Grand Train Tour of Switzerland: Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz and More 12 Apr, 2025

RAIL VACATIONS / Switzerland

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Amazing Experience

Overview

Trip Overview

This 8-day Swiss vacation takes you across the country on a series of famous train journeys. It includes moderate, first-class, or deluxe accommodations depending on preference, shared tours, and is perfect for first-time travellers to Switzerland and anyone who loves train travel.

Your trip to Switzerland begins in Zurich, where you’ll board the Luzern-Interlaken Express and journey through the Brunig Mountain Pass to Interlaken. Located in a narrow valley alongside two cobalt lakes and in the shadow of towering peaks, Interlaken is one of Switzerland’s most gorgeous towns. Admire the town and consider riding the funicular up to Harder Kulm Viewpoint to enjoy the spectacular views over the city before riding the Golden Pass to Montreux, the chic resort town located on the banks of Lake Geneva. Stroll along the lakeside boulevard, enjoy the famous weather, and take an excursion to Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe.

Continue your train journey to Zermatt, a resort town in the shadow of the famous Matterhorn, Europe’s most distinctive mountain. Stroll along the main street, Bahnhofstrasse, to shop for souvenirs, take a hike in the hills, and enjoy the unforgettable views of the Matterhorn. Board the Glacier Express and head for your next stop: St. Moritz. Along the way, you’ll cross over the Oberalp Pass and head through the Rhine Gorge. After a night in St. Moritz, ride the Bernina Express into Italy and cross the border back into Lugano, located in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking region. After experiencing its Italian atmosphere, ride the Gotthard Panorama Express along the Gotthard Route, known for its stunning Mediterranean landscape, and reach Lake Lucerne, your final stop on your train journey. After an evening appreciating Lucerne’s pretty old town and famous covered bridge, Chapel Bridge, connect to your next destination to continue your onward journey or return home.

Highlights

Departures

From Zurich: Daily, except Wednesday - April 1 to October 15

 

Trip Includes

  • 2nd class seat reservations on the GoldenPass Line, Glacier Express, Bernina Express train and bus (upgrade to 1st class available)
  • 1st class seat reservations on the Gottard Panorama Express and Voralpen-Express
  • 1 night in moderate accommodations in Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Lugano, Lucerne and St. Gallen
  • Self-guided excursion to Jungfraujoch
  • Breakfast daily (excluding day 1)

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees, if applicable

Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and travel in the low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.

Upon arrival to Switzerland, travel to Interlaken via Lucerne (or 'Luzern', locally) using the GoldenPass Line. When boarding the Luzern-Interlaken Express, you are about to embark on an unforgettable journey right into the heart of Switzerland. This 2-hour ride will take you along the shores of crystal-clear lakes, past romantic waterfalls and over the magnificent Brunig mountain pass. After a short journey, you will arrive in Interlaken. The city lies in the Bernese Oberland on an alluvial plain, between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The vacation destination is overlooked by the three mighty mountains, Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Upon arrival in Interlaken, consider arranging a tour (not included) to take in the exhilarating viewings from the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 meters (11, 332 feet) above sea level. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Aletsch Glacier. Approximately 23 kilometers (or roughly 14.5 miles) in length, it is the longest glacier in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, you will stay here. Please note, your tour can begin in Lucerne, Zurich or Geneva (additional costs may apply).

Hotel Krebs

A warm welcome to Hotel Krebs! Centrally located, just a short foot walk from the train station West, the Hotel Krebs is equally popular with business travelers and also tourists. 2008 renovated 37 rooms and 7 suites are modernly furbished and boost friendly colours. In the interest of guests, Hotel Krebs exclusively disposes of non-smoking rooms. The use of the internet and Wi-Fi is free of charge, and all rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi access.

Hotel Krebs

Breakfast at the hotel. Your journey continues with the GoldenPass Express along the shores of Lake Thun you will reach the Simmen Valley, known for the towns of Zweisimmen and Gstaad. This meandering journey takes you through the wild and romantic Pays d'Enhaut with the scenic villages of Chateau d'Oex and Montbovon, and through a tunnel before affording panoramic views of Lake Geneva and Montreux. After pulling into Montreux, you will disembark and check in to your hotel for the evening.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Eden Palace Au Lac

A fine hotel for exploring Montreux and the surrounding area. Set overlooking the lake this is the perfect place to relax. The Eden Palace au Lac is very centrally located in one of the most beautiful landscapes of the world, with a splendid view over the Lake of Geneva and the Savoyan Alps. All 100 rooms undergo periodical renovation. A sublime touch of esthetic, discreet comfort and a warm welcome awaits you. The hotel rooms are decorated in a belle epoque style typical of the region.

Eden Palace Au Lac

Following breakfast in Montreux, hop aboard your scheduled train en route to the mountain resort town Zermatt. The mountainous route carves through the Swiss Alps, typically arriving in Zermatt in just under three hours. The rest of the day is at leisure. Settled you can admire the famous Matterhorn, there is much to see and do in and around town. Be sure to visit the Bahnhofstrasse, Zermatt's main promenade, which is lined with all sorts of excellent shops. Alternatively, consider an excursion to the Gornergrat (not included). After another day of Alpine splendor, you'll overnight in Zermatt.

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Breakfast

 

Le Mirabeau Hotel and Spa

The Hotel Mirabeau is tranquilly situated only a few minutes walk from the Zermatt main railway station and the famous Gornergrat station. A traditional family resort, it is owned by the second and managed by the third generation of the Julen family. Le Mirabeau is famous for "l'art de Vivre" or the "fine way of life"; with its extensive gastronomic offering featuring several restaurants and bars; and superb wellness facilities, complemented by magnificent views of the Matterhorn.

Le Mirabeau Hotel and Spa

In the morning, settle in for a relaxed-pace breakfast, then check-out and board the world-famous Glacier Express for a ride in the panorama carriage to yet another Swiss pearl, St. Moritz. The train takes you over the Oberalp Pass, a winding circuit that zig-zags though the Alps some 2,033 meters (6,670 feet) above seas level and through then impressive Rhine Gorge. Once you arrive in the glamorous town of St. Moritz, which has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

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Breakfast

 

Art Boutique Hotel Monopol

In the heart of the pedestrian area / amidst the latest designer shops and boutiques. A cable car to the largest ski area is a 3-minute walk away. The Hotel Monopol is a first-class establishment in the heart of St Moritz This hotel opened in 1911 and was completely refurbished in 2012 Located in the pedestrian area only a few steps away from the Corviglia lift The hotel has 73 tastefully and comfortably furnished rooms one lounge and bar and a rooftop terrace with a panoramic view The wellness is over the roofs of St Moritz and offers sauna jacuzzi fitness massages and beauty treatments.

Art Boutique Hotel Monopol

Today you'll board the renowned Bernina Express, embarking at St. Moritz station and set out on one of the most impressive scenic rail journeys Switzerland has to offer. Climbing over the spectacular Bernina Pass some 2,253 meters (7,392 feet) above sea level, you'll pass snow-covered mountain peaks and glaciers, then descend towards Poschiavo and Brusio. After travelling over spiral viaducts and through winding tunnels, you'll reach Tirano in Italy, which is the end of the Bernina line. Here you'll disembark the train and board the Bernina Express Bus which will take you onwards to Lugano, your destination for the evening.

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Breakfast

 

Villa Sassa Residence & Spa

The Terrace of Wonders on Lake Lugano. A dream with your eyes open, a pleasure to experience with your eyes closed! Sometimes beauty is a point of view. When you find yourself at the gates of Villa Sassa Hotel, you can't help but be enchanted, no matter what perspective you're looking from. Central, close to the station and with a panorama view. What else? Come by car without a problem. There is spacious indoor and outdoor parking. 3000 m2 of Wellness Area for the body and the soul. Mediterranean flavors, veg, or international cuisine? You can find this and much more on our menu. Extra-large rooms, suites, or apartments, to satisfy every need.

Villa Sassa Residence & Spa

On journey from Lugano to Lucerne, you'll ride aboard the Gotthard Panorama Express, travelling from the Mediterranean south to the traditional heart of Switzerland. The journey takes you along the spectacular Gotthard Route, an unforgettable trip through an impressive countryside. It is highly recommended to travel in the 1st class panorama carriage from Lugano to Fluelen (upgrade available; please speak to your Destination Specialist). Upon arrival to Fluelen, a boat will take you over scenic Lake Lucerne, after which you'll disembark and then check into your overnight accommodation in Lucerne.

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Breakfast

 

Hotel Des Balances

The Hotel Des Balances has a rich tradition as a four-star establishment. The hotel's prime location, nestled in the heart of the "Old town", boasts one of the city's trendiest restaurants, with a unique bar, lounge and riverside terrace, a stunning view of the Reuss River and ultra-modern facilities for seminars and banquets. Hotel Des Balances is close to Lucerne Town Hall, Chapel Bridge, and Loewenplatz. Also nearby are Swiss Transportation Museum and Rosengart Collection.

Hotel Des Balances

Enjoy your breakfast this morning, then get set to board the Voralpen Express train which will transport you from lovely Lucerne to St. Gallen, a city found in Northeast Switzerland. Here, you'll enjoy your final evening of the adventure, so be sure to spend your time well. Lake Constance is nearby, so consider taking the time to make a day trip (not included).

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Breakfast

 

Hotel Einstein

The Einstein St. Gallen is more than a hotel - it is an institution. The elegant first-class city hotel is located quietly but centrally next to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Abbey District St.Gallen. As the first address of St.Gallen, it offers variety of facilities and services.

Hotel Einstein

All good things must come to an end; after a weeklong adventure in Switzerland, today you'll board the train in St. Gallen to travel to meet your outward, homebound flight. Zurich is the nearest international airport, however, many others are accessible.

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Tour Map