8 Days • 7 Nights
Swiss Alps Explorer: Lucerne, Interlaken & Zermatt
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll ascend Mt Titlis and cruise Lake Lucerne, ride to Jungfraujoch and explore the Lauterbrunnen valley, then take the scenic train to car-free Zermatt, where the unmistakable pyramid of the Matterhorn rises above the village. The Gornergrat cogwheel railway delivers one of the greatest mountain panoramas on earth.
With comfortable hotels, scenic rail and the key excursions arranged, it is the Alps at their most unforgettable.
Trip Highlights
- The glacier summit of Mt Titlis and Lake Lucerne
- Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe', and Lauterbrunnen
- Grindelwald First or the Schilthorn's Piz Gloria
- Car-free Zermatt beneath the mighty Matterhorn
- The Gornergrat cogwheel railway and its panorama
- The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
- A traditional Swiss fondue dinner
- Seven nights across Lucerne, Interlaken and Zermatt
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Arrive in Zurich and travel to Lucerne, pausing at the Rhine Falls. Settle in with a welcome dinner by the lake.
Ascend the glacier summit of Mt Titlis by revolving cable car, then explore Lucerne's Chapel Bridge and cruise the shimmering lake.
A scenic journey to Interlaken between its two lakes, riding up to Harder Kulm for the classic view of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.
The cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch at 3,454m — the Ice Palace, the Sphinx deck and vast glacier views — with a fondue dinner tonight.
Explore the Lauterbrunnen valley of waterfalls and ride up to Grindelwald First or the Schilthorn's Piz Gloria for thrilling cliff-top views.
Take the scenic train to car-free Zermatt, where the iconic Matterhorn towers above the village. An afternoon among its chalet-lined streets.
Ride the Gornergrat cogwheel railway to a breathtaking panorama of the Matterhorn and twenty-nine peaks, and up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
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
- 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.
Why is Zermatt car-free?
Zermatt bans combustion cars to keep its air clean and its Matterhorn views pristine. You arrive by train and get around on foot or by electric taxi — part of its charm.
Will we definitely see the Matterhorn?
The Matterhorn is often clear but can hide in cloud. With two nights and the Gornergrat excursion, your chances of that iconic view are excellent.
More Adventure Journeys
Adventure
Customizable
El Salvador Highlights: Volcanoes, Flowers & Surf
El Salvador Highlights: Volcanoes, Flowers & Surf
El Salvador
Adventure
Customizable
El Salvador Short Escape: Volcanoes & Surf
El Salvador Short Escape: Volcanoes & Surf
El Salvador
Adventure
Customizable
Grand El Salvador: The Complete Country
Grand El Salvador: The Complete Country
El Salvador