Kensington
14 Day Swiss Grand Train Journey
14 Day Swiss Grand Train Journey
Switzerland possesses some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, and the best way to take them all in is from the window of a first-class train. This captivating adventure across the mountain passes and rolling hills of the Alps connects idyllic Swiss cities and alpine adventure courtesy of one of the world’s most advanced (not to mention scenic) rail networks.
The journey begins in Zürich, the gorgeous alpine heart of Switzerland’s banking empire. Once settled, step out and explore the city on a privately guided walking tour of its must-see sights, including the historic Altstadt and the medieval Fraumünster church, home to Marc Chagall’s famous stained-glass windows.
A convenient private transfer delivers you next to Lucerne, the quintessential Swiss city. With a private guide, stroll its charming cobblestone streets in search of covered bridges, immaculately preserved medieval architecture, and other scenic delights. Later, take a relaxing cruise around Lake Lucerne before ascending to the 7,000-foot (2,000-meter) summit of Mount Pilatus by cogwheel train. Before departing, you’ll have the chance to breathe in the refreshing mountain air of the Bernese Oberland on a private tour of the valleys, lakes, and villages in the shadow of the towering Jungfrau.
The trip to Lugano is an experience all of its own. From the Gotthard Panorama Express, you’ll journey through the scenic landscapes of the historic St. Gotthard Pass to Italian-accented Lugano. Here, take a private tour of the fascinating castles of Bellinzona: Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro, whose fortifications are collectively protected by UNESCO.
Another stunning rail journey connects you to St. Moritz, the playground of Europe’s elite. Aboard the Bernina Express, you’ll cross the picturesque Val Poschiavo to Bernina Pass, home to some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in Europe. From St. Moritz, you’ll board the world-famous Glacier Express for a beautiful eight-hour ride through the Swiss Alps, passing gorgeous pastures and alpine valleys and crossing the incredible Oberalp Pass en route to Zermatt.
Best known as the gateway to the iconic Matterhorn, the small village of Zermatt is pure Switzerland. The view from the top of the Gornergrat – a rocky ridge 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) up accessible by cogwheel train – can’t be beaten; from here, you can see almost all of Switzerland’s signature peaks, including the Matterhorn, Weisshorn, Monte Rosa Massif, and Dufourspitze.
One final stop before Geneva: Montreux, the gem of the Swiss Riviera and home to Chateau of Chillon, perhaps the most striking of Switzerland’s many castles. Bask in its beauty with time at leisure before next exploring the castle and city with a private guide.
Kensington Tours creates private trips from the world’s finest ingredients. Tailor-made with care by your personal Destination Expert, your personalized trip is always a one-of-a-kind experience made just for you. Expert local guidance and 24/7 service come standard.
| Day 1 |
Eminently livable and a pleasure to visit, Zurich is Switzerland's largest and most affluent city. This Central European metropolis is an engine of finance and banking, and has much to offer to visitors. There are numerous art museums, fine chocolate stores, and boundless luxury shopping opportunities. Tourists are also advised to see the winding streets and church-steeples of Alstadt, Zurich's charming Old Town. Public transportation and bike rentals are great ways to navigate this culturally rich, sophisticated destination. |
| Day 2 |
Eminently livable and a pleasure to visit, Zurich is Switzerland's largest and most affluent city. This Central European metropolis is an engine of finance and banking, and has much to offer to visitors. There are numerous art museums, fine chocolate stores, and boundless luxury shopping opportunities. Tourists are also advised to see the winding streets and church-steeples of Alstadt, Zurich's charming Old Town. Public transportation and bike rentals are great ways to navigate this culturally rich, sophisticated destination. |
| Day 3 |
Behold beautiful Lucerne! This German-speaking area of central Switzerland on Lake Lucerne is a truly spectacular locale. Surrounded by mountains and notable for its famous Chapel Bridge, this idyllic and musical Swiss locale is wonderful any time of year.
Attractions in Lucerne besides the Chapel Bridge include the striking, rock-carved Lion Monument, the Swiss Museum of Transport (featuring a cinema, museum and planetarium) and the Jesuit Church, Lucerne which dates back to the 1600s and is adorned with murals. |
| Day 4 |
Behold beautiful Lucerne! This German-speaking area of central Switzerland on Lake Lucerne is a truly spectacular locale. Surrounded by mountains and notable for its famous Chapel Bridge, this idyllic and musical Swiss locale is wonderful any time of year.
Attractions in Lucerne besides the Chapel Bridge include the striking, rock-carved Lion Monument, the Swiss Museum of Transport (featuring a cinema, museum and planetarium) and the Jesuit Church, Lucerne which dates back to the 1600s and is adorned with murals. |
| Day 5 |
Behold beautiful Lucerne! This German-speaking area of central Switzerland on Lake Lucerne is a truly spectacular locale. Surrounded by mountains and notable for its famous Chapel Bridge, this idyllic and musical Swiss locale is wonderful any time of year.
Attractions in Lucerne besides the Chapel Bridge include the striking, rock-carved Lion Monument, the Swiss Museum of Transport (featuring a cinema, museum and planetarium) and the Jesuit Church, Lucerne which dates back to the 1600s and is adorned with murals. |
| Day 6 |
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| Day 7 |
With its warm climate and Latin Character, Lugano is a carefree town nestled between the peaks of San Salvatore and Monte Bré. The swaying palms and cypress trees give it a distinct Italian feeling, and it is, in fact, the largest town in the Italian-speaking Tessin canton. Due to its pleasant climate and breezy Mediterranean ambience, Lugano is one of the all time favourites and most frequently visited resort areas during the warmer months. Reaching up the hillside on a bed of terraces,the old town has many buildings of historical interest. But if you prefer a little more hustle and bustle, then head down to the Palazzo Civico. Filled with many restaurants and boutiques, colourful, dynamic and lively, the Palazzo is the pulsating heart of the town.
The twisted and irregularly shaped Lake of Lugano is spectacularly picturesque as is the bordering scenery. A boat ride along the lake provides some wonderful photo opportunities but to obtain the best views of the lake, head for one of the little, secluded fishing villages, perhaps Gandria or Morcate. Sit down in a grotto draped in grape vines and experience some tasty local delicacies accompanied by a cool glass of local wine before indulging in some excellent shopping along the Via Nassa. Lugano offers a wide variety of cultural, art and musical events each offering a unique way to explore the city's history and traditions. The annual classical and jazz music festivals attract countless visitors as do the many exhibitions particularly in the famous Thyssen-Bornemisza art gallery, Villa Favorita, directly on the lake. The historic churches including Santa Maria degli Angioli and the cathedral San Lorenzo are well worth a visit. |
| Day 8 |
The snow-clad mountains of St. Moritz are much loved by ski enthusiasts from all over the world, especially by the rich, famous and VIP's from all over the world. The outstanding accommodations and nightlife, however, are just the trimmings for a winter playground of superlative quality. Oberengadin 's mineral springs are also a major drawcard.
St. Moritz is the most famous ski resort in the world: chic, elegant and grand with a very cosmopolitan ambience. It lies in a beautiful setting around the lake, in the Engadin valley. The 'sparkling dry champagne climate of St. Moritz' is legendary: its famous sun shines 322 days of the year on average. The famous health springs have been in use since the Bronze Age and a modern spa complex complements their soothing properties. St Moritz is the birthplace of winter tourism and modern winter sports in the Alps and is Switzerland's only Olympic host resort (1928 and 1948). St. Moritz literally offers 'snow how' at its best: skiing - downhill and cross-country - the Cresta and Bob runs; horse races, polo and golf on the frozen lake, plus a consummate nightlife, gala events, shopping fashion shows and much, much more. |
| Day 9 |
Among the stunningly snow-capped Swiss Alps, Zermatt is a charming ski resort town in Switzerland. Situated near the iconic Matterhorn peak, Zermat is the perfect destination for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. |
| Day 10 |
Among the stunningly snow-capped Swiss Alps, Zermatt is a charming ski resort town in Switzerland. Situated near the iconic Matterhorn peak, Zermat is the perfect destination for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. |
| Day 11 |
Spectacularly picturesque, Montreux is situated on the shore of Lake Geneva and one of Switzerland's most popular resort destinations. Montreux is best known for stunning lakeside views, upscale hotels, an annual jazz festival, and the magnificent Château de Chillon, the medieval castle which inspired the writings of many Romantic era poets. |
| Day 12 |
Spectacularly picturesque, Montreux is situated on the shore of Lake Geneva and one of Switzerland's most popular resort destinations. Montreux is best known for stunning lakeside views, upscale hotels, an annual jazz festival, and the magnificent Château de Chillon, the medieval castle which inspired the writings of many Romantic era poets. |
| Day 13 |
Geneva is a cosmopolitan metropolis proud of her traditions. It is the international meeting place of many worldwide organizations including the United Nations and W.H.O. The symbol of the city, the Jet D'Eau is located on the picturesque lake which is surrounded by the splendid gardens and parks. The elegant city has an astonishing variety of boutiques and department stores filled with every imaginable item of quality local and imported merchandise.
A highly significant center for finance, trade, and industry, elegant and traditional Geneva is also home to lush parklands, eight picturesque bridges, quaint, winding streets, and of course, the wonderful Lake Geneva. A walk through the old town spread out on the left bank of the Rhône yields a magical experience and an historical adventure. Most of the famous museums, the Opera, landmark buildings, and imposing churches are found here. |
| Day 14 |
Geneva is a cosmopolitan metropolis proud of her traditions. It is the international meeting place of many worldwide organizations including the United Nations and W.H.O. The symbol of the city, the Jet D'Eau is located on the picturesque lake which is surrounded by the splendid gardens and parks. The elegant city has an astonishing variety of boutiques and department stores filled with every imaginable item of quality local and imported merchandise.
A highly significant center for finance, trade, and industry, elegant and traditional Geneva is also home to lush parklands, eight picturesque bridges, quaint, winding streets, and of course, the wonderful Lake Geneva. A walk through the old town spread out on the left bank of the Rhône yields a magical experience and an historical adventure. Most of the famous museums, the Opera, landmark buildings, and imposing churches are found here. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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12/14/18 - 12/31/26 |
Starting At $18,678 |
Get A Quote |
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Offer is subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
