Scenic Switzerland by Train (6010)

9 Day Tour from Zürich to Zürich

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This Scenic Switzerland by Train tour is the perfect way to see Switzerland’s breathtaking mountains, charming mountain resorts, fascinating old towns, and beautiful lakes—all while you relax aboard Switzerland’s famous trains. You’ll overnight in Zurich, Lucerne, Lausanne, the Zermatt area, and St. Moritz. One of the highlights of this Switzerland train tour is the train journey aboard the Glacier Express from Zermatt, a picturesque cluster of rustic chalets beneath the majestic Matterhorn, to glitzy St. Moritz, one of the world’s most famous resorts. From your carriage windows, marvel at the thundering waterfalls, impressive snow-capped peaks, glacial ice fields, lush meadows, and picture-perfect villages. On this Switzerland train tour, you’ll also love the journey aboard the Bernina Express (aka, the red train) from St Moritz to Tirano, Italy. Traveling on the highest railway across the Alps, you’ll witness glistening glaciers, stunning mountain streams, and alpine scenery, through tunnels and over bridges that are engineering masterpieces! But that’s not all…in Zermatt you’ll also experience the Gornergrat open-air cog railway, Europe’s highest. You’ll cross remarkable bridges, pass through tunnels along rocky ravines and beautiful lakes. The views of the Matterhorn from the top are nothing short of spectacular! Another celebrated rail journey you’ll experience on this tour through Switzerland is aboard the Golden Pass Panoramic train to Montreux, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and known as the “Swiss Riviera.” You’ll feel immersed in the landscapes passing you by. Stunning scenery and thrilling train rides…there’s no better way to see scenic Switzerland! So, grab your camera and get ready for an amazing, value-minded adventure!

The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore in smaller groups with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and complimentary headsets. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app. And that’s not all! Your tour includes peak experiences aboard the Glacier Express featuring the Golden Pass Panoramic train to Montreux in the Swiss Riviera; the Glacier Express for stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps; the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy; and the Gornergrat open-air cog railway for breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.

Dates & Prices Book Online

800.646.5374

Photo Highlights

Meals

Meals & Itinerary

Buffet breakfasts daily; 3 dinners

Notes:

To make your train journey more comfortable, one piece of luggage will be transferred from one hotel to the next.

This rail tour requires guests to walk between hotels and train stations. Uneven terrain and stairs in some train stations and included experiences may pose challenges for guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. HIgh altitudes may be challenging for some guests. Maximum elevation is 10,100 ft. (3086 m) at Gornergrat and 5,978 ft (1,822 m) at St. Moritz.

Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Zurich with the help of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.

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Dinner

Day 2 ZURICH–LUCERNE

Board the train for your journey from Zurich to Lucerne. Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most idyllic medieval cities, surrounded by a beautiful lake and nestled amidst snow-capped Alps. The rest of the day is at leisure to discover the delights of this charming city such as the famous wooden bridge or the picturesque town centre.
Today’s Distance: 37 mi/ 60 km

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Breakfast

Day 3 LUCERNE–INTERLAKEN–GOLDENPASS MOB PANORAMIC TRAIN TO MONTREUX–LAUSANNE

Depart Lucerne on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express. Cross Brunig Pass en route to Interlaken and spend some time strolling through the quaint streets or aim a little higher with an optional excursion by funicular to the Harder Kulm for lunch and magnificent views of the legendary Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. From Interlaken, take the Golden Pass panoramic train for your unforgettable journey to Montreux, then continue to Lausanne.
Today’s Distance: 155 mi/ 250 km

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Breakfast

Day 4 LAUSANNE–MONTREUX–TÄSCH–ZERMATT AREA

Discover the delightful Swiss mountain region of Zermatt. En route, stop to visit the town of Montreux, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, surrounded by vineyards against the breathtaking backdrop of snow-covered Alps. Enjoy some free time or consider an optional guided excursion to Chillon Castle. standing as solid as its rocky island on which it has endured on the water’s edge for nearly four centuries. Enjoy a wine tasting of local wine before continuing by train to Zermatt.
Today’s Distance: 109 mi/ 175 km

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 5 ZERMATT. GORNERGRAT EXCURSION

An included excursion takes you to the famous Gornergrat, traveling on board Europe’s highest rack railway. The views of the Matterhorn from its summit are nothing short of spectacular. The rest of the day is at leisure in Zermatt—with a variety of interesting shops, cafés, bars, and picturesque streets to explore.

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Breakfast

Day 6 ZERMATT AREA–GLACIER EXPRESS–ST. MORITZ

The train journey today aboard the spectacular Glacier Express is without a doubt one of the main highlights of the tour. Enjoy unforgettable views as you make your way through the unspoiled natural beauty of the Alps on the direct route to the world-famous mountain resort of St. Moritz. This picture-perfect town is more than just a holiday resort. It was also the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism (in 1864) and has twice hosted the Winter Olympics. Stretch your legs this evening, and admire the beautiful chalets decorated with gorgeous geraniums.
Today’s Distance: 174 mi/ 280 km

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 7 ST. MORITZ. BERNINA EXPRESS EXCURSION TO TIRANO, ITALY

Take the Bernina Express train (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to Tirano and back for one of Europe’s most spectacular and breathtaking train rides. Travel across the lofty Bernina Pass via the Swiss Poschiavo area to Tirano in the Italian Valtellina, witnessing an array of beautiful mountain streams, glaciers, and alpine scenery along the way.
Today’s Distance: 75 mi/ 120 km

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Breakfast

Day 8 ST. MORITZ–ZURICH

Leave St. Moritz for the journey back to Zurich. Enjoy some time at leisure and take a stroll around the city center. Perhaps indulge in some chocolate tasting or follow the course of the river Limmat until it reaches the banks of Lake Zurich.
Today’s Distance: 137 mi/ 220 km

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Breakfast

Day 9 ZURICH

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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Breakfast

Tour Director

With COSMOS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

FIORENZA VABLE

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

“Incredible skiing on the Swiss Alps and delicious chocolate are not the only reasons for visiting Switzerland. The train rides through the beauty of lakes, mountains, villages, and valleys; tasting wine in the cellars of a historical castle where time seems to have stopped in the Lavaux area by Lake Geneva; getting up in the morning to admire the Matterhorn turning pink and gold during sunrise; meeting locals while enjoying a festival.These are the other reasons to come and visit what I call the "Real Switzerland."”

Accommodations

Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyCosmos site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)

Lucerne Area

Interlaken

Montreux

Lucerne Area

Lake Lucerne Cruise

Experience the hypnotic beauty of sparkling Lake Lucerne on this enjoyable 1-hour sightseeing cruise.

Price Range: $

Swiss Folklore

Raise a glass and toast an unforgettable evening of traditional entertainment during this excursion featuring a 3-course feast of local specialties, alphorns, yodeling, and festive Swiss music and dancing.

Price Range: $$

Interlaken

LUNCH WITH A VIEW OVER INTERLAKEN

Ride the funicular up to the spectacular Harder Kulm overlook for sweeping panoramic views of the Bernese Oberland. Enjoy the unique experience of listening to the traditional Alphorn and a lovely lunch surrounded by nature's splendor.

Price Range: $$

Montreux

Chillon Castle Discovery and Swiss Wine Tasting

The beauty and magic of Lake Geneva truly comes to life on this fantastic guided visit to legendary Chillon Castle, followed by a tasting of the locally produced Swiss wines!

Price Range: $$

The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include International airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).