Maybe you have heard of DownieLive, a YouTube travel channel where influencer Michael Downie travels across the globe in search of incredible adventures and breathtaking views. Looking at our vast catalog of rail vacations, we thought there was no better fit than our Ultimate Swiss Cities & Lakes With Swiss Travel Pass trip.
This 15-day trip takes you to four fantastic locations throughout Switzerland, providing three unique backdrops for moments you treasure. In each, you are provided centrally located accommodations and a choice of excursions that allow you to get a better feel for your surroundings while doing the things that interest you the most. Even better, for the duration of your time in Switzerland, you can explore with an included 15-day Swiss Travel Pass, the maximum length for a Swiss Travel Pass, which provides unlimited access to transportation, admission to more than 500 museums, and a selection of included mountain and boat excursions.
Michael experienced the country alongside his mom and had this to say:
"Traveling Switzerland with my mom was the highlight of the year! I couldn't believe how beautiful every corner of the country is, and how easy it is to see it without a car. The 15-day Swiss Travel Pass was such a treat to be able to hop on and off of trams, buses, boats and trains all across the country, and even get us discounts on some of the biggest attractions and free access to museums."
Begin in the country's modern financial center, Zürich
Your trip begins with three full days to uncover Zürich, a city located alongside Lake Zürich that seamlessly blends modern technology, enthralling cultural offerings and age-old architecture. Locally, your Swiss Travel Pass provides admission to the FIFA World Football Museum and the Migros Museum of Contemporary Art, among other eclectic museum choices, and gives you the opportunity to cruise Lake Zürich at no additional cost. Joining one of the optional excursions instead, you could embark on a walking tour of Old Town Zürich or discover the origins - and sensational tastes - of Swiss chocolate at Lindt, Home of Chocolate. Your Pass gives you the freedom to travel outside the bounds of this delightful location, as well - perhaps to Europe's largest waterfall, Rhine Falls, which is easily accessible by rail.
Move on to medieval Lucerne
Traveling by train using your Swiss Travel Pass, you get your first look at Switzerland's impressive mountains as you travel to Lucerne, a well-preserved medieval city on the shores of Lake Lucerne. History awaits at every turn and the Mount Pilatus massif is within reach, giving you much to explore during your two full days here. You might like to use your Swiss Travel Pass to cruise Lake Lucerne, or you could simply wander across the historic Chapel Bridge, which is an iconic connection between Altstadt (Old Town) and New Town. Joining an optional excursion can take you to the Swiss Museum of Transport, on a guided walking tour, or atop one of the local mountains, including Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Titlis or Mt. Rigi.
"It was just so easy to check off everything on my mom's Swiss Bucket List, including a day trip to the Rhine Falls and a boat ride to Thun, while I checked off the record-setting Stoosbahn and Pilatusbahn from my bucket list."
Continue into the Bernese Oberland to Interlaken
The dramatic beauty Switzerland is known for lies ahead as you use your open train ticket to venture deeper into the Swiss Alps to Interlaken, a resort town nestled between Lakes Thun and Brienz. With two days here, a world of waterside and mountaintop adventures is at your fingertips, whether you explore on your own with your Swiss Travel Pass or on a supplementary excursion. Choose from optional tours to the "Top of Europe" on the Jungfrau Railway or to the summit of the Schilthorn, or enjoy the views from Brienzer-Rothorn, Harder Kulm, or Schynige Platte. Use your Pass to cruise either of the scenic lakes, or head to a neighboring mountain village, such as Lauterbrunnen, surrounded by steep cliffs and 72 waterfalls. The options are endless.
A stunning conclusion in the Swiss Riviera
One of Switzerland's most impressive scenic railways, the GoldenPass Express is your chariot to Montreux in the Swiss Riviera - your last destination. Sit back and relax next to a picture window, looking upon lakeside towns, alpine scenery and charming villages en route to Lake Geneva. Endless vineyards frame the final miles to beautiful Montreux. Three days here gives you plenty of time to soak up its endless ambiance. Your Swiss Travel Pass can take you on a cruise on Lake Geneva or aboard the train to the UNESCO-listed Lavaux Vineyards. Head out on an optional excursion to Chateau de Chillon, the Olympic Museum, or aboard the Chocolate Train, amongst other options, or relax alongside the flower-lined lakeshore promenade. This magnificent location offers a range of possibilities.
"I was so impressed with how we were able to ride a train up one side of the mountain and a cable car down the other side, meaning we almost never had to ride the same train twice. This was a trip I will never forget and one I'll recommend to anyone who asks."
Follow in the footsteps of Michael and his mom on this spectacular independent vacation, which features a range of departures throughout the spring, summer and fall months. If your dream trip instead looks like Switzerland under a blanket of snow, consider joining this vacation in the winter. Our Ultimate Swiss Cities & Lakes in Winter With Swiss Travel Pass features a slightly altered itinerary, with two full days in Zürich, three days to explore Lucerne, three days in the Bernese Oberland while based in Interlaken, and two final days in Montreux, overlooking the French Alps. The excursion options may vary based on seasonal availability; however, the 15-day Swiss Travel Pass remains a staple that sets the tone for a vacation like none other.
Watch Michael's experience unfold over 7 days on Switzerland's Record Breaking trains.
Contact us to choose your preferences and book your once-in-a-lifetime Swiss vacation today.
