Tour overview

This 8-day small-group journey crosses Switzerland by train, boat and cable car, from the lakes of the centre to the Italian-speaking south, the high Alps and the shores of Lake Geneva. Groups have between 4 and 16 travellers aged 16 and over, with a tour leader throughout. You stay seven nights in comfortable, locally owned hotels: one in Zurich, one in Lucerne, two at Hotel Parco Paradiso in Lugano, one in the car-free mountain village of Bettmeralp and two at Hotel Royal Plaza in Montreux. Breakfast is included daily, with a raclette lunch and two dinners.

From Zurich a short train ride takes you to Lucerne, where a local guide leads you across the Chapel Bridge and past the Lion Monument and Jesuit Church, before a visit to a chocolatier to taste and make your own bar. Next day you ride the Gotthard Panorama Express, gliding by boat across Lake Lucerne beneath Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, then continuing by first-class panoramic train through the mountains to Lugano.

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In the Ticino you discover the rural traditions of the region with a local guide near Locarno on Lake Maggiore, including a farm visit. The Centovalli Express then carries you through deep gorges, vineyards and villages into northern Italy at Domodossola, where you stop for lunch, before the train continues to Bettmeralp, reached by cable car.

In the morning a cable car rises to the Bettmerhorn, where a viewing platform looks over the Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps. After a traditional raclette lunch at the Château de Villa in Sierre, the train brings you to Montreux on Lake Geneva. Your final full day includes Chillon Castle, set on a rocky islet on the lake, and a wine tasting among the UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards of Lavaux.

The physical rating is low, with some walking in towns and on mountain paths. This trip suits travellers who love scenic rail journeys and want to see Switzerland's variety without driving. Travelling by public trains also means you see Switzerland the way the Swiss do, with spotless carriages, punctual connections and big windows framing the views.

Trip highlights

  • Lucerne's old town and a chocolate workshop (Day 2)
  • The Gotthard Panorama Express (Day 3)
  • Ticino farming traditions near Locarno (Day 4)
  • The Centovalli Express to Bettmeralp (Day 5)
  • Views over the Aletsch Glacier (Day 6)
  • Chillon Castle and Lavaux wine tasting (Day 7)

Your route

13 stops from Zurich to Vevey

8-day route: Zurich – Lucerne – Lugano – Locarno – Bettmeralp – Montreux
  1. Zurich Day 1
  2. Lucerne Day 2
  3. Flüelen Day 3
  4. Lugano Days 3–4
  5. Locarno Days 4–5
  6. Intragna Day 4
  7. Domodossola Day 5
  8. Brig Day 5
  9. Bettmeralp Day 5
  10. Bettmerhorn Day 6
  11. Montreux Days 6–8
  12. Chillon Castle Day 7
  13. Vevey Day 7

Why choose this tour

Switzerland's most scenic train rides, with luggage-light travel and no driving. From Swiss-German lakes to the Italian-speaking Ticino and French-speaking Lake Geneva.

Best suited to

  • Rail enthusiasts
  • Travellers who want scenery without driving
  • Food and wine lovers
  • Solo travellers looking for a small group
The Chapel Bridge and Water Tower in Lucerne

Day-by-day itinerary

8 days from Zurich, Switzerland to Montreux, Switzerland

  1. Day 1 · Zurich Arrive in Zurich

    Meet the group at 6pm for a welcome dinner.

    Hotel
    Hotel Alexander or Central Plaza, or similar
    Meals
    Dinner
  2. Day 2 · Lucerne, Chapel Bridge Lucerne

    A train to Lucerne, a guided walk and a chocolate workshop.

    Hotel
    Hotel Waldstaetterhof or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  3. Day 3 · Lake Lucerne, Flüelen, Lugano Gotthard Panorama Express

    Cross Lake Lucerne by boat, then ride the panoramic train to Lugano.

    Hotel
    Hotel Parco Paradiso or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  4. Day 4 · Locarno, Lake Maggiore Ticino traditions

    Explore the farming heritage of the Ticino with a local guide.

    Hotel
    Hotel Parco Paradiso or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  5. Day 5 · Domodossola, Bettmeralp Centovalli Express

    Ride through deep gorges into Italy and on to Bettmeralp.

    Hotel
    Hotel Waldhaus or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  6. Day 6 · Bettmerhorn, Sierre, Montreux Aletsch Glacier to Montreux

    A cable car above the glacier, raclette lunch and the train to Montreux.

    Hotel
    Hotel Royal Plaza or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  7. Day 7 · Chillon Castle, Lavaux Chillon and Lavaux

    Visit Chillon Castle and taste wine in the Lavaux vineyards.

    Hotel
    Hotel Royal Plaza or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  8. Day 8 · Montreux Trip ends in Montreux

    The trip ends after breakfast.

    Meals
    Breakfast
Lake Lugano and Monte Brè

Where you stay

  • Zurich (1 night) Hotel Alexander or Central Plaza, or similar
  • Lucerne (1 night) Hotel Waldstaetterhof or similar
  • Lugano (2 nights) Hotel Parco Paradiso or similar
  • Bettmeralp (1 night) Hotel Waldhaus or similar
  • Montreux (2 nights) Hotel Royal Plaza or similar

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 7 nights in comfortable hotels
  • Meals 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
  • Rail, boat and cable car travel, including the Gotthard Panorama Express and Centovalli Express
  • Guided walking tour of Lucerne and a chocolate workshop
  • Ticino rural heritage day with a farm visit
  • Bettmerhorn cable car, Chillon Castle and Lavaux wine tasting
  • Tour leader throughout

Not included

  • Flights to Zurich and from Geneva
  • Meals not listed
  • Tips, travel insurance and personal spending
Vineyard terraces above Lake Geneva in Lavaux

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You want a budget trip — Switzerland is expensive
  • You want to hike every day — walks are short
  • You want to visit Zermatt — this route goes via Bettmeralp
  • You want flights included — they are not

Good to know

FCDO advice UK FCDO travel advice for Switzerland
Chillon Castle on the shore of Lake Geneva

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £4,429 per person, twin share, tour only. 4 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.

Which scenic trains are included?

The Gotthard Panorama Express, with a first-class rail section and a Lake Lucerne cruise, and the Centovalli Express.

Do I carry my luggage on the trains?

Yes, so pack light. A medium suitcase or rucksack is best.

Do we go into Italy?

Briefly. The Centovalli route stops for lunch in Domodossola in northern Italy.

How much walking is there?

Mostly short walks in towns and at viewpoints.

Is Bettmeralp car-free?

Yes. The village is reached by cable car.

How many people travel together?

Between 4 and 16 travellers aged 16 and over, with a tour 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.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

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

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