The snow-capped Alps and the bright emerald meadows speak to the diverse landscape that will be found during your customizable itinerary for Switzerland. Travel on luxury trains across the secluded towns and the steep slopes to discover the views of shimmering lakes with the dramatic peak of the Matterhorn. The historical districts of the fascinating cities reflect both medieval and Renaissance artistry as the scent of chocolate combines with the aroma of evergreen trees. Opulent hotels offer...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Zurich – Arrive in Vibrant Switzerland for an Introductory City Tour
Zurich is a vibrant city set against the backdrop of the mouth of Limmat River. In the summer, locals jump into the water and drift with the current alongside the whitewashed tower homes to pass beneath the old bridges. Trees shade the walkways along the grid of the fortified Roman settlement on the left bank as bohemian neighborhoods brush against post-industrial apartments that contrast with the winding lanes and the tall church towers of the historical city center.
Your flight will land at Kloten Airport, and your private transfer will greet you upon your arrival. You will settle into the comforts of your luxurious hotel that overlooks the cobbled lanes of the antique neighborhood of Old Town and your guide will greet you in the lobby eager to lead you on an engaging tour of Switzerland’s largest city, beginning at Fraumunster. The Cathedral soars over the city with a 13th-century copper tower, and Marc Chagall crafted the remarkable stained-glass windows that depict stories from the Bible represented in bright, glowing hues.
What's Included:
Day 2
St. Gallen – Venture to Renaissance Schaffhausen en route to St. Gallen
Day 3
Lucerne – Explore the Scenery of Rapperswil, Bern, and Stunning Lucerne
Day 4
Montreux – Travel the Brunig Pass to Interlaken to View Jungfraujoch
Day 5
Zermatt – Traverse Lake Geneva to Brig and Zermatt to find the Matterhorn
Day 6
St. Moritz – Ride the Glacier Express to Chur on a Scenic Train to St. Moritz
Day 7
Lugano – Discover the Valleys and Alps that border Italy en route to Lugano
Day 8
Lucerne – Enjoy the Wilhelm Tell Express and a Cable Car Ride to Mt. Titlis
Day 9
Zurich – Return to Zurich on a Fabulous Train for a Cruise to Rhine Falls
Day 10
Zurich – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy a ride on Europe’s highest cogwheel train at more than 10,100 feet above sea level on Gornergrat Mountain
- Venture to the highest railway station in the world at more than 11,000 feet above sea level inside the Jungfrau Massif
- Relish the charm and elegance of the preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture in Schaffhausen
- Delight with your steamboat ride on the stoic waters of Lake Constance to view the largest cascade in Europe, Rhine Falls
- Embrace the car-free streets of Zermatt and the unparalleled panoramas of the infamous Matterhorn
- Revel in the beautiful scenery on a ride along the Glacier Express Railway, connecting Zermatt to Chur and St. Moritz
- Relax in the Mediterranean ambiance and Italian style of Lugano, a lakeside town located near the border of Italy
- Take the first revolving cable car around Mt. Titlis to find panoramic views of the snowcapped Alps and lush meadows below
Detailed Description
Traveling by train will allow you to relax in the wonders of the passing countryside during your 10-day grand tour of Switzerland. Your exploration will begin with your arrival in Zurich, the largest city in the Alpine country. Your private transfer will greet you at customs and escort you to your gorgeous hotel in the heart of the historical district. Meet your guide in the lobby, to begin with your in-depth tour of the fascinating cultural history of Old Town and the banks of the Limmat River. Wake the next morning to board your first train bound for Schaffhausen, and enjoy the quiet charms of the Renaissance structures and fabulous artwork around town. Continue to St. Gallen to discover the inspiring Abbey and surrounding plains of Appenzell.
The next day, you will board the Pre-Alpine Express and make your way to Rapperswil, an idyllic medieval town. Take your time to wander the beautiful streets before continuing to Lucerne to explore the covered bridges and enchanting historical center with your guide before visiting the celebrated shopping promenade. The next day, you will take the Golden Pass Line through the Brunig Pass to reach Interlaken. Traverse the streets of town before taking to the railways that lead to the highest train station in the world. Continue to the luxurious town of Montreux located on the shores of Lake Geneva.
The following day, you will travel through the Forclaz Pass to reach the town of Brig en route to the car-free streets of Zermatt. Enjoy the serene ambiance of the town as it offers unfettered views of the Matterhorn. Board the antique cog railway for a panoramic view of nearly 30 mountain peaks as they punctuate the sky. Travel next to St. Moritz on the Glacier Express, and stop in Church, the oldest city in Switzerland, to learn about the history of the ancient settlement. Relish the spectacular scenery that will lead you to the comforts of St. Moritz. Venture next to Lugano, located near the Italian border and embrace the Mediterranean climate and Italianate culture.
Ride the Wilhelm Tell Express the following day to combine the fabulous railway system of Switzerland with the thrill of taking a steamboat across Lake Lucerne. You can also ride the world’s first revolving cable car for panoramic views of the landscape around Mt. Titlis. Settle into the comforts of Lucerne for the evening, and then the next day, return to Zurich and continue to the shores of Lake Constance for a fabulous scenic boat ride to Rhine Falls. Visit the medieval village of Stein am Rhein before reaching Zurich in the afternoon, and then conclude the next day as your private transfer will greet you at your hotel and escort you to Zurich Airport for your flight home. Interested in learning more by seeing some of our travelers’ Switzerland vacation tour reviews? Click here for more.
Starting Price
$6,500 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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