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Definitive Switzerland

12 days6 cities
Switzerland1 country
Tour rating: 4.88 / 5, Based on 34 Reviews
Private tour to Switzerland

Explore fairy-tale Switzerland in 12 days. See the best attractions of major Swiss towns, enjoy a Lake Lucerne cruise, and visit the Chillon Castle. Then continue your journey high up to the Alps and spend a couple of days in the renown ski destination Zermatt, ride on the highest open-air railway in Europe - the Gornergrat Bahntake, and as a tour highlight have a trip on the world-famous Glacier Express.

12 days6 cities
Switzerland1 country
From
 $7,847 
Zurich, Switzerland
3
days
Switzerland

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, wealthiest in Europe, with the best quality of life in the world. Its history goes back to its founding by the Romans in 15 BC and has a rich medieval background.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
1
day
Arrival to Zurich

Welcome to the largest city in Switzerland - Zurich! Upon arrival, your driver meets you at the airport and transfers you to your remarkable hotel for check-in.

The rest of the day is free, so you can relax in your room, have dinner in a local restaurant or start exploring the nearby attractions.

No meals included.

2
day
Exploring Lucerne Region

Following breakfast, you head to the railway station to take a train to Lucerne. In about 50 minutes you meet your guide at the station of Lucerne.

Then you are invited to take an unforgettable trip with your private guide who shows you the magnificent views of Mount Pilatus and the Lucerne region. The tour starts with a cruise across the Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad. There you board the famous cogwheel train that takes you across the world's steepest railway passing through lush Alpine meadows, spectacular rocks and sparkling mountain streams to the top of Mt Pilatus, the altitude of which is 2,132 m (6,995 ft).

For the return journey, you ride a cable car to enjoy the fantastic scenery once again. As the last part of your magnificent tour, you take a 20-minute bus from Kriens to Lucerne. Tickets* for a public boat cruise, cogwheel train, cable car, and bus are included.

  • Please, note: boat and cogwheel train are available only from the middle of May to September. The rest of the year they are replaced with cable car and bus.

After the tour, you take a train back to Zurich. The rest of the evening is free.

Breakfast is included.

3
day
Zurich City Tour & Departure

After breakfast, you check out from the hotel and leave your luggage in the hotel storage room. Then you meet your private guide and enjoy a perfectly-planned sightseeing tour around the most beautiful landmarks of Zurich.

Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Old Town for the following 3 hours, walking through its narrow cozy streets and exploring its breathtaking medieval houses, churches and town hall.

After the tour, you pick up your luggage and have a transfer to the station.

You arrive to St Moritz station, walk to your hotel and check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the magnificent mountain landscape on your own.

  • Please, note: to have more time to enjoy St Moritz, we recommend you to extend your stay here. Contact your travel specialist for details.

Breakfast is included.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Glockenhof Hotel, Zurich

The beautiful Glockenhof Hotel is set right in the heart of the city next to the central shopping street. It offers top-class service and cozy accommodations. All guestrooms are comfortable and well-equipped.

train
Zurich
Saint Moritz
4 hrs 10 min

All Swiss trains are safe, comfortable, and spacious. They run on time and will take you from/to stations set right in the city centers where one of our experienced drivers will be waiting for you. (Connection with 1 train change).

St Moritz, Switzerland
1
day
Switzerland

The host of the Winter Olympic Games of 1928 and 1948, one of the richest places in the world, a must-visit resort for any skiing enthusiast, St. Moritz is a fantastic place, the bridge between tradition and innovation, and one of the cities you can’t miss during your Switzerland itinerary.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
4
day
Glacier Express

Following breakfast, you check out from the hotel. Today you enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime railway journey to Zermatt on board the iconic Glacier Express that presents you with fantastic views of the picturesque Swiss Alps taking you through lots of tunnels and over several hundred bridges. The so-called 'slowest express train in the world' snakes its way through valleys, mountains and even canyon.

Zermatt is famous not only for being a popular ski resort. This lovely village is located in the southern canton of Valais which is home to some of the world's most spectacular mountains, including Matterhorn.

Upon arrival, you walk to your hotel for check-in and have the rest of the day at leisure.

Breakfast is included.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

4-star hotel

Enhance your travel with staying in a remarkable 4-star property. As always, the location near all top landmarks, excellent quality service, and top-notch amenities are an indispensable part of your stay. The gallery demonstrates the examples of 4-star hotels we offer to our guests.

train
Saint Moritz
Zermatt
8 hrs

Get ready for one of the Swiss tour highlights! A Glacier Express ride is a feast for any visualist. On your way to Zermatt, you will cross 291 bridges (some at head-spinning height!), the Oberalp mountain pass at 2033 m (6667 ft) altitude, run through the 91 tunnels, and have plenty of time to take in the unique beauty of Switzerland's countryside.  

Zermatt, Switzerland gallery
1
day
Switzerland

Set gracefully just at the foot of the highest summit of the Alps, majestic Matterhorn, the city of Zermatt, Switzerland is a popular ski resort that's all about gorgeous natural panoramas.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
5
day
Day Trip to Gornegrat

After breakfast, you walk to the railway station, where you board a cogwheel train equipped with large windows which allow you to enjoy a journey across the highest open-air railway in Europe. The Gornergrat Bahn is the cog railway which was the first in the world to be fully electrified. Nowadays regenerative braking system of this eco-friendly railway generates electricity on the descent and so saves energy.

After about 45 minutes you reach the station of Gornergrat which is considered to be the highest open-air railway station in Europe at an altitude of 3, 090 m (10,135 ft). Gornergrat observation platform is accessible all year round and offers one of the finest panoramas in Switzerland. From there you have a glorious view of more than 20 four-thousand m (13,123 ft) peaks, one of which is Matterhorn. A truly unforgettable experience you cannot miss!

  • Please, note: It is important to wear something warm and wind/rain protective when going to Gornergrat. The temperature there is usually lower than in the cities even in summer. In case you feel too cold you can always go inside the restaurant which is close to the observation platform. The trains to/from Gornergrat are heated well.

After some free time in Gornergrat you have a train ride back to Zermatt. The rest of the day is free.

Breakfast is included.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

4-star hotel

Enhance your travel with staying in a remarkable 4-star property. As always, the location near all top landmarks, excellent quality service, and top-notch amenities are an indispensable part of your stay. The gallery demonstrates the examples of 4-star hotels we offer to our guests.

train
Zermatt
Montreux
2 hrs 40 min

Enjoy your journey traveling along the highest open-air railway in Europe providing with some truly scenic views, which can be admired through the wide windows of the train. (Connection with 1 train change).

Montreux, Switzerland gallery
2
days
Switzerland

If you have Switzerland on your travel radar, we highly recommend visiting the lovely Swiss Riviera with the capital in Montreux. Stretching along the shores of Lake Geneva, it boasts a mild climate and inspiring landscapes that are worth the ride.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
6
day
Day Trip to Chillon Castle and Tour of Montreux

In the morning after breakfast, you check out from the hotel, walk to the station and depart from Zermatt to lovely Montreux.

Upon arrival, you walk to your centrally-located hotel for check-in.

The same day you take a public boat cruise* on Lake Geneva to reach the most recognizable historic monument in Switzerland - Chillon Castle which dates back to medieval ages. Its charming architectural style and rich history inspired such literary geniuses as Victor Hugo, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Lord Byron. First you admire the exterior of this historical monument from water. Upon disembarkation you have a private guided touring around the most spectacular parts of Chillon Castle.

Following Chillon you head for Montreux where you meet your guide and have a private walking tour.  

You learn about the history and culture of charming 'Swiss Riviera' strolling along the lake shores where the summer Jazz Festival takes place. On the way up to the old town you enjoy stunning views over the lake and pass by the oldest house in Montreux, dating back to the 16th century. 

While you walk the little streets of this charming town, your guide shares with you the stories of the famous expats in Montreux such as Vladimir Nabokov and Freddie Mercury. You see the statue of Freddie Mercury and have a chance to visit the Queen: The Studio Experience exhibition located in the original Mountain Studios, part of the Montreux Casino. Queen recorded a total of seven albums here at Mountain Studios in Montreux, which the band owned between 1979 and 1996, including the final album Made in Heaven.

During the tour you also find out how fire at the Montreux Casino inspired Deep Purple's classic "Smoke on the Water." Since then the casino has been beautifully rebuilt, so have a great chance to visit it in the evening. 

After the tour you return to your hotel.

  • Please, note: cruises are available from mid-April to mid-October; in winter season they are replaced with train rides.

Breakfast is included.

7
day
Day Trip to Geneva

Following breakfast, you walk to the train station for a 1-hour train to Geneva.   

Upon arrival, you meet your guide and start exploring the highlights of Geneva, the second most populous city of Switzerland and a capital of Romandy, the French-speaking region. Being the European seat of the UN and headquarters of the Red Cross, Geneva is known as the «capital of peace». 

You start discovering Geneva sights by the lakefront. You take a short water tram ride on lake Geneva and see one of the most famous landmarks, the Jet d'Eau fountain of 140 m (460 ft) and enjoy the view of the mountains.  

Then you proceed to the astonishing Old Town and see St. Peter Cathedral, the English Garden with Flower Clock, Ile Rousseau and Castle Tour-de-l'ile. Here you also see the city council building where the first Geneva Convention was signed, in the Alabama Room, as it is now called, and learn about the beginning of international Geneva. You also visit the grounds of the University of Geneva to see the Reformation Wall that features statues of the four Geneva luminaries and learn about the role Geneva played in the Reformation in the 16th century. 

Finally, you have a short ride by public transport to view the international district of Geneva and its heart - United Nations Office located in the Palace of Nations. 

After the tour, you return to Montreux by train.

Breakfast is included.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, Montreux

Boasting a fantastic location in the heart of Montreux, the favorite city of legendary Freddie Mercury, the Ads Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic is among the best places to stay for anyone who appreciates unparalleled comfort and great service. It offers 155 well-fitted guestrooms, providing everything you need for a good rest as well as fantastic views over the city.

train
Montreux
Interlaken
3 hrs

Take advantage of traveling on the panoramic Swiss Golden Pass train and experience truly jaw-dropping panoramas of the Bernese Alps. You enjoy a scenic train ride from Montreux to Interlaken passing lovely views of the Pays d'Enhaut mountains, Lake Geneva, and the UNESCO vineyards of Lavaux along the way. (Connection with train changes).

Interlaken, Switzerland gallery
2
days
Switzerland

The town which has long seduced travelers, nobility and even members of the royal family, charming Interlaken is a Swiss destination that would be unfair to avoid. The city's name is literally translated as the one "between lakes".

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
8
day
Arrival to Interlaken

Following breakfast, you check out from your hotel and depart to Interlaken.

Upon arrival, you walk to your centrally-located hotel on foot.

The rest of the day is free, so you can start exploring the nearby attractions on your own, dine in a local restaurant or take a rest after your train journey. Overnight at your hotel in Interlaken.

Breakfast is included.

9
day
Day Trip to Jungfraujoch

Today after an early breakfast you walk to the station to begin an exciting train journey to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe.

As you make your way to the 'Top of Europe' you experience riding several trains with panoramic windows to view the most of the incredible Alpine area. Your first destination is Grindelwald, where you change trains and depart to Kleine Scheidegg. This section offers the stunning view of Eigerwand (Eiger Wall), one of the Great north faces of the Alps. The last Kleine Scheidegg - Jungfraujoch cogwheel train partly passes through the tunnel, which was built right across the Eiger rocks at an altitude of 3000 m (9,843 ft).

Jungfraujoch is the high-Alpine wonderland of eternal snow and ice*. All this beauty could be marveled at from one of the observation decks located both inside and outside of a 3-storey observatory building.

  • Please, note: it is important to wear something warm and wind/rain protective when going to Jungfraujoch. The temperature there is usually lower than in the cities even in summer. In case you feel too cold you can always go inside the restaurants which are close to the observation deck.

You can take an interesting walk through the Ice Cave where everything around you is made from ice. The area includes several restaurants, cafés and shops as well as place for snow activities to satisfy any taste.

For the ride back you travel first to Kleine Scheidegg and then take a new route: to Interlaken via Lauterbrunnen. This way you see the stunning alpine area from a new perspective. You then return to the hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Breakfast is included.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

4-star hotel

Enhance your travel with staying in a remarkable 4-star property. As always, the location near all top landmarks, excellent quality service, and top-notch amenities are an indispensable part of your stay. The gallery demonstrates the examples of 4-star hotels we offer to our guests.

train
Interlaken
Bern
50 min

Travel along the Lake Thun and numerous lovely towns in Switzerland while on a train heading towards Bern. The trains all feature the necessary amenities and storage compartments for your belongings, as well as stunning views through the window for sure. 

Bern, Switzerland gallery
3
days
Switzerland

The world-famous Swiss chocolate and cheese, world-scale resorts, striking nature, and exceptional legacy will satisfy even the most sophisticated travel gourmet in the capital city Bern.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
10
day
Train to Bern

Following breakfast, you check out from the hotel and go to the station on your own. There you take a train to Bern, the capital city of Switzerland. In about two hours you arrive in Bern railway station, from where you can easily reach your centrally-located hotel on foot.

The rest of the day is free, so you can start exploring the nearby attractions on your own, dine in a local restaurant or take a rest after your train journey.

Breakfast is included.

11
day
Bern Sightseeing

After breakfast, you start a stunning half-day sightseeing tour of Bern with stops at the major sights.

Together with your guide you walk through the Old Town of Bern, which is the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. It inspires its visitors with arcade shops, glorious fountains and medieval architecture. You enjoy the view of the late Gothic Cathedral and the Clock Tower (Zytglogge) with its richly-decorated astronomical clock built in 1530. After if time allows, you visit the amazing Bear Park, the symbol of the city.

Following the tour you return to the hotel.

Breakfast is included.

12
day
Departure from Zurich

This is the final day of your tour. Following breakfast, you check out from the hotel in Bern and have a direct train ride to Zurich airport for your flights back home.

We wish you a safe flight and hope to work on your future vacations!

Breakfast is included.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

4-star hotel

Enhance your travel with staying in a remarkable 4-star property. As always, the location near all top landmarks, excellent quality service, and top-notch amenities are an indispensable part of your stay. The gallery demonstrates the examples of 4-star hotels we offer to our guests.

What's included

  • Accommodation at remarkable centrally located 4-star hotels in Zurich, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Montreux, Interlaken, Bern;
  • Delicious breakfasts at your hotels;
  • Airport arrival transfer with private driver;
  • Breathtaking sightseeing tours according to the itinerary with professional English-speaking guides;
  • Entrance tickets to Chillon Castle;
  • Tickets for public boat cruise, cogwheel train, cable car and bus for the tour to Mt Pilatus;
  • 1st class train tickets: Zurich - St. Moritz, St. Moritz - Zermatt Glacier Express, Zermatt - Montreux, Montreux - Interlaken, Interlaken - Bern, Bern - Zurich Airport;
  • 2nd class train tickets: Zurich - Lucerne - Zurich, Montreux - Geneva - Montreux;
  • Luggage delivery from Zurich to St. Moritz hotel and from Montreux to Interlaken hotel;
  • Tickets for non-guided tours to Gornergrat and Jungfraujoch; 
  • Support line during the trip.

Note: hotels availability is subject to change. In case current hotels are booked out we will provide alternative hotels of an equal value for you.

Note: we include 1 vehicle for your arrival transfer. If multiple vehicles are required additional transfer costs will apply.

Not included: international flights, multiple arrival/departure transfers, other meals not mentioned in the program, optional tours and services, all personal expenses.

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Tour Highlights

  • Exploration of Lucerne region
  • Exploration of the highlights of Geneva
  • A boat cruise on Lake Geneva
  • A guided tour around the Chillon Castle
  • A Montreux tour
  • Glacier Express ride

What To Know

  • Tipping is included in the price of your meal at restaurants in Switzerland. If you liked the service, it is acceptable to round up the bill to the nearest Franc
  • Shops and supermarkets are closed on Sundays. Luckily, there are no free days for the gas stations and they are very well equipped
  • Communication equipment in Switzerland takes 230 volts, you will need an adapter plug (type J) to make your plug fit into the socket
  • You can safely drink tap water, the quality of it is often measured as purer than that of bottled mineral water
  • Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc as currency
  • Don't forget to take a mini umbrella and a light raincoat