I'm certain we all agree that Max and Kathleen did a superb job shepherding us across Switzerland. They are a great team and I know Mark and I found this to be one our best trips ever - in large measure a tribute to their great teamwork! And we felt so lucky to travel with such a fun group. We enjoyed every one of you and maybe we will see you again on another trip in the future! - L.M. from ID
Meet your tour guides and fellow travelers in Lucerne, in the heart of Switzerland’s German-speaking region, at 12:30 pm. In the afternoon, we’ll board a local train to Alpnachstad and begin our ascent of Mt. Pilatus (7,000 ft / 2,128 m) aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel train, an unforgettable journey in itself. From the summit, enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the Central Swiss Alps and the sparkling waters of Lake Lucerne far below.
Our descent begins with a 10-minute aerial cableway ride, followed by a cozy 4-person gondola gliding down for another scenic 10 minutes to Kriens. A short downhill stroll brings us to the main road bus stop, where we catch our final bus back to Lucerne. After a quick stop at the hotel, we'll take a 15-minute leisurely walk to a historic restaurant, where a delicious meal of Lucerne specialties awaits. Overnight in Lucerne. (D)
Today, we journey through the historic heart of Switzerland, traveling from German-speaking Lucerne, nestled on the northern slopes of the Alps, to Lugano, the vibrant hub of the Italian-speaking Ticino region. Our adventure begins with a three-hour scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne, aboard a classic boat that glides gracefully past the legendary Rütli Meadow, celebrated as the birthplace of Switzerland in 1291.
From the town of Flüelen, we journey along the scenic Panorama Gotthard route, winding through dramatic Alpine landscapes, picturesque villages, and tunnels that unveil breathtaking vistas at every turn. Our train will pass through the 9.3-mile Gotthard Tunnel, once the world's longest tunnel when it opened in 1882, and a vital artery in Switzerland’s economic growth, ingeniously connecting the northern and southern Alps. Overnight in Lugano. (BD)
We begin the day riding the scenic Bernina Express bus along the sparkling waters of Lake Lugano and into Italy, following the northern shores of Lake Como and passing through the rolling Valtellina vineyards to reach the charming border town of Tirano, Italy, in about 3 hours.
After a lunch break in Tirano, we board the Bernina Express train, traversing the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Bernina Railway. The train winds through narrow alpine valleys, climbing to the summit of the Bernina Pass, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Bernina range. Along the 76‑mile (122 km) route, the train winds through 55 tunnels and across 196 bridges and viaducts, with each turn unveiling stunning panoramas of glaciers, soaring peaks, and pristine alpine landscapes. Overnight in St. Moritz. (BD)
The expansive Engadine Valley ranks among Switzerland’s most breathtaking landscapes, where crystal-clear alpine lakes, snow-dusted Bernina peaks, lush pastures, and glistening ski slopes unfold in a single, sweeping panorama. Today’s excursion to a nearby mountain offers the perfect vantage point to soak in these spectacular vistas.
You’ll have time to stroll through St. Moritz’s chic streets, admire the fashionable boutique windows, and savor the region’s famed “champagne climate.” Nestled in Switzerland’s Romansh-speaking Engadine Valley, the area offers a rare glimpse of this unique language, spoken by only about 1% of the population, adding a distinct cultural charm to your visit. Overnight in St. Moritz (BD)
The Glacier Express, Switzerland’s slowest “express” train, offers an 8-hour journey from east to west through ever-changing alpine landscapes. Opened in the 1930s, it crosses 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and numerous viaducts, ascending 1,660 ft (506 m) before ending in Zermatt, a car-free resort in Switzerland’s German-speaking region at the foot of the Matterhorn.
On the Glacier Express, earphones provide informative commentary about the scenery and the regions you pass through, enhancing your experience. Please note that you will eat lunch at your seat, as the train does not have a separate dining car. Overnight in Zermatt. (BD)
Today is a journey highlight as we ascend aboard the Gornergrat cogwheel train to 10,000 ft (3,000 m). From this vantage point, see the Matterhorn at eye level amid a 360-degree panorama of Europe’s 13,000 ft (4,000 m) peaks, glaciers, and sweeping alpine scenery.
There is also an optional gentle walk along a clearly marked trail between two railway stations, providing excellent opportunities for photography. You should also have time to visit the Matterhorn Museum in the afternoon. Overnight in Zermatt. (B) Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on their own in Zermatt tonight.
Today, we travel from Zermatt down the Rhône Valley into the French-speaking region of Switzerland. Our first stop is the “Swiss Riviera” resort town of Montreux, on the shores of Lake Geneva, where we enjoy 3 hours of leisure to explore. You may want to visit the iconic Château de Chillon before wandering the lakeside town at your own pace.
From Montreux, we continue aboard the Belle Époque GoldenPass train through the manicured Prealps to the charming medieval village of Gruyères, renowned as the birthplace of the cheese that shares its name. Please note that Gruyères is a car-free village perched atop a hill, with narrow cobblestone streets that add to its timeless charm. Overnight in Gruyères. (BD)
This morning, wander through the enchanting village of Gruyères, exploring its 800-year-old castle, steeped in history and charm. After an early lunch at one of the inviting restaurants in the village square, board the GoldenPass Express train for one of Switzerland’s most scenic rail journeys.
As the train glides through the countryside, alpine valleys, rolling hills, green pastures, and charming villages unfold outside your window. The journey carries us to Interlaken and onward to Grindelwald, a German-speaking resort town nestled in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Jungfrau region. Overnight Grindelwald. (BD)
Today delivers one of the trip’s ultimate highlights: a journey to the Jungfraujoch, perched at 11,171 ft.(3,400 m). Ride the cogwheel train through a tunnel inside the Eiger Mountain to reach the summit and Europe’s highest railway station. Built in 1914 between the Mönch and Jungfrau peaks, the complex offers views of the Aletsch Glacier and sweeping snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and icefields. Stroll on the glacier and explore the Ice Palace, where intricate sculptures create an enchanting frozen landscape.
After our Jungfraujoch visit, we’ll have lunch at the Eigergletscher restaurant with stunning mountain views, then take the final trains to Zürich Airport (3 hrs) for our last evening of the tour. Overnight at the Zürich Airport hotel. (BL) A farewell lunch is in place of dinner today.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out for onward destinations. (B)
We rate this trip as easy to slightly moderate because this is an ACTIVE tour. You should be capable of walking 1-2 miles per day and at least 1/2 mile in one stretch (about 1500 steps and maybe uphill). There are additional hiking and walking options available for those wanting more activity. You should also be able to handle your luggage to get to the trains when needed. One day, you will take a mountain railway to an elevation of 11,388 feet, and you should be able to stay at this elevation for a couple of hours.
Walking: In addition to walking on flat surfaces, you also need to walk on uphills, uneven terrain, and cobblestones. You'll likely not walk this amount all at once, but you need to be able to get to/from train stations, hotels, and excursions. We can accommodate slower walkers, but you must still be able to walk the distance. You should be able to walk a half mile at a time, and you may need to walk this amount a few times a day.
Stairs: at train stations when we must change platforms; most of the station platforms only have stairs or ramps -- not elevators. There are often many steps on the walk to the hotels, there are steep steps to get into some trains, and there may even be steps inside the trains before you get to your seat.
Getting on and off trains: be aware that many trains have a few steep steps to negotiate to get on or off. You need to be confident that you can get on and off the trains. Also, note that there may be multiple train transfers on any of the travel routes. It is rare to ride just one train to our next destination on the tour. Some train connections are tight, and the group may need to walk quickly to catch the next train.
Standing time: you need to be able to stand on your feet for at least 10-15 minutes, as benches at train stations are not in good supply.
Luggage: before the tour starts, you will travel by train to Lucerne and meet the group at the first hotel. This means you'll need to get your own luggage on/off the trains and to/from hotel rooms once at the hotels (there are elevators in all hotels). During the tour, we hire a company to pick up the bags on most days. Please note that there is one day during the tour when the group will take their suitcases on the Glacier Express train with them.
