• switzerland scenic rail journey in swiss alps astk

Classic Highlights of Switzerland

from £2933 excluding flights

  • 12 nights
  • Jan-Oct, Dec
Home Destinations Continental Europe Switzerland Classic Highlights of Switzerland

Highlights

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Time to explore the elegant Swiss cities of Zürich, St Moritz, Montreux and Lucerne

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Travel on the iconic Glacier Express - the slowest express train in the world

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Optional mountain excursions include iconic peaks such as the Matterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau, and Mt. Pilatus, among others.

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Take a stroll along the lakeside promenade in Montreux

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Travel on the Golden Pass Panorama Express train along the breathtaking route from Montreux to Interlaken

Why this trip...

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Carefully planned

This itinerary has been thoughtfully designed to provide the experiences and places you'll enjoy at a comfortable pace

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On track and flight free

Slow travel from London to the classic towns and cities of Europe with your rail tickets and accommodation taken care of

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Stay in great locations

This holiday features accommodation in incredible locations

Overview

This itinerary offers the perfect blend of elegant cities, like Zürich, Lucerne, and Montreux, and stunning alpine resorts, including St. Moritz, Zermatt, and the Jungfrau region. Add in the iconic Glacier Express and the scenic Golden Pass Panorama Express, and you have a journey combining quaint alpine villages with breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Zürich

Start your journey in Zürich, Switzerland’s largest city, where contemporary meets rich tradition. Zürich is a cultural hub, home to world-class museums, galleries, and theatres. Framed by stunning mountains, it’s a paradise for both urban explorers and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether strolling along the scenic Limmat River, savouring delicious Swiss cuisine, or discovering the city’s historic landmarks, Zürich offers the perfect blend of cosmopolitan elegance and natural beauty.

St Moritz

St. Moritz is a world-renowned alpine resort in the Engadin Valley of Switzerland, celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and magnificent amenities. Known as the birthplace of winter tourism, it has hosted the Winter Olympics and attracts winter sports enthusiasts with its extensive ski slopes and winter activities. In summer, St. Moritz transforms into a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and water sports enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and pristine lakes. With its vibrant cultural scene, upscale shops, gourmet dining, and wellness retreats, St. Moritz is a year-round destination that combines outdoor adventure with comfort and relaxation.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a charming mountain village at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, renowned for its stunning alpine scenery and car-free streets. Zermatt offers access to year-round outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, climbing, and mountain biking. The village features a mix of traditional Swiss chalets and modern amenities, with a vibrant dining scene and a variety of shops. Visitors can also take the Gornergrat Railway for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Montreux

Montreux, located on the shores of Lake Geneva, is famed for its stunning lake views and surrounding mountains. Known for its mild climate, Montreux boasts a beautiful lakeside promenade lined with palm trees, gardens, and historic Belle Époque buildings. Visitors can explore the nearby Chillon Castle, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful castles, the terraced vineyards in Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take a scenic boat ride on Lake Geneva. With its vibrant cultural scene, outdoor activities, and enchanting atmosphere, Montreux is a captivating destination year-round.

Jungfrau

The Jungfrau region is a stunning alpine area in Switzerland, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, dramatic peaks, and charming villages. Nestled between the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a wide array of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and mountaineering. Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe,” features a breathtaking railway that takes visitors to Europe’s highest railway station. The picturesque towns of Grindelwald, Wengen, and Lauterbrunnen serve as gateways to this magnificent region, providing access to stunning waterfalls, lush meadows, and panoramic views.

Lucerne

Lucerne, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne and framed by majestic mountains, is a captivating blend of history and modern life. Renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, the city boasts a vibrant arts scene, world-class museums, and lively annual festivals. Visitors can embark on scenic boat cruises to soak in the stunning lakeside views or take cable cars to nearby mountain peaks like Pilatus and Rigi, for breathtaking panoramas of the Swiss Alps. With its enchanting atmosphere and diverse offerings, Lucerne is an unforgettable destination for travellers seeking both cultural richness and outdoor adventure.

 

Glacier Express

The Glacier Express takes you on an unforgettable 7.5-hour journey through 180 miles of breathtaking alpine scenery at a leisurely pace of just 24 mph—because, on this train, slower truly is better! Connecting the legendary ski resorts of St. Moritz and Zermatt, nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, this is arguably Switzerland’s most scenic train ride.

From the comfort of panoramic coaches, you’ll be captivated by views of snow-capped peaks, lush alpine forests, and charming mountain villages. Highlights of the journey include the remarkable Landwasser Viaduct, a mountain-to-mountain marvel, the spectacular Oberalp Pass, and the awe-inspiring Rhine Gorge, often dubbed the ‘Grand Canyon of Switzerland.’ With nearly 300 bridges and 91 tunnels along the route, every moment is a visual feast.

Glacier Express operates between 07 December 2024 and 11 October 2025 (no operation between 12 October and 05 December 2025).

Golden Pass Panorama Express

Connecting Lake Geneva with central Switzerland, the Golden Pass route is operated on the direct Golden Pass Panoramic trains between Montreux and Interlaken. This breathtaking route through the heart of some of Europe’s finest mountain scenery, takes just over 3 hours. Highlights of the journey include the steep climb from Montreux, weaving through vineyards and country estates to the stunning scenery of Bernese Oberland.

 

Itinerary

Depart London in the morning and travel to Paris Gare du Nord on Eurostar. Transfer to Gare du Lyon, just two stops on the Paris PER, before departing on your onward journey to Zürich. Spend the following two nights in Zürich.

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Start your Swiss adventure in the cosmopolitan city of Zürich. Explore the city’s charming Old Town, stroll along the scenic Lake Zürich promenade, or visit the renowned Bahnhofstrasse for shopping. Zürich is a wonderful blend of history, culture, and modern architecture.

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St. Moritz, the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism and a two-time host of the Winter Olympics, is not just a winter wonderland—it’s equally enchanting in the summer. This legendary spa resort, where mineral springs were discovered over 3,000 years ago, transforms into a serene retreat during the warmer months. With a full day to explore this Alpine paradise, you can choose from many activities, including hiking, mountain biking, sailing, horse riding, and golf. For a truly romantic experience, don’t miss a leisurely carriage ride along the shores of the sparkling lake, through the charming town, or into the peaceful Staz Forest.

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St. Moritz, the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism and a two-time host of the Winter Olympics, is not just a winter wonderland—it’s equally enchanting in the summer. This legendary spa resort, where mineral springs were discovered over 3,000 years ago, transforms into a serene retreat during the warmer months. With a full day to explore this Alpine paradise, you can choose from many activities, including hiking, mountain biking, sailing, horse riding, and golf. For a truly romantic experience, don’t miss a leisurely carriage ride along the shores of the sparkling lake, through the charming town, or into the peaceful Staz Forest.

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Embark on the iconic Glacier Express, a classic rail journey to the renowned Swiss ski resort of Zermatt, nestled at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn. This 290-kilometer, 7.5-hour journey offers an ever-changing panorama of snow-capped peaks, dramatic valleys, and lush alpine landscapes. The train winds through spiral tunnels, crosses the breathtaking Oberalp Pass, and navigates some of Switzerland’s most stunning terrain. One of the highlights is the awe-inspiring Landwasser Viaduct—a curved, six-arched limestone marvel completed in 1902. It soars 65 meters above a ravine before leading you directly into a tunnel carved into the sheer cliff, a truly unforgettable experience on this epic journey.

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Stroll through Zermatt’s car-free village, with its charming, chalet-style buildings, boutique shops, and cozy restaurants. Visit the Matterhorn Museum to learn about the history of the town and the climbers who have attempted to conquer the Matterhorn.

The Gornergrat Railway, one of the highest cogwheel railways in Europe, takes you to the summit of Gornergrat (3,089 meters). From here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding 29 peaks over 4,000 meters high. The journey offers stunning vistas, and at the top, there are opportunities for hiking, photography, and even dining with a view.

Visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in Europe at 3,883 meters. Visit the ice palace carved inside the glacier, and marvel at the panoramic views of the Matterhorn and the Alps.

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Spend the morning exploring Zermatt or visit the Gorner Gorge, a natural wonder formed by the Gornervispe River over thousands of years. Wooden walkways and bridges allow you to safely traverse the dramatic canyon, with its rushing turquoise waters and towering rock walls. In the afternoon or early evening take the leisurely 2.5 hour train journey to Montreux via Visp. Two nights in Montreux.

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An idyllic montage of mountains, lake and vineyards… Montreux has inspired artists, writers and musicians ranging from Freddie Mercury and Prince to Igor Stravinski. It feels almost Mediterranean along the shores of Lake Geneva between Villeneuve and Lutry where Montreux Riviera enjoys a microclimate that sustains the famous terraced vineyard of Lavaux (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Enjoy a wine tour, or venture from the lake shore into the forests where walking trails lead through alpine meadows to fabulous panoramic viewpoints.

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Continue your journey on the Golden Pass Panoramic train. Leaving Montreux, enjoy the wonderful views of Lake Geneva before climbing to the glitzy Swiss resort of Gstaad and then on to a high point near Saanenmöser Pass at 1,279m, finally weaving through the mountain-framed Simmen Valley, verdant with farms and forests, before arriving in Interlaken. Two nights in Interlaken or Grindelwald.

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Whether you opt for the vibrant atmosphere of Interlaken or the enchanting alpine charm of Grindelwald, both destinations offer the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking natural beauty. Immerse yourself in Swiss culture by exploring local markets, savouring exquisite Swiss chocolate and cheese, and enjoying lively folk music performances.

For truly stunning alpine views, take the scenic train journey to Jungfraujoch. Marvel at the magnificent scenery along the way, and once you reach the summit, explore the captivating Ice Palace and soak in the panoramic vistas of the Aletsch Glacier.

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As you depart from Interlaken, the train offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the tranquil waters of Lake Brienz. The route begins with a gentle ascent through lush green valleys, dotted with charming Swiss chalets and farms. Pass by stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The journey continues along the Brünig Pass, where the train navigates through lush forests and rolling hills. Look out for cascading waterfalls and charming villages nestled in the valleys. Following two nights in Lucerne.

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Spend a day exploring Lucerne, a charming city nestled on the shores of Lake Lucerne and framed by majestic snow-capped mountains. Begin your adventure by strolling across the iconic Chapel Bridge, a 15th-century wooden structure adorned with beautiful frescoes that illustrate significant historical events. Don’t miss the nearby Water Tower, which adds to the bridge’s picturesque setting. Wander through the enchanting medieval Old Town, where cobblestone streets and vibrant architecture await. For a truly unforgettable experience, take a scenic cable car ride up Mount Pilatus to soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

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Board the morning train to Paris Gare du Lyon, then transfer to Gare du Nord for the evening Eurostar to London.

Accommodation Options

We will recommend accommodation for this holiday, but with a vast choice available, we can adapt to suit your personal preference mixing different grades and styles in different cities.

Prices and Departures

Price from £2933 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private facilities
  • Breakfast throughout
  • 3-course lunch on Glacier Express
  • Interrail Pass for 7 days of travel within one month
  • All compulsory seat reservation fees on panorama and international trains
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection
Departure Duration Twin Price
03 December 2024 - 07 October 2025 12 nights £2,933 Round trip by train
03 December 2024 - 07 October 2025 12 nights £2,678 Fly to and from Zürich - price excludes flights*

*Please note that flights are not included in the price, but will be quoted at the time of booking.

This itinerary is flexible and the number of nights at each of the overnight stays can be extended or reduced.

Children under 12 travel free on the parent's Interrail Pass and 12-27 year olds receive a discounted youth Interrail Pass. Accommodation is in family rooms where available. Please contact our Travel Specialist for a quotation.

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