Switzerland by Train - 10 Days

Highlights

• Wind through some of Switzerland's most spectacular mountain scenery by train
• Ride gondolas up to mountain peaks like Pilatus and the Matterhorn
• Enjoy an e-bike ride through green valleys alongside cascading waterfalls
• Explore the Montreux Riviera and ride a kayak on Lake Brienz

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Zürich, Train to Lucerne, Optional Activities

Welcome to Switzerland! For sheer Alpine beauty, you can't beat this Central European gem. It's particularly true in the warmer months when the wildflowers are in bloom, the hiking trails are open, and the glassy lakes are beckoning for a cruise. It's also a perfect time to embark on scenic train journeys around the highlight cities and towns.

This journey begins with your arrival in Zürich. Located in northern Switzerland on the shores of the eponymous lake, it's the country's financial heart. From the airport, you'll transfer to the train station for your maiden railway voyage—a quick 50-minute ride south to Lucerne (known locally in this German-speaking region as Luzern). Also sitting on its own lake, Lucerne is backed by snowcapped peaks, making it the perfect hub for nature excursions. 

Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel. Then, you can venture out and explore the city highlights on a self-guided walking tour. The best place to start is Lucerne's Altstadt (Old Town). Stroll the cobbled streets and visit historic highlights like the Musegg Wall medieval ramparts, the 17th-century Baroque Jesuit Church, and the 14th-century Chapel Bridge. Later, perhaps enjoy dinner out at a cozy restaurant in Old Town.

Day 2: Day Trip Up Mount Pilatus, Night Watchman Walk in Lucerne

A grand Swiss adventure is in store today, starting with an early breakfast at the hotel. Then, transfer to the lakeshore and hop on a boat for a scenic ride across the lake. From the village of Alpnachstad, board the Pilatus Railway, the steepest cogwheel train in the world. The 30-minute ascent has prime views of Alpine meadows and craggy rock formations. Once at the 6,982-foot (2,128 m) summit, you'll enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne. Capping the experience is a fun cable car ride down to the suburb of Kriens. From there, transfer back to your hotel.

But the day doesn't end there. When the sun goes down, you'll discover the ample charm of Lucerne. The city boasts a rich medieval history, and you'll see the highlights on a fun guided walk that's not your typical city tour. Meet a local "night watchman" who will take you back in time on a stroll down cobbled streets and across stone bridges. During this 1.5-hour group tour, your guide will point out historic architectural landmarks dating back hundreds of years. 

Day 3: Train to Grindelwald, 007 Cable Car

Get ready for another scenic railway journey! This time, you'll travel by train three hours from Lucerne to Grindelwald. This village in the Bernese Oberland region of southern Switzerland is renowned for its breathtaking mountain scenery. It's surrounded by some of the most iconic peaks in the Swiss Alps—including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau—and is a popular base for outdoor activities like hiking.

After checking into your hotel, you'll meet a driver and transfer to the opposite side of the valley and the resort town of Mürren. There, hop in a cable car for the scenic 30-40-minute ride to the Schilthorn peak, which was featured in the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." At the top is a revolving restaurant and viewing platform. Later, transfer back to Grindelwald.

Day 4: E-Bike Tour of Lauterbrunnen Valley & Waterfalls

The adventure continues this morning with a bike ride along scenic forest paths to the storybook village of Lauterbrunnen. This entire region is part of a UNESCO-listed scenic area known as the "Valley of the 72 Waterfalls." It's filled with natural wonders, many of which you'll see on this full-day excursion. Highlights include riding through lush coniferous forests and along the Lütschine glacial river.

Also, you can bet there will be stops to marvel at the region's famous cascades. One break includes a short hike to the awe-inspiring Staubbach Falls, which plunge 974 feet (297 m) over a cliff face near a village. You'll also visit the otherworldly Trümmelbach Falls—a network of glacier-fed waterfalls inside a mountain. Lunch will be a Swiss picnic comprised of a selection of sausages and cheeses from the region. At the end of the day, you'll cycle back to Grindelwald.

Day 5: Day Trip to Interlaken, Kayaking on Lake Brienz

Meet your driver in the morning and transfer down the mountain from Grindelwald to Interlaken. Nestled between two turquoise lakes (Thun and Brienz), this picture-postcard town offers a dramatic backdrop with the towering Swiss Alps. During spring and summer, it's also a popular destination for water activities.

Upon arrival, you'll head to the shores of Lake Brienz, where you'll meet your kayaking guide. After strapping on your life vest, hop in a kayak and paddle across Brienz's glassy turquoise waters as you enjoy views of the surrounding peaks. During this group ride, you'll travel along waterfront cliffs, stop at hidden beaches, and visit castles dating to the 12th century. At the end of the excursion, you'll transfer back to your hotel in Grindelwald. 

Day 6: Train to Zermatt, Village Tour

This morning, board a train for the three-hour ride farther south to Zermatt. Located in Switzerland's Pennine Alps, this is yet another idyllic mountain town. Mostly, Zermatt is famous for its views of the nearby Matterhorn peak—an iconic mountain you'll see up close and personal a little while later. For now, check into your hotel and drop off your bags. Then, meet your guide for a small-group walking tour around town.

Zermatt is the model of the charming Swiss Alpine town, filled with chalets and tranquil streets backed by rugged mountain peaks. Your guide will lead you to its traditional Old Town. Running through it is Bahnhofstrasse, the main street lined with boutiques, restaurants, and cafés. No matter where you find yourself during this two-hour excursion, you'll enjoy views of the nearby Matterhorn. Your guide will reveal a bit of history regarding this famous mountain and how vital it is for tourism in the area.

Day 7: Cable Car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Embark on perhaps the most famous gondola ride in all of Europe today: the 40-minute journey up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. At 12,740 feet (3,883 m), this is the highest mountain station on the continent. At the summit, there's a viewing platform where you can enjoy 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding Alpine peaks that are unrivaled anywhere else in the world. After some time at the summit, you'll transfer back down to Zermatt.

Day 8: Train to Montreux, Explore Switzerland's Riviera

Enjoy a respite from the high-altitude adventures today with a trip to Montreux. This resort town sits on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) and is renowned for its scenic beauty, cultural events, and pleasant climate. All around Montreux are UNESCO-listed vineyards and historic castles. The area here is so charming that it's known as the Montreux Riviera. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to the hotel, where you'll spend the next couple of nights.

Then, you'll have the rest of the day to explore. Take a stroll on the waterfront promenade, enjoy a boat ride on the lake, and/or visit the medieval Château de Chillon. Definitely don't miss the flamboyant statue of Freddie Mercury. Located on the lakeshore, the statue pays homage to the lead singer of Queen, who made Montreux his home for many years.

Day 9: Day Trip to Gruyères: Cheesemaking & Chocolate

Today's tour is a foodie's dream! That's because you'll discover Switzerland's rich cheesemaking heritage firsthand. You could spend months in this country sampling various regional cheeses and still not exhaust the delicious possibilities. Today's outing focuses on the famous Gruyère cheese combined with a countryside tour and a visit to a historic castle.

This full-day tour begins in the morning at your hotel, where you'll meet your driver/guide. Then, transfer through rural Alpine landscapes to the medieval village of Gruyères, known for the eponymous cheese. While here, you'll visit a cheesemaking factory to learn about Gruyères' hundreds of years of history, see the aging process, and enjoy free samples of this nutty, sweet, and salty delicacy.

Afterward, you'll have some time to wander the town's cobbled streets and tour its most famous landmark: the 13th-century Gruyères Castle. The excursion concludes at the Maison Cailler chocolate museum in the nearby village of Broc. Here, you'll enjoy a multisensory tasting experience and even create your own chocolate bar. Later, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 10: Train to Geneva, Sightseeing Tour, Depart

It's time to say a bittersweet goodbye to Switzerland. However, you'll sneak in one last memorable tour before heading to the airport. In the morning, leave Montreux on a one-hour scenic railway trip around the lake to Geneva. This attractive lakeside metropolis is home to the European offices of the United Nations, plus a well-preserved Old Town.

Take the rest of the morning to enjoy the city on a tour. Along with a guide, you'll stroll Geneva's cobbled streets and visit historic buildings like St. Pierre Cathedral. This Gothic/neoclassical landmark dates to the 12th century and was a centerpiece of the Reformation. If there's time later, you can also stroll the waterfront, pop in at a café for a hot chocolate, and visit a museum (like the Red Cross Museum or the Museum of Art and History). Then, at the scheduled time, meet your driver for the transfer to the airport and your flight home. Safe travels!