9D8N Swiss Greatest Rail Adventure

Arrival by train from your starting point in Switzerland to Lucerne. Lucerne is located in the heart of Switzerland and is one of the most scenic cities in the country, surrounded by spectacular alpine mountain peaks and stunning Lake Lucerne. Overnight stay in Lucerne. 

Spend the day at leisure in Lucerne and explore its surrounding. Historic monuments have been contrasted with contemporary designs, while traditional festivals and modern events have created a unique and exciting city center with a range of attractions all year round , don't miss the city centre and visit the covered, medieval Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument. You can also choose one of the many excursions on offer from lake cruises, over mountain excursions to chocolate making or guided tours. Overnight stay in Lucerne. 

The trip starts in Lucerne as you board the lake steamer across Lake Lucerne for the 2h30 min cruise to Flüelen , on which you can watch sleepy bays and picturesque village glide by.  The journey continues on the Gotthard Panorama Express train following the Gotthard line through the 15 km long Gotthard tunnel towards the sunny climate of Ticino. After 10 minutes 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 breath‐taking bridges and passes charming villages on its way to Bellinzona. Change here to continue your journey to Lugano. Overnight stay in Lugano. 

Day at leisure in Lugano. 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, Mediterranean climate and events all year round. Enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere, stroll along the lakeside promenade or take a trip to the viewpoints of Monte Brè or San Salvatore for fabulous views overs Lake Lugano. Take advantage of your included Ticino Ticket which offers free use of local buses and train. Overnight stay in Lugano.  

Board the Bernina Express coach for your journey through Italy and past Lake Como to Tirano where you join the Bernina Express train. 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.

Lean back and enjoy the narrated journey and the incredible climb over the Bernina Pass.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 2,000m above sea level, with stunning views over snow-capped mountains and glaciers. Onboard commentary in English available. Overnight stay in St. Moritz.

Day at leisure in St. Moritz, world famous, chic holiday resort, surrounded by the beautiful lake landscape of the Upper Engadin. There are hundreds of walking and hiking trails for all abilities waiting to be explored or why not take one of the many mountain excursions available around St. Moritz. 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.  

Today you take the world-famous Glacier Express which crosses no less than 291 bridges and travel through 91 tunnels. The journey is narrated throughout and the panoramic windows off you the optimum view of the dramatic and ever-changing landscape. Experience the Alps in all their breath-taking glory from the comfort of your seat in the panorama car: unspoilt mountain forests, lush Alpine pastures, rushing streams and valleys with their rich traditions stretching back hundreds of years. Onboard commentary is available in English throughout the journey as a guide to the dramatic landscape and spectacular views. Why not pre-book ( Optional ) a freshly prepared dish of the day or even a 3-course meal served at your seat? Overnight stay in Zermatt. 

Optional Excursion : 3 Course meal on Glacier Express : RM 290 / Dish of the day on Glacier Express : RM 220

Day at leisure. Time to explore Zermatt, one of Switzerland’s top mountain resorts. Dominated by the unmistakable peak of the Matterhorn, standing alone at the head of the valley, Zermatt is encircled by a ring of four-thousand metre peaks. At the foot of the Matterhorn, the old town of Zermatt has preserved its original character and traditional features.

Excursion to the Gornergrat with 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.