Things to Know Before Travel
● Private Partially-guided Tour: Our private partially-guided tour is tailored considering the high cost of living and private guiding in Switzerland. Switzerland's safety and ease of travel make the fully-guided tours often unnecessary. Meanwhile, it allows us to design a cost-effective tour with self-guided scenic train transfers for longer journeys and guided assistance tours for key city tours and mountain excursions, optimizing your budget and exploration.
● Combination of Private Car & 1st Class Train: Combining both private car transfers and 1st class train travels in your trip offers a well-rounded experience. Private transfers provide convenience and comfort, allowing you to explore at your own pace. While train rides are efficient, scenic, and culturally immersive. This combination guarantees you can enjoy the beauty of Switzerland's landscapes, and have a flexible and diverse travel experience.
● Handpicked 4-star Hotels near Train Stations: Choosing hotels near train stations offers practical benefits for your trip. These hotels offer convenient access to both transportations and attractions, saving time and effort when moving around, particularly during certain self-guided train journeys. The comfort and quality of the 4-star hotels also ensure you a pleasant stay.
|
Day 1: Private Airport Pick-up; Geneva Orientation Tour; Transfer to Zermatt
Upon arrival at Geneva Airport, your private driver will be waiting to pick you up outside the terminal and start your journey. The driver will provide you with an orientation tour of Geneva, which will show you the main attractions of the city passing by and make short stops for you to admire from outside and take photos. You'll have chance to see landmarks such as Palace of Nations, Jet d'Eau Fountain, Flower Clock and more. Next, you will be driven to Montreux and pass by the captivating Chillon Castle located on the bank of Lake Geneva and backed by snowy mountains. If time permits, you can go inside the castle to take in its rich history and stunning architecture. After the visit, you'll be transferred to Tasch, which serves as the gateway to Zermatt, a car-free mountain resort, so vehicles are not allowed. At Tasch train station, you will board a train to Zermatt individually and the 12-minute short journey takes you through scenic landscapes and brings you closer to the majestic Matterhorn. Upon arrival, walk just a few minutes to the hotel and check in on your own. Service Included: Airport pick-up in Geneva; A driver-led orientation tour with no entrance; Private car transfer to Tasch; 1st class train from Tasch to Zermatt; Entry to Chillon Castle in Montreux (if time permits). Accommodation: SchlossHotel Zermatt Active & CBD Spa Hotel (4 stars) or similar
|
Day 2: Private Guided Mountain Excursion to Gornergrat by Rail
Prepare for an exciting day as you start a private guided mountain excursion to Gornergrat. Your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby in the morning. You will walk about 10 minutes together to Gornergrat Bahn station which is just opposite to Zermatt main station, then board a cogwheel train there that will take you to the summit of Gornergrat. As you ascend, your knowledgeable guide will accompany you on this 33-minute cogwheel train ride, sharing attractive understandings about the surrounding landscape, the Swiss Alps, and the history of the region. The train ride itself is a masterpiece, passing through picturesque valleys and offering glimpses of glaciers, quaint villages, and lush slopes. Upon reaching the Gornergrat summit, situated at an altitude of 3,089 meters (10,135 feet), you'll appreciate a breathtaking panorama of towering peaks, including the world-famous Matterhorn. Your guide will lead you to the best vantage points, and provide explanations about the geographical features, Alpine ecology, and mountaineering history that have shaped this remarkable landscape. After savoring the awe-inspiring vistas and capturing nice photographs, you'll have time to relax and enjoy refreshments at the Kulm Hotel's terrace cafe, which provides a unique dining experience surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. At the appointed time, you'll make your descent with the guide back to Zermatt by the cogwheel train. Service Included: Round-way cogwheel train rides; Gornergrat excursion ticket; Expert guide service. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: SchlossHotel Zermatt Active & CBD Spa Hotel (4 stars) or similar
|
Day 3: 1st Class Train Ride on the Legendary Glacier Express to St. Moritz (Self-guided)
Glacier Express Today you will hop on the iconic Glacier Express train that takes you on a breathtaking ride through the heart of the Swiss Alps, known as the "slowest express train in the world". The route stretches for 291 kilometers, connecting two famous mountain resorts: Zermatt and St. Moritz. This legendary train ride takes approximately 8 hours. With its panoramic windows, comfortable seating, and onboard amenities, the Glacier Express offers a luxurious and unforgettable way to explore the picturesque valleys, charming alpine villages, and dramatic gorges along the way. Additional Information:The Glacier Express isn’t in service from late October to early December. It offers different scenic experiences depending on the season. In winter, you can witness snow-capped landscapes, while summer showcases vibrant greenery and colorful alpine flowers. Overall, the Glacier Express promises a magical and immersive experience. Service Included: 1st class Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz with seat reservation. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Crystal Hotel superior, St. Moritz (4 stars) or similar
Glacier Express
Picturesque Scenery
|
Day 4: 1st Class Train Ride to Vaduz; Explore Vaduz; Head for Zurich by Rail (Self-guided)
In the morning, you’ll take a train ride to commence your day trip to Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. Since there isn't a direct train from St. Moritz to Vaduz, your journey will comprise of a train and a bus ride. First, you'll board a train from St. Moritz to Sargans, which is approximately a 2.5-hour journey, with one transit in Landquart or Chur. Upon reaching Sargans, you'll transfer to Liechtenstein Bus (No. 11 or 12E) that will transport you to the Vaduz Post bus station. The bus terminal is conveniently located just outside the Sargans train station and the bus ride to Vaduz takes around 30 minutes. Upon your arrival in the charming alpine town of Vaduz, you could start a walking tour to visit major attractions at your own pace. These include the Postmuseum Vaduz, which showcases Liechtenstein's postal history and offers free admission. You could also explore the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, housing an array of international and contemporary art from the 19th century onwards, with an entry fee of CHF 15 per person (closed on Mondays). Another focus is the Liechtenstein National Museum (Landesmuseum), exhibiting the country's culture, nature, and history with a standard entry ticket costing CHF 10 per person (closed on Mondays). Not to miss is the modern Vaduz Town Hall (Rathaus Vaduz) that could only be viewed from the exterior. Following this, you could enjoy a delightful 35-minute Mini City Train Tour around Vaduz with the price of CHF 11 per ticket, making a loop around the pedestrian city center and up towards Vaduz Castle. Finally, you can commemorate your visit to Liechtenstein with a passport stamp at the Liechtenstein Center for CHF 3, where you might also wish to browse for some souvenirs. At the end of this enriching day, take a bus ride back to Sargans, then continue an hour-long train journey to Zurich. Please be aware that any tickets for above attractions and mini city train, if any, are payable directly at the respective venues on your own. Service Included: 1st class train from St. Moritz to Sargans and Sargans to Zurich; Bus journey from Sargans to Vaduz and return. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Central Plaza Hotel Zurich (4 stars) or similar
|
Day 5: Private Guided Zurich Walking Tour and Rhine Falls Visit by Rail
After breakfast, you will meet your private guide in the hotel lobby who will lead you on a personalized walking tour of the city. The highlights of the tour can be customized based on your preferences, and here are some key attractions: ► Old Town (Altstadt): Explore Zurich's charming Old Town, known for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and well-preserved medieval architecture. Visit landmarks like Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and St. Peter's Church, each with its unique historical significance. ► Bahnhofstrasse: Take a stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping streets. Marvel at luxury boutiques, elegant shops, and fine dining establishments. ► Zurich Art Museum (Kunsthaus Zurich): If you're interested in art, consider visiting the Kunsthaus Zurich, one of Switzerland's most important art museums. It houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. After the walking tour, make your way to the Rhine Falls, one of Europe's largest and most breathtaking waterfalls. You will take a train with your guide from Zurich HB to Neuhausen Rheinfall. The train ride takes approximately 50 minutes. From Neuhausen train station, you can walk towards Rhine Falls, taking about 5 minutes. Once arrival at Rhine Falls, you will go to the observation deck to get up close to the falls, take a boat ride to reach the rock in the middle of the falls (optional), and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Please be noted that the boat ride ticket (CHF 20 per adult) should be purchased directly on the spot at your own expense. In winters, we don’t recommend to go for Rhine Falls as boat ride and other services operate only until end of October. Information about Rock Experience Boat Ride at Rhine Falls (Payable on spot)You will enjoy the Rhine Falls from a unique perspective during the exclusive Rock Experience. Step aboard one of the traditional crafted boats that takes you to the heart of the Rhine Falls - the mighty Middle Rock. During your 20-minute stay on the rock, you'll have the chance to ascend more than 100 steps to reach the 30-meter-high viewing platform. The climb is well worth it, as it grants you a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the magnificent Rhine Falls. Don’t miss the photo opportunity on the way back to the harbor that you will be offered another incomparable backdrop of this natural wonder. At the end of the day, simply follow the same route, and your guide will accompany you on the train back to Zurich. Service Included: Private guided Zurich walking tour; Train ride from Zurich HB to Schaffhausen and back; Visit to the Rhine Falls; Expert guide service. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Central Plaza Hotel Zurich (4 stars) or similar
Zurich Old Town
Zurich Grossmünster
|
Day 6: Private Transfer to Lucerne; Guided Walking Tour & Mt. Titlis Excursion by Rail
You will begin with a car transfer from Zurich to Lucerne this morning. Your personal driver will pick you up at your hotel and transport you comfortably to Lucerne. The estimated transfer time is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Upon arrival in Lucerne, you will take a guided 1-hour walking tour to explore the city's highlights. You will visit iconic landmarks such as the Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and the picturesque Old Town. You will get more historical and interesting facts about Lucerne's rich culture and heritage during the trip. After the walking tour, it's time for the highly anticipated Mt. Titlis excursion. Travel by rail to Engelberg, where you will board the Titlis Rotair, the world's first revolving cable car, to ascend to the summit of Mt. Titlis, admiring the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and pristine alpine landscapes. At the summit, immerse yourself in various attractions and activities. Highlights include the famous Titlis Cliff Walk, Europe's highest suspension bridge; the Ice Flyer chairlift, offering a thrilling ride over the glacier; the Glacier Cave, a magical ice tunnel carved into the heart of the glacier. After descending from Mt. Titlis, you will return to Lucerne by rail with your guide. Service Included: Private car transfer from Zurich to Lucerne; Guided 1-hour Lucerne walking tour; Mt Titlis excursion by rail with guide. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: CASCADA Boutique Hotel, Lucerne (4 stars) or similar
Lucerne Chapel Bridge
Lion Monument in Lucerne
|
Day 7: 1st Class Train Ride to Interlaken (Self-guided); Leisure Afternoon in Interlaken
Today you will take a train ride to Interlaken, the first section of the famous Golden Pass Line. The journey offers breathtaking views along the way and it takes around 2 hours. Interlaken is a stunning Swiss destination nestled between the scenic lakes of Thun and Brienz. Upon arrival, you will have a leisurely afternoon to explore this charming town. Here are some recommended activities and highlights: ► Explore Interlaken: Take a stroll through the streets of Interlaken and soak in the idyllic atmosphere. Admire the traditional Swiss architecture, visit local shops, and stop by cafes for a delightful Swiss treat. ► Boat Ride on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on either Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, both of which offer stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and pristine waters. For boat ride on Lake Thun, you can head to Interlaken West train station. From there, it's a short walk to the nearby Interlaken West Boat Station, where you can board the boat for a scenic cruise on Lake Thun. For boat ride on Lake Brienz, similarly, you can go to Interlaken Ost train station. The Interlaken Ost Boat Station is located within walking distance from the Ost train station. This is where you can catch the boat for cruise on Lake Brienz. ► Adventure Sports: For thrill-seekers, Interlaken is renowned for its adventure sports opportunities. Consider trying activities like paragliding or canyoning under the guidance of professional instructors (additional cost, advanced booking if needed). ► Local Cuisine: Indulge in delicious Swiss cuisine by dining at one of the many restaurants in Interlaken. Try traditional dishes like fondue or raclette, paired with refreshing Swiss beer or local wine. Service Included: 1st class panoramic sightseeing train from Lucerne to Interlaken Ost; Boat ride on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz (included in Travel Pass). Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Krebs, Interlaken (4 stars) or similar
Interlaken
Lake Brienz Boat Ride
|
Day 8: Private Guided Mountain Excursion to Jungfraujoch by Rail
Get ready for an extraordinary mountain excursion to Jungfraujoch - "Top of Europe" with your private guide, who will accompany you throughout the day, providing commentary and assistance. In the morning, your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and travel with you to Jungfraujoch by rail. He/she will ensure you a seamless experience, managing any ticket arrangements and logistics along the way. Transportations:To reach Jungfraujoch from Interlaken Ost, start your journey by taking a 30-minute train ride to Grindelwald Terminal firstly. From there, board the gondola lift bound for Eigergletscher, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. At Eigergletscher, transfer to the Jungfrau Railway to take a cogwheel train. Embark on this scenic ascent to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. The entire journey, including transfers, takes less than 2 hours. Attractions and Trip Highlights:Once you reach Jungfraujoch, make sure to explore the various attractions. You’ll be amazed by breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, from the Sphinx Observatory. Visit the enchanting Ice Palace and explore its intricate ice sculptures in this fascinating world inside a glacier. Take a walk through the Alpine Sensation exhibiting interactive displays and multimedia presentations. If weather permits, consider enjoying short hikes in the high alpine landscape. Your private guide can provide recommendations on the best trails and viewpoints based on your preferences and strength. These experiences all contribute to an unforgettable excursion to the "Top of Europe". After exploring Jungfraujoch and soaking in the majestic scenery, your tour guide will accompany you back to hotel. Travel Tips:1. Ensure to exchange the provided Jungfraujoch Voucher for the original ticket at the counter of Interlaken Ost Train Station. Your guide will help you with it. 2. Remember to dress warmly as temperatures can be cooler at higher altitudes. Service Included: All train journeys; Excursion ticket to Jungfraujoch; Expert guide service. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Krebs, Interlaken (4 stars) or similar
|
Day 9: Private Scenic Drive to Geneva; Visit Berne and Gruyeres on the Way
Today you will embark on a private scenic drive to Geneva, with stops in Berne and Gruyeres along the way. After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up at the hotel and start the journey. Generally, the transfer from Interlaken to Berne takes around 1 hour, then another 1 hour to Gruyeres. The drive from Gruyeres to Geneva is about 1.5 to 2 hours. You could communicate your interests and preferences to your driver to ensure a personalized experience tailored to your desires. Upon arrival in Berne, you could explore the city center on your own. Stroll through the charming Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire the well-maintained medieval architecture, including the famous Clock Tower (Zytglogge), the Bear Park, and the Berne Cathedral. Continue your journey to Gruyeres, a picturesque village known for its cheese production. Visit the Gruyere Cheese Factory, where you can learn about the traditional cheese-making process and sample delicious Swiss cheese. Service Included: Private car transfer from Interlaken to Geneva with stops in Berne and Gruyeres; Entry to the Gruyere Cheese Factory; Experienced driver-guide service. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Warwick Geneva (4 stars) or similar
|
Day 10: Geneva Airport See-off
According to your flight departure time, the driver will collect you from the hotel and transfer you to Geneva Airport. Have a pleasant journey and farewell to Switzerland! Service Included: Private car transfer from hotel to Geneva Airport. Meals: Breakfast
|