On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. The choice is yours.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ Incredible sightseeing! Tour Switzerland by world-famous rail journeys, experience the alpine wonderland of Jungfraujoch – Europe’s highest railway station, explore cosmopolitan cities like Zurich and charming Swiss villages and resort destinations like Lucerne, Lugano, St. Moritz, Montreux and Interlaken
✓ Enjoy the flexibility of independent travel with all arrangements made for you
✓ 11 nights in handpicked, quality 3-star accommodation
✓ Airport train included on the first and last day of your tour
✓ Breakfast daily
✓ World-famous scenic train journeys through the Swiss Alps, including the spectacular Golden Pass Express, Gotthard Panorama, Glacier Express, Bernina Express
✓ Dedicated rail ticket in 2nd or 1st class, as per the itinerary, including seat reservation on all scenic trains
✓ Self-guided excursion to Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station
✓ Entry to Lindt Home of Chocolate
✓ Panoramic cruise on Yacht MS Saphir in Lucerne
✓ Guest cards in Zurich, Lucerne, Lugano, Montreux, and Interlaken, providing free local transport and discounted shopping opportunities
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Explore this dreamy part of the world at your own pace. Start with sophisticated Zurich and then see Switzerland the best way, on world-famous scenic train journeys through the Swiss Alps. Discover idyllic alpine landscapes, snow-capped peaks, charming mountain villages and luxury resort destinations.
Grüezi! Welcome to Switzerland. Enjoy your first day at leisure. As a lakeside "metropolis of experiences", with a magnificent view of the snow‐capped Alps on the horizon, Zurich offers a unique mixture of attractions.
Start with the beauty of the city’s natural surroundings. If you feel like getting a better view, take the train to the summit of Uetliberg Mountain. From the station, it’s a short walk to the peak and the scenery is incredible over Zurich, the lake and the Alps. Or if you’re in the Old Town and fancy a vantage point, you can walk up Lindenhof Hill for sweeping views over the city.
Special Information:
Arrival airport train transfers are included as part of your package. Your train ticket includes the rail transfer from Zurich airport.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
If the 4 Star Hotel Upgrade is booked, the hotel will be Marktgasse Hotel or similar.
Wake up to a delicious Swiss breakfast, then take a stroll along the famous Bahnhofstrasse — Zurich's shopping paradise. A quick detour will lead you to the narrower cobbled streets of Zurich's Old Town and its smaller, independent artisan shops. Visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate (self-guided), and take the opportunity to use your included 24-hour Zurich Card for local transport and various discounts across the city. Be sure to not miss the picturesque waterfront promenades!
Special Information:
If the 4 Star Hotel Upgrade is booked, the hotel will be Marktgasse Hotel or similar.
After breakfast, transfer by rail to Lucerne in Central Switzerland, situated in an enviable location surrounded by a stunning lake and mountain panorama. The historic town of Lucerne attracts visitors globally with its well-preserved old town, countless shops and restaurants. A visit to Chapel Bridge, which has stood the test of time as a traditional crossing for locals, is one of many highlights that are sure to impress.
Special Information:
Please note that the maximum luggage allowance is 23 kg due to train compartment restrictions.
If the 4 Star Hotel Upgrade is booked, the hotel will be Hotel Des Balances or similar.
This morning, the Gotthard Panorama Express takes you from the heart of Switzerland, with a journey through Lake Lucerne on a paddle steamer boat. From Flüelen, travel by first-class panoramic train to Lugano, a picturesque lakeside town in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking Ticino region.
Use the provided guest card to take full advantage of local transport and explore nearby villages, such as the pretty village of Morcote.
Special Information:
If the 4 Star Hotel Upgrade is booked, the hotel will be Luganodante Hotel or similar.
Board the Bernina Express bus after breakfast, and enjoy a scenic drive to Italy-based Tirano where you join the Bernina Express panoramic train across the border back to Switzerland. You will travel over circular viaducts and pass through winding tunnels, with highlights including the Brusio Circular Viaduct and a photo stop at Alp Grüm.
Arrive in St. Moritz, a luxury alpine resort town in Switzerland’s Engadin valley, and spend the rest of the day at leisure. This luxury alpine resort town, a favourite for celebrities and royals, is surely one of the world’s most famous winter sports resorts. This was the first mountain village in the country to have a ski school, a tram and electric lighting. The Winter Olympics have been held here twice. It’s a renowned ski destination.
Special Information:
If the 4 Star Hotel Upgrade is booked, the hotel will be Schweizerhof Hotel or similar.
A full day awaits to explore St. Moritz, where guests from all over the world appreciate the modern Alpine lifestyle. Take advantage of your included guest card to visit the local area. We suggest the nearby mountains of Muottas Murgal or Diavolezza for incredible views that are not to be missed. Various sights including the leaning tower, a remnant of the Mauritius Church from around 1500, or the Segantini Museum, offer unique insight into the city’s fascinating history.
Special Information:
If the 4 Star Hotel Upgrade is booked, the hotel will be Schweizerhof Hotel or similar.
Ride the world‐famous Glacier Express to Zermatt today, a gorgeous village near the Italian border. Be enthralled by Switzerland’s spectacular scenery, thanks to oversized, panoramic windows that make for an unforgettable experience. Along the deep Rhone valley, the Glacier Express travels through an incredibly fascinating part of the Alps. The route famously takes you through 91 tunnels and 291 bridges, offering unrivalled views. Make sure to have your camera handy! Optionally, you may wish to dine at your seat with a delicious 3-course meal served on your table (additional charges apply).
Special Information:
If the 4 Star Hotel Upgrade is booked, the hotel will be Hotel Aristella or similar.
Zermatt lies at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn peak. The town's touristic development is closely linked to what is arguably the world's most famous mountain. This car‐free resort offers guests an abundance of activities such as visits to the local mountains of Gornergrat or the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. It is also home to the highest open-air cog railway in Europe.
Special Information:
If the 4 Star Hotel Upgrade is booked, the hotel will be Hotel Aristella or similar.
Continue by train to Montreux, nestled between steep hills and the lakeside of Lake Geneva. The town's promenade is lined with flowers, sculptures, Mediterranean trees and grand Belle Époque buildings. Nearby attractions include the medieval island castle, Chateau de Chillon and the vineyards of the Lavaux region.
Special Information:
If the 4 Star Hotel Upgrade is booked, the hotel will be Eurotel Montreux or similar.
Your journey continues by train on the GoldenPass Express through the wild and romantic Pays d'Enhaut, complete with scenic villages and crystal-clear lakes at every corner.
Interlaken is a laidback resort town, presided over by three mighty mountains, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. It makes a great base from which to explore the Bernese Oberland. Unprecedented views of the Swiss Alps give an impression of what is to come during your stay.
Höheweg, the main promenade of Interlaken, is lovely for a stroll. It runs from Lake Brienz to Lake Thun, with flower gardens and parks on one side allowing for a view of the Bernese Alps. On the other side you’ll find high-end hotels, boutiques, cafes and the casino.
Special Information:
Note: if you have selected the 4* hotel upgrade, you will be staying at Interlaken instead of Wilderswil (Metropole Swiss Quality Hotel or similar).
Your penultimate day in Switzerland packs another highlight! This morning you will embark on a self-guided excursion to the Jungfraujoch, also known as the highest railway station in Europe. You may choose to go via Grindelwald Terminal on the technical marvel that is Eiger Express cable car, or take the traditional route by train from Grindelwald via Kleine Scheidegg. Highlights include the world’s highest Lindt Chocolate Shop and the Ice Palace with its impressive ice sculptures.
Special Information:
Note: if you have selected the 4* hotel upgrade, you will be staying at Interlaken instead of Wilderswil (Metropole Swiss Quality Hotel or similar).
Today marks the end of your magnificent and unforgettable tour through Switzerland. We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed your inspiring trip.
Special Information:
Departure transfers are included as part of your package. Your train ticket includes the rail transfer from Wilderswil to Zurich airport, allowing you the flexibility to select a suitable connection for your departure flight. Trains via Lucerne typically depart every hour.
Should you book a post-tour accommodation, note it will be in Zurich.
4 Star Hotel upgrade ($674 per person on double basis, and $987 per perso on single basis)
Select this supplement if you would like to upgrade your hotel to 4-star.
1st Class Rail (sold out for 2024 departures)
Select this supplement if you would like to upgrade your itinerary to 1st class rail on all sectors, including seat reservation on the scenic trains. Upgrade for $280 per person. First Class has dedicated carriages offering a higher level of comfort with spacious seats and less passengers per carriage. Some trains will have larger windows in First Class.
Golden Pass Prestige Class + 1st class rail supplement (sold out for 2024 departures)
The Prestige class is characterised by its very comfortable, heated seats which enable the passenger to face in the direction of travel. The Prestige area is raised by 40 centimetres to allow the passengers to be fully immersed in the landscape. The passenger feels like sitting in the landscape. Upgrade for $331 per person, which also includes 1st class rail as per the itinerary.
Glacier Express 3-Course Lunch
As you gaze out at the stunning alpine panorama, enjoy a freshly prepared 3-course meal on board and served at your seat. Upgrade for $69 per person.
If you have selected the Excellence Class upgrade you do not need to book this addon as lunch is included in Excellence Class.
Glacier Express Excellence Class + 1st class rail supplement (sold out for 2024 departures)
A panoramic trip through the Swiss Alps aboard the Glacier Express is now even more spectacular with guaranteed window seats and panoramic views. The new Excellence Class sets standards that are as high as the mountain peaks along the legendary route. Along the way you will be served a refined regional 5-course menu with accompanying wines. For an aperitif, some delicious cocktail or to exchange with fellow travellers the Glacier Bar is the perfect place to visit. Thanks to the compass on the ceiling none of the many turns will be missed, which also includes 1st class rail as per the itinerary.
During the entire journey, you will be taken care of by a concierge. Be it with culinary delights, answers to personal concerns or exciting anecdotes and information about nature, culture and people along the journey. Upgrade for $926 per person.
Complementary Services on Excellence Class
Ultimate Rail Upgrade - Golden Pass Prestige Class + Glacier Express Excellence Class + 1st class supplement (sold out for 2024 departures)
Our Ultimate Rail Upgrade bundle offers an unparalleled experience, combining the luxurious inclusions of the Golden Pass Prestige Class and the Glacier Express Excellence Class, along with 1st class tickets for all other sectors of your journey. Upgrade for $990 per person, which also includes 1st class rail as per the itinerary.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorized as a”3”
Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,095.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveler has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Luggage Requirements
Please note that the maximum luggage allowance is 23 kg due to train compartment restrictions.
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation in Zurich
Post Tour Accommodation in Zurich
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
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As this service is on request, this adjustment will be reflected in your confirmation invoice.