Experience Switzerland's epic landscapes, iconic railways and indulgent cuisine your way. If you're craving the simplicity of a curated itinerary with the freedom of unescorted travel, our independent tours offer the perfect blend of flexibility and ease.
Each of our 12 trips feature travel on Switzerland's legendary trains, immersive tours and plenty of free time. You're free to tailor your vacation, choosing from hand-picked hotels, excursions, tours and add-ons. With travel, transfers and accommodations included, you can explore on your own terms, knowing we've taken care of the rest.
(65 reviews)
(84 reviews)
(23 reviews)
Unique Holidays
With travel and accommodations covered, the rest is up to you.
Destination Experts
Showcasing the world through unforgettable experiences
Price Promise
Everything in your itinerary is included in the price
Our completely flexible tours give you the freedom to choose how you want to travel and how you want to experience your trip. These tours are unescorted, so you have the scope to travel at your own pace and to enjoy your trip independently, while still having a framework to guide you. Get ready to travel your way and delight in the beauty of a journey that's all yours.
Start planning your next unforgettable vacation!
Be the first to know about our latest tours, offers, and
inspirational travel content from Vacations by Rail when you sign
up for our newsletter.
(65 reviews)If there is one thing Switzerland is known for, it is its otherworldly mountain scenes. The Swiss Alps are an icon, and when views of them are combined with stays in charming resort towns and rides aboard some of the world's most scenic railways, it is the recipe for an unforgettable vacation. Begin in Zurich with a day to get acclimated to the...
(84 reviews)Discover the diverse regions of Switzerland on this 11-day vacation. This trip, which takes you on a variety of Swiss rail lines, is a train lover's dream. Filled with twists and turns along rivers and mountainsides, you can relax and enjoy stunning views only available via rail. You'll view stunning landscapes such as the Bernese Oberland,...
(23 reviews)Soaring snow-clad peaks frame charming cities steeped in history, and sprawling valleys lead to crystalline glacier-fed lakes in stunning Switzerland. Sit back and relax as these elements are brought to life aboard some of the world's most famous rail lines, including the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express, on this independent journey. The...
Some of the world's most impressive panoramas beckon on this expedition through Switzerland. Lucerne, Lugano, Zermatt and the Bernese Oberland are highlighted as you travel through the country aboard fantastic scenic rail lines, such as the Gotthard Panorama Express, which travels to Lugano, and the Centovalli Railway for a journey through the...
More than two weeks of dramatic alpine scenery, charming destinations and remarkable rail adventures beckon on this independent trip to Switzerland. With an included Swiss Travel Pass providing unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat; complimentary admission to 500-plus museums; select mountain rail excursions; and a 50% discount on many other...
Embark on an immersive rail journey that explores the sights and gastronomic delights of three Swiss giants: Zürich, Lucerne, and Montreux. Enjoy travel aboard some of the country's most well-regarded train lines and all-encompassing excursions that showcase the best of each city. Imagine the adventures to come as you arrive in Zürich, a modern...
(11 reviews)The very best sites and attractions of Switzerland lie ahead on this incredible wintertime journey. You will enjoy a look at the lands from all angles as you cruise the beautiful waters of Lake Lucerne and ascend some of the region's most iconic mountains, including Mt. Rigi and Mt. Schilthorn. You will experience historic cities, resort towns,...
(15 reviews)From Alpine peaks to glacier-fed lakes and beloved cities that exemplify cultural nuances, this journey delves into the wonders of Switzerland and Italy. There is no shortage of beauty to behold as you explore Switzerland from thought-provoking bases in Zürich, Chur, and Lugano and then cross the border into Italy, settling aside beautiful Lake...
(6 reviews)Journey through the breathtaking Lakes and Mountains of Switzerland, on this seven day escape. Discover the charming city of Lucerne, nestled amidst the Swiss Alps and enjoy a leisurely boat cruise across its serene lake. Experience a first-class journey aboard the Gotthard Panorama Express, traversing dramatic landscapes to Lugano. Your adventure...
(8 reviews)Embark on a journey through the sky, soaking in the colorful and often rugged terrain of the Swiss Alps from atop soaring mountain peaks. The Schilthorn, Jungfrau, Brienzer Rothorn, and Harder Kulm are just a sampling of the summits that welcome you to this breathtaking country. Travel aboard heritage cog railways, well-designed local trains, and...
More than two weeks of snowy alpine scenery, charming destinations and remarkable rail adventures beckon on this independent trip to Switzerland. With an included Swiss Travel Pass providing unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat; complimentary admission to 500-plus museums; select mountain rail excursions; and a 50% discount on many other...
Luxury
Travel through inspiring mountain ranges and view glassy lakes and rivers of ice, on the world-famous Glacier Express in ultimate style aboard the exclusive Excellence Class carriage. Stay in the upmarket alpine resort towns of St Moritz and Zermatt, nestled beneath the iconic Matterhorn. Experience slow travel at its best on this journey...
Oct 10, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Follow in the footsteps of travel influencer Michael Downie as you uncover Switzerland on a 15-day vacation featuring the convenience of a Swiss Travel Pass.
Read more
Aug 01, 2025 · By Kira Whitaker
Discover countries filled with culture, cuisine and remarkable scenery in the top-trending vacation destinations for 2026, from Europe to Asia and Australasia.
Read more
Jul 15, 2025 · By Co-Founder Todd Powell
Whenever a train passes, I’m reminded of when—and where—I first fell in love with rail travel: Switzerland, 1992, on a solo trip between Rome, Italy, and Interlaken, Switzerland.
Read more
Jul 27, 2023 · By Vacations By Rail
Take a deep dive into countries where culture and history are just a small part of the offerings when you embark on one of Vacations By Rail’s Grand Tours.
Read more