SWITZERLAND BY TRAIN
Switzerland is a country made for train travel, and this TravelMaven Train Tour captures the very best of it. Over two weeks, you’ll glide across crystal-blue lakes, wind through alpine valleys, and roll into some of Europe’s most picturesque towns and villages. From vineyards and castles on Lake Geneva to the dramatic peaks of the Jungfrau, from Lucerne’s medieval charm to Lugano’s Mediterranean flair, and finally to the cultural treasures of St. Gallen and Appenzell—this journey showcases Switzerland in all its variety.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy a balance of included group meals and free time. Buffet breakfasts start each day, while a Welcome Dinner, three additional group dinners, and a Farewell Luncheon bring the group together. Swiss hotels provide local transit cards, and every guest receives a Swiss Half Fare Card for discounts on optional excursions, including the world-famous Jungfraujoch.
TravelMaven’s Train Tours are designed for travelers who want authentic experiences and the freedom to move like locals. That means using public trains and boats to reach not only Switzerland’s headline sights but also its hidden corners. To keep the journey smooth, guests must be comfortable managing their own luggage through stations and onto trains. With the right bags—one daypack and one medium-size wheeled suitcase—you’ll be ready for an effortless adventure through one of the world’s most scenic countries.
DETAILS
LAND PACKAGE: $8,980
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $3,240
TYPE: TrainTour
HOTELS: 4 star
GROUP: Max 12 Guests
DURATION: 12 nights
Begins in Geneva: Sat Sept 12, 2026
Ends in Zurich: Thu Sept 24, 2026
Regions of Switzerland
Lake Geneva
Our journey begins with three nights in Lausanne, where highlights include exploring the fairytale-like Chillon Castle in Montreux, enjoying a winery tour in charming Lutry, and discovering the world of sport at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.
Interlaken / Jungfrau
Our second stop is the charming mountainside village of Wengen, where we’ll spend three nights surrounded by breathtaking alpine views. From this car-free haven, we’ll set out on several excursions to explore the region’s iconic high-altitude landscapes.
Lake Lucerne
Our third stop is Lucerne, where we’ll spend two nights in what is often regarded as Switzerland’s most beautiful city. When it’s time to depart, we’ll enjoy a scenic four-hour cruise across Lake Lucerne, traveling all the way to its far end.
Lake Lugano
Our fourth stop is Lugano, where we’ll spend two nights immersed in a lush, lakeside setting. Here, Italian is the language of daily life, and the atmosphere leans more Mediterranean in spirit than French or Germanic, offering a distinct change of pace within Switzerland.
St. Gallen / Appenzell
Our fifth stop takes us to eastern Switzerland for two nights, divided between St. Gallen with its UNESCO World Heritage listed abbey complex and the quaint mountain town of Appenzell, known for its colorful charm and alpine traditions.
Train Experiences
North shore of Lake Geneva
The main line that connects Geneva with Lausanne and Montreux provides an endless stream of amazing views over the lake and into the mountains. This isn’t a ‘tourist train’, but the quality of scenery is first rate.
Golden Pass from Montreux to Interlaken
This luxurious tourist train follows the old narrow guage line through mountain passes and valleys, providing a continuous series of amazing viewpoints and locations.
Jungfrau Region
We’ll take cog railways, gondolas, cable cars and funiculars into the high alpine. These transporation links were mostly built to access farming villages, but now they’re dominated by hikers in summer and skiers in winter.
Interlaken-Lucerne Express
This tourist cog railline brings passengers along the shores of several lakes from the high alpine down to the shores of Lake Lucerne.
Gotthard Panorama Express
This historic rail line traverses the Gottard Pass that links central Europe with Italy through the Alps. With corkscrew tunnels and twists and turns, our first-class only special Panorama train offer unending amazing views.
Voralpen Express
This lesser-known rail line links many communities near Lake Zurich with St. Gallen, including the hometowns of many of Ursula’s Swiss relatives.
Boat Excursions
Lake Geneva
We'll enjoy a scenic 1 hour 20 minute boat ride on Lake Geneva, traveling from Lausanne to Chillon Castle near Montreux. Along the way, you’ll pass terraced vineyards, alpine peaks, and picturesque lakeside towns, making the journey as memorable as the destination.
Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz offers a beautiful 1 hour 15 minute boat ride from Interlaken to the town of Brienz. The journey takes you across turquoise waters framed by steep mountains and waterfalls, with charming villages and forested slopes lining the shore.
Lake Lucerne
Lake Lucerne offers a spectacular 2 hour 45 minute boat ride from the city of Lucerne to the village of Flüelen. This journey takes you through some of Switzerland’s most iconic scenery, with dramatic fjord-like bays, snow-capped peaks, and historic sites visible along the route.
Lake Lugano
Lake Lugano offers a 3 hour return excursion to the picturesque village of Morcote. The trip combines a scenic boat ride across the lake with a short visit to this charming village, often called the ‘Pearl of Ceresio.’ Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views.
Daily Agenda
Day 1 (Sat Sept 12)
Arrive in Geneva & Train to Lausanne
TRAVEL DAY: Upon arriving at Geneva Airport in the morning, guests will be welcomed by Ursula & Molly before traveling by direct train to Lausanne. The group will drop off their bags at the hotel then enjoy a walking tour through Lausanne’s charming Old Town, followed by some time to rest and settle in. In the late afternoon, we will take the metro down to Ouchy for a festive Welcome Dinner by Lake Geneva.
Day 2 (Sun Sept 13)
Lausanne Day
STAYPUT DAY: Our day begins with a metro ride to the International Olympic Museum. Midday we’ll return to the station and hotel area, where guests will have a few hours free to enjoy lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, we’ll take a short train ride to Lutry for a guided tour of the scenic vineyards along the slopes of Lake Geneva. We’ll return to the hotel in the evening, with the rest of the night free to relax.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3 (Mon Sept 14)
Montreux Day
STAYPUT DAY: We will begin the day with a scenic ferry ride from Ouchy to the historic Chillon Castle on the edge of Montreux. After our guided visit, we will make our way into the center of Montreux, either by walking along the lakeside promenade or by taking a short local train. Once there, guests will have the chance to explore the town and, if they wish, visit the Freddie Mercury Museum.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4 (Tue Sept 15)
Golden Pass Express: Montreux to Wengen
TRAIN DAY: Our day begins with a short ride from Lausanne to Montreux Station where we will board the Golden Pass Express bound for Interlaken. Upon arrival, we will catch a local train to Lauderbrunnen, then on to Wengen by cogwheel train. After checking-in at the Hotel Victoria Lauberhorn, we’ll take the gondola up to Mannlichen before returning for a group dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5 (Wed Sept 16)
Lauterbrunnen Valley Day
STAYPUT DAY: On our first day in the Jungfrau region, Ursula will guide the group on an unforgettable journey through the mountains, traveling by cogwheel train and cable car to reach the villages of Mürren and Gimmelwald before ascending to the summit of Schilthorn Mountain. We will return to the hotel in the late afternoon, and the evening will be free for guests to relax or explore.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6 (Thu Sept 17)
Jungfrau Region Free Day
STAYPUT DAY: Today is a free day for guests to plan their own adventure. Ursula will offer a selection of excursions, with possibilities including visits to Grindelwald, Scheidegg Plateau, and Mount First. Guests who wish may also choose an optional trip to the Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe” (not included). In the evening, the group will gather for dinner at the hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7 (Fri Sept 18)
Interlaken Express: Wengen to Lucerne
TRAIN DAY: Today’s journey begins with a boat ride across Lake Brienz, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and lakeside villages. From there, we board the Interlaken Lucerne Express, one of Switzerland’s most picturesque train routes. We will arrive in Lucerne by late afternoon and check in at the Hotel Monopol. The evening is free for guests to relax or explore the city at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8 (Sat Sept 19)
Lucerne Day
STAYPUT DAY: Today is for guests to discover Lucerne at their own pace. This charming lakeside city offers plenty to see and do, from strolling across the famous Chapel Bridge to exploring the Old Town’s colorful squares. While there are excursions available, such as a trip up Mount Pilatus, we suggest keeping the day relaxed and simply enjoying the atmosphere of Lucerne.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 9 (Sun Sept 20)
Gotthard Panorama Express
TRAIN DAY: The day begins with a boat cruise down Lake Lucerne to Flüelen, taking in the stunning scenery of mountains and villages along the way. From there, we board the first-class-only Gotthard Panorama Express for a spectacular rail journey through the Swiss Alps to Lugano. After checking in at the Hotel Walter au Lac, the group will gather for dinner at the Spaghetti Store.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10 (Mon Sept 21)
Lugano Day
STAYPUT DAY: Our day begins with a morning boat ride across Lake Lugano to the picturesque village of Morcote, often called the “Pearl of Ceresio” for its charming lakeside setting. After returning to Lugano, the afternoon and evening are free for guests to relax at the hotel or continue exploring the city’s shops, gardens, and lakeside promenade at their own pace.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 11 (Tue Sept 22)
Voralpen Express: Lugano to St. Gallen
TRAIN DAY: Our journey north begins with a train ride through the world’s longest railway tunnel, stretching 57 kilometers beneath the Swiss Alps. From there, we continue on the scenic Voralpen Express to St. Gallen. After checking in at the Hotel Walhalla, we will take a short bus ride to the Appenzeller cheese factory for an tour and tasting experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 12 (Wed Sept 23)
St. Gallen and Appenzell
STAYPUT DAY: We will begin the day with a guided visit to the UNESCO-listed Abbey of St. Gall, exploring its magnificent church and world-renowned library. Afterwards, we’ll take a short train ride to the charming village of Appenzell, where we’ll enjoy a Farewell Luncheon followed by time to stroll through the colorful streets and soak in the town’s traditional Swiss character.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 13 (Thu Sept 24)
Train from St. Gallen to Zurich Airport
TRAIN DAY: On this final day of the tour, guests will depart St. Gallen by direct train to Zurich Airport for their departing flights. Those traveling on Swiss Air flight 080 will check out of the hotel around 6:00am, while guests on Air Canada flight 881 will depart the hotel around 9:30am. Ursula will assist with arrangements to ensure that everyone has a smooth and comfortable transfer.
Meals Included: Breakfast
