Embark on an unforgettable rail journey through the heart of Switzerland, where picturesque landscapes and charming cities await your exploration. This tour takes you from the vibrant streets of Zurich, known for its stunning architecture and cultural offerings, to the quaint beauty of St. Gallen, famous for its intricate baroque cathedral. Experience the enchanting views of Lucerne, nestled by a serene lake and surrounded by mountains, before venturing into the breathtaking alpine village of Grindelwald, a true paradise for nature lovers. As the journey continues to Bern, Switzerland’s capital, you’ll discover its medieval charm and vibrant atmosphere. Finally, conclude your adventure in Geneva, a cosmopolitan hub where history and modernity blend seamlessly.
Itinerary Highlights
First Class Rail
Swiss Chocolate Tour.
Winter Kayak on Lake Brienz
Lucerne Farms Tour and Cheese Tasting
Explore Swiss cities on private tours
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.
08
Nights
Price Guide
From $16,000 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
Explore Zurich
Zurich is one of the prettiest cities in Switzerland. Start the day exploring the medieval old town or Altstadt with your guide. Prime tourist attractions in the old town include the Fraumünster, Grossmünster, Lindenhof Hill, and Bahnhofstrasse. In Old Town, visit the Fraumünster. This 11th-century church is stunning inside with stained glass windows and outside, wrapped in festive spirit. In the afternoon, continue your leisure visit to the National Swiss Museum, which will uncover all the secrets of Swiss history. If the weather is nice, end the day like a real Zürcher, an inhabitant of Zurich, climbing the Uetliberg, for a panoramic view on the lake and the city.
Day 2
Zurich to St. GaLLEN
Rail journey from Zürich to St. Gallen. In St. Gallen, you’ll find history at every turn. The city’s landmark is the Convent of St. Gall, with its Baroque cathedral. The convent, including the library and monastery archives, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. The Abbey district is a jewel on its own: In the exhibition room, you enter the oldest monastery archive in the world, are allowed to throw light on originals from the early Middle Ages and see firsthand how monks and benefactors of the monastery immortalised themselves in books. In addition, the famous St.Gallen monastery plan can be seen here in its original form. Embedded in an audio-visual introduction, you can immerse yourself in the life of the monk Uto over 1000 years ago. The crowning glory of the museum visit is the Abbey Library. Immerse yourself in the wonderful baroque hall and soak up the atmosphere. Temporary exhibitions present the library’s unique manuscripts. To round off your visit, it is worth taking a detour to the cathedral. The baroque architecture and monumental ceiling paintings are breathtaking. The cool, pleasant silence gives you peace to review the timeless, unique and inspiring impressions of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 3
St Gallen – Lucerne & CHEESE TASTING
Voralpen-Express is the most appealing way to travel between Eastern and Central Switzerland. Starting from Eastern Switzerland’s urban centre of St. Gallen, whose Abbey district is a UNESCO world heritage site, the train traverses the 99 metre-high Sitter viaduct and the rolling landscape of “Toggenburg”. Passing by Rapperswil and the impressive upland moor near Rothenthurm, the journey ends after a little over two hours in historic Lucerne on the shores of Lake Lucerne. You’ll have a chance to peek at the authentic lifestyle in the Swiss countryside. You will visit a small local farm and learn about animal rearing, food production, and the Swiss approach to sustainable agriculture. A stop at the dairy farm will let you discover the fascinating world of milk production, followed by a walk through the quaint, picturesque farm fields, concluded with a delicious cheese tasting.
Day 4
Luzern-Interlaken & Winter Kayak on Lake Brienz
When boarding the Luzern–Interlaken Express, you are about to go on an unforgettable journey right 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 well-rested and thrilled at the same time: our state-of-the-art air-conditioned trains are your guarantee of the highest comfort! Depart today towards Boeningen for a winter kayak activity: Escape the crowded ski slopes, grab a kayak and feel the magic of winter kayaking. Enjoy the beautiful and peaceful surroundings on a sunny day, or discover the mystical beauty of the lake on a cloudy, rainy or snowy day. Wrapped up warm in a drysuit and with a thermos of hot tea, you’ll feel like an actor in a winter fairy tale.
Day 5
Grindelwald
From Interlaken Ost railway station, we reach Grindelwald without changing trains on the Bernese Oberland Bahn (BOB). Important: Get on the rear part of the train, as it splits in Zweilütschinen. If you get on at the front, you will end up in Lauterbrunnen. The hike starts at the First Mountain Station. You must take the First gondola in the village to get there. The gondola ride takes 30 minutes. The hike leads along a wide and developed path to the Bachalpsee. In the first part, you have to manage a steep ascent. Afterwards, the trail leads past alpine meadows in a gentle up and down to the lake. On the way back, you take the same path as on the way there.
Day 6
Explore Bern
Discover the enchanting charm of Bern, the capital city of Switzerland, on a private day tour tailored just for you. With its stunning medieval architecture, picturesque streets, and rich history, Bern invites you to explore its UNESCO World Heritage sites at your own pace. From the iconic Zytglogge clock tower to the serene banks of the Aare River, immerse yourself in the city’s unique blend of culture and natural beauty. Enjoy personalized insights from your guide, ensuring a memorable experience as you uncover the hidden gems and local favourites of this captivating city.
Day 7
The Panoramic-Express
The Panoramic-Express is a part of the famous Golden Pass Line from Lucerne to Montreux. The elegant trains take passengers from the Bernese Oberland to banks of Lake Geneva via the famous resort town of Gstaad. Welcome to Montreux, a stunning gem nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, known for its breathtaking views and vibrant cultural scene. This picturesque town, famous for its annual music festival, boasts a delightful blend of natural beauty and rich history. As you stroll along the charming lakeside promenade adorned with palm trees, you’ll discover exquisite vineyards, elegant architecture, and the iconic Château de Chillon nearby.
Day 8
Geneva: Chocolate tour
Discover the excellence of Swiss chocolates! Do not resist any longer, succumb to the temptation while tasting delicious Swiss chocolates. The route will take you to meet local chocolate makers who will reveal their secrets to you and share the behind the scenes of their know-how. Options available: by taxi bike, by bike or tuk tuk
Day 9
Depart from Geneva
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 $16,000 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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