The best of Switzerland by train

Zürich

Day 1: Welcome to Switzerland!

Touch down at the airport in Zurich, where you'll meet your driver and take a private transfer for a peaceful journey to your accommodation in the city center.

Although it's known worldwide as the center for banking and finance, Zurich has much more to offer. Its picturesque setting between a lake and river, with the glorious peaks of the Alps in the distance, is instantly mesmerizing. Despite its rich history, it has a contemporary, vibrant and post-industrial feel, making it a pleasure to explore for lovers of art, culture and innovation.

Zürich - Lucerne

Day 2: Take a scenic journey to Mount Pilatus

Today, check out of your hotel to embark on a 45-minute train journey to Lucerne - one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities, set on a clear-blue lake and with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

Upon your arrival here, you'll set out on a self-guided Golden Round Trip tour of Mount Pilatus, complete with a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne. Take bus number 1 (direction Kriens/Obernau) in front of the train station, alighting at Kriens, Zentrum Pilatus for a short walk to the valley station of Kriens' panoramic gondola. Take a short gondola ride to Fräkmüntegg, followed by a trip on the Dragon Ride aerial cableway, to reach the top of Mount Pilatus. From up there, the panoramas across Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps are truly unforgettable.

You can spend a while hiking or relaxing, before enjoying an hour-long boat trip on the lake and arriving back into Lucerne.

Lucerne

Day 3: A catamaran cruise on Lake Lucerne

Good morning, Lucerne! Take things at a slower pace today as you enjoy an hour full of amazing alpine impressions, with a leisurely cruise by catamaran on the waters of Lake Lucerne. From the boat you'll see the Bay of Lucerne, with all the city landmarks and the majestic Mount Pilatus in the distance.

Afterwards, spend some time exploring Lucerne at your own pace. Get to know its quaint medieval old town, cross the wooden Chapel Bridge, and stroll the cobblestone alleyways in search of sunny squares and waterfront cafes.

Lucerne - Interlaken

Day 4: The thrills of Interlaken: kayaking & more

After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, take the train from Lucerne to Interlaken, a journey of one hour and 45 minutes. At first glance, Interlaken appears as the quintessential Swiss resort town, straddling two lakes with a backdrop of the Bernese Oberland mountains - yet it has so much more to offer, and is a true adventure playground for lovers of the great outdoors. You could spend your days here white water rafting, paragliding, canyoning, skiing and more...

As part of the day's activities, you'll join a half-day kayaking tour on Lake Brienz, surrounded by idyllic scenery as you explore beautiful cliffs, the 12th-century Ringgenberg Castle, hidden beaches, and the Lütschine river.

Afterwards, you'll take an hour-long private tour to explore Interlaken with a local, learning intriguing historical facts and finding out about day-to-day life as you go.

Interlaken - Jungfraujochen - Interlaken

Day 5: Journey to the top of Europe

From Interlaken, today you'll take a full-day tour aboard a cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Europe's highest railway station. Soak up the views from here, and spend the day enjoying a flurry of activities, from touring Europe's largest glacier to boarding the Eiger Express gondola for a spectacularly scenic ride to the Eiger Glacier railway station.

Interlaken - Zermatt

Day 6: The many wonders of Zermatt

Leaving Interlaken behind, today you'll take the train to Zermatt via Spiez and Visp - a journey of just over three hours. As you arrive, you'll see the snow-capped peak of the Matterhorn rising above traditional wooden chalets, a landmark which has helped make Zermatt one of Switzerland's most iconic ski resorts since the 19th century.

You'll take a two-hour guided walking tour of the resort, filled with history, culture and natural beauty. Visit the Parish church of St Mauritius, marvel at tales of bravery at the Mountaineer's Cemetery, and capture the essence of the Alps from the Kirchbrücke photo stop. Each step takes you back in time as you wander historic streets and soak up the best of Zermatt.

Zermatt - Montreux

Day 7: Explore Montreux & its tranquil attractions

Today, bid farewell to Zermatt as you travel on to Montreux via Visp, journeying by train for about two hours and 30 minutes. Nestled on the shore of Lake Geneva and boasting a beautiful mountain backdrop, this town has long attracted artists, musicians and writers to spend their time and relax in a tranquil setting. It hosts the famed Jazz Festival in the summer, and is known as the pearl of the Swiss Riviera.

Take a deep dive into this fascinating and sought-after town on a private guided walking tour, strolling the scenic lakeside and soaking up notable sites such as the statue of Freddie Mercury, Montreux Palace, the Queen Studio Experience museum, and the old town.

Montreux - Glacier 3000 - Montreux

Day 8: Spectacular vistas at the iconic Glacier 3000

From Montreux, today you'll set out on a comfortable bus ride via Lausanne to Les Diablerets, to explore the famous Glacier 3000. Experience nature up-close and marvel at the spectacular scenery, which you could enjoy from aboard a cable car ride offering striking panoramas. Glacier 3000 is home to the Peak Walk, the world's first suspension bridge connecting two peaks, and spanning 108m - walk along it if you dare, to experience its unique thrills and fantastic vistas. Return to Montreux afterwards, to soak up as much of its charming atmosphere as possible and enjoy a quiet night's rest.

Montreux - Geneva

Day 9: Take a tour of historic Geneva

Departing Montreux, take a one-hour and 15-minute train ride on to Geneva, a stunning lakeside destination that immediately conjures up images of luxury and sophistication. Its quaint old town is dotted with historical landmarks, museums and galleries, while its Swiss cheese and chocolate are popular treats with which to tempt your palate. The city is also home to the headquarters of international organizations, such as the Red Cross and United Nations.

You'll get to explore it in-depth on a private walking tour, uncovering its lively, cosmopolitan and historic atmosphere. Tour the old town, wander the lakeshore and stop at iconic sites such as the Flower Clock, St Peter's Cathedral, and Town Hall. Afterwards you'll embark on a sightseeing cruise along Lake Geneva, wrapping up the day with a scenic experience of the city from serene waters.

Geneva - Chamonix - Geneva

Day 10: Take a day trip in the shadow of Mont Blanc

Today, set out on a guided day trip from Geneva to visit lovely Chamonix at the foot of the majestic Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, complete with a cable car ride up to the summit of Aiguille du Midi mountain. Breathe in fresh mountain air, stroll through charming little streets, and soak up unforgettable views on this wonderful trip, which could last anywhere from five to 10 hours depending on your preferences.

Geneva

Day 11: Farewell, Switzerland!

Your last day in Switzerland has sadly arrived, but don't worry - you still have a program of adventures to enjoy before you go! Join a private tuk-tuk tour with a fondue tasting in Geneva, a great chance to learn about the local flavors, sites and cultural traditions.

At a suitable time, you will be picked up at your hotel for a private transfer to Geneva's international airport, ready for your onward flight home.