The Grand Switzerland Scenic Train Tour is a well-designed rail journey that you should take once in your life, particularly when you wish to explore Switzerland's best without any hurry. In 10 nights and 11 days, it takes you to picturesque Swiss cities, UNESCO-listed rail routes, and alpine resorts with a beginning and ending in Zurich.
The good combination of luxury scenic train travel and charming destination experiences makes this journey special. During the whole tour, you will ride legendary trains such as the Glacier Express, the Golden Pass Express, and the Bernina Express.
The Glacier Express is acknowledged as the most beautiful and slowest express train in the world, while the Golden Pass Express links Montreux, Interlaken, and Lucerne and takes you through postcard-worthy landscapes. Further, the Bernina Express goes through mountain passes into Italy.
Apart from the rails, this 10-Night/11-Day Grand Switzerland Scenic Train Tour offers you enough time to explore the most sought-after and loved destinations in Switzerland. Walk in the car-free village of Zermatt, witness Montreux's lakeside elegance, and explore Lucerne's medieval architecture. On the final day of the tour, enjoy Zurich's cosmopolitan charm.
This Grand Switzerland Scenic Train Tour is ideal for rail enthusiasts, couples, first-time travellers, families, and senior visitors. It balances leisure, sightseeing, and comfort. With stunning scenery at each turn, efficient transport, and carefully selected destinations, this tour is a unique way to experience the beautiful Alps.
Your Swiss rail journey begins with your arrival in Zurich, which is the largest city and a global financial hub in Switzerland. Receive a warm welcome as you arrive at the Zurich International Airport. After a brief introduction and formalities, enjoy a smooth transfer to your hotel. Rest for a while after being refreshed.
If time permits, visit the Old Town (Altstadt), a meeting point of medieval streets and elegant modern boutiques. Explore landmarks such as the Fraumünster, Grossmünster, and St. Peter's Church. Walk along the shores of Lake Zurich if you prefer something more relaxed. Return to your hotel room.
Overnight Stay in Zurich
Start your rail journey from Zurich to St. Moritz after having your morning refreshments. It will take you into the heart of the Swiss Alps. The landscapes you will come across will shift from urban elegance to deep valleys, rolling hills, and mountain scenery.
After arriving in St. Moritz, check into the hotel and rest for a while. It is highly acknowledged for its fresh mountain air, glamour, and astonishing lake views. Explore the chic town centre or relax amid the serene alpine atmosphere in the evening. Return to your hotel room.
Overnight Stay - St. Mortiz
After breakfast, board the Bernina Express, which will take you from St. Moritz to Tirano. It is a UNESCO World Heritage rail journey and one of the most scenic train routes in the world. Before reaching the Italian town of Tirano, it passes through towering viaducts, glacial lakes, and snow-covered peaks.
The train journey shifts dramatically from alpine scenery to Mediterranean charm. This shift is genuinely significant. Enjoy stunning natural views from different perspectives before returning to St. Moritz.
Overnight Stay - St. Mortiz
Have your breakfast at the hotel and be ready for the next train journey. Board the Glacier Express at St. Moritz and depart for Zermatt. The train is described as the world's slowest and most beautiful express train.
This full-day train journey offers you stunning views of alpine landscapes, traditional villages, deep gorges, and mountain passes. The large windows allow you to fully immerse yourself in the scenery as the train runs through the Swiss Alps. After arrival in this car-free village, check into the resort or village house.
Overnight Stay - Zermatt
On the 5th day of the Switzerland scenic train tour, dedicate yourself to exploring Zermatt. Some of Europe's highest peaks surround this car-free village.
Based on your choice, take the cable car to snow-covered Klein Matterhorn (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise) or ride a train on the Gornergrat Railway to witness the stunning views of Matterhorn and other glaciers. Visit traditional wooden chalets or enjoy mountain views with a cup of coffee at a spot if you want a slow exploration of Zermatt.
Overnight Stay - Zermatt
Enjoy your morning refreshments. After that, leave Zermatt for Montreux, which is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. This journey showcases the diverse landscapes of Switzerland, ranging from rugged mountains to hills.
After you arrive in Montreux, check into the hotel and rest for a while. In the evening, walk along Montreux's lakesides lined with palm trees, sculptures, and flowers. The whole setting gives you a Mediterranean feel.
Overnight Stay - Montreux
Wake up early in the morning, enjoy your breakfast, and start your journey from Montreux to Lausanne. It is a short and scenic journey. During this visit, walk along Ouchy's lively waterfront, explore its historic town, and visit the Lausanne Cathedral.
Lausanne offers an ideal combination of history, culture, and youthful energy, a wonderful contrast to the resort-like charm of Montreux. After exploring and visiting all the important sites, return to Montreux by evening.
Overnight Stay - Montreux
After morning refreshments at the hotel, board the Golden Pass Express in Montreux. It will take you to Interlaken and Lucerne. Throughout this train journey, you will come across alpine meadows, rolling vineyards, traditional villages, and mountain tunnels.
This train journey has a short stoppage at Interlaken, which lies between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. It continues and takes you to Lucerne. After reaching Lucerne in the evening, check into your hotel or resort. Enjoy your dinner and get a good night's sleep for tomorrow's exploration.
Overnight Stay - Lucerne
Dedicate the whole 6th day of this scenic train tour to exploring Lucerne, which is one of the most enchanting cities in Switzerland. Walk across the famous Chapel Bridge, learn about the historically significant Lion Monument, and explore the protected Old Town.
Opt for an optional excursion to Mount Rigi or Mount Pilatus for panoramic views. These two excursions offer stunning vistas of mountains and lakes. If you wish, take a cruise on Lake Lucerne to soak in the beautiful alpine scenery.
Overnight Stay - Lucerne
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Lucerne, then board an express train or a domestic flight to return to Zurich. After the arrival in Zurich, check into your hotel and rest for a while. If time allows, enjoy a relaxed meal by the nearby lake or shop along the Bahnhofstrasse.
Overnight Stay - Zurich