Best of Switzerland by Rail – 8 Days
Zurich, Bern, Grindelwald, Lucerne and Mount Rigi by train in a group of up to twelve.
Tour overview
This 8-day small-group adventure explores Switzerland the Swiss way, by train, with a Swiss Travel Pass for the whole journey. A local leader travels with the group, which numbers no more than twelve. You stay seven nights in hotels in Zurich, Bern, Grindelwald and Lucerne, with breakfast daily.
From Zurich you take the train to Bern, the capital, built in a loop of the River Aare, for a walking tour of its medieval arcades and a guided tour inside the Zytglogge clock tower. You continue to Grindelwald in the Bernese Alps for two nights, with a village walk and a free day to ride the cable car to Grindelwald First, walk the First Cliff Walk or explore the glacier gorge.
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A panoramic train carries you from Interlaken to Lucerne, where you visit the Glacier Garden and the Bourbaki Panorama. On a day trip to Mount Rigi, the queen of the mountains, you ride a cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm, walk to the summit, tour a cheese cellar with a tasting and descend by cogwheel train to Vitznau, returning to Lucerne by boat. Back in Zurich, an orientation walk ends with a hot chocolate.
The physical rating is low. This trip suits travellers who want to see the highlights of Switzerland by train in a small group.
Trip highlights
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The Zytglogge clock tower in Bern (Day 2)
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Two nights in Grindelwald (Days 3–4)
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The panoramic train to Lucerne (Day 5)
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Cogwheel trains up Mount Rigi (Day 6)
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A cheese-cellar tasting (Day 6)
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A boat on Lake Lucerne (Day 6)
Your route
8 stops from Zurich to Zurich
- Zurich Day 1
- Bern Day 2
- Grindelwald Days 3–4
- Jungfraujoch Day 4
- Interlaken Day 5
- Lucerne Days 5–6
- Rigi Kulm Day 6
- Zurich Days 7–8
Why choose this tour
Switzerland's highlights by train, with a Swiss Travel Pass. A small group of no more than twelve.
Best suited to
- Rail lovers
- First-time visitors to Switzerland
- Nature lovers
- Solo travellers and couples
Day-by-day itinerary
8 days from Zurich, Switzerland to Zurich, Switzerland
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Day 1 · Zurich Zurich
A 6pm welcome meeting.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 2 · Bern, Zytglogge Bern
The capital.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 3 · Grindelwald Grindelwald
Into the Bernese Alps.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 4 · Grindelwald First Grindelwald
A free day.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 5 · Interlaken, Lucerne Lucerne
A panoramic train.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 6 · Rigi Kulm, Vitznau Mount Rigi
Cogwheel trains and cheese.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 7 · Zurich Zurich
A walk and hot chocolate.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 8 · Zurich Zurich
The trip ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Zurich (1 night) Hotel
- Bern (1 night) Hotel
- Grindelwald (2 nights) Hotel
- Lucerne (2 nights) Hotel
- Zurich (1 night) Hotel
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 7 nights in hotels
- Meals 7 breakfasts
- Swiss Travel Pass for trains, boats and buses
- Bern walk and Zytglogge tour
- Panoramic train to Lucerne and Lucerne visits
- Mount Rigi cogwheel trains and cheese tasting
- Local leader throughout
Not included
- Flights
- Meals not included 6 lunches and 7 dinners
- Lunches and dinners
- Optional cable cars and excursions
- Travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want luxury hotels
- You want most meals included
- You want a winter sports holiday
- You want flights included — they are not
Good to know
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £2,995 per person, twin share, tour only. 27 upcoming departures.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass included?
Yes, it covers trains, boats and buses for the trip, with discounts on many mountain railways.
Is the Jungfraujoch included?
No, but you can visit on the free day in Grindelwald at extra cost.
How much walking is there?
Short walks in towns and on Mount Rigi, with longer hikes optional.
Do I need a visa?
UK citizens don't need a visa for Switzerland for short stays.
Can I have my own room?
A single supplement is available on request.
How many people travel together?
No more than twelve travellers, with a local leader.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary