9D8N Swiss Greatest Rail Adventure

You will travel individually by train to Lucerne. Lucerne is one of the most scenic cities in the country and is located in the heart of Switzerland and, surrounded by spectacular alpine mountain peaks and stunning Lake Lucerne. Overnight stay in Lucerne.

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Lucerne and its surroundings. The city offers a blend of historic monuments and contemporary designs, along with traditional festivals and modern events that create a unique and exciting city center with attractions year-round. Explore the city center and visit the covered, medieval Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument.

Alternatively, consult us and choose one of the many excursions on offer, from lake cruises to mountain excursions, chocolate making, or guided tours (additional charges apply). Overnight stay in Lucerne.

After breakfast at the hotel, the Gotthard Express will take you on a journey linking two of Switzerland’s most attractive regions: Central Switzerland and Ticino. The trip starts in Lucerne as you board the steamer for the 2.5-hour cruise across Lake Lucerne to Flüelen, where you can watch sleepy bays and picturesque villages glide by. The trip continues through the impressive Reuss Valley with its deep ravines and cliffs. The world-famous Gotthard line swiftly climbs from 470 to about 1100 meters above sea level to finally enter the 15-kilometer-long Gotthard tunnel – Europe’s most important North/South gateway.

After a 10-minute tunnel passage, you will arrive in the Mediterranean climate of Switzerland’s Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. In the Leventina Valley, the Gotthard Express crosses breathtaking bridges and passes charming villages on its way to Bellinzona. Change here to continue your journey to Lugano. Overnight stay in Lugano.

After breakfast at the hotel, set in a bay on the northern side of Lake Lugano, surrounded by mountains, Lugano is a traffic-free historic town with exclusive museums, beautiful mountains, a Mediterranean climate, and events all year round.

Enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere, stroll along the lakeside promenade, or take a trip to Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore (additional charges apply)– the two closest mountains to Lugano, both offering outstanding panoramic views. Your train ticket includes a half-fare card allowing a 50% discount on normal full fares. Overnight stay in Lugano.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart from Lugano with the Bernina Express coach to Tirano, Italy. There will be time to explore the Italian town of Tirano and have lunch (optional) at a local restaurant before boarding the Bernina Express train to St. Moritz. The train journey over the Bernina Pass is an incredible experience and one of the most spectacular routes across the Alps. Travelling over circular viaducts, the train climbs to over 2,000 meters above sea level, offering stunning views over snow-capped mountains and glaciers. Onboard commentary in English is available. Overnight stay in St. Moritz.

After breakfast at the hotel, St. Moritz awaits—a world-renowned holiday resort famous for its elegance and cosmopolitan air, offering exquisite gastronomy and exclusive shopping and leisure facilities. The rich and famous flock to St. Moritz to enjoy its beauty; at 1856 meters above sea level, it is surrounded by stunning lakes, snow-capped mountain peaks, and the only national natural park in Switzerland.

Wander around the old town at your leisure and soak up the atmosphere, take a stroll around the lake, or hike along one of the scenic hiking trails of the Upper Engadine. Explore the local mountains such as Diavolezza, Corvatsch, and Muottas Muragl. Mountain railways are included with the guest card during your stay in St. Moritz. Overnight stay in St. Moritz.

After breakfast, depart from St. Moritz on the famous Glacier Express, a 7.5-hour rail journey across the Swiss Alps to Zermatt. The train crosses 291 bridges, passes through 91 tunnels, and climbs over the 2,033m high Oberalp Pass. Enjoy panoramic views of unspoiled mountain forests, Alpine pastures, and rushing streams. Onboard commentary in English guides you through the dramatic landscape. Optional lunch reservation available (additional charges apply). Overnight in Zermatt.

After breakfast at the hotel, explore Zermatt, dominated by the unmistakable peak of the Matterhorn. The town is encircled by a ring of four-thousand-meter peaks. The old town of Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn, has preserved its original character and traditional features.

An excursion to the Gornergrat, offering the best views of the mighty Matterhorn, is included. For the best views of the might Matterhorn head to the Gornergrat with its sunny observation platform accessible all year. The highest cogwheel train will take you to an altitude of 3089 m above sea level. During the journey you will have excellent vantage points of some 29 four-thousand metre peaks. Overnight stay in Zermatt.  

Return trip by train from Zermatt to your final destination in Switzerland or extend your stay.