The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
SEMI-GUIDED (14 days, no overnight trains) Travel across Switzerland through lakes, mountains, and iconic cities. A journey packed with the most beautiful panoramic trains.
DAY 1: GENEVA
Flight or train to Geneva available upon request.
(By train: Paris > Geneva = 3h20)
Geneva welcomes you with its refined charm and cosmopolitan spirit.
Start your visit at the famous Jet d’eau, the city’s emblem, before losing yourself in the picturesque alleys of the Old Town. Take a break at St. Peter’s Cathedral or near the Flower Clock in the English Garden, a true horticultural gem. Continue your discovery with the Patek Philippe Museum, where the art of Swiss watchmaking is elegantly showcased.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 2: GENEVA – LAUSANNE
In the morning, take the regular train to the Olympic Capital, Lausanne.
Its historic heart, dominated by the magnificent Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame, is easily explored on foot through cobbled streets, steep staircases, and lively squares like Place de la Palud. Further down, the Ouchy district by the lake invites you to stroll along the quays, among flower-filled parks, café terraces, and cruise boats.
The Olympic Museum in Lausanne, located on the shores of Lake Léman in the Ouchy district, traces the history of the Olympic Games from Antiquity to the present day. Through mythical objects, videos, interactive installations, and temporary exhibitions, it immerses visitors in the world of sport and Olympic values. Its sculpture park and terrace offer magnificent views of the lake, making the museum both a cultural and inspiring visit.
Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 3: LAUSANNE – BERN
Today, head for Bern, the federal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage gem.
Let yourself be carried away by the charm of its medieval arcades, ideal for strolling sheltered from the weather, before following the peaceful banks of the Aare or getting lost in its history-filled cobbled streets.
Curious about the bear, the city’s emblem? Pay a visit to the Fosse aux ours, a green space located near the romantic Rose Garden, from where you can enjoy a splendid view over the rooftops of the Old Town. Don’t miss the Zytglogge, the 13th-century astronomical clock and true symbol of Bern. And if the sun is out, treat yourself to a well-deserved break at the Marzili outdoor swimming pool by the river, with the Federal Palace in the background. A peaceful, lively, and truly Swiss capital.
Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 4: BERN – ZURICH
At your preferred time, travel to Zurich, the financial capital of Switzerland, in under an hour.
>> Discover why Zurich is worth visiting: 7 reasons to explore this city.
Start by wandering through the charming streets of the Niederdorf district, where shops, cafés, and art galleries sit side by side.
Continue your walk along the Limmat River to the peaceful Lindenhof, a historic hilltop viewpoint offering lovely views of the Old Town. Don’t miss the dazzling Fraumünster Church, famous for its stained glass windows by Marc Chagall, true masterpieces of art and light. Further along the shores of Lake Zurich, admire the elegance of the swans gliding peacefully over the water.
For a friendly and tasty lunch break, the Raclette Factory invites you to enjoy this traditional Swiss dish in a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Take advantage of your stay to visit some of Zurich’s iconic museums: admission to Villa Patumbah, Kulturama, Museum of Mankind, and the Haus Konstruktiv is included in your package. Each venue offers a unique experience: Villa Patumbah charms with its exotic architecture and exhibitions on built heritage, Kulturama offers a fascinating journey through human evolution and life on Earth, while Haus Konstruktiv is a landmark for concrete and constructivist contemporary art.
Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 5: ZURICH – ST. GALLEN
Your Grand Tour continues through Eastern Switzerland.
The train runs along Lake Zurich, then gives way to plateaus dotted with steeples and traditional farms.
As you approach St. Gallen, the terrain becomes more rugged with the foothills of Appenzell in sight.
Let yourself be charmed by the ornate façades of the lively old town (Innenstadt). Don’t miss the Abbey of St. Gallen and its library, a baroque masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site, a true cultural treasure.
In the afternoon, take the train to Appenzell, just 37 minutes away, a picturesque village known for its living traditions, or choose Schaffhausen, reachable in 1h15, an ideal starting point for a magical cruise to the impressive Rhine Falls.
Your transport pass also allows for cruises on the Rhine and Lake Constance.
Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 6: ST. GALLEN – LUCERNE
Aboard the semi-panoramic Voralpen Express, you first travel through the green landscapes of Appenzellerland to Lucerne, a charming Swiss city with a picture-perfect setting.
Stroll across its famous covered bridges, lose yourself in the maze of alleys with richly painted façades, then pay homage to the Lion of Lucerne, a moving memorial to the Swiss Guards—symbol of courage and loyalty.
Extend your exploration with a peaceful cruise on Lake des Quatres-Cantons or an ascent to Mount Rigi (1,798 m), the Queen of the Mountains, aboard Europe’s first cogwheel train.
Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 7: LUCERNE – INTERLAKEN
Board the Luzern–Interlaken panoramic train, which offers a spectacular show along the route—between sparkling lakes and Alpine peaks, interrupted only by a few tunnels. Along the way, you’ll skirt the stunning Lakes Brienz and Thun before arriving in Interlaken, a true hub for adventure.
From this charming town, take the funicular to Harder Kulm, followed by a gentle hike back down. You can also enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Brienz or discover Thun, a medieval town with authentic charm.
For a full day of wonder, opt for the excursion to the Jungfraujoch, the famous “Top of Europe.” This spectacular Alpine experience takes you into the heart of snowy peaks for an unforgettable memory.
Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 8: INTERLAKEN – MONTREUX (GoldenPass Express)
The adventure continues aboard the modern GoldenPass Express through some of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes.
The GoldenPass Express, or GPX as it’s known, is a next-generation panoramic train, recognizable by its elegant dark blue metallic body. Recently inaugurated, it connects Montreux to Interlaken without changing trains thanks to a unique Swiss innovation: it automatically adjusts its wheels to different track gauges at Zweisimmen.
This spectacular journey takes you through the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, the Vaud Prealps, mountain lakes, and typical villages like Gstaad.
Luxury, calm, and delight… Outside of the bustling Montreux Jazz Festival season, the town of Montreux is best savored slowly, nestled between the mountains and the shores of Lake Geneva. Stroll along its charming flower-lined Riviera, bordered by palm trees and Art Deco Palaces, still glowing witnesses of the Belle Époque. Continue your walk to the mythical Château de Chillon, perched on the lake and immortalized by Lord Byron. This medieval jewel takes you through the centuries in a postcard-worthy setting.
To end the day beautifully, enjoy the sunset over the Lavaux vineyards with a glass of Chasselas in hand.
Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 9: MONTREUX – VISP – ZERMATT
Today, you climb in altitude to reach the famous alpine resort of Zermatt, perched at 1,600 meters.
Timetables are flexible: take the Montreux – Visp – Zermatt rail line, about 3 hours, taking you from lake shores to high mountain scenery, through spectacular gorges, forests, and Alpine views.
After Visp, the semi-panoramic Matterhorn Bahn becomes a true window onto the Alps, gradually revealing the majestic silhouette of the Matterhorn.
You arrive in Zermatt, a charming car-free village committed to sustainability and nestled in the heart of the mountains. Stroll among traditional chalets with flower-filled balconies, then board the legendary Gornergrat Bahn cogwheel train. It takes you to over 3,000 meters, where a spectacular view of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers awaits.
Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 10: ZERMATT – ST. MORITZ (Glacier Express)
Board a legendary train: the Glacier Express, a world-famous panoramic rail experience.
Connecting west to east Switzerland, it offers an unforgettable journey through the Alps—deep valleys, dizzying bridges, and majestic peaks. Sit back and enjoy a panoramic lunch on board (extra charge), while the scenery unfolds like a grand film.
>> See more details about the Glacier Express in our Swiss train comparison.
The hours fly by, and you arrive in St. Moritz, an iconic luxury Alpine resort and winter sports capital. The atmosphere is cozy, elegant, and decidedly exclusive.
Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 11: ST. MORITZ – TIRANO – LUGANO (Bernina Express)
Today, head south aboard Switzerland’s second iconic train: the Bernina Express. This famous red train climbs into the heart of the Alps, offering breathtaking views at every turn. The ascent is dizzying: you “take off” up to Ospizio Bernina (2,253 m), passing glittering glaciers and high-altitude lakes.
Then the landscape transforms. It’s a true descent into southern warmth: the train arrives in Tirano, Italy (443 m), among palm trees and a Mediterranean ambiance. From there, continue your journey aboard the Bernina Bus to Lugano, between lake and hills. A one-of-a-kind route—from Alpine peaks to Italian charm.
Welcome to Lugano, the “Pearl of Italian-speaking Switzerland,” where a Tuscan-like atmosphere reigns among cypresses, olive trees, and relaxed living.
Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 12: LUGANO
Discover the heart of the city, then stroll along the lakefront with Monte Brè in the background.
Enjoy an espresso on Piazza della Riforma, a lively and elegant central square, perfect for soaking up the Mediterranean ambiance of Ticino. As a highlight, take the funicular to Monte San Salvatore: in just minutes, reach the summit at 912 meters. From there, a spectacular panorama opens over Lake Lugano, the Swiss Prealps, Ticino valleys, and—on clear days—the Po Valley in Italy.
You can also take a cruise on Lake Lugano, a peaceful and scenic way to discover lakeside villages such as Gandria or Morcote, nestled between water and mountains. Reflections on the lake, cypress trees, colorful houses, and rolling hills form a truly enchanting setting.
Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 13: LUGANO – BASEL
For this final stage, head towards the French border with a stop in Basel, whose old town is one of the best-preserved in Europe. Stroll through its medieval alleys and admire the Basel Minster, a majestic red sandstone cathedral overlooking the Rhine. While walking along the riverbanks, soak up the city’s unique atmosphere: swimmers float with the current, their belongings in a traditional Wickelfisch.
Then cross the river on a Fähri, a cable-powered boat unique to Basel, to reach the Kleinbasel district. More alternative, more vibrant—this is where Basel reveals its creative and cosmopolitan spirit.
Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 14: BASEL
Free time for personal discovery depending on your departure time.
End of your train journey in Switzerland. (B&B)
Extra night, return flight or train available upon request.
(By train: Basel > Paris = 3h08)
REGULAR AND PANORAMIC SWISS TRAINS
On this tour, take a combination of regular trains and special panoramic trains, including the Glacier Express (featured in our selection of unique trains in Europe).
- Regular Swiss Trains
Geneva > Lausanne (40 min)
Lausanne > Bern (1h40)
Bern > Zurich (1h00)
Zurich > St. Gallen (1h00) - Voralpen Express
St. Gallen > Lucerne (2h15) - Panoramic Express Train
Lucerne > Interlaken (2h00) - Golden Pass Express Train
Interlaken > Montreux (3h15) - Matterhorn Bahn Train
Montreux > Visp > Zermatt (2h30) - Glacier Express Train (panoramic)
Zermatt > St. Moritz (8h – full route) - Bernina Express Train (panoramic)
St. Moritz > Tirano (2h30)
Bernina Express Bus Tirano > Lugano (3h10) - Regular Swiss Trains
Lugano > Basel (3h00) - >> Discover our Comparison of Swiss Panoramic Trains
PRICE – THE GRAND TOUR OF SWITZERLAND
In 3* hotel
Price in double/twin room: from €2,788 / person
Single supplement: from €1,325 / person
In 4* hotel
Price in double/twin room: from €3,165 / person
Single supplement: from €1,860 / person
1st class supplement: €290 per person
Departure point: Geneve
End point: Bale
(SWITZERLAND) GENEVA – LAUSANNE – BERN – ZURICH – ST. GALLEN – LUCERNE (Voralpen Express) – INTERLAKEN (Luzern–Interlaken Express) – MONTREUX (GoldenPass Express) – ZERMATT (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn) – ST. MORITZ (Glacier Express) – LUGANO (Bernina Express) – BASEL
Additional travel to these cities will be offered in your quote.
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Swiss Travel Pass – 2nd class
- Seat reservation on the GoldenPass Express
- Seat reservation on the Glacier Express
- Seat reservation on the Bernina Express
- Reservation for the Tirano – Lugano leg on the Bernina Bus (subject to availability) or via regular Italian train
- Ticket for the Gornergrat Bahn tourist train in Zermatt
- Public transportation tickets in all cities along the route (bus, ferry, tram, etc.)
- Accommodation in centrally located 3* hotels (based on selected category)
- Breakfasts (B&B)
- French-speaking support from the Discovery Trains team
- Digital version of the travel pack
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- International transport (by train or plane)
- City taxes payable directly at hotels
- Single room supplement in hotels
- Lunches and dinners
- Local guide for excursions
- Private transfers between stations and hotels if needed (most hotels are located near the station)
- Optional travel insurance
- 1st class train upgrade
- 4* hotel upgrade
- Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe excursion: from €165 per person
- Printed version of the travel pack sent by post (+ €12)
