8 Days Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

Imagine spending eight days riding some of the world’s most famous trains through Switzerland’s breathtaking scenery—from glittering lakes and towering peaks to lush valleys and charming villages. This Grand Train Tour of Switzerland package offers an immersive journey that highlights the country’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and engineering marvels. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, a detailed look at the itinerary and traveler reviews paints a vivid picture of what’s on offer.

One thing we love about this experience is the chance to see such a variety of landscapes without the hassle of planning each train transfer or dealing with the logistics. Plus, the inclusion of iconic routes like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and GoldenPass Line means you get to travel on trains renowned for their comfort, efficiency, and stunning vistas. However, the tour’s price might seem steep at over $5,300 per person, but considering the all-inclusive rail travel, accommodations, and the chance to explore multiple regions, the value becomes clearer.

A key consideration is the fixed itinerary—if you prefer a more flexible or independently paced trip, this might feel a bit regimented. But for those who want a comprehensive, guided, and comfortably organized introduction to Switzerland’s highlights, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck.

This experience is best suited for travelers who love scenic train rides, want to see a wide range of Switzerland’s landscapes, and appreciate the convenience of a well-organized group tour. It’s particularly appealing for first-timers or those who want an efficient way to cover a lot of ground without the stress of planning each leg.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery on iconic Swiss trains, offering panoramic views of lakes, mountains, and valleys.
• Well-organized itinerary covering major highlights like Zermatt, St. Moritz, Lugano, and Lucerne.
• All-inclusive rail passes and accommodations simplify travel and logistics.
• Authentic Swiss towns and cultural regions with four language zones for a diverse experience.
• Group size limited to 20 for a more personalized atmosphere.
• Travel in comfort aboard premium trains like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and GoldenPass Line.

What to Expect from the Tour

This 8-day journey is designed with the scenery lover in mind. Each day offers a different train route, providing unforgettable views and a variety of Swiss environments. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Interlaken

Your adventure begins with travel from your starting point to Lucerne, followed by a scenic ride on the Luzern-Interlaken Express. This train connects two iconic Swiss regions, giving you early glimpses of the country’s natural beauty. While the review mentions this part is free of charge, it sets the tone for the scenic journeys ahead.

Day 2: GoldenPass Line to Montreux

The GoldenPass Line is celebrated for its picturesque views of lakes, vineyards, and mountain backdrops. The trip from Interlaken to Montreux takes around 3 hours, with highlights like Zweisimmen and the shimmering Lake Geneva. Montreux, with its lakeside charm and famous festivals, makes for a delightful overnight stop. You’ll find the scenery here especially captivating, with sparkling waters and lush hills.

Day 3: Zermatt and the Matterhorn

Travel into the Alps to reach Zermatt, a car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn. The journey involves ascending through mountain landscapes, and once there, you’ll have leisure time to explore this charming town. The absence of cars adds a peaceful, old-world feel. Based on reviews, the views from Zermatt are spectacular and well worth the trip. The town offers a mix of cozy hotels and scenic walks.

Day 4: The Glacier Express to St. Moritz

One of the tour’s crown jewels is the Glacier Express, often dubbed “the world’s slowest express” but truly one of the most breathtaking train journeys. It snakes through lush valleys, crosses mountain passes, and ventures through the Rhine Gorge, a highlight for many travelers. Expect about 8 hours of traveling in panoramic comfort, with windows designed for maximum sightseeing.

Day 5: Bernina Express and Lugano

Today features two distinct parts: First, the Bernina Express takes you from St. Moritz into Italy, crossing the UNESCO-listed Bernina Pass. The train’s panoramic windows mean you won’t miss a detail of the incredible scenery—think alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks.

Next, you’ll travel by bus into Italy and then on to Lugano, a vibrant city in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. Here, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere, lakeside promenades, and Swiss-Italian culture. The review emphasizes the scenic transfer, and travelers often comment on the stunning vistas visible even from the bus.

Day 6: The Gotthard Panorama Express and Lucerne

Traveling north, you’ll take the Gotthard Panorama Express in a special panoramic carriage, which maximizes the views of Swiss mountains and lakes. Afterward, a historic paddle steamer awaits in Flüelen, offering a charming cruise back to Lucerne. This day combines train and boat travel, allowing for varied vistas and a relaxed pace.

Day 7: St. Gallen and North-Eastern Switzerland

The Voralpen-Express takes you to St. Gallen, a city famous for its baroque architecture and textile history. The route showcases rugged landscapes and moorlands, providing a different perspective on Switzerland’s diverse geography. Travelers appreciate the scenic variety and the smaller city feel.

Day 8: Departure or Continued Journey

The tour concludes after breakfast in St. Gallen or Lucerne, depending on your plans. You can choose to extend your stay or head home with a wealth of scenic memories.

The Train Journeys: Why They Matter

The core of this tour is the train rides, which are more than transportation—they’re the main attraction. The Glacier Express offers an immersive experience of Switzerland’s alpine grandeur, with panoramic windows that make every twist and turn spectacular. The Bernina Express takes you into Italy, crossing UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes, making it a highlight for many.

The GoldenPass Line connects lakeside towns with mountain vistas, and the Gotthard Panorama Express combines rail and boat for a relaxing yet visually rich day. The fact that these routes are included and that seat reservations are made in advance ensures travelers can sit back and enjoy the views without worries.

The Value of Convenience and Comfort

The included Half Fare Card and pre-reserved seats on key trains mean less stress and more focus on soaking in the scenery. The accommodations—hotels in key Swiss towns—are chosen for their location and comfort, giving you a restful night after long days of sightseeing.

The group size—max 20 travelers—ensures a more intimate experience, allowing for easy socializing or peaceful solo reflection. The tour’s structure also means you won’t have to worry about booking each train or hotel separately, which is a major time-saver.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Perspectives

While only one review is available, it’s glowing: “We had nine days with a wonderful guide and rode the fun and efficient trains around Switzerland to see lots of beautiful lakes, mountains, and valleys.” The reviewer highlights the effectiveness of the organized itinerary and the quality of the trains, especially noting the hotels and dinners, which suggests a comfortable, well-rounded trip.

Travelers can expect, based on reviews, that the views will be the highlight and that the journey is more about enjoying scenery than ticking off cities. The consistent praise for the spectacular landscapes supports that this tour is ideal for nature lovers and train enthusiasts alike.

How to Judge the Price

At $5,387.83 per person, the cost might seem high, but it encompasses all rail travel, accommodations, certain reservations, and a knowledgeable guide. For travelers who want to see Switzerland without the hassle of planning every leg, this is a good deal. It’s especially attractive if you value comfort, convenience, and the chance to sit back and drink in the scenery without worrying about logistics.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This tour suits those who are passionate about scenic train journeys and want a curated experience covering Switzerland’s top highlights. It’s ideal for first-time visitors, couples, or small groups who appreciate the comfort of organized travel and stunning natural vistas. If you’re looking for a leisurely pace combined with authentic Swiss towns and iconic routes, this package hits the mark.

The Sum Up

Booking an 8-day Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is a practical way to see many of the country’s most scenic regions without the stress of planning individual legs of the trip. The combination of world-famous train routes, charming towns, and diverse landscapes makes it a compelling choice for lovers of natural beauty and efficient travel.

You’ll spend your days marveling at mountain peaks, shimmering lakes, and lush valleys—all from the comfort of panoramic train carriages. The included accommodations and organized itinerary help ensure a smooth experience, leaving you free to simply enjoy the journey.

While the price is on the higher side, the value lies in the convenience, the quality of the train journeys, and the memorable scenery. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want to see Switzerland’s highlights in a relaxed, guided setting, with plenty of opportunities for authentic cultural experiences along the way.

FAQ

What does the tour include?
The tour includes all rail travel as per the itinerary, overnight stays with breakfast in key Swiss towns, a Half Fare Card, seat reservations on the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Gotthard Panorama Express, and GoldenPass Line.

How long are the train journeys?
Most train routes range from about 2 to 8 hours, with the Glacier Express being the longest at around 8 hours. The days are structured to maximize scenery viewing with plenty of time for stops and exploration.

Are accommodations included?
Yes, the tour provides overnight stays in hotels in Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Lugano, Lucerne, and St. Gallen with breakfast included each morning.

Can I cancel and get a refund?
Yes, the booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before will not be refunded.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The group size is limited to 20 travelers, making it a manageable and social experience, though it is also perfect for those who prefer traveling alone but enjoy guided tours.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 8:00 am in Lucerne, with most travelers meeting there to start their adventure.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland fits your travel style. It combines some of the best rail journeys in the world with the comfort of organized planning, making it a memorable way to explore Switzerland’s stunning landscapes.