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Typically, you’ll arrive on a morning flight at Zürich Airport and travel by train to Lucerne (about 1 hour). In the afternoon, take a local train to Alpnachstad and board the world’s steepest cogwheel railway for an exhilarating ascent to the 7,000-foot summit of Mount Pilatus. From the top, enjoy breathtaking views of the Central Swiss Alps and the sparkling waters of Lake Lucerne below. When ready, descend in a cozy 4-person gondola, gliding down to Kriens for a scenic and peaceful ride. A short downhill walk from there brings you to the main road, where you can catch a bus back to Lucerne. Overnight in Lucerne.
Embark on a scenic boat journey along the Wilhelm Tell Express route to the picturesque town of Flüelen on Lake Lucerne. From there, transfer to a train bound for Lugano, traveling through the heart of Switzerland’s history. Along the way, pass the Rütli Meadow, the legendary birthplace of the Swiss Confederation in 1291, and traverse the 15-kilometer Gotthard Tunnel, which opened in 1882. This historic Gotthard Pass, dating back to the 13th century, became Europe’s shortest north-south route and played a vital role in Switzerland’s economic growth.
Upon arrival in Lugano, you’ll enter Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, home to roughly 10% of the country’s population. Overnight in Lugano.
Start your day with a morning bus ride along the stunning shores of Lake Lugano, crossing into Italy and tracing the northern edge of Lake Como. Continue through the lush Valtellina vineyards to the border town of Tirano, where you board the legendary Bernina Express.
Prepare for an unforgettable alpine adventure as the train climbs from 1,200 ft to the 7,300 ft Bernina Pass, flanked by the towering 12,900 ft peaks of the Bernina range. Dramatic scenery unfolds at every turn along the 122 km (76 mi) route, with the train threading through 55 tunnels and crossing 196 bridges and viaducts. Each twist and curve offers breathtaking panoramas, making this UNESCO World Heritage–listed railway one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world. Overnight in St. Moritz.
Take in the breathtaking Bernina Mountain peaks while exploring the stylish streets of St. Moritz, where chic boutiques and high-end fashion reflect the region’s famed “champagne climate.” Your hotel typically provides an Engadine Card, granting access to all local transportation and cable cars, so you can easily ascend to the summits of Piz Nair, Piz Corvatsch, or Diavolezza. In this unique region, you might even hear Romansh—the language spoken by only about 1% of Switzerland’s population—adding an extra layer of cultural richness to your experience. Overnight in St. Moritz.
While there are faster ways to travel from St. Moritz to Zermatt, none can match the beauty and significance of the Glacier Express—a truly unforgettable journey through the Swiss Alps. Along the way, English narration provides fascinating insights into the landscapes you pass.
The railway itself is an engineering marvel, crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels while ascending and descending 500 meters (1,660 ft) through ever-changing mountain valleys. There’s plenty of space to stretch your legs and take in the scenery. Lunch is served at your seat if preordered through the catering company, as there is no separate dining car, or you’re welcome to bring your own. Overnight in Zermatt.
The Gornergrat cogwheel train is a must-do experience, climbing to 3,000 meters (10,000 ft) to reveal unparalleled panoramic views of the iconic Matterhorn and the surrounding 4,000‑meter (13,000‑ft) peaks, Europe’s highest. Take in the breathtaking alpine and glacier scenery, with snow-covered summits stretching as far as the eye can see.
For those wishing to extend their Matterhorn experience, gentle hiking trails wind through charming alpine hamlets, offering perfect opportunities for photography. In the afternoon, explore Zermatt with a stroll through its historic old town or a visit to the Matterhorn Museum. You’ll be traveling in the German-speaking region of Switzerland. Overnight in Zermatt
Today, travel by train to Montreux, a charming town with a Mediterranean flair, often called part of the Swiss Riviera. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the terraced Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, take a leisurely 45-minute stroll along Montreux’s scenic lakeshore promenade, leading to the 12th-century Chillon Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop along Lake Geneva. This well-preserved fortress, famously celebrated by Lord Byron, is Switzerland’s most visited castle. In the afternoon, you may choose to enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Geneva, Switzerland’s largest lake shared with France. Montreux is located in the French-speaking region of the country. Overnight in Montreux
Board the GoldenPass Express train for a scenic journey through stunning alpine valleys, rolling hills, and lush green pastures dotted with grazing cows. Pass charming wooden chalets and picture-perfect villages as the train carries you to Interlaken and onward to Grindelwald, one of Switzerland’s oldest and most beloved resorts, nestled in the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Jungfrau region. Overnight in Grindelwald.
The tour culminates with an unforgettable journey to the “Top of Europe” as you ascend to the Jungfraujoch at 3,400 meters (11,371 ft). This historic complex, built in 1914, sits between the Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. At the summit, you’ll stand on the vast Aletsch Glacier—the largest in Europe—surrounded by breathtaking alpine peaks, snow, and ice stretching to the horizon. Take a walk across the hard-packed glacier or explore the Ice Palace, home to intricate ice sculptures. When ready, board your final train to Zürich for the last night of your tour. Overnight at the Zurich airport hotel
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your onward departure.
We rate this trip as easy, but ACTIVE. You should be capable of walking about one to two miles per day. You should also be able to handle your own luggage to get to the trains and to/from your hotels. On two days, you will take a mountain railway excursion to an elevation of over 10,000 feet and you should be able to handle staying 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 slow walkers, but you must still be able to walk the distance.
Stairs: at train stations when we have to change platforms; most of the station platforms only have stairs or ramps -- not elevators. Some train connections are tight and the group may need to walk quickly to catch the next train.
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.
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: You need to be able to get your own bags on and off the trains and to/from each hotel.
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