Scenic Swiss Trains & Iconic Cities

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Zurich

   Switzerland's largest city and main hub, Zurich is where many of the nation's bankers and scholars bump shoulders. This cosmopolitan city ranks highly in terms of livability, but for all its wealth and global prestige, the Old Town remains charming, if almost spotless. The ridges flanking Zurich's river valley offer romantic views, but the best way to hit the ground running in Zurich is to follow the river itself as it cuts through the Old Town, then meets Lake Zurich. Along the way, indulge in detours, from upscale chocolatiers to low-stress beaches.

   Upon your arrival to Zurich Airport, your driver will be waiting to take you to your accommodations.

   

   Enjoy the High Ground

   Although Zurich is not the capital of Switzerland, it serves as the country’s industrial, financial, and cultural hub. The city also offers a wealth of sights and activities that rival those of other cities. On your first day, we recommend exploring the Old Town, selecting a few restaurants for later, and then heading up to Lindenhof. From there, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city, the Limmat River, and the surrounding hills. Afterward, return to the city center to indulge in some culinary delights.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Zurich

   

   Zurich Private Walking Tour

   Grab the opportunity to discover Zurich with a private guide, exploring the city and your related interests at your preferred pace. Visit the major sights or ask for special route and sights so you can get a glimpse behind the scenes, or just rely on your professional local guide, who will undoubtedly ease your appetite for history tidbits, spoil your eyes with architectural highlights, and answer all your questions about Zurich.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Learn About Swiss Culture and History

   The Swiss National Museum in Zurich is a must-visit for anyone interested in Swiss culture and history. Housed in a fairy-tale castle, the museum offers a fascinating collection of artifacts, including medieval weapons, traditional costumes, and historical documents that showcase Switzerland’s rich heritage. Its exhibits provide insights into Swiss life from the past to the present, making it an engaging experience for history enthusiasts. Additionally, the museum’s architecture is a work of art in itself, adding to the overall appeal of the visit.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

3. Day 3 Traveling to St. Moritz by Train / Arrival in St. Moritz

   

   Time for alpine St. Moritz! We will arrange for a driver to pick you up from your accommodations in Zurich and take you to the train station. We included second-class train tickets for this journey, which should take a little over three hours. An upgrade to first-class is possible for an extra fee.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   St. Moritz by Private Transfer

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Named for St. Maurice, the legendary early Christian martyr thought to have died there, St. Moritz has long drawn visitors, both pilgrims and those seeking to be healed by its healing waters. St. Moritz is also the birthplace of Swiss winter tourism, and several sports, from the luge to the bobsled, so the place naturally hosted two Winter Olympics. St. Moritz remains a place beloved among athletes and the world's elites, drawn in part by its surprisingly sunny climate, despite the surrounding glaciers and high snowfall.

   Upon your arrival to St Moritz's main train station, we'll arrange for a driver to pick you up and take you to your accommodation.

   

   Jewel of Switzerland

   Regardless of what time of year you decide to visit St. Moritz, one thing is for sure: a high level of luxury, beautiful lakes and mountains, and, of course, relaxing thermal baths await you. For your first night, we suggest taking a short walk down the streets of St. Moritz, picking a nice restaurant, and, after your dinner, taking a walk along the stunning town's lake.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Traveling to Zermatt by Train / Arrival in Zermatt

   

   Is the Glacier Express on your bucket list? Now it's the opportunity to tick it off! Travel from St. Moritz to Zermatt through three cantons of Valais, Uri, and Graubünden while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Swiss Mountains and Valleys. We included second-class tickets with seat reservations for you and we can arrange the first or excellence class for an additional fee. The journey is about 8 hours long, but with these breathtaking views, time will certainly fly by.

   The destiny of the obscure village of Zermatt changed in 1865 after the Matterhorn was first summited. Although most of the brave mountaineers who tacked it did not survive, they attracted a wave of copycats, who took a liking to the humble village sitting beneath the mountain. Now you can comfortably get close to the Matterhorn itself, by taking the riding a cable car to the Little Matterhorn, the highest place in Europe reachable by transportation (and thus the continent's highest observation platform). Zermatt itself is car-free, to prevent air pollution from smudging its famed view.

   As Zermatt is a car-free zone, once you arrive at its train station, your hotel will arrange for you to be picked up by an electric cart and taken to your accommodations.

   

   Dine and Unwind

   Begin your stay in Zermatt with a delightful dinner at one of the Old Town's charming, traditional restaurants. After a satisfying meal, unwind at one of Zermatt's many cocktail bars or pubs, where you can enjoy live music in a cozy atmosphere. One of the unique charms of Zermatt is its ability to bring together adventurers from all over the world, including hikers, bikers, mountaineers, and paragliders, all of whom share a passion for the outdoors. Indulge in great food and connect with like-minded enthusiasts.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Zermatt

   

   Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Self-Guided Tour

   Take a scenic cable car ride from Zermatt to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise for unparalleled views of the iconic Matterhorn. At 3,883m (12,740 feet), explore the world’s highest Glacier Palace and enjoy lunch at Europe’s highest mountain restaurant. After a short ride and a few steps to the summit, take in the Alps from the continent’s highest 360° viewing platform. JayWay will arrange your cable car tickets and offer detailed guidance for a smooth, self-guided journey to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 5 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   A Medieval Village

   Step back in time by visiting the oldest section of Zermatt, the "Hinterdorf" (Rear Village). This collection of 30 buildings from the 16th-18th centuries shows how the local "Waliser" settlers lived in the area way back in time. These charming wooden buildings include barns and granaries made of larch and sitting on flat stone slabs balanced on stilts to keep mice out.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

6. Day 6 Traveling to Geneva by Train / Arrival in Geneva

   

   Today you're off to Geneva. Your hotel will arrange a transfer in an electric car to the train station. As there are no direct trains, you will need to change trains, likely twice. We have included second-class train tickets, but you can upgrade to first-class for an extra fee. The journey generally takes three hours, including at least one stop.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Geneva by Private Transfer

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Switzerland's second city and main French-speaking metropolis, this proud "Protestant Rome" was once John Calvin's capital, but is now famous as the eminently livable "Capital of Peace." A cosmopolitan center of global diplomacy from the Red Cross to much of the UN, Geneva is the scenic spot where the Rhone leaves Lake Geneva. The watchmaker's Mecca, Geneva offers impressive shopping and fine dining, but one of the best activities is free: walking through the Old Town and by the lake. Most of the city is reminiscent of France (which nearly surrounds it) although the more bohemian Carouge district draws plenty of locals thanks to its Mediterranean atmosphere. An hour's drive away, Mont Blanc (the Alps' highest peak) is easy to spot.

   Upon your arrival to Geneva's main train station, we'll arrange for a driver to pick you up and take you to your accommodations.

   

   Lakeside Allure

   Just arrived in Geneva? Start your adventure by heading to the lake! The lakeside bars are perfect for sipping colorful cocktails, enjoying a glass of bubbly, or simply relaxing with a refreshing drink as you plan your exploration of this beautiful city. Don’t miss the iconic floating Bateau Lavoir, a charming spot reminiscent of the 19th-century "washing boats" where women once did their laundry.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Geneva

   

   Geneva Old Town Private Walking Tour

   Once the "Protestant Rome," Geneva has long been known for its leading role in the Protestant Reformation, as marked by its impressive St. Peter's Cathedral. On this tour, you will have the chance to get an insight into Geneva's history and life there today.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Beautiful Views of Geneva

   Explore the English Garden ("Jardin Anglais") and its majestic Flower Clock, composed of about 12,000 plants. This park is a great place to spot swans swimming around the Jet d'Eau. On the other side of the lake stretches the La Perle du Lac, a peaceful park with fascinating views of the surrounding mountains, including Mont Blanc, which looms mightily on the horizon. Are you ready for some exercise in the heart of the Old Town? Climb the 157 steps of the St. Peter's Cathedral for postcard-like panorama photos. Similarly in the central area, you can also enjoy the best cathedral views from Rue Etienne Dumont.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

   

   Chocolate Tasting Group Walking Tour

   You are invited to join a delicious, expertly guided, and fun adventure tour through Geneva. Visit the finest chocolate boutiques and sample their specialties, learn about chocolate and its history, as well as about the beautiful city of Geneva and its skilled artisans, and discover places and anecdotes that not even locals know about.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

8. Day 8 Departure Day

   Your driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you to Geneva's airport with plenty of time to catch your departing flight.