Escorted Grand Train Tour of Switzerland-S806

Escorted Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - S806

 

Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival Zürich After arrival in Zürich take the train and go to your hotel for check in. As a «metropolis of experiences» by the water, with a magnificent view of the snowcapped Alps on the horizon, Zürich offers a unique mixture of attractions – over 50 museums and more than 100 art galleries, international fashion labels and Zürich designs, and the most flamboyant and lively nightlife in Switzerland. Depending on your arrival time you have the opportunity to discover the world famous shopping mile Bahnhofstrasse or stroll along the banks of Lake Zürich.

Overnight in Swissotel 4* or similar in Zürich. 

 

Day 2

Zürich – Interlaken (GoldenPass Line Lucerne - Interlaken) Train travel to Lucerne. 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, past romantic waterfalls and over the magnificent Brünig mountain pass. After a short journey you arrive in Interlaken. The city lies in the Bernese Oberland on an alluvial plain, between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The vacation destination is presided over by the three mighty mountains, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Overnight in Hotel Carlton-Europe 3* or similar in Interlaken.

 

Day 3

 Interlaken – Montreux (Jungfraujoch & GoldenPass Line Interlaken - Montreux) Take the train from Interlaken to the Kleine Scheidegg at the foot of the famous Eiger. Change trains to get on board the Jungfrau railway and ride via ‘Eiger Gletscher’ to the Jungfraujoch – the highest railway station in Europe at 3454 m with some breathtaking views of the Aletsch Glacier with 22 km the longest in the Alps and UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the early evening your journey on the Golden Pass Line continues. Along the shores of Lake Thun you reach the Simmen valley with Zweisimmen and the world known holiday resort of Gstaad. Further on passing the wild romantic Pays d’Enhaut with the scenic villages of Château d’Oex and Montbovon the journey continues through a tunnel before the panoramic view of Lake Geneva and Montreux opens in front of you.

Overnight in Hotel Helvetie 3* or similar Montreux.

 

Day 4:

 Montreux – Zermatt (optional excursion Gornergrat) Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and afterwards travel from Montreux to Zermatt. The rest of the day is at your disposal. Zermatt lies at the foot of the Matterhorn. The vacation destination is a car-free village and has preserved its original character. After arriving in Zermatt you have the possibility to do a non-guided excursion to the Gornergrat (payment on spot).  A trip up the exhilarating open air Gornergrat railway is not to be missed, for unrivalled views over the 4000m peaks surrounding Zermatt. Or you enjoy your leisure time to go hiking and do some souvenir shopping.

Overnight in Hotel Perren 3* or similar in Zermatt.

 

Day 5:

 Zermatt – St. Moritz (Glacier Express) In the morning you take the world famous Glacier Express for a thrilling ride in the panorama carriage to St. Moritz. Take in some of the dramatic scenery Switzerland has to offer. Along the deep Rhone valley, the Glacier Express travels through an incredibly fascinating part of the Alps. The train drives on over the Oberalp pass (2,033m/6,670ft) and through the impressive Rhine gorge. After an exhilarating trip, you will arrive in St. Moritz.

Overnight in Hotel Soldanella 3* or similar in St. Moritz.

 

Day 6:

St. Moritz – Lugano (Bernina Express) Board the narrow-gauge Bernina Express in St. Moritz station and 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. The cross-border Albula and Bernina Lines between Thusis and Tirano owe their 2008 inscription into the UNESCO World Heritage list to stunning scenery such as the Schyn Gorge, Morteratsch Glacier and Brusio spiral viaduct. Change to the Bernina Express Bus which will take you onwards to Ticino. The Journey ends in Lugano – southern Switzerland’s largest town.

Overnight in Hotel International au Lac 3* or similar in Lugano.

 

Day 7:

 Lugano – Lucerne (Wilhelm Tell Express) With the Wilhelm Tell Express you travel 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. You will travel by 1st class panorama carriage from Bellinzona to Flüelen. A visit of Bellinzona is worth a stop and a recommended Grand Tour attraction. With its castles, walls, towers, battlements and gates, this impressive fortress is a source of wonder and amazement and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Continue your train journey. The train winds its way from 470 to 1100 metres altitude, disappearing into the 15-kilometre Gotthard Tunnel. In Flüelen board the historic Wilhelm Tell paddle steamer for the cruise across Lake Lucerne. Voucher (19.- CHF) is included for lunch and served on board. Lucerne is the gateway to central Switzerland, sited on Lake Lucerne, is embedded within an impressive mountainous panorama.

Overnight in Hotel Waldstätterhof 3* or similar in Lucerne.

 

Day 8:

Departure Lucerne After your breakfast train transfer back to Zurich airport or depending on your departure time possibility to visit Mount Pilatus or to do the Voralpen-Express excursion.

 

Tip: Voralpen-Express

Travelling by the Voralpen-Express introduces you to a Switzerland of gently undulating hills, picture-perfect villages and mellow orchards. With the Voralpen-Express, you cross over the highest railway bridge in Switzerland. It’s the 99-metre high Sitter viaduct near St. Gallen. The city`s most famous landmark is its Baroque cathedral with the Abbey Library, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Travel back to Lucerne.

Tip: Mount Pilatus

This is a fantastic excursion to enjoy beautiful views of the Lake Lucerne region. Short cruise across the lake to Alpnachstad. Change here to the steepest cogwheel train in the world. For the return journey chose between co wheel train or gondola to Kriens. Back to Lucerne by bus.