Embark on an unforgettable private tour through the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland, where every moment captures the essence of alpine beauty. Starting and ending in Zurich, this journey takes you through the charming streets of Lucerne, the serene shores of Brienz, and the stunning vistas of Grindelwald. The highlight of the tour is a visit to Zermatt, nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. Experience the perfect blend of vibrant culture, pristine nature, and luxurious comfort as you explore these picturesque destinations.
Itinerary Highlights
First Class Rail
Chocolate workshop in Lucerne
Jungfraujoch Excursion
Excursion to the Gornergrat
Summer Kayak on Brienz Lake
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
10
Nights
Price Guide
From $13,000 per person
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Arrive in Zurich
Day 1
Zurich to Lucerne by Train
Upon arrival at Zurich Airport, make your way down to the Zurich Airport train station to catch a transfer to Lucerne.
Day 2
Lucerne -Old Town & Chocolate workshop
Explore Lucerne’s Old Town with your guide and walk across the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe. Lucerne is a city filled with squares and churches, including the 17th-century Jesuit Church, which is the oldest sacred Baroque building in Switzerland. The Chapel Bridge, built in the 14th century, was originally part of the city’s fortifications. The painted panels added in the 17th century depict scenes from the history of Switzerland and the city of Lucerne. Next, you will discover the secrets of Swiss chocolate. Chocolate experts will take you on a journey into the world of cocoa and share insights about the quality and ingredients used to create chocolate. During a chocolate tasting, you will enjoy six seasonal delicacies and can ask anything you’ve always wanted to know about chocolate.
Day 3
Rigi excursion
On this outing, the journey itself is the destination. Combine different means of transport and enjoy the varied views. Take a boat to Vitznau to ascend Mount Rigi. Once you arrive in Vitznau, the cogwheel train will be waiting for you in front of the pier to take you to Rigi Kulm, the top of Mount Rigi. Afterward, take the train down to Arth-Goldau and then head back to Lucerne. The train departs every half hour.
Day 4
Luzern-Interlaken express
When boarding the Luzern–Interlaken Express, you are about to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Switzerland. This two-hour ride will take you along the shores of crystal-clear lakes (no less than five!), past romantic waterfalls, and over the magnificent Brünig mountain pass. After experiencing some of the most spectacular views the Swiss Alps have to offer through large panoramic windows, you will arrive at your destination feeling both well-rested and thrilled. Our state-of-the-art, air-conditioned trains guarantee the highest level of comfort! Your luggage will be collected from your hotel in Grindelwald in the morning and delivered to your hotel in Zermatt tonight.
Day 5
Full day excursion Jungfraujoch
An excursion to Europe’s highest railway station is an absolute highlight. Delve into the fascinating world of snow, ice, and glaciers at the Jungfraujoch – the Top of Europe. Admire the spectacular mountain panorama during the train ride from Interlaken Ost via Lauterbrunnen, which takes just under two hours. The railway line runs along the foot of the renowned Three Peaks—the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau—and through the natural beauty of the Jungfrau Region. The stunning midway stop at Eismeer station will surprise you with its breathtaking views through a viewing window set into the rock face. A wide variety of experiences await you when you reach the Jungfraujoch. The tricable gondola Eiger Express takes you from Eigergletscher down to Grindelwald Terminal in just 15 minutes, getting you back from the Jungfraujoch 47 minutes faster than before.
Day 6
Grindelwald First adventure
Experience the thrill of soaring through the air with the First Flyer or First Glider, reaching speeds of over 80 km/h to Schreckfeld. After your flight in the securely constructed harness, pick yourself up and jump onto the fun sport vehicle, the First Mountain Cart. Rush along the rugged track from Schreckfeld to Bort, where the Trottibike will be waiting for you. Then, use this exciting ride from Bort to Grindelwald. With the Adventure Package, you can enjoy up to four rides and unlimited access to the gondola lift.
Day 7
Train Grindelwald -Zermatt
Train from Grindelwald to Bern.
On arrival in Bern, your guide will meet you for your private tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, with its stunning medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and iconic landmarks such as the Zytglogge clock tower and the Bear Park. Our knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories and insights, making your visit an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking to enjoy the local atmosphere, this personalized tour is designed just for you.
Then take the train from Bern to Zermatt (approx. duration 2 hrs, via Brig). Your luggage will be collected at the hotel in the morning in Grindelwald and delivered to your hotel in Zermatt tonight.
Day 8
Excursion to the Gornergrat
Built in 1898, it is the first 100% electric rack train in Switzerland and the second in the world. The journey takes around 30 minutes and takes you to the top of Gornergrat at an altitude of 3,089 meters. From the platform, you can admire 29 peaks that rise above 4,000 meters (out of the 48 in Switzerland). Of course, you will also enjoy a breathtaking view of the Matterhorn, which stands at 4,478 meters. With a bit of luck, you may even spot marmots and chamois. Take the time to marvel at the sight of these high peaks, including Monte Rosa, and then descend by train along the same route back to Zermatt.
Day 9
Zermatt The 5 Lakes Trail
The Five Lakes Walk is in a class of its own among hikes in the Zermatt mountains. The views of the mountain lakes are superb, especially with the Matterhorn reflected in three of them, and the trail offers a variety of experiences.
The path leads past the lakes of Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee. Each of these mountain lakes is unique in terms of shape, color, character, and size, offering its own special attraction. Leisee is great for swimming, and children particularly love it. Grünsee overlooks a more rugged landscape, where Swiss stone pines manage to grow among the scree and sand. The shores of Grindjisee are home to rare flowers, and each lake along the path promises a unique experience.
Day 10
Zurich Food Tour
1st Class train tickets from Zermatt to Zurich (via Visp) have an approximate duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes. Your luggage will be collected at your hotel in the morning and delivered back to you at your hotel in the evening. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you for your walking tour through the Old Town of Zurich, which will introduce you to the most famous Swiss specialties. The guide will focus on Zurich’s culinary history, covering traditional Swiss food, famous cheese and meat dishes, the “Spanisch-Brötli-Bahn” (Spanish small buns train), the traditional “Tirggel” cookie, and the story of Sprüngli. You will also learn about what locals ate hundreds of years ago, as well as the innovative Zurich food start-ups that are currently making waves. During this 3-hour tour, the guide will share stories and show you places that even most locals have never heard about. The best part is that you will get to try over 15 delicious foods and beverages along the way!
Day 11
Depart from Zurich
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide from $13,000 per person
When to travel
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Switzerland experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit would be during the summer months of June to August when the temperatures range from 18°C to 28°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, if you’re looking for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, then the best time would be from December to March, when the temperatures range from -2°C to 7°C.
Switzerland experiences a cold and wintery climate in January, with temperatures ranging from -3°C to 2°C. This makes it a perfect time for winter sports enthusiasts who can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other activities in the Swiss Alps. However, if you're not a fan of the cold, it may not be the ideal time to visit Switzerland.
Switzerland is still quite cold in February, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 3°C. However, the days are starting to get longer and the sun is shining more, making it a bit more bearable. It's still a great time for winter sports, and the snow conditions are usually excellent. However, if you're not a fan of the cold, it may not be the ideal time to visit Switzerland.
In March, Switzerland starts to transition to spring, but it's still quite chilly with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 7°C. While the snow is starting to melt, there's still plenty of opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. It's also a great time to visit Switzerland if you prefer to avoid the crowds that come with the summer months. Just make sure to pack warm clothing as the weather can still be quite cold.
April is a transitional month in Switzerland, with temperatures starting to warm up and the snow slowly melting away. The average temperature ranges from 4°C to 12°C, making it a great time to visit if you enjoy milder weather. However, keep in mind that the weather can still be unpredictable, with occasional snowstorms and rainy days. It's a great time to visit if you prefer to avoid the crowds of the summer months, and there are still opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing at higher elevations.
May is a beautiful month to visit Switzerland, with milder temperatures and longer days. The average temperature ranges from 8°C to 17°C, making it a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and sightseeing. The landscapes are lush and green, with colorful flowers blooming throughout the country. However, keep in mind that the weather can still be unpredictable, with occasional rain showers and cooler days. Overall, May is a great time to visit Switzerland if you prefer milder weather and want to avoid the crowds of the summer months.
June is the start of summer in Switzerland, with warm and pleasant temperatures ranging from 13°C to 23°C. It's the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and swimming in the many lakes and rivers throughout the country. The days are long, with up to 15 hours of daylight, making it a great time to explore the beautiful landscapes of Switzerland. However, keep in mind that the weather can still be unpredictable, with occasional rain showers and thunderstorms. Overall, June is a great time to visit Switzerland if you enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities.
July is the peak of summer in Switzerland, with warm and sunny weather throughout the country. The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 26°C, making it the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and sightseeing. The days are long, with up to 16 hours of daylight, providing ample time to explore the beautiful landscapes of Switzerland. However, keep in mind that July is also the busiest time of the year for tourism, so it's important to book accommodations and activities in advance. Overall, July is a great time to visit Switzerland if you enjoy warm weather, long days, and outdoor activities.
August is another warm and sunny month in Switzerland, with average temperatures ranging from 14°C to 25°C. It's a popular time to visit Switzerland, with many tourists enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and sightseeing. The days are still long, with up to 14 hours of daylight, providing ample time to explore the beautiful landscapes of Switzerland. However, keep in mind that August can also be quite crowded, and prices for accommodations and activities may be higher than other times of the year.
September is a beautiful month to visit Switzerland, with mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The crowds of the summer months are starting to thin out, making it a more peaceful time to explore the beautiful landscapes of Switzerland. The days are starting to get shorter, with up to 12 hours of daylight, but there's still plenty of time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and sightseeing. However, keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable in September, with occasional rain showers and cooler days.
October is a beautiful month to visit Switzerland, with colorful fall foliage and mild temperatures ranging from 6°C to 15°C. The crowds of the summer months are gone, making it a peaceful time to explore the beautiful landscapes of Switzerland. It's a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and sightseeing, but keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain showers and cooler days. As October progresses, the days will start to get shorter and the temperatures will start to drop, so make sure to pack accordingly.
November is the start of winter in Switzerland, with temperatures ranging from 1°C to 8°C. The days are shorter, with up to 9 hours of daylight, and the weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain showers and snow flurries. It's not the best time for outdoor activities, but it's a great time to explore the cities and towns of Switzerland, and to enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the winter season. Keep in mind that many tourist attractions and outdoor activities may be closed or have limited hours during this time.
December is the heart of winter in Switzerland, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 7°C. The country is transformed into a winter wonderland, with snow-covered landscapes and festive holiday decorations. It's a great time for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, and for enjoying the cozy atmosphere of the winter season. Keep in mind that the days are short, with up to 8 hours of daylight, and the weather can be cold and unpredictable, with occasional snowstorms and icy conditions.
Add on’s
After your holiday in Switzerland, you can easily venture into France, where you can visit the picturesque town of Chamonix at the base of Mont Blanc or enjoy the cultural richness of cities like Lyon and Paris. To the south, Italy awaits with its world-famous cuisine and stunning landscapes; cities like Milan and the romantic canals of Venice are just a short trip away. Germany, to the north, offers a mix of history and modern flair, with attractions such as the beautiful Black Forest and historic sites in Munich. Additionally, Austria, with its majestic Alps and charming towns like Innsbruck and Salzburg, is another fantastic option to round out your European journey.
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