DAY 1 Arrive Zurich

Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and a vibrant hub of art, culture, and commerce.  Use the pre-paid train ticket to make your way to the hotel or optional private transfer (available for an additional fee), enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Zurich offers a rich mix of historic architecture, modern attractions, and lakeside charm—perfect for a relaxed evening stroll or a culinary discovery in the Old Town.

DAY 2 Zurich - Rhine Falls - St. Gallen

After breakfast, depart Zurich for a scenic drive north to the spectacular Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall. Watch as thundering water plunges over a 75-foot drop, for a closer view, An optional boat ride to the middle rock platform is not included. Continue eastward along the picturesque Lake Untersee and Lake Bodensee to the charming city of St. Gallen. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel before joining a guided walking tour of the Old Town. Visit the Baroque cathedral and the UNESCO-listed Abbey Library—home to 170,000 historical manuscripts, many over a thousand years old. Discover how this former monastic center grew into one of Europe’s great hubs of culture and education.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 3 St. Gallen - Appenzell - Vaduz - St. Moritz

After breakfast, journey south to the Appenzeller Show Dairy, nestled in Switzerland’s scenic pre-Alpine hills. Discover the centuries-old art of cheese-making and witness how time-honored traditions blend with modern craftsmanship. Afterward, enjoy some leisure time in the charming village of Appenzell, known for its colorful houses and deep-rooted Alpine customs. Continue east to Vaduz, the capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein. Explore one of Europe’s smallest capitals, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and crowned by a medieval castle perched above the town. This afternoon, travel through the stunning Julier Pass route to the elegant resort of St. Moritz, the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism and twice host of the Winter Olympics. Arrive and check in at your hotel with the evening free at leisure.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 4 Bernina Express - Tirano - Lugano

After breakfast, board the renowned Bernina Express for one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Travel across the Bernina Pass, passing shimmering Lago Bianco, the alpine town of Poschiavo, and the iconic circular Brusio viaduct. Arrive in Tirano, Italy, where you’ll have free time to explore this charming border town—the final stop on the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express route. Later, transfer by road westward toward Lugano, tracing the picturesque shores of Lake Como along the way. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Nestled on the northern shore of Lake Lugano and surrounded by mountains, Lugano combines Italian charm with Swiss elegance. Its lakeside promenade, parks, and Lombardy-style architecture create an inviting atmosphere perfect for an evening stroll.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 5 Lugano – Andermatt – Glacier Express – Zermatt

After breakfast, depart Lugano and travel north through the picturesque landscapes of Ticino, crossing the renowned Gotthard mountain pass to reach the alpine village of Andermatt. Enjoy some free time to explore this charming crossroads of Switzerland’s mountain passes, known for its unique position at the source of four major European rivers. Later, board the famous Glacier Express—known as the “slowest express train in the world.” Settle in for a breathtaking journey through Switzerland’s most dramatic alpine scenery as you make your way to the car-free resort town of Zermatt, nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 6 Zermatt - Gornergrat Excursion

After breakfast, embark on a self-guided excursion to the Gornergrat. Ride the cogwheel railway to the summit, where you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of 29 alpine peaks soaring above 4,000 meters, including the majestic Matterhorn and Dufourspitze. Admire panoramic vistas stretching across glaciers and snowcapped mountains before returning to Zermatt for an afternoon and evening at leisure.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 7 Zermatt - Montreux

After breakfast, collect your luggage and transfer from Zermatt, traveling north through the Valais region into the French-speaking part of Switzerland. En route, stop at the renowned Domaine Bovy winery overlooking Lake Geneva. Enjoy a guided tour and a tasting of four regional wines, accompanied by a selection of local meats, cheeses, and bread. Continue with a short drive to the lakeside resort town of Montreux. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Nestled along the Montreux Riviera, this charming town offers flower-lined promenades, vibrant cultural attractions, and stunning views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding Alps.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 8 GoldenPass Express - Interlaken - Lenk

After breakfast, board the GoldenPass Express for a spectacular train journey from Montreux to Interlaken Ost. Travel through the picturesque mountain landscapes of Saanen, Gstaad, and Zweisimmen, tracing the banks of Lake Thun before arriving in Interlaken—the heart of the Bernese Oberland. Continued by Cabrio coach to the alpine village of Grindelwald. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the resort or choose an optional excursion to Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest-altitude railway station. Ascend to the Sphinx Observatory for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Bernese Alps, the Grosser Aletsch Glacier, and surrounding peaks. Explore the Ice Palace and the world’s highest Lindt chocolate shop. Later, journey to Lenk, a peaceful village nestled in the Simmental valley, framed by the majestic Wildstrubel massif.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 9 Lenk - Optional Glacier 3000

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Lenk or choose an optional excursion to Glacier 3000. Ascend by cable car to an altitude of 2,971 meters, where panoramic views extend across the Bernese Oberland to 24 towering peaks, including the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. Visit the mountaintop Botta Restaurant, designed by renowned architect Mario Botta, or relax at the Refuge l’Espace while taking in the spectacular Alpine scenery.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 10 Lenk - Lucerne via Brünig Pass

After breakfast, depart Lenk and journey north toward Lucerne, crossing the scenic Brünig Pass en route. Upon arrival in Lucerne, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Set against a picturesque lakeside and mountain backdrop, Lucerne enchants with its medieval Old Town, the famous Chapel Bridge, and striking modern landmarks such as the KKL Luzern concert hall designed by Jean Nouvel.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 11 Lucerne - Zurich - USA

After breakfast, transfer to Zurich Main Station or Zurich Airport with the group for your flight back to the U.S. *if your flight schedule is later than the scheduled transfer time, you will find your own way to the train station/airport from Lucerne.

Included: Breakfast at hotel