6-Day Switzerland Nature and Rail Experience Tour from Zurich: St Gallen, Grindelwald, Interlaken, Lucerne and Appenzell丨Bernina Express Included

What you'll experience

Highlights

6 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Zurich - Lucerne & St. Beatus Caves - Interlaken

   Morning - Depart Zürich for Lucerne
   We hope you've had an enchanting time in Zürich so far, because it's time to depart and explore some of Switzerland's best scenery and history. Our first stop just a short drive south: the historic city of Lucerne.
   
   Mid Morning - Free Time to explore Lucerne
   You arrive in Lucerne and will have the first half of today as free time to enjoy its charms. Considered the 'Essence of Switzerland', you might want to check out Chapel Bridge. This striking landmark is Europe's oldest covered bridge built back in the 14th century. Seek out the Lion Monument, ride the world's steepest cogwheel railway to the summit of Mount Pilatus, or find out more about German composer, conductor, and theatre director Richard Wagner at the museum. Explore cobbled streets and charming squares, all while enjoying the beauty of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps. Make sure to leave some time to grab lunch before we head on to our next tour stop.
   
   Afternoon - Visit to St Beatus Caves
   We carry on further down south to the shores of Lake Thunersee. Why? Well, let's not forget that some of the world's beauty is somewhat hidden from the eye and we must look a little deeper to find it. Which is why we're treating you to the beauty of St. Beatus Caves (Optional). Upon first arrival, you'll be wowed as it is with the thunderous waterfall spewing out from under striking Swiss buildings with one of the most enviable views imaginable. But here's where we look deeper. A short 5-minute walk past these waterfalls brings you to a 14-kilometre labyrinth of caves, cracked and bursting with stalagmites and stalactites, grottos and gorges, mysteries and history.
   
   Early Evening - Free evening in Interlaken
   Now that you're well and truly in awe, we head for our final destination of the day and our home for the next two nights: Interlaken. This charming resort town is nestled in the Bernese Oberland region, known for its stunning natural beauty. Interlaken may be known as the adventure capital of Switzerland, but if all you want to do tonight is sit and eat and drink... we fully support this. Breathe deep that crisp mountain air you've only ever read about in guidebooks as you settle in for the night and reminisce on an adventure-filled first day.
   
   NB: Itinerary & attractions are subject to change.

   

   Chapel Bridge

   

   Lake Lucerne

   

   Swiss Alps

   

   Thunersee

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Weisses Kreuz, Interlaken
2. 2

   Day 2 — Interlaken - Bernese Alps - Grindelwald - Interlaken

   Morning - A drive into the Bernese Alps
   You'll be taken good care of today, nestled at the foot of the Eiger Mountain is where the glacier village of Grindelwald sits and that is where we are headed. Just looking at Grindelwald and its surroundings, it will come as no surprise that many are drawn here to climb the epic peaks and take in the fantastical landscapes. We just couldn't leave this off your tour, it really is a must see!
   
   Mid Morning - Arrive in Grindelwald
   We'll drop you in Grindelwald in the morning and you have the entire day here to explore as you see fit. This green hollow has one of the most striking mountainscapes you can imagine, with towering peaks, lush meadows, and powerful glaciers on display. You'll find traditional Swiss chalets with their distinctive wooden architecture and charming flowery balconies. James Bond fans might even recongise the village from On Her Majesty's Secret Service. So, how to start the day here? Maybe you could start your day with a scenic train ride on the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch, also known as the "Top of Europe". Get ready for panoramic views of peaks and glaciers...
   
   Afternoon - Free time to explore Grindelwald
   So how best to take in the very best of what the town has to offer? Well you could take on one of the many hiking trails, the 3 hour loop to the nearby village of Alpiglen will have you stopping every two seconds for photos of the Eiger North Face, just remember to pack some walking boots! Or instead of going high, maybe you'll go low... into the Gletscherschlucht. Mother Nature spent 250 million years forming this unfathomable canyon, so make sure you marvel at her effort. Or perhaps you will take it a little easy, have a leisurely lunch among the cobbled streets and chalets and simply take in the views and the mountain air.
   
   Early Evening - Free evening in Interlaken
   And as the day comes to a close, we head back to Interlaken for the night where you have some free time to reminisce on the day or soak up even more Swiss hospitality.
   
   NB: Itinerary & attractions are subject to change.

   

   Grindelwald Swiss Village

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Weisses Kreuz, Interlaken
3. 3

   Day 3 — Interlaken - Vitznau - Rigi Kulm - Chur

   Morning - Head to Vitznau
   Today is a day of wonder. Wonderful views, wonderful experiences, and just sheer wonder at the enormous beauty of Switzerland. How the day begins is a pretty big testament to what the rest will be like – with a photo stop at the stunning viewpoint of Chälrütirank. This is just the first of many wow-moments for today, so brace yourself.
   
   Mid Morning - Board the Cogwheel Train to Rigi Kulm
   The scenery is the star of the show today and you'll be lucky enough to see the views from the cogwheel train starting in Vitznau and heading to Rigi Kulm. Timings today depend on the train, but once you arrive in Rigi Kulm, there is plenty of free time to explore. Your Cogwheel train ticket is included in the price of your tour.
   
   Afternoon - Free time to Explore Rigi Kulm
   The cogwheel mountain train takes you up 1798m to Rigi Kulm where you will be greeted by spectacular mountain peaks and cliff top views throughout an easy walk along the panoramic path. It is the best place to get a full 360n view of the Swiss Alps. Perhaps you'll hike to one of its many stunning viewpoints, grab some lunch, and enjoy the scenery. The options are endless. You then jump back on the train and head to Arth-Goldau, where you will meet the bus on your way to Chur.
   
   Early Evening - Free evening in Chur
   Eyes dazzled by the incredible sites, we'll take you to your overnight stop in the city of Chur. This is the oldest city in Switzerland, history dating back over 5,000 years. Chur is famous for its medieval fortifications, Roman ruins and artefacts, underground church, and beautiful surroundings.
   
   NB: Itinerary & attractions are subject to change.

   

   Rigi Kulm

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Sommerau, Chur
4. 4

   Day 4 — Chur - Pontresina - St. Moritz - Chur

   Morning - Chur to St. Moritz on the UNESCO train
   We have an earlier start to the day but for a very good reason. We have a train to catch. What is a trip to Switzerland without an iconic train ride through awe-inspiring scenery? Today is the day to tick that off your bucket list. You hop on board the bus and head straight to the station to catch the famous UNESCO train and embark on one of the most incredible train journeys of your life.
   
   Mid Morning - St Moritz
   Filled with awe from the majestic landscapes you've passed through, you arrive in St. Moritz, a glamorous alpine resort with time to explore at your leisure. Stroll along streets lined with grand Belle Époque hotels, sleek modern chalets, and traditional Engadin houses adorned with intricate wall designs, all framed by the dramatic peaks of the Swiss Alps. Take in the chic atmosphere, perhaps spot a celebrity or two, or venture to the world's oldest bobsleigh run. For more adventure, ride a cable car or gondola up the mountains, wander through fascinating museums, or indulge in the region's delicious local cuisine.
   
   Afternoon - St. Moritz to Morteratsch
   Back on the mini-bus, you leave chic St. Moritz behind and journey to Morteratsch, where the glamour gives way to raw alpine beauty. Here, dramatic peaks frame the valley and the mighty Morteratsch Glacier awaits. An easy two-hour walk leads you through flower-filled meadows and alongside rushing glacial streams, guiding you ever closer to jagged summits and the awe-inspiring wall of ice at the glacier's tongue.
   If you'd rather take it easy, linger in Morteratsch and enjoy lunch at a restaurant where sweeping mountain panoramas provide the perfect backdrop for your local meal.
   
   Early Evening - Free evening in Chur
   After a full day of exploring in the fresh mountain air, you return to Chur for another night in this charming town.
   
   NB: Itinerary & attractions are subject to change.

   

   Sankt Moritz

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Sommerau, Chur
5. 5

   Day 5 — Chur - Heididorf - Appenzell - St. Gallen

   Morning - Depart Chur
   Today we explore a more traditional Switzerland after the glitz of the previous day's winter sports haven of St. Moritz. Jump back on the bus and get ready to venture into the alpine village that inspired a famous children's tale, Maienfeld (also known as Heididorf).
   
   Mid Morning - Exploring Heididorf
   Book lovers may be thrilled to know that this is the village which inspired Johanna Spyri's children's book 'Heidi'. You'll have a couple of hours here to explore, from the open-air museum dedicated to Heidi, the replica of the fictional character's home, or the traditional village... there's plenty to see and do.
   
   Afternoon - The Traditional Village of Appenzell
   Nowhere else are the many traditions of Switzerland cultivated with quite the same breadth as you will find in Appenzell. Natural yodelling, carefully painted house fronts, handmade wood carvings and traditional folk costumes and we can't forget culinary specialities, such as Biberfladen – a kind of ginger bread, Nidelzeltli caramel tablets and Appenzeller cheese. Your time is yours here for lunch, exploration, shopping and, of course...taking in the epic views.
   
   Early Evening - Free evening in St Gallen
   Our final stop today is the striking town of St. Gallen. With its picturesque old town, twin-towered cathedral, and library brimming with ancient books, it's a popular destination. However, what we'd really love to show you is its UNESCO heritage monastery. Under the leadership of an Irish monk known as St. Gall, the monastery flourished and, over the centuries, became one of the most important religious and cultural centres in Europe. After exploring these ruins, you head back into the town of St Gallen where you will stay for the final night of your tour.

   

   Maienfeld village

   

   St. Gallen town

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel B&B, St. Gallen
6. 6

   Day 6 — St. Gallen - Kyburg Castle - Winterthur and Rhine Falls - Zurich

   Morning - Depart St Gallen
   It may be your last day on tour but there is no time to dwell, we still have so much to see! Picture in your head scenes of proudly perched castles surrounded by mountains and greenery, whispering of fairytales and secrets? That's Kyburg Castle, our first stop on our final day.
   
   Mid Morning - Kyburg Castle
   High above the River Töss sits this 14th century feudal castle. Once designed for fortification, the castle is now home to an international award-winning museum which offers rich insight into the castle's 800 years of history. Which room will be your favourite? The court of justice? The kitchen? The torture chamber? gulp
   
   Afternoon - Winterthur and Rhine Falls
   Museum-and-art-lovers today is your day! For our next stop is the city of Winterhur where we have a couple of hours to explore and grab a bite to eat. From photography exhibits to the Swiss Science Center Technorama, there's something for every interest here. We may be approaching the final stop of the tour, but that's nothing to be sad about... not where we're going. Rhine Falls are the strongest waterfalls in Europe. Crashing down around you, you have the choice to jump on an optional boat ride and feel the thunderous power of this incredible landmark before we return to Zürich in the evening.
   
   Early Evening - Arrive back in Zürich
   What a way to end six incredible days! You end your tour with a scenic drive back to Zürich a little bit more in love with the culture, landscapes and people of Switzerland than you even thought possible.

   

   Kyburg Castle

   

   Rhine Falls

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Meeting & drop-off

Cancellation policy

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Tour operator