Swiss rails Spectacular

Individual arrivals. Morning stroll around the old town that includes stops at historic Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, St. Ledger’s Church, and other sites of interest. We’ll also visit the Glacier Garden and see glacier potholes and learn about Lucerne’s ecology & glacier past. Depending upon the time that everyone arrives in Lucerne we may be able to visit a nearby Cheese-dairy farm or go up the Stanserhorn Cabrio Cable car for a view of the surrounding Swiss Alps. Hotel check-in.

🍽 dinner

We travel on the Mt. Rigi Railway featuring the very first cogwheel train, in service since 1871. This is where the tourism business began in 1863 when Thomas Cook ran a tour. In the afternoon, we'll scale the sister peak by Pilatus Rail, still the steepest (48% grade) cogwheel. 2nd night at the same hotel in Lucerne.

🍽 breakfast, dinner

We depart on the Voralpen Express, traveling through the rolling landscapes of Eastern Switzerland to St Gallen where we visit the Abbey Library–one of the oldest libraries in the world. Built in the 9th Century A. D., the library maintains priceless manuscript collections from the Carolingian and Ottonian period. In the afternoon, we'll continue on to Chur, where we will transfer to the legendary Glacier Express route bound for St. Moritz. Sites along the way include the spectacular Landwasser limestone railway viaduct, a World Heritage Site on the Albula Railway. Once in St. Moritz, we will take the legendary Muottas Muragl Funicular where we have dinner on top of the mountain overlooking the Engadin valley, between the towns of Samedan, St. Moritz and Pontresina. Hotel Check-in.

🍽 breakfast, dinner

Our group boards the Bernina Express to travel across the highest railway in the Alps, a route that offers spectacular views of mountain peaks, glaciers and waterfalls. These are the Alps at their most impressive. In the afternoon, after we have visited the 9,700ft Diavolezza summit and return to St. Moritz, there is an opportunity to do a 90 minute leisurely walk through the forest on the public path from Pontresina to St. Moritz. The rest of the day there is time to stroll around St. Moritz and explore on your own. Hotel check-in.

🍽 breakfast, dinner

Provides another opportunity to take the Glacier Express route, universally acclaimed as one of the world’s great railway journeys. You'll cross the Albula line and Landwasser Viaduct a second time, but from the South. The train continues along the Rhine Gorge (Switzerland’s ‘Grand Canyon’) and up to the Oberalp Pass (2033 meters/6000 feet). Enjoy a rarity, a hot meal at your seat, as the train climbs over 1000 meters from Disentis to Oberalp, before arriving at Andermatt in the early afternoon. Afternoon, the group will take a 2-hour ride in the Furka Cogwheel Steam Train, a historic rail transport fully restored to its original condition. The second highest rail crossing in Europe after the Bernina—the Furka train offers unparalleled views of the Rhone and Mutt glaciers. Hotel check-in.

🍽 breakfast, dinner

In the morning, we'll ride up to the Gotthard Pass summit to get a sense of Switzerland’s defense system during World War II. A Swiss military historian will be on hand when we visit the formerly top-secret Elsasso Gothardo military bunker built to protect Switzerland’s southern flank from invading forces. If you tire of military relics, there are plenty of trails and beautiful mountain scenery to explore. Hotel check-in.

🍽 breakfast, dinner

We travel through the Furka Tunnel connecting the German- speaking region of Switzerland to the Swiss Canton of Valais where both Swiss German and French is spoken. The Furka Base Tunnel is a Swiss railway base tunnel on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn's Furka–Oberalp line, an east-west railway connecting the cantons of Valais and Uri. We'll arrive in picturesque Zermatt early enough for a relaxed amble around town, with views of the Matterhorn around every corner. Even after a little shopping, there’s plenty of time left to enjoy wellness services at our hotel.

🍽 breakfast, dinner

Experience breathtaking views of Mt. Matterhorn and the Alps in an excursion that combines a cogwheel train ride with an easy-to-moderate day hike. You'll ride Europe’s second highest railway and the highest open-air railway on the continent—the Gornergrat cogwheel train climbing up to the 10,134 feet offering incredible views of the Matterhorn along the way. The group walks up to the 360-degree platform area providing a panoramic view of 29 alpine peaks higher than 13,123 feet including the world-famous Matterhorn. Our 1-2 hour guided hike travels along sign-posted trails of an alpine nature reserve feature awe-inspiring views of the Matterhorn mirrored in pristine alpine lakes. Along the way, you'll learn about the origins of Zermatt and the people of the canton of Valais Hotel check-in.

🍽 breakfast, dinner

Travel through the French speaking Canton of Valais – know as the fruit basket of Switzerland offering delightful views of terraced vineyards and fruit trees.This segment is branded as the Goldenpass Line with either a Classic train car or the Panorama Car with big panorama windows. Experience what it was like during the Belle-Epoque, Golden Age period when the rich and famous where the only ones traveling on such trains. We continue on the GoldenPass Line through the Préalps of the canton of Fribourg and through the beautiful Simmental Valley known for the sturdy brown and white cows and the world famous resort town of Gstaad, home to many Hollywood stars. View Alpine valleys and rolling hills, green pastures and grazing cows, wooden chalets and picturesque villages as we journey to the Jungfrau region – one of Switzerland’s oldest and most popular resorts in the UNESCO World Heritage Jungfrau region. Hotel check-in.

🍽 breakfast, lunch

starting with a train ride to the top of the Jungfraujoch, a complex built between the Mönch and Jungfrau mountains—the perfect venue for viewing Europe’s largest Aletsch glacier. Mountains, snow, and ice as far as one can see. Sit in a deck chair, go tubing or simply walk on the glacier and become one with nature. The afternoon finds the group on a train to Lauterbrunnen where we transfer to a postal bus on its way to Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls within the mountain, made accessible by a tunnel-funicular—a complex of lifts, galleries, tunnels, paths and platforms constructed in 1913. The falls carry melt water from the glaciers—up to 20,000 liters of water per second, rushing over 20,000 tons of boulders. The mountain shudders and thunders unceasingly—a stage for nature's majesty. Hotel check-in.

🍽 breakfast, dinner

In the morning we board the local public Grindelwald Bus for a scenic ride over the Grosse Scheidegg pass where we see the 12,000ft Wetterhorn mountain peak. We ride past alpine meadows and chalets to reach the Schwarzwaldalp. We change buses with time to visit the old Schwarzwaldalp sawmill. Once in Meiringen, we transfer to the Zentral Railway and travel over the Brünig Pass to Lucerne where we connect to the train to Zurich. In Zürich we will have lunch at a local restaurant in the heart of town. Afterwards there is time for your Guide to provide a walk-through in the old parts of Zürich. Towards evening we head to the Zürich main station and take the train to our Zürich airport hotel and check you in.

🍽 breakfast, dinner

End of the tour in the morning.

🍽 breakfast

Arriving in Zurich

🍽 breakfast

Today, your adventure begins with a warm welcome from your Guide at 9:30 am at the Hotel. There will be an itinerary briefing and a Q&A session, providing a perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and clarify any questions you might have about the journey ahead. After the briefing, we’ll embark on an unforgettable journey to Mount Rigi. Our adventure starts with a ride on a historic 140-year-old cogwheel train, taking us up to Rigi Kulm. At the summit, you’ll be treated to breathtaking 360-degree views of the majestic Alps, glistening glaciers, lush green meadows adorned with grazing cows, and the serene expanse of Lake Lucerne.

Following our exhilarating time at the peak, we will embark on yet another scenic cogwheel train ride down to the charming town of Vitznau. From there, we’ll board a boat and set sail on a serene cruise across the picturesque waters, making our way back to the enchanting city of Lucerne.

In the late afternoon we’ll take a leisurely stroll around the old town learning more about the history of Lucerne and its most important sights. We will stop at the historic Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, St. Leodegar’s Church, and other sites of interest. In the evening we’ll dine at one of Lucerne’s fine restaurants in the city center.

Accommodation: continental park hotel (or comparable lodging).

🍽 breakfast, dinner

Today we are going to visit another famous mountain, Pilatus, where we will board the world’s steepest cogwheel train (48% gradient). On the summit we will have about 1 hour to enjoy all the activities: admire a stunning panorama on the Alps, the Lake Lucerne, do a short hike, watch a documentary movie about Mt. Pilatus or simply enjoy a cup of coffee. To descend from the summit, we will take a breathtaking gondola ride down to Kriens. From there, we will hop on a train and then a bus, journeying through beautiful landscapes on our way to the picturesque town of Seelisberg.

At our next stop, we will visit “Aschwanden,” a charming local cheese farm that has been run by the Aschwanden family for four generations. Here, you’ll get a first-hand look at how the farm collaborates with local farmers and learn all about the intricate process of cheesemaking. To top off the experience, you’ll have the chance to sample their original “Bergkäse”, a delicious mountain cheese.

Depending on the schedule, we may have the chance to visit “Rütli,” the legendary birthplace of Switzerland in 1291. Here, you’ll be able to soak in the breathtaking scenery of the Swiss Alps, beautifully reflected across the waters of Lake Lucerne. Following this visit, we’ll board a steamer for a charming 2-hour cruise back to the enchanting city of Lucerne. In the evening we’ll have dinner in the city center.

Accommodation: Waldsteatterhof Hotel (or comparable lodging).

🍽 breakfast, dinner

Today, we’re taking the train to the stunning town of Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by the towering Swiss Alps. Here, you’ll dive into an immersive chocolate workshop with a professional chocolatier. You will discover the Swiss influence on the chocolate industry, learn the art of chocolate making, and how to judge its quality. By the end, you’ll create your own unique chocolate bar to bring home—if it makes it that far without being devoured!

After the workshop, we’ll enjoy a relaxing hour-and-a-half lunch break in Interlaken. Your Guide will suggest the best spots to eat, highlight the main streets for a pleasant stroll, and point out the best places where to go shopping for souvenirs.

We will then board a train to Lauterbrunnen. Here we will transfer to a postal bus en route to the mesmerising Trümmelbach Falls. This natural wonder consists of ten glacier-fed waterfalls concealed within the mountain, accessible via a tunnel-funicular complex built in 1913. These falls cascade with the force of up to 5283 gallons of glacier meltwater per second, crashing over 20,000 tons of boulders, creating a continuous spectacle that resonates with the sheer magnificence of nature.

From there, we will continue our journey with one final connection to the enchanting village of Grindelwald in the Jungfrau region, where we will arrive in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Hotel Derby (or comparable lodging).

🍽 breakfast, dinner

Today’s adventure kicks off with a breathtaking ascent from Grindelwald Terminal to Eiger Glacier aboard the ultra-modern panoramic Eiger Express gondola. Marvel at the stunning views as the glacier blankets the iconic “Ork” mountain.

Next, we’ll hop on the legendary Jungfraubahn, an electric cogwheel railway that has been delighting travelers since 1912. This historic train will take us from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe.

Perched between the Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, Jungfraujoch offers unbeatable views of Europe’s largest glacier, the magnificent Aletsch Glacier. Here, a world of activities awaits: explore the enchanting ice palace, ascend the Sphinx tower for panoramic vistas, and delve into the fascinating history of the Jungfrau Railway.

In the early afternoon, we’ll descend back to Kleine Scheidegg and make our way to Grindelwald. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind and immerse yourself in the charm of this picturesque alpine village. Whether you choose to explore the quaint streets, enjoy a cozy café, or simply take in the stunning mountain views, Grindelwald offers the perfect setting for a peaceful and relaxing afternoon.

Accommodation: Hotel Derby (or comparable lodging).

🍽 breakfast, dinner

Today get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Switzerland as we ride one of the world’s most picturesque railways, the GoldenPass Line. Our adventure begins in Interlaken, where we’ll transfer to the enchanting GoldenPass Line, linking us to Montreux, the jewel of the Swiss Riviera.

The GoldenPass Line is celebrated for its breathtaking vistas, winding its way through quaint villages, verdant meadows, and awe-inspiring alpine landscapes. This scenic route crosses three majestic mountain passes, offering passengers unrivaled panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, tranquil lakes, and idyllic vineyards.

As we savor each moment of this scenic voyage, we’ll eventually reach our final destination for the day: the charming and world-renowned Zermatt, arriving just in time to witness its late afternoon splendor.

Accommodation: La Ginabelle (or comparable lodging).

🍽 breakfast, dinner

Experience breathtaking views of Mt. Matterhorn and the Alps in an excursion that combines a cogwheel train ride with an optional easy to moderate day hike. Gornergrat Cogwheel Railway is a 125-years-old narrow gauge line that’s Europe’s second-highest railway and the highest open-air railway on the continent. It climbs up to 10,134 feet and offers incredible views of the Matterhorn along the way. At the top of Gornergrat we will have a selection of activities to do. Our group will walk up to the 360-degree platform area, providing a panoramic view of 29 alpine peaks higher than 13,123 feet , including the world-famous Matterhorn. Those who wish to do so, can embark on an immersive experience at Zooom the Matterhorn. Here, thanks to VR, you can experience what it’s like to glide above the Matterhorn.

For those ready for adventure, embark on a captivating 1.5-hour hike from Rotenboden to Riffelberg. This trail, weaving through an alpine nature reserve, is marked by signposts and offers breathtaking views of the Matterhorn reflected in crystal-clear alpine lakes—a scene that will leave you in awe.

After this invigorating hike, the plan becomes wonderfully flexible, adapting to the day’s weather. Our knowledgeable guides will recommend the best spots for a memorable lunch, whether high in the mountains or in the charming village of Zermatt.

Post-lunch, the choice is yours: delve into the enchanting streets of Zermatt, indulge in some shopping, or simply unwind and soak in the serene mountain atmosphere. Our guides will be happy to take you on a 1-hour-long guided tour of Zermatt: learn more about how people lived here more than 200 years ago and visit Zermatt’s “Old Village”.

Accommodation: La Ginabelle (or comparable lodging).

🍽 breakfast, lunch, dinner

Today we say adieu to Zermatt. In the morning, you’ll embark on your journey to Zürich, where your guide will be waiting for you at the main station.

Upon arrival in Zürich, we’ll enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant nestled in the heart of the city. Your guide will also take you on a walk through the charming old parts of Zürich, offering insights and stories that bring the city’s history to life.

As the day draws to a close, we’ll make our way to Zürich main station to catch the train to our hotel in Zürich airport, where your guide will assist with the check-in process. After ensuring everything is settled, your guide will bid you farewell.

Accommodation: Zurich Airport Hotel Hyatt Regency or Place (or comparable lodging).

🍽 breakfast, lunch

Today is departure day. 

🍽 breakfast