Compare Scenic Switzerland: Rail Journey through the Mountains by Great Value Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4 | Great
|
| Duration | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 5,805 |
| Price Per Day | $ 484 |
| Highlights |
|
| Trip Style | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
| Travel Themes |
|
| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
|
| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
| Meals Included | N/A |
| Description |
Experience the majesty of Switzerland in 11 magical nights. Take the train from city to city, watching as the notoriously beautiful countryside glides by. Start in the capital of Zurich and explore it with a tour through its historic and beautiful streets. Find the balance the city strikes between its heritage and the modern age before making way for the charming city of Interlaken. Here you'll get to see a bit more of traditional Switzerland, with a city tucked into the mountains, and even visit the top of Europe, Jungfraujoch. After you've enjoyed Interlaken, begin your train ride through Zweisimmen, Tirano, Bellinzona, and Fluelen, with overnight stays in Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Lugano, and Lucerne. Enjoy a whirlwind of lake-side cities, mountains, stunning scenery, medieval castles, boarder cities with beautiful palaces, and more! Finally, you'll slow down with a stay in charming Lucerne. Here you can visit beautiful churches, historic buildings, the oldest covered bridge in Europe, and pick up some sweet souvenirs. Head back to Zurich for a final night before taking your plane home. |
Day 1 Welcome to Switzerland!
Land in beautiful Switzerland and start off in the country's capital, Zurich! Check into your hotel to drop off your bags, and spend the rest of the day exploring as you like!
Day 2 Zurich
Embark on a tour through the extraordinary city of Zurich. From fascinating museums and amazing clocks to lovely parks and villas, Zurich is a stunning city. When in Switzerland, be sure not to leave without trying the fondue, and what better place to go for it than the country's capital?
Day 3 Zurich – Interlaken
Catch your train to the city of Interlaken, tucked away into the mountains. This small city offers breathtaking views of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, both of which rest at the foot of Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger Mountains.
Day 4 Interlaken - Jungfraujoch- Interlaken
Today, you'll get to explore the Top of Europe: the Jungfraujoch. As one of the must-see destinations of Switzerland and a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, Jungfraujoch is a magical sight encased in ice and snow. Be sure to seek out the Ice Palace carved into the heart of a glacier as well.
Day 5 Golden Pass Line:Interlaken - Zweisimmen - Montreux
Make way for Montreux, with a stop in at Zweisimmen to board the Golden Pass Line. Watch as some of the most beautiful scenery in Switzerland drifts by your window on this comfortable train ride.
Day 6 Montreux – Zermatt
Catch your train out of Montreaux, waving goodbye to beautiful Lake Geneva, to Tasch, where you'll change trains and board one set for Zermatt. This town rests at the foot of the massive Mount Matterhorn. Here, you'll be unable to find a single car, since the city has banned them to preserve the original infrastructure.
Day 7 Glacier Express: Zermatt - St. Moritz
Enjoy breakfast in the shadow of the Matterhorn, then board the anything but chilly Glacier Express. Enjoy magnificent views of the Swiss Alps on your way to St. Moritz. This city dazzles during any time of year, either blanketed with snow and stocked with cozy activities, or offering beautiful views over the water with patches of green and summer flowers.
Day 8 Bernina Express: St. Moritz - Tirano – Lugano
Begin your travels in the morning and make way for Tirano, Italy. Stop in to see the charming 17th and 18th century palaces, as well as the Marian Shrine. Then, continue on to Lugano, where amazing scenery unfolds beneath the city. Look out over stunning mountains and hills, and glittering waters.
Day 9 Gotthard Panorama Express: Lugano - Bellinzona - Flüelen – Lucerne
Head towards Lucerne in the morning, with stops in Bellinzona and Fluelen. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the stoic medieval castles adorning Bellinzona, before lightening the mood with a visit in the lovely Fluelen on the banks of Lucerne Lake. Once you've had the chance to explore a bit, board a steamboat to Lucerne and enjoy the incredible scenery that drifts by.
Day 10 Lucerne
Walk the charming cobbled streets where thousands of visitors have before you. Find the oldest covered bridge in Europe, visit stunning baroque churches, stop in at historic houses, and more as you take the day to explore all you can of this popular and beautiful city. While here, you might want to pick up some Swiss chocolate to bring home with you! Lucerne has some of the best places to find delectable chocolate.
Day 11 Lucerne – Zurich
After breakfast, board the train from Lucerne to return to Zurich. Its your last night in Switzerland, so be sure to try anything you didn't find the time to!
Day 12 Depart Switzerland
Pack away your watches, chocolate, and cheese, its time to head to the airport and catch your flight home.
