Grand Rail Tour of Switzerland
Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
Fly directly to Zurich.
We arrive in Zurich and transfer to Lucerne for a 3-night stay, enjoying breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains enroute.
Take a guided walking tour through old town Lucerne, visiting landmarks like the Hofkirche Church, wooden covered Chapel Bridge, and the famous Lion Monument carved into a sandstone cliff. Next, visit the Swiss Museum of Transport and enjoy a wonderful Welcome Dinner.
Travel to Mount Pilatus via panoramic aerial gondola known as the “Dragon Ride”. Each gondola has windows extending to the floor for breathtaking views in every direction. A leisurely lake cruise allows us to enjoy the wonderful views of the lake and mountains as we return to Lucerne.
Embark on the Golden Pass Line and Panoramic Express through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Stop in Brienz—nestled among towering mountains—for free time. Cruise along turquoise-coloured Lake Brienz to Interlaken. There, enjoy a funicular ride up 5,000 feet for stunning views of deep blue lakes and snow-capped mountains.
Ride the renowned Jungfrau Railway to Kleine Scheidegg, home of Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest mountain. We begin with the Bernese Oberland Railway to Grindelwald and ascend via the new Eiger Express towards the north face of the Eiger—1,800 metres high! There will be an option to go the top of Jungfraujoch—“The Top of Europe”. After indescribably beautiful views, descend via the Wengeralp and Bernese Oberland Railway
Take the elegant Panoramic Golden Pass Train through scenic valleys to Montreux, on the shores of Lake Geneva (the Swiss Riviera) for a two-night stay
Board the stunning Belle Époque Coaches and experience the Chocolate Train enroute to La Gruyères. There, enjoy free time and a fondue lunch. Continue to Broc’s famous Cailler chocolate factory to learn about and taste fine chocolates.
Explore historic Château de Chillon, a water-castle located on the banks of Lake Geneva. This historic castle was home to the Counts of Savoy for 400 years, and is where Lord Byron wrote “The Prisoner of Chillon”. Proceed to the pretty town of Zermatt for two nights.
Discover the charming village of Zermatt where gas-powered cars are not allowed. Take an optional excursion to Gornergrat via Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel train for exceptional views of the Matterhorn.
Board the Glacier Express—widely considered the most famous railway in the world—to Chur. Wind through pristine mountain landscapes, deep gorges, breathtaking valleys, through 91 tunnels and across 291 impressive bridges.
Hop aboard the Bernina Express—a 100-year-old World Heritage line renowned for its ingenuity and the striking beauty of its surroundings. Pass craggy mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, and the Morteratsch Glacier. Descend via the famous Brusio spiral viaduct and admire the unforgettable landscapes. Next, our coach takes us along Lake Como and the Valtelline Valley to Lugano.
A little bit of Italy in Switzerland. Our guided walking tour takes in Lugano’s magnificent Italian inspired architecture, St. Lawrence Cathedral and its serene waterfront. Cruise to Morcote, Switzerland’s most beautiful village, before a Farewell Dinner at a local Grotto.
We fly from Milan to Toronto, via Frankfurt.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
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