An Alpine Railway Adventure
Switzerland in 9 Days • 7 Nights in Destination
Isabel
Travel crafter
A magical train journey through the Alps where you'll witness awe-inspiring landscapes, stopping along the way to explore quaint mountain towns, resorts and cities.
Itinerary
Discover the natural beauty and tranquility of Switzerland by train. From cosmopolitan Zurich, explore the scenery of Lucerne, surrounded by snow-capped Alps, take the GoldenPass Panoramic Train from Interlaken to Montreux, before taking the amazing Glacier Express railway to luxurious St. Moritz.
Ready to discover the spectacular cities and landscapes of Switzerland? Arrive at your departure airport, ready to catch a flight to Zurich.* Night on board.
* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Touch down in Zurich, famous for being the global center of finance on the north shore of the beautiful lake with the same name. Take a train from the airport to your hotel, which is walking distance from the train station. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure. Why not walk around the historic old town and enjoy a warm beverage in one of the many cafes or enjoy an international array of gastronomic offerings from restaurants across the city. Overnight stay in Zurich.
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and walk together to the train station to take a train to Lucerne. Sited on Lake Lucerne, it is embedded within an impressive mountainous panorama and majestic snow capped Alps. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of this pretty Swiss city. Discover the well-preserved medieval architecture, walking in the footsteps of many artists and royal figures who lived and passed by in the 1800s. The rest of the day is at your leisure to discover this beautiful lakeside town. We recommend an Optional Mount Rigi Excursion* for an incredible view of Lucerne and the surroundings. Overnight stay in Lucerne.
*Optional Mountain Excursion to Rigi: With breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views, Mount Rigi offers a first-class mountain experience whatever the season.
Why not upgrade your trip with our package of 3 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!
Breakfast at the hotel. Walk to the train station with your guide to board a train to Interlaken. From there take the GoldenPass Panoramic Train to Montreux. Switzerland’s four language and cultural regions are one of the country’s best-known peculiarities. The journey with the GoldenPass links German-speaking and French-speaking Switzerland, making it possible to experience the change from one culture to another as a gradual process. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour of Montreux, known as the pearl of the Swiss riviera. Next, board a short train to Vevey, a quaint Swiss town on Lake Geneva, where you will check in to your hotel. The evening is at leisure to explore the town, take in the breathtaking views of the Alpine panorama, enjoy some warming local delicacies in one of the many restaurants or cafes. Overnight stay in Vevey.
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, get to the train station walking accompany by your guide and leave Vevey behind as you will head back to Montreux by train. From the lake to the mountains and vineyards, the Montreux Riviera offers a postcard landscape. It’s an authentic little piece of paradise that has attracted many artists, writers and travelers in search of beauty, tranquility and inspiration. Continue your awe-inspiring Swiss adventure by train to Zermatt. Upon arrival, enjoy time at your leisure to discover this renowned mountain resort that lies at the foot of the Alpine Matterhorn. We recommend an optional afternoon excursion to Mount Gornergrat*. Overnight stay in Zermatt.
*Optional Mount Gornergrat Afternoon Excursion: Surrounded by no fewer than 29 peaks above 13,000 feet, such as the majestic Matterhorn and the Dufourspitze as well as the third-longest glacier of the Alps, Gornergrat will reward you with a unique opportunity to encounter and take in these unparalleled views over this snowy wonderland.
Why not upgrade your trip with our package of 3 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!
Breakfast at the hotel. Prepare for an exciting day ahead as you set off on the famous Glacier Express*, one of the most scenic train rides in the world! Journey through the inspiring landscapes of the Alps as you travel from Zermatt to St. Moritz, an unforgettable journey of around 7.5 hours. Pass through 91 tunnels, across 291 bridges and climb as high as 2033 meters as the Glacier Express crosses the Oberalp Pass. The journey includes panoramic windows to ensure ample opportunities to kick back and take in the views! Arrive in St. Moritz and coach transfer from the station to the hotel. St. Moritz is the most luxurious alpine resort in Switzerland so be sure to get out and explore the upmarket eateries and glamorous streets. Overnight stay in St. Moritz.
*The possibility to book a 3-course meal is available in the next step of the booking process. Important: it is not guaranteed that you will be able to buy lunch directly on the train as the availability is limited. We recommend to either contract the optional meal or to take your own food for the train journey.
Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the wonderful St. Moritz today at your leisure. Mostly renowned for hosting the Winter Olympics twice and one of the most prominent ski resorts in Europe, St. Moritz is a luxury alpine resort town in Switzerland’s Engadin valley. Known as the ‘Top of the World’ for being almost 6,500 feet above sea level, enjoy the year-round offerings including high-end restaurants, spas and fantastic shopping. Why not head to Tirano on our optional excursion on the Bernina Express*. Overnight stay in St. Moritz.
*Optional Bernina Express Train: Bernina Express is a panoramic train from St Moritz to Tirano. Enjoy one of the most impressive scenic rail journeys Switzerland offers. Travel over circular viaducts and pass through winding tunnels before reaching Tirano in Italy which is the end of the Bernina Express rail line. You’ll have free time in Tirano to discover this Italian mountain town before heading back to St. Moritz on a regional train.
Why not upgrade your trip with our package of 3 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning take a coach transfer to the station to take a train to Chur. Upon arrival enjoy some free time in the Switzerland’s oldest city, discovering its fine mountain setting, twisting alleys and historic buildings. Make the most of your last day in Switzerland, why not do a spot of shopping in it numerous boutiques, check out the many restaurants and bars and get your cultural fill at museums and galleries in the largely traffic-free Old Town. Finally, continue your journey back to Zurich to enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Town to end your Swiss adventure on a high. Overnight stay in Zurich.
Breakfast at the hotel.* Bid farewell to the charming culture and unforgettable landscapes of Switzerland. At the indicated time, take the train to the airport for your return flight back to Canada. Arrive in Canada and end of your trip.**
* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
** Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in Canada on the next day.
9 days trip including flights*
8 days and 7 nights in destination
1
YTO - ZRH
2
YTO - ZRH
Zurich
3
Lucerne
4
Vevey
5
Zermatt
6
St. Moritz
7
St. Moritz
8
Zurich
9
ZRH - YTO
* It may change depending of your departure city, departure date and arrival date.
The calendar does not display internal flights, trains or other transportation included in the itinerary.
Accommodation: 7 Nights
*In case the advertised hotels are not available they will always be replaced by one of the same, or a higher category.
Included activities
Walking Tour of Lucerne
Discover the well-preserved medieval architecture, walk in the footsteps of many artists and royal figures who lived and passed by in the 1800s.
What's included: Walking tour of Lucerne Not included: Transfer, meals, drinks, tips nd any other service not mentioned in "what`s included"
Walking Tour of Montreux
A proffesional guide will take you around the most important parts of the city, while you learn about the history and culture of this beautiful place.
What's included: Walking tour of Montreux with english speaking guide Not included: Transfers, meals, drinks, tips and any other service not mentioned in "what's included"
GoldenPass Panoramic Train
An extraordinary journey in 3 different trains, with a panoramic view of breathtaking scenery. A never-ending spectacle of three mountain passes, the famous 4000 meter Alpine peaks, 8 lakes and unforgettable excursions.
What's included: Journey from Interlaken to Montreauk in Panoramic train 2nd class ticket. Not included: Transfer to the station, meals, drinks, tips and any other service not mentioned in "waht´s included"
Glacier Express Train
The Glacier Express route through the Alps takes just under eight hours from Zermatt to St. Moritz and boasts spectacular panoramic views, bridges and tunnels.
What's included: Train journey from Zermatt to St Moritz in the Glacier Express in 2nd Class Not included: Transfer to the station, meals, drinks, tips and any other service not mentioned in "waht´s included"
Available Activities
Pack of 3 Excursions - The complete experience!
Make the most of your time in Switzerland with this pack of 3 unmissable experiences: a Mountain Excursion to Rigi, an Afternoon Excursion to Mount Gornergrat & a panoramic train ride to Tirano on the Bernina Express!
What's included: A Mountain Excursion to Rigi, an Afternoon Excursion to Mount Gornergrat & a panoramic train ride to Tirano on the Bernina Express Not included: Transfer to/from the station, meals, drinks, tips and any other service not mentioned in "what's included"
Mountain Excursion to Rigi
With breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views, Mount Rigi offers a first-class mountain experience whatever the season.
Mount Gornergrat Afternoon Excursion
Surrounded by no fewer than 29 peaks above 13,000 feet, Gornergrat will reward you with a unique opportunity to encounter and take in these unparalleled views over this snowy wonderland.
3 Course Menu - Glacier Express
Includes: Starter, dish of the day & dessert
The price includes
- Included in all our trips. more information
- Departures from main Canadian airports.
- International flights: Canada - Zurich - Canada.
- Round trip train ticket from Zurich Airport to Zurich HB station. Golden Pass Panoramic Train and Glacier Express Panoramic Train. Rail tickets to travel between cities*more information
- 7 nights accommodation in Charm & Superior category hotels.See hotels included
- 7 breakfasts.
- Round trip coach transfer from St Moritz train station to hotel.
- Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.See itinerary
- Air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- City tours in Zurich, Montreux & Lucerne with professional english speaking guides.
- English-speaking tour leader from day 3 to day 8
*The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase
Not included
Tax, meals, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included. Airport transfers by car or coach.
*Transfers to/from train stations are not included. All hotels are located walking distance from the stations.
Please note We cannot guarantee seats together on the train, so you may have separate seats within your group.
New entry requirement in Switzerland: All international travelers before arriving in the country must fill the following form if they do not have a certificate from an EU or EFTA country or a third country connected to the EU Gateway: https://covidcertificate-form.
Important: Airport transfers by car/coach are not included. You will receive a train ticket from Zurich airport to Zurich HB station (central station of the city) on your platform before your trip starts. Your hotel is located 5 minutes away from the station, within walking distance.
Transfers to/from train stations are not included, except in St. Moritz where a coach will take you to your hotel and back to the station. All the hotels of this program are walking distance from the stations and you will walk to/from them with your tour leader. There will be a dedicated vehicle to transfer your luggage between hotels, so you don't have to carry it with you on the trains between cities. Maximum 1 piece of luggage per person.
Please note that you will have to carry any extra luggage you bring with you yourself, on the trains as well as during any tours you do upon arrival in cities prior to your hotel check-in.
Train tickets included in the program are in 2nd Class.
A professional English-speaking tour manager will be travelling with the group from day 3 to day 8. City tours of Zurich, Montreux and Lucerne will be guided by a local english speaking guide.
The Glacier Express ticket does not include meals. The possibility to book a 3-course meal is available in the next step of the booking process. Important: it is not guaranteed that you will be able to buy lunch directly on the train as the availability is limited. We recommend to either contract the optional meal or to take your own food for the train journey.
- Entry requirementsValid passport required.
- VisaNo visa is required to enter the country.
- CurrencySwiss Franc.
- LanguageGerman, French and Italian.
- Electricity220 V. No adapter required.
- HealthThere are no mandatory vaccinations.
- Time zoneUTC +1
- Other useful informationThe Swiss drive on the right-hand side of the road.
- Tourist Office websitewww.myswitzerland.com/
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.
If you have reduced mobility/require the use of a wheelchair and prefer to go at your own pace, please contact our customer service team at +1 888-488-0592 or via our contact form.
Exoticca Travel Stories
Creating unforgettable memories, one traveler at a time
A great organized tour
It was a great organized tour around Switzerland. The drivers and tour guides were very informative. Perfect hotels with friendly staff and excellent breakfast. The most important thing about Exoticca is customer service. Exoticca is a trustful company that provides services as advertised.
