Alpine Splendor: Swiss Lakes, Peaks & Cultural Heritage
8 Days / 7 Nights
Key Trip Details
Activities
Trip Types
Overview
Discover Switzerland’s breathtaking contrasts—from pristine alpine peaks and emerald valleys to medieval old towns and world-class rail engineering. This curated journey blends effortless luxury travel with authentic Swiss culture, taking you across glaciers, lakes, and UNESCO-listed landscapes aboard legendary trains while staying in handpicked accommodations that reflect regional character.
Image Gallery
Highlights
- Ride the Glacier Express “slowest express train in the world” across 291 bridges & 91 tunnels
- Stand atop Jungfraujoch (3,454m) with panoramic views of Aletsch Glacier (UNESCO site)
- Cruise Lake Lucerne surrounded by Rigi, Pilatus & Bürgenstock mountains
- Explore car-free Zermatt beneath the iconic Matterhorn peak
- Taste artisanal Swiss chocolate in Gruyères & cheese in Appenzell
- Walk medieval bridges in Lucerne (Chapel Bridge) and Zurich’s Old Town
- Optional: Hike the Lauterbrunnen Valley with 72 waterfalls including Staubbach Falls
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Zurich
Airport transfer to 4-star hotel in Zurich Old Town. Evening welcome dinner at a traditional Beiz (Swiss tavern). Orientation walk along Limmat River and Bahnhofstrasse.
Day 2: Zurich → Lucerne (by rail, 50 mins)
Morning walking tour of Zurich’s Grossmünster & Lindenhof. Afternoon train to Lucerne. Cruise on Lake Lucerne at sunset. Overnight in historic Lucerne.
Day 3: Lucerne → Interlaken (via GoldenPass Line)
Morning visit to Chapel Bridge & Lion Monument. Board GoldenPass panoramic train through Brunig Pass to Interlaken. Afternoon stroll between Lake Thun & Lake Brienz. Overnight in Interlaken.
Day 4: Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe”
Scenic train to Kleine Scheidegg, then cogwheel railway to Jungfraujoch (3,454m). Explore Ice Palace, Sphinx Observatory, and Aletsch Glacier viewpoint. Return to Interlaken.
Day 5: Lauterbrunnen Valley & Trümmelbach Falls
Descend into Lauterbrunnen Valley (“Valley of 72 Waterfalls”). Visit Trümmelbach Falls (inside mountain glacier waterfalls). Optional hike to Stechelberg. Afternoon train to Zermatt.
Day 6: Zermatt & Matterhorn Views
Car-free mountain village exploration. Ride Gornergrat Railway for iconic Matterhorn panoramas. Afternoon cheese tasting & free time. Overnight in Zermatt chalet.
Day 7: Zermatt → Montreux → Geneva (by rail)
Morning at leisure in Zermatt. Afternoon GoldenPass train along Lake Geneva to Montreux (Chillon Castle stop). Continue to Geneva. Farewell dinner on Geneva’s lakeshore.
Day 8: Departure from Geneva
Airport transfer to Geneva International Airport (GVA) or extend your stay.
Pricing
$1,599 USD
Early Bird (book 90+ days ahead): $1,290 USD | Single Supplement: +$1,450 USD
The Cost Includes
Private airport transfers in Zurich & Geneva
7 nights accommodation in 4-star Swiss hotels with breakfast
5 curated dinners featuring regional specialties
Swiss Travel Pass Flex (8 days) covering all trains, boats, buses & mountain railways (50% discount on premium routes)
Glacier Express & GoldenPass scenic train seat reservations
Jungfraujoch cogwheel railway tickets (round-trip)
Lake Lucerne cruise (1st class)
English-speaking Swiss guide for Days 1–4
All entrance fees to museums, castles & attractions listed
24/7 local support hotline during trip
Detailed digital travel pack with maps, restaurant recommendations & packing tips
First Aid Medical Kit carried by guide
All required permits and paperwork
The Cost Excludes
International airfare to Zurich / from Geneva
Swiss visa fees (if applicable)
Travel & medical insurance (mandatory – we assist with recommendations)
Lunches & 2 dinners (for culinary exploration at your own pace)
Premium mountain railways at 100% cost (e.g., Gornergrat full fare, Schilthorn)
Personal expenses: souvenirs, spa treatments, alcoholic beverages
Optional activities: paragliding in Interlaken, ski rental in Zermatt (winter)
Gratuities for guides & drivers (suggested: CHF 10–15/day per person)
Hotel expenses in Zurich pre/post tour (available as add-on)
Emergency expenses such as chartered helicopter services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The core itinerary requires only moderate walking (2–3 hours/day on flat terrain). High-altitude segments use trains/cable cars. Optional hikes range from easy (Lauterbrunnen meadows) to moderate (Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg).
Summer (June–Sept): 18–28°C in cities, 5–15°C in mountains. Winter (Dec–Mar): -5 to 5°C in cities, -15 to -5°C at altitude. Always pack layers – mountain weather changes rapidly.
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) averages 95%+ punctuality. Delays >3 minutes are rare. All connections in this itinerary have 15+ minute buffers.
Yes – vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free & allergies accommodated with 14 days’ notice. Swiss cuisine adapts well to most requirements.
Minimal risk below 3,000m. Jungfraujoch (3,454m) may cause mild symptoms (headache, shortness of breath). We provide oxygen spray & acclimatization tips. Not recommended for travelers with heart/respiratory conditions without physician approval.
Switzerland accepts cards widely, but carry CHF 100–200 cash for small mountain villages, tips, and public restrooms (often CHF 2).
Map
Primary Route: Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Lauterbrunnen → Zermatt → Montreux → Geneva
Trip Info
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Zurich City Central
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Zurich International Airport
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Arrival Hall - Gate no 3
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2 bottles per pax
