Best of Switzerland by Rail

Day 1  Lucerne        
Fly to Zurich and make use of your included Swiss Travel Pass to catch the direct train to enchanting Lucerne, nestled between the mountains and the lake. After checking in to your hotel, head out to explore this most walkable of cities, often ranked one of the world’s prettiest thanks to the historic medieval old town and iconic timber Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, one of Switzerland’s most photographed landmarks. Within easy reach of Lucerne lies Mount Pilatus, home to Switzerland’s longest toboggan run, the dragon glider zipline and numerous hiking trails, all with fantastic views of Lake Lucerne below.  

Day 2  Lucerne to Interlaken          
This morning, catch the train through the spectacular scenery of the Bernese Oberland. Picturesque Interlaken, located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz is the gateway to the three famous peaks of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Spend the afternoon exploring the town and perhaps take to the water for a scenic cruise on Lake Brienz, included with your First Class Swiss Travel Pass. Interlaken has lots of options for watersports enthusiasts – from kayaking and paddleboarding, or even whitewater rafting in the nearby mountain-fed rivers.  

Day 3  Interlaken        
Today, why not head to the mountains via scenic train and cable car as you make your way above the clouds to Europe’s highest altitude railway station at Jungfraujoch. Sitting 3,454m above sea level, this unforgettable train journey takes you through the centre of the Eiger itself as well as witnessing the spectacular sight of Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps.        

Day 4  GoldenPass Express        
This morning board the GoldenPass Express. Travelling in Prestige Class, enjoy champagne and caviar as the train winds its way through the Bernese Oberland, past the charming chalets of Gstaad and on to the elegant town of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. Explore the quaint old town or meander along the shoreline to the iconic statue of Freddie Mercury, the town’s most famous former resident. Later, be sure to explore the fascinating history of Château de Chillon, a lakeside castle dating back to the 12th Century.

Day 5  Montreux          
With so much to discover along the Montreux Riviera, make the most of your First Class Swiss Travel Pass and explore the region at your leisure. Further along Lake Geneva is Lausanne, home to the fascinating Olympic Museum or perhaps take a trip on the lake by paddle-steamer, included as part of the First Class Swiss Travel Pass.    

Day 6  Montreux to Zermatt        
Today, board your train to Zermatt, the alpine village nestled at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn, Switzerland’s iconic pyramid shaped mountain. With over 250 miles of marked hiking, biking and mountain trails for all abilities take a moment to breathe in the natural beauty of the Matterhorn region.        

Day 7  Zermatt    
After spending the morning exploring the chalets and boutiques of Zermatt, board the Gornergrat Railway and be transported by cogwheel train across stunning bridges, idyllic forests and mountain lakes with unbeatable views throughout.  

Day 8  Zermatt to Zurich          
Board your train back to Zurich. Arrive in the afternoon and make the most of the last day of your First Class Swiss Travel Pass with a trip on Lake Zurich over to Kilchberg and visit Lindt Home of Chocolate. Find out about the history of the confectionery and wonder at the multi storey chocolate fountain. In the evening head to the old town to dine at one of Zurich’s excellent restaurants.          

Day 9  Fly home