Overview
Embark on a journey through the majestic world of the Alps, where incredible hiking and scenic views are everywhere you turn. Enjoy Switzerland’s stunning scenery as you travel by train through the mountains, from the picturesque waterfront of Lucerne to the mountain haven of St. Moritz and the elegant alpine resort town of Zermatt. Hike through the Jungfrau Range in the shadow of glaciers, and enjoy a touch of luxury in the Swiss Riviera.
Days: 14
Best time to visit: May-September
Ideal for: Couples, Families
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Zurich, Train to Lucerne
Arrive into Zurich this afternoon and walk to the airport rail station to catch the train to the lakeside town of Lucerne. Settle into your hotel in the Old Town, or Altstadt, of Lucerne and then wander along picture-perfect cobblestone streets, past historical buildings decorated with colorful frescoes, on your way to dinner.
Day 2 – Lake Lucerne Boat Tour
Spend today exploring Lucerne’s hidden lanes and architectural charms; take a stroll across the covered, pedestrian Kapellbrücke Bridge over the Reuss River, and visit the 17th-century Church of St. Leodegar. In the afternoon, enjoy the town’s incredible natural setting on a Lake Lucerne Scenic Boat Cruise.
Day 3 – The Top of the World
This morning, transfer to the train station for your train to St. Moritz, about a 4-hour journey through splendid Alpine scenery. Change trains in Zurich and Chur before arriving in St. Moritz, a town known as the ‘Top of the World,’ in the mid-afternoon. Check into your hotel and enjoy a walk through the center of town.
Day 4 – St. Moritz & the Alps
Today is yours to explore the Alps. Take a ride on the Bernina Express, a 2 ½-hour trip that will take you through spectacular gorges, past ice-age glaciers, across bridges and through tunnels, all the way to Italy; ride a gondola high into the Alps; enjoy fabulous hiking, carriage rides, or a round of golf. In the winter, St. Moritz is a premier downhill skiing destination.
Day 5 – On Board the Glacier Express
Transfer to the rail station this morning for a rail journey to Zermatt onboard the Glacier Express—a 7 ½-hour journey through the heart of Switzerland. Enjoy panoramic views as you travel through pristine Alpine forests and meadows, across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels, and across Oberlap Pass. Check into your hotel in Zermatt, just a short walk from the station, and settle into one of Switzerland’s most elegant resort towns.
Day 6 – Zermatt
Enjoy today and tomorrow exploring Zermatt at your own pace. Surrounded by towering mountains, including the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is a town of storybook perfection. Take the Gornergratbahn up into the mountains from the main station for breathtaking views from Riffelberg, Rotenboden—where you can walk to Riffelsee—and from over 10,000 feet on the observation decks of Gornergrat.
Day 7 – Hiking in the Alps
Zermatt is the perfect base for a hiking excursion, and there are trails of every length and for every level of hiker. Spend the day trekking through this natural wonderland—visit Alpine lakes and meadows, look out over glaciers, and wander through wooded valleys. After a day on the trail, unwind with dinner and drinks at one of Zermatt’s many gastropubs or top-notch restaurants.
Day 8 – Train to Grindelwald
Walk back to the rail station this morning for another spectacular day of train travel. Your destination is the ‘Glacier Village’ of Grindelwald, ideally situated between scenic pastures and the soaring peaks of the Jungfrau Range. Grindelwald is the perfect base for hiking in the region and countless other outdoor adventures including excursions to caves, fishing, paragliding, and more.
Day 9 – Explore Grindelwald
These next two days are at yours to explore the region by rail or on foot; whether you are a casual walker or avid hiker, you will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery every step of the way. Take a unique train journey on a modern cogwheel up to the town of Kleine Scheidegg, at the foot of the Eiger North Wall, and then continue climbing to the Jungfraujoch for incredible views stretching all the way to France and Germany.
Day 10 – Grindelwald Glaciers
Today, enjoy Grindelwald’s spectacular scenery on a hike from Bachalpsee to Faulhorn, the highest hotel in the world—you’ll have great views of the notorious Kleines Schreckhorn and the drainage basins of the Grindelwald glaciers. Another great option to get up into the mountains is riding the six-seat gondola up to First, which offers panoramic views over the Bernese Alps.
Day 11 – Vevey & Lake Geneva
This morning, transfer to the rail station for a train journey to the resort town of Vevey, on the shores of Lake Geneva. Arriving in Vevey, located at the foot of Mount Pélerin, transfer to your hotel with the remainder of the day to explore around town. With roots stretching back to the Romans, and a long history of drawing aristocrats and travelers, Vevey has a well-earned reputation for being one of the ‘Pearls of the Swiss Riviera.’
Day 12 – The Swiss Riviera
Today is yours to explore the shores of Lake Geneva. Make your way to the town of Montreux, with its colorful promenade and the nearby 13th-century Chillon Castle; or head to Lausanne on the northern shore of the lake for a look at the Old Town’s ancient homes and churches. Consider taking a scenic cruise between these lakeside havens for great views of Lavaux vineyards and the mountains above.
Day 13 – Explore Geneva
Spend the first part of your day exploring around Vevey, and then take an afternoon train to Geneva, the European home of the United Nations. After you settle into your hotel, notice the French influence in Geneva in everything from language to cuisine as you wander through the city’s alluring Old Town. Visit the Chapel of the Maccabees, the Parc de la Grange, or stroll along the lakefront promenade.
Day 14 – Depart
Check out of your hotel and take the shuttle to the Geneva Airport for your flight home.
Remarkable Journeys has partnered with Lost World Adventures to create this journey. We partnered with Lost World due to their well-mannered relationships with tour guides, hotellers, airlines, and ground management services in the region. In our opinion, they offer the best value and experience in the region.
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