9 Days • 8 Nights
Scenic Switzerland: Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken & Zermatt
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll explore Zurich and lakeside Lucerne, cross the glacier summit of Mt Titlis, ride to Jungfraujoch and wander the Lauterbrunnen valley, then take the scenic train to car-free Zermatt for the Gornergrat panorama and the unmistakable Matterhorn. It is an unhurried, richly scenic tour of the very best of the country.
With comfortable hotels, scenic rail and the key excursions arranged, it is Switzerland savoured at just the right pace.
Trip Highlights
- Lakeside Zurich and medieval Lucerne
- The glacier summit of Mt Titlis and a lake cruise
- Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe', and Lauterbrunnen
- Grindelwald First and Harder Kulm
- Car-free Zermatt beneath the Matterhorn
- The Gornergrat cogwheel railway panorama
- The thundering Rhine Falls and a fondue dinner
- Eight nights across four iconic bases
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Arrive in Zurich and settle in, with a welcome dinner to begin your Swiss adventure.
Travel to Lucerne via the thundering Rhine Falls, exploring the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument and cruising the lake.
Ride the revolving cable car to the glacier summit of Mt Titlis for the Ice Flyer, a glacier cave and snow play with panoramic views.
A scenic journey to Interlaken, riding up to Harder Kulm for the classic view of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.
The cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch at 3,454m for the Ice Palace, the Sphinx deck and glacier views, with a fondue dinner tonight.
Explore the waterfall valley of Lauterbrunnen and ride to Grindelwald First for the Cliff Walk and Alpine views.
Take the scenic train to car-free Zermatt beneath the Matterhorn, with an afternoon among its chalet-lined streets.
Ride the Gornergrat cogwheel railway to a breathtaking panorama of the Matterhorn and twenty-nine peaks.
A final Alpine breakfast before your transfer for the onward flight.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private arrival and departure transfers
- 1 night Zurich, 2 nights Lucerne, 3 nights Interlaken, 2 nights Zermatt
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Swiss fondue dinner
- Scenic rail travel between destinations with reservations
- A Mt Titlis excursion and a Lake Lucerne cruise
- The Jungfraujoch cogwheel-train excursion and Grindelwald First
- The Gornergrat railway and Matterhorn views
- The Rhine Falls en route and local assistance throughout
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from the tour
- Schengen visa or ETIAS fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and cable cars beyond those stated
- City tourist tax, payable at your hotels
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Switzerland is in the Schengen area, so most non-EU visitors need a Schengen visa (and ETIAS once it launches). Your passport should be valid at least three months beyond your stay — we can advise
- Currency: The currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF); Switzerland is not in the eurozone. Cards are accepted everywhere, and while some places take euros, change is given in francs
- It is expensive: Switzerland is one of the world's priciest countries, so budget generously for meals, drinks and incidentals beyond your package
- Scenic trains & passes: Your package includes rail travel and mountain excursions; the great scenic trains such as the Glacier and Bernina Express need seat reservations, which we arrange for you
- Mountain weather: Alpine weather changes quickly and summit trips like Jungfraujoch and the Matterhorn depend on conditions. Dress in warm layers year-round — there is snow at the top even in summer
- Swiss punctuality: Trains run famously on time to the minute, and connections can be tight, so always be on the platform a few minutes early
- Seasons: Summer (June-September) is glorious for hiking, lakes and clear peaks; winter (December-March) is magical for snow and skiing; spring and autumn are quieter and beautiful
- Altitude: Jungfraujoch sits at 3,454m and other summits are very high, so take it slowly up top and drink water — some visitors feel light-headed
- Alpine sun: The mountain sun is strong, especially on snow, so bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Switzerland is deeply eco-conscious, so please recycle and respect nature
- Tipping & water: Service is included, so simply rounding up is plenty. Tap water is excellent and free, and refillable bottles are the norm
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and a traditional Swiss fondue dinner, plus any lunches named in the itinerary (such as a scenic-train lunch). Other meals are left free so you can explore Switzerland's cafes and restaurants.
Are the scenic trains and excursions included?
Yes — your rail travel and the mountain excursions named in each itinerary (such as Jungfraujoch, Mt Titlis and Gornergrat) are included, with seat reservations for the scenic trains arranged for you.
Do I need a visa for Switzerland?
Most non-EU visitors need a Schengen visa. We can guide you through the requirements and provide the documentation you need for your application.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer (June-September) is ideal for hiking, lakes and clear peaks, while winter (December-March) is wonderful for snow and skiing. Spring and autumn are quieter and beautifully scenic.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, hotels, excursions and even the scenic-train routes can all be tailored, and we can combine Switzerland with France or Italy. Just tell us your wishes.
Are the mountain excursions weather-dependent?
The high summits can close briefly in poor weather. We build in flexibility and your guide will rearrange the days to give you the best possible conditions.
How do we travel between cities?
By Switzerland's superb scenic trains, with your rail travel and reservations included. The journeys are a highlight in themselves, gliding past lakes and peaks.
Is nine days a comfortable pace?
Yes — with multi-night stays in Lucerne, Interlaken and Zermatt, you settle in and enjoy each region rather than constantly packing.
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