Best of Switzerland by Rail

Your wonderful exploration of Switzerland by rail begins after landing in this small but scenic European country, making your own way by rail or taxi to your Zürich hotel.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring on your own. Zürich is Switzerland's largest city and sits at the northern edge of a beautiful lake that shares its name. With a history stretching back to the Romans, there are many attractions to seek out here. The city is also an art-lovers' paradise. The Kunsthaus displays major works of fine art, modern and Constructivist pieces can be found in Museum Haus Konstruktiv (located inside a former power station) and Cabaret Voltaire is the spiritual home of Dadaism.

This evening, return to your hotel to meet the Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a group welcome dinner. Overnight Zürich.

• Dinner

Waking in Zürich, we get acquainted with the city after breakfast, embarking on a guided walking tour.

Starting at Zürich main station, we wander through picturesque alleys and past historic buildings, including the Opera House and the castle-like building that houses the National Museum. Crossing Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping venues, we enter the Old Town and view the iconic Grossmünster church and the 13th-century Fraumünster church, an icon of Zürich and the city's skyline. Throughout the tour, our knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories and insights into Zürich's unique past.

After free time to enjoy lunch, we transfer by coach to the Lindt Chocolate Museum. Here, you can explore the museum at your own pace, discovering the history and craftsmanship behind Switzerland's world-famous chocolate, with the opportunity to enjoy a tasting of their mouth-watering creations. Returning to Zürich by coach afterwards, this evening is free to dine independently at one of the city's many inviting restaurants.

Overnight Zürich.

• Breakfast

Leaving Zürich after breakfast, we travel by train to idyllic Lucerne, a medieval city set on a beautiful lake amidst snowcapped Alps. On arrival, we enjoy two vacation highlights as we view the stunning scenery from both lake and mountain.

At the quayside outside Lucerne's train station, we embark on a cruise across Lake Lucerne, taking in the beautiful surroundings. Afterward, we get ready for a memorable journey on Europe's oldest mountain railway, Mount Rigi Cogwheel Railway, which has been carrying passengers up the peak since 1871. Following in their steps, we make the journey to the summit, nearly 5,900 feet above sea level. Breathtaking views greet us as we gaze at sharp, snow-dusted peaks, dense forests and the glistening waters of Lake Lucerne below. There is free time to stroll among the alpine meadows and absorb the sensational scenery.

Our descent takes us to Rigi Kaltbad by train, where a cable car journey to Weggis gives us unobstructed views of the lake unfolding below us. Returning to Lucerne by boat, there is a free evening to explore this historic city and dine independently.

Overnight Lucerne.

• Breakfast

Switzerland's newest iconic train, the GoldenPass Express, is today's highlight. After breakfast, we first enjoy a trip on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express, making our way by panoramic train across the scenic Brünig Pass to picturesque Interlaken, where there's free time to explore and grab lunch.

Until 2022, the route connecting Interlaken and the snow-capped peaks of the Bernese Oberland with the palm trees of Lake Geneva required a change of trains in Zweisimmen. Now, however, innovative Swiss technology means the GoldenPass Express can adapt its gauge and complete the route from Interlaken to Montreux direct. Passing Lake Thun, we begin to climb through untamed forests and rolling mountains, with our panoramic carriages providing excellent views enroute. Quaint villages and alpine meadows are scattered across the landscape before we reach the upmarket mountain resort of Gstaad. Beginning our descent to Montreux, we view shimmering Lake Geneva through the sparkling vineyards.

From Montreux, the short final leg of our journey takes us to nearby Vevey. After checking in to our hotel, there's time to unwind before we enjoy dinner together in the hotel restaurant this evening.

Overnight Vevey.

• Breakfast, Dinner

A free morning in Vevey is yours to spend as you wish. Relax at our hotel or opt to travel independently to Château de Chillon. This fairytale medieval castle appears as if it is floating on Lake Geneva and was formerly occupied by the influential House of Savoy. One of the country's most visited historic sites, it has attracted tourists since the early 1800s, including the likes of Lord Byron and Mary Shelley.

This afternoon, a scenic rail journey sees us travel along the Rhône deeper into Switzerland's stunning mountains. With lush wildflower meadows, thundering waterfalls and rugged mountains, the dramatic Matter Valley guides us to our destination - beautiful Zermatt. On arrival in this car-free town, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Zermatt is full of historic sights and dominated by the mighty Matterhorn - its pyramidal peak can be seen from most parts of the town.

Dinner is on your own tonight and Zermatt is a great place to experience a taste of authentic Switzerland.

Overnight Zermatt.

• Breakfast

A memorable journey on the Gornergrat Mountain Railway awaits after breakfast this morning.

More than 125 years old, this charming heritage train is Switzerland's original electric cogwheel railway and first carried travelers the six miles up the mountain in August 1898. As we make our way up to the summit over the course of 33 minutes, we ride across picturesque valleys and through lush alpine forests to an altitude of more than 10,000ft above sea level. The spectacular views from the top are utterly jaw-dropping, and on a clear day an astonishing 29 mountaintops are visible. We have time to soak in these spellbinding vistas, including Monte Rosa and the best view of the majestic Matterhorn. This famous mountain is an iconic symbol of Switzerland, and its striking shape also provided the inspiration for the design of Toblerone.

After descending the mountain to Zermatt, there's a guided tour of the town as we wander amongst the 17th-century wooden chalets bedecked with blooms of geraniums on Hinterdorfstrasse before dinner this evening.

Overnight Zermatt.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Regularly considered one of the world's best train journeys, we board the iconic Glacier Express after breakfast for a spectacular day of travel.

Enjoying an unforgettable eight-hour journey the full length of its route, the 'slowest express train in the world' winds through breathtaking Swiss scenery on the way from Zermatt to the resort town of St Moritz. Watching as the Matterhorn fades into the distance and some of the region's other tall peaks come into view, we pass through the steep Rhône Valley. After crossing the Furka Pass, we enter a nine-mile-long tunnel and traverse the Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the route. With lunch served at our comfortable seats, we can relax and marvel at dramatic scenery including the 'Swiss Grand Canyon'. Twisting and turning along the UNESCO-listed Albula Line, the last leg of this journey sees us snake across deep ravines and impressive viaducts on the approach to St Moritz.

On arrival, we transfer to our hotel where the rest of the evening is at leisure.

Overnight Engadin Valley.

• Breakfast, Lunch

One of Europe's most jaw-dropping train trips awaits after breakfast today as we cross the Alps aboard the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express.

Known as Switzerland's best-kept secret by rail experts, this astonishing journey follows the highest route in the Alps and highlights the country's unique regions. Reaching the summit at more than 7,300 feet above sea level, we pass the turquoise waters of Lago Bianco before crossing the Bernina Pass. Pausing to view the spectacular Palü Glacier beside the tracks at Alp Grüm, we then wind down the mountains, spiraling round the remarkable corkscrew viaduct at Brusio. Our destination is the Italian town of Tirano. Free time here allows you to explore the narrow, cobbled streets and characterful piazzas.

Returning to our hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure. Dining independently this evening, you may wish to try authentic local food such as raclette or hearty pizzoccheri pasta.

Overnight Engadin Valley.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Departing after breakfast this morning, we embark on our final rail journey of the tour, this time returning to Zürich. The sensational Albula Line puts on a scenic show on the way to Chur, while views of sparkling lakes can be admired enroute to Zürich.

Upon arrival, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may choose to revisit the Old Town's cobbled streets, exploring the independent boutiques and galleries, or spend time browsing the elegant Bahnhofstrasse. Alternatively, Lake Zürich offers a peaceful setting to soak up beautiful scenery. Stroll along the lakeside promenade, take a gentle cruise on the lake or simply enjoy the views. For a taste of local life, settle into one of the many inviting cafés - perhaps at the renowned Confiserie Sprüngli, where Swiss chocolates and freshly brewed coffee are a highlight.

After an afternoon exploring, we gather at our hotel this evening for a farewell dinner.

Overnight Zürich.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Switzerland is rightly famed for its beauty and warm hospitality. Our exploration of the country has revealed all this and more through its iconic trains, mountainous scenery and charming towns. A round-trip beginning and ending in Zürich has taken us to lakeside Lucerne, glamorous Montreux, Zermatt and St Moritz. Astonishing views have been experienced on rail trips to the peaks of Mount Rigi and the Gornergrat, where we marveled at the symbolic Matterhorn. Travel is part of the experience in Switzerland, and we have journeyed on world-famous trains including the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and GoldenPass Express, admiring spectacular landscapes enroute.

As your tour of Switzerland comes to a conclusion this morning, you return to Zürich Airport by rail. The Tour Manager will provide you with an open train ticket, giving you the flexibility to board any service and hotel departure time details based on your return flight schedule.

• Breakfast