Duration: 9 Days
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. Another highlight of this Switzerland train tour is the journey aboard the Bernina Express 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!
Other rail journeys you’ll experience on this tour through Switzerland are the Golden Pass Panoramic train to Montreux, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and known as the “Swiss Riviera.” You’ll feel like you are 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!
Traveller Notes
Adventure is knocking 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, complimentary headsets. To make your train journey more comfortable, one piece of luggage will be transferred from one hotel to the next. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!
- Fun fact: 90% of the Swiss rail network’s energy comes from hydro-electric power, making train travel a climate-friendly form of transportation.
- Maximum elevation on tour—11,332 ft.
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
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. (D)
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. Alternatively, sign up for an optional excursion. Today's Distance: 37 mi/ 60 km (B)
Depart Lucerne on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express. Cross Brunig Pass en route to Interlaken and spend some time strolling through the quaint streets. From Interlaken, take the GoldenPass panoramic train for your unforgettable journey to Montreux, then continue to Lausanne. Today's Distance: 155 mi/ 250 km (B)
Depart for 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 maybe join an optional guided excursion to Chillon Castle before continuing by train to Zermatt. Today's Distance: 109 mi/ 175 km (B,D)
An included excursion takes you to the famous Gornergrat, travelling 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, cafes, bars, and picturesque streets to explore. (B)
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 (B,D)
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 (B)
Leave St. Moritz for the journey back to Zurich. Enjoy some time at leisure and take a stroll around the city centre. 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 (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
