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Classic Highlights of Switzerland

From £2933

Excluding Flights

12 Nights

Jan-Oct & Dec

Overview

This itinerary offers the perfect blend of elegant cities, like Zürich, Lucerne, and Montreux, and stunning alpine resorts, including St. Moritz, Zermatt, and the Jungfrau region. Add in the iconic Glacier Express and the scenic Golden Pass Panorama Express, and you have a journey combining quaint alpine villages with breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Start your journey in Zürich, Switzerland’s largest city, where contemporary meets rich tradition. Zürich is a cultural hub, home to world-class museums, galleries, and theatres. Framed by stunning mountains, it’s a paradise for both urban explorers and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether strolling along the scenic Limmat River, savouring delicious Swiss cuisine, or discovering the city’s historic landmarks, Zürich offers the perfect blend of cosmopolitan elegance and natural beauty.

St. Moritz is a world-renowned alpine resort in the Engadin Valley of Switzerland, celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and magnificent amenities. Known as the birthplace of winter tourism, it has hosted the Winter Olympics and attracts winter sports enthusiasts with its extensive ski slopes and winter activities. In summer, St. Moritz transforms into a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and water sports enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and pristine lakes. With its vibrant cultural scene, upscale shops, gourmet dining, and wellness retreats, St. Moritz is a year-round destination that combines outdoor adventure with comfort and relaxation.

Zermatt is a charming mountain village at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, renowned for its stunning alpine scenery and car-free streets. Zermatt offers access to year-round outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, climbing, and mountain biking. The village features a mix of traditional Swiss chalets and modern amenities, with a vibrant dining scene and a variety of shops. Visitors can also take the Gornergrat Railway for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Montreux, located on the shores of Lake Geneva, is famed for its stunning lake views and surrounding mountains. Known for its mild climate, Montreux boasts a beautiful lakeside promenade lined with palm trees, gardens, and historic Belle Époque buildings. Visitors can explore the nearby Chillon Castle, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful castles, the terraced vineyards in Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take a scenic boat ride on Lake Geneva. With its vibrant cultural scene, outdoor activities, and enchanting atmosphere, Montreux is a captivating destination year-round.

The Jungfrau region is a stunning alpine area in Switzerland, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, dramatic peaks, and charming villages. Nestled between the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a wide array of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and mountaineering. Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe,” features a breathtaking railway that takes visitors to Europe’s highest railway station. The picturesque towns of Grindelwald, Wengen, and Lauterbrunnen serve as gateways to this magnificent region, providing access to stunning waterfalls, lush meadows, and panoramic views.

Lucerne, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne and framed by majestic mountains, is a captivating blend of history and modern life. Renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, the city boasts a vibrant arts scene, world-class museums, and lively annual festivals. Visitors can embark on scenic boat cruises to soak in the stunning lakeside views or take cable cars to nearby mountain peaks like Pilatus and Rigi, for breathtaking panoramas of the Swiss Alps. With its enchanting atmosphere and diverse offerings, Lucerne is an unforgettable destination for travellers seeking both cultural richness and outdoor adventure.

 

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Glacier Express

The Glacier Express takes you on an unforgettable 7.5-hour journey through 180 miles of breathtaking alpine scenery at a leisurely pace of just 24 mph—because, on this train, slower truly is better! Connecting the legendary ski resorts of St. Moritz and Zermatt, nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, this is arguably Switzerland’s most scenic train ride.

From the comfort of panoramic coaches, you’ll be captivated by views of snow-capped peaks, lush alpine forests, and charming mountain villages. Highlights of the journey include the remarkable Landwasser Viaduct, a mountain-to-mountain marvel, the spectacular Oberalp Pass, and the awe-inspiring Rhine Gorge, often dubbed the ‘Grand Canyon of Switzerland.’ With nearly 300 bridges and 91 tunnels along the route, every moment is a visual feast.

Glacier Express operates between 07 December 2024 and 11 October 2025 (no operation between 12 October and 05 December 2025).

Golden Pass Panorama Express

Connecting Lake Geneva with central Switzerland, the Golden Pass route is operated on the direct Golden Pass Panoramic trains between Montreux and Interlaken. This breathtaking route through the heart of some of Europe’s finest mountain scenery, takes just over 3 hours. Highlights of the journey include the steep climb from Montreux, weaving through vineyards and country estates to the stunning scenery of Bernese Oberland.

Itinerary

Depart London in the morning and travel to Paris Gare du Nord on Eurostar. Transfer to Gare du Lyon, just two stops on the Paris PER, before departing on your onward journey to Zürich. Spend the following two nights in Zürich.

Prices

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private facilities

  • Breakfast throughout

  • 3-course lunch on Glacier Express

  • Interrail Pass for 7 days of travel within one month

  • All compulsory seat reservation fees on panorama and international trains

  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday

  • No surcharge guarantee

  • Full financial protection

From £2933 Excluding Flights

12 Nights

Jan-Oct & Dec

Based on two sharing a twin room with private facilities and breakfast. Prices may vary depending on departure date.

Make this trip yours

Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.

Freya

We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.

Experts with real experience