan shops.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Bristol or Similar
Zurich Lucerne
After breakfast, transfer by rail to Lucerne in Central Switzerland, situated in an enviable location surrounded by a stunning lake and mountain panorama. The historic town of Lucerne attracts visitors globally with its well-preserved old town, countless shops and restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Des Alpes or Similar
Lucerne Flüelen Lugano
This morning, the Gotthard Panorama Express takes you from the heart of Switzerland, with a journey through Lake Lucerne on a paddle steamer boat. From Flüelen, travel by first-class panoramic train to Lugano, a picturesque lakeside town in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking Ticino region.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Delfino Lugano or Similar
Lugano Tirano St. Moritz
Board the Bernina Express bus after breakfast, and enjoy a scenic drive to Italy-based Tirano where you join the Bernina Express panoramic train across the border back to Switzerland. You will travel over circular viaducts and pass through winding tunnels, with highlights including the Brusio Circular Viaduct and a photo stop at Alp Grüm.
Arrive in St. Moritz, a luxury alpine resort town in Switzerland’s Engadin valley, and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Soldanella or similar
St. Moritz
A full day awaits to explore St. Moritz, where guests from all over the world appreciate the modern Alpine lifestyle.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Soldanella or similar
St. Moritz Zermatt
Ride the world‐famous Glacier Express to Zermatt today, a village near the Italian border. Along the deep Rhone valley, the Glacier Express travels through an incredibly fascinating part of the Alps. The route famously takes you through 91 tunnels and 291 bridges, offering unrivalled views. Make sure to have your camera handy! Optionally, you may wish to dine at your seat with a delicious 3-course meal served on your table (additional charges apply).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Excelsior or similar
Zermatt
Zermatt lies at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn peak. This car‐free resort offers guests an abundance of activities such as visits to the local mountains of Gornergrat or the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. It is also home to the highest open-air cog railway in Europe.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Excelsior or similar
Zermatt Montreux
Continue by train to Montreux, nestled between steep hills and the lakeside of Lake Geneva. The town's promenade is lined with flowers, sculptures, Mediterranean trees and grand Belle Époque buildings. Nearby attractions include the medieval island castle, Chateau de Chillon and the vineyards of the Lavaux region.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: J5 Hotel Helvetie or Similar
Montreux Wilderswil
Your journey continues by train on the GoldenPass Express through the wild and romantic Pays d'Enhaut, complete with scenic villages and crystal-clear lakes at every corner.
Interlaken presides over by three mighty mountains, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. It makes a great base from which to explore the Bernese Oberland. Unprecedented views of the Swiss Alps give an impression of how spectacular Switzerland is.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Bären or Similar
Wilderswil Jungfraujoch Wilderswil
This morning you will embark on a self-guided excursion to the Jungfraujoch, also known as the highest railway station in Europe. You may choose to go via Grindelwald Terminal on the technical marvel that is Eiger Express cable car, or take the traditional route by train from Grindelwald via Kleine Scheidegg. Highlights include the world’s highest Lindt Chocolate Shop and the Ice Palace with its impressive ice sculptures.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Bären or Similar
Wilderswil Zurich
This marks the end of your tour through Switzerland. We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed your trip. Your train ticket includes the rail transfer from Wilderswil to Zurich airport, allowing you the flexibility to select a suitable connection for your departure flight. Trains via Lucerne typically depart every hour. Check in for your flight home to Australia.
Meals: Breakfast and Inflight Menu
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Return International Economy Class airfares form All Australian Capital Caitites to Zurich
- 11 nights in 3.5 star hotels, standard room twin share.
- Breakfast daily
- Scenic train journeys through the Swiss Alps, including the spectacular Golden Pass Express, Gotthard Panorama, Glacier Express, Bernina Express
- Dedicated rail ticket in 2nd or 1st class, as per the itinerary, including seat reservation on all scenic trains
- Self-guided excursion to Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station
Exclusions
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals & drinks not mentioned
- Any additional requests
- Tipping
Single Supplement: Solo supplement is $1999 for this program.
Travel Insurance: We recommend Covermore travel insurance. To quote and book, please click HERE.
Travelling on your own? Why not join the Traveldream Solo Travellers Facebook group where you can interact with other travellers.