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REQUEST A CALL
* (707) 881-8454
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REQUEST A CALL
* (707) 881-8454
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MENUMENU
* Design Your Tour
* RAIL TOURS
* 12-Day Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
* 8-Day Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
* 5-Day Switzerland Private Train Tour
* 3-Day Switzerland Private Train Tour
* Grand Train Tour of Switzerland: Christmas Edition
* Rail Tours Useful Info
* Grand Train Tour: Ultimate Packing List
* What are the most scenic trains in Switzerland?
* HIKING TRIPS
* 8-Day The Best Of Via Alpina Hiking Trip
* 6-Day Hiking Trip Around Lake Lucerne
* 2-Day Hike & Cheese Farm Stay on Rigi
* DAY TOURS
* Lucerne Day Tours
* Guided Day Hike From Lucerne
* Lucerne Ridge Guided Day Hike
* Mt. Rigi Private Guided Day Hike
* Mt. Pilatus Private Guided Day Hike
* Mt. Rigi & Mt. Pilatus Private Guided Day Trip
* Lucerne Cliff Path Private Guided Trip
* Lucerne Historic Guided Day Hike
* Lucerne E-Bike Trip & Lake Cruise
* Lucerne Panorama Private Walking Tour
* Lucerne Lakeside Private Walking Tour
* Other Swiss Day Tours
* Zermatt Private Guided Day Hike
* Grindelwald Guided Day Hike
* Lugano Private Guided Day Hike
* Lugano Private Culinary Experience
* St. Moritz Private Guided Day Hike
* Zurich Private Guided Ridge Hike
* Contact
* Design Your Tour
* RAIL TOURS
* 12-Day Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
* 8-Day Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
* 5-Day Switzerland Private Train Tour
* 3-Day Switzerland Private Train Tour
* Grand Train Tour of Switzerland: Christmas Edition
* Rail Tours Useful Info
* Grand Train Tour: Ultimate Packing List
* What are the most scenic trains in Switzerland?
* HIKING TRIPS
* 8-Day The Best Of Via Alpina Hiking Trip
* 6-Day Hiking Trip Around Lake Lucerne
* 2-Day Hike & Cheese Farm Stay on Rigi
* DAY TOURS
* Lucerne Day Tours
* Guided Day Hike From Lucerne
* Lucerne Ridge Guided Day Hike
* Mt. Rigi Private Guided Day Hike
* Mt. Pilatus Private Guided Day Hike
* Mt. Rigi & Mt. Pilatus Private Guided Day Trip
* Lucerne Cliff Path Private Guided Trip
* Lucerne Historic Guided Day Hike
* Lucerne E-Bike Trip & Lake Cruise
* Lucerne Panorama Private Walking Tour
* Lucerne Lakeside Private Walking Tour
* Other Swiss Day Tours
* Zermatt Private Guided Day Hike
* Grindelwald Guided Day Hike
* Lugano Private Guided Day Hike
* Lugano Private Culinary Experience
* St. Moritz Private Guided Day Hike
* Zurich Private Guided Ridge Hike
* Contact
Menu
* Design Your Tour
* RAIL TOURS
* 12-Day Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
* 8-Day Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
* 5-Day Switzerland Private Train Tour
* 3-Day Switzerland Private Train Tour
* Grand Train Tour of Switzerland: Christmas Edition
* Rail Tours Useful Info
* Grand Train Tour: Ultimate Packing List
* What are the most scenic trains in Switzerland?
* HIKING TRIPS
* 8-Day The Best Of Via Alpina Hiking Trip
* 6-Day Hiking Trip Around Lake Lucerne
* 2-Day Hike & Cheese Farm Stay on Rigi
* DAY TOURS
* Lucerne Day Tours
* Guided Day Hike From Lucerne
* Lucerne Ridge Guided Day Hike
* Mt. Rigi Private Guided Day Hike
* Mt. Pilatus Private Guided Day Hike
* Mt. Rigi & Mt. Pilatus Private Guided Day Trip
* Lucerne Cliff Path Private Guided Trip
* Lucerne Historic Guided Day Hike
* Lucerne E-Bike Trip & Lake Cruise
* Lucerne Panorama Private Walking Tour
* Lucerne Lakeside Private Walking Tour
* Other Swiss Day Tours
* Zermatt Private Guided Day Hike
* Grindelwald Guided Day Hike
* Lugano Private Guided Day Hike
* Lugano Private Culinary Experience
* St. Moritz Private Guided Day Hike
* Zurich Private Guided Ridge Hike
* Contact
GRAND TRAIN TOUR OF SWITZERLAND 12 DAYS
Our Signature Swiss Alps Rail Tour
ITINERARY
DETAILS & PRICING
DATES
TESTIMONIALS
TOUR OVERVIEW
From $8,923 | Small Group Guided Rail Tour | Fixed Departure Dates
Our Grand Train Tour of Switzerland 12 Days is designed to give you the ultimate
alpine experience. Enjoy the breathtaking natural spectacle from the comfort of
your first-class seat on board of 11 of the world’s most famous trains.
Enjoy the friendly atmosphere of a small travel group (max 16 participants).
Travel lights with our dedicated luggage transfer service. Sleep in authentic 3
and 4-star mountain hotels and savor locally sourced Swiss food. Our itinerary
includes two nights in each location, allowing for a relaxed, slow-paced mode of
travel. Relax and soak up the alpine atmosphere during this showstopping ride.
Download PDF Itinerary
HIGHTLIGHTS
* Small group size (max. 16 participants)
* Two-night stays at authentic hotels/lodges
* Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
* First Class Swiss Pass
* Peaks: Matterhorn, Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and more
* Travel with world-class public transport
* Assistance of local English-speaking guides
* World-famous St. Gallen Monastery and library
* Recently declassified Gotthard military bunker
* Optional easy walks, hikes, and other activities
FEATURED SWISS RAILWAYS
* Glacier Express
* Bernina Express
* Jungfrau Railway
* GoldenPass Line
* Gornergrat Cogwheel Train
* Furka Steam Railway
* Voralpen Express
* Zentral Bahn
* Rigi & Pilatus Cogwheel Trains
BOOK THE GRAND RAIL TOUR TODAY!
Book Now
OUR ITINERARY
On this Grand Train Tour of Switzerland 12 Days you will ride on legendary
railways, boats, ferries, and buses to experience the grandeur of the Swiss
Alps. From the iconic Matterhorn to the impending beauty of Jungfrau, experience
the best what Switzerland has to offer. Enjoy peaceful boat cruises, gentle
hikes and exciting gondola rides.
Pre-Tour Option: Airport Meet & Greet
Arrive early and acclimate!
For more peace of mind, add the Pre-Tour Airport Meet-and-Greet option when
booking the 12-Day rail tour.
In this optional package your guide will pick you up at the Zurich airport and
help you transfer to the hotel in Lucerne. You will get a change to meet other
members of the group and get a snapshot of beautiful Lucerne on your won.
Grand Rail Tour Pre-Trip Information and pricing.
Day 1: Lucerne & Mt. Rigi
IMPORTANT
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland 12 Days starts on Day 1 at 8 am with a
itinerary briefing and Q&A session. You are welcome to purchase our Pre-Tour
package or arrive in Lucerne at your own convenience. There will be only one
briefing during the tour. While it’s not compulsory to attend it, we recommend
that you’re present to meet other participants and ask your questions about the
itinerary.
—-
After the briefing, we’ll start the day with a trip to Mount Rigi where we’ll
board 140-year-old cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm. At the top we will have an
opportunity to take in the spectacular 360 degrees view of the Alps, glaciers,
green meadows dotted with cows and, of course, Lake Lucerne. After that we will
take another cogwheel train to Vitznau. Here we will board a boat and take a
cruise back to Lucerne in time for lunch.
In the afternoon we’ll take a leisurely stroll around the old town learning more
about the history of Lucerne and its most important sights. We will stop at the
historic Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, St. Leodegar’s Church, and other sites of
interest.
Upon interest, we will visit Glacier Garden to learn about Lucerne’s ecology &
glacier past. Alternatively we will visit the nearby Transportation Museum where
we can learn more about the fascinating history of one of the world’s best
public transport systems.
That evening, we’ll dine at one of Lucerne’s fine restaurants in the city
center.
Meals Included: Dinner.
Accommodation: Continental Park Hotel (or comparable lodging).
Day 2: Mt. Pilatus & Cheese Farm Visit
Today we are going to visit another famous mountain, Pilatus, where we will
board the world’s steepest cogwheel train (48% gradient). On the summit we will
have about 1 hour to enjoy all the activities: admire a stunning panorama on the
Alps, the Lake Lucerne, do a short hike, watch a documentary movie about Mt.
Pilatus or simply enjoy a cup of coffee.
To descend the summit we will take a gondola down to Kriens where we will hop on
the train and then bus to Seelisberg.
There we will visit “Aschwanden”, a local cheese farm run by the fourth
generation of the Aschwanden family. Here you will hear first-hand how the farm
cooperates with local farmers, learn about the process of cheesemaking and
sample an original “Bergkase”, mountain cheese.
Depending on the schedule, we will get to see “Rütli” where, as the legend has
it, Switzerland was founded in 1291. Here you will be able to enjoy the
magnificent Swiss Alps scenery as seen across the Lake Lucerne. From there we
will take a steamer for a 2-hour cruise back to Lucerne.
Dinner at the city center.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: Continental Park Hotel (or comparable lodging).
Day 3: St. Gallen Abbey Library & St. Moritz
Today we’re leaving Lucerne for our next destination: St. Moritz. We will depart
on the Voralpen Express, traveling through the rolling landscapes of Eastern
Switzerland to St. Gallen where we’ll visit the Abbey Library–one of the oldest
libraries in the world. Built in the 9th Century A. D., the library stores
priceless manuscript collections from the Carolingian and Ottonian periods.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue on to Chur, where we will change trains and
board one headed to St. Moritz. This is the Glacier Express route, where you can
admire several engineering marvels such as Landwasser viaduct, Albula line and a
few spiral tunnels.
Once in St. Moritz, we will take the legendary funicular which will take us to
the summit of Muottas Muragl. Here we will dine at the panoramic restaurant
overlooking the peaks and lakes forming the the upper Engadine valley.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Hauser (or comparable lodging).
Day 4: Bernina Express to Tirano & the Engadin Valley
Today our group will board the famous Bernina Express to travel across the
highest railway in the Alps, a route that offers spectacular views of mountain
peaks, glaciers and waterfalls. These are the Alps at their most impressive.
We will board the train early in the morning and enjoy a spectacular 2-hour ride
through the Pontresina valley up to Ospizio Bernina located at a staggering
2,253 metres (7392 ft) above sea level. On the way we will be able to admire the
magnificent Morteratsch Glacier before slowly starting our descend to Poschiavo
and finally, crossing the border to Italy with a final stop in Tirano.
Here we will enjoy an authentic north-Italian lunch and stroll around the
picturesque old town, making sure to pass by the local must-sees such as
Santuario Madonna di Tirano and Palazzo Salis.
We will take the train back early in the afternoon. After a 2-hour journey, we
will be back in St. Moritz. Here, depending on the group’s preference we can go
for a short guided hike, take a trip to Piz Corvatsch, where you can admire
amazing views on the Engadine Valley, or relax at the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: Hauser Hotel (or comparable lodging).
Day 5: Glacier Express to Andermatt
Today we are going to travel on the famous Glacier Express from St. Moritz to
Andermatt. During this breathtaking journey you will be able to admire countless
natural and man-made wonders. From circle tunnels and impossibly high viaducts
to the Rhein Gorge (dubbed Swiss “Grand Canyon”) and sky-high peaks around
Oberalp Pass at (2033 meters/6000 feet), Glacier Express provides unforgettable
experience through many Swiss UNESCO National Heritage Sites.
During this panoramic journey you will enjoy the comfort of a first-class car,
access to a restaurant coach and all amenities before arriving at Andermatt in
the early afternoon.
In the afternoon you will have options of things to do. You can go to the hotel
and relax, walk around the village of Andermatt, explore the Chedi hotel, and/or
walk or take the train to the famous Devil’s Bridge. The Devil’s bridge, which
was built from wood back in the 13th century and replaced by a stone bridge in
about 1585, provides access to the Schöllenen Gorge today and carries traffic
across the Gotthard pass from north to south and vice versa. The stone bridge
has been replaced and extended several times over the years. The newest bridge
dates back to 1956.
Dinner will be at a local restaurant in Andermatt.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Crown (or comparable lodging).
Day 6: Furka Steam Train & Gotthard Military Bunker
In the morning, we’ll take a yellow Postal Bus up to the Gotthard Pass summit.
After a 25-minute ride we will take a short walk from the station to the
recently declassified military bunker built during WWII to protect Switzerland’s
southern flank from invading forces. We will enjoy an exciting 1-hour guided
tour led by a Swiss military historian.
After a short lunch break, the group will take a 45-minute ride to Realp, where
the day’s main attraction will await: a 2-hour trip on on a historic steam Furka
railway. This original cogwheel train will take you on an exciting tour from
Realp to Oberwald, through the second highest rail crossing in Europe, after the
Bernina. The Furka steam train offers unparalleled views of the Rhone and Mutt
glaciers.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Crown (or comparable lodging).
Day 7: Furka tunnel to Zermatt
Today we say adieu to Andermatt, and travel through the Furka Tunnel linking the
German-speaking region of Switzerland to the Canton of Valais where both Swiss
German and French is spoken. Notably, the Swiss German dialect in Valais is
renowned for its complexity, often proving a challenge to understand.
The Furka Base Tunnel, an integral part of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn’s
Furka–Oberalp railway line, facilitates the east-west railway connection between
the cantons of Valais and Uri.
Our destination is the renowned charming Zermatt, where we’ll arrive early
enough to leisurely explore the town, where views of the iconic Matterhorn await
at every turn. You’ll even have time for some shopping and the opportunity to
indulge in the wellness offerings at our hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel La Ginabelle (or comparable accommodation).
Day 8: Matterhorn & Gornergrat Railway
Experience breathtaking views of Mt. Matterhorn and the Alps in an excursion
that combines a cogwheel train ride with an optional easy to moderate day hike.
Gornergrat Cogwheel Railway is a 125-years-old narrow gauge line that’s Europe’s
second-highest railway and the highest open-air railway on the continent. It
climbs up to 10,134 feet (3089 meters) and offers incredible views of the
Matterhorn along the way.
At the top of Gornergrat we will have a selection of activities to do. Our group
will walk up to the 360-degree platform area, providing a panoramic view of 29
alpine peaks higher than 13,123 feet (4000 meters), including the world-famous
Matterhorn. Those who wish to do so, can embark on an immersive experience at
Zooom the Matterhorn. Here, thanks to VR, you can experience what it’s like to
glide above the Matterhorn.
From there, those who wish to do so, will for for 1,5h hike from Rotenboden to
Riffelberg. The path leads along sign-posted trail of an alpine nature reserve,
featuring awe-inspiring views of the Matterhorn mirrored in pristine alpine
lakes.
From here the itinerary is flexible and depends on the weather. The guides can
suggest the best places for lunch up in the mountains or in Zermatt. After
lunch, you can explore Zermatt on your own, go shopping or relax.
Our guides will be happy to take you on a 1-hour-long guided tour of Zermatt:
learn more about how people lived here more than 200 years ago and visit
Zermatt’s “Old Village”.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel La Ginabelle (or comparable accommodation).
Day 9: GoldenPass Line to Grindelwald
Today we will travel through the lush green cantons of Fribourg and Bern with
one of the world’s most picturesque Swiss railways, the GoldenPass Line.
After leaving Zermatt we will travel through the canton of Valais famed as one
of the most important vine-growing regions in Switzerland. After arriving in
Montreux, the capital of the Swiss Riviera, we will change trains to the
Goldenpass Line connecting Montreux with Interlaken.
We continue on the GoldenPass Line through the Préalps of the canton of Fribourg
and through the beautiful Simmental Valley known for the sturdy brown and white
cows and the world famous resort town of Gstaad, home to many Hollywood stars.
In Interlaken we will stop for an immersive chocolate workshop with a
professional chocolatier. Here you will learn all about the Swiss impact on the
chocolate industry, the art of chocolate making and how to attest the quality of
chocolate. At the end you will create your own unique chocolate bar you can
bring home.
From there we will continue our journey with one last connection to Grindelwald
in the Jungfrau region, where we will arrive in the early evening.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Derby (or comparable accommodation).
Day 10: Jungfraujoch & Trümmelbach Falls
Today our journey begins with an ascent from Grindelwald Terminal to Eiger
Glacier with an ultra-modern panoramic Eiger Express gondola. Here we will be
able to admire Eiger Glacier covering the hills of the famous “Ork” mountain.
Here we will board the famous Jungfraubahn, an electric cogwheel railway opened
in 1912 connecting Kleine Scheidegg and Jungfraujoch, the highest railway
station in Europe.
Jungfraujoch, a mountain pass nestled between the Mönch and Jungfrau mountains,
offers unparalleled views of Europe’s largest glacier, the Aletsch Glacier. The
Jungfraujoch station offers endless list of activities: from visiting ice
palace, to climbing up the Sphinx tower, and learning about the origin of the
Jungfrau Railway.
In the afternoon, we descend from Jungfrau to Kleine Scheidegg where we will
board a train to Lauterbrunnen. Here we will transfer to a postal bus en route
to the mesmerizing Trümmelbach Falls. This natural wonder consists of ten
glacier-fed waterfalls concealed within the mountain, accessible via a
tunnel-funicular complex built in 1913. These falls cascade with the force of up
to 20,000 liters (5283 gallons) of glacier meltwater per second, crashing over
20,000 tons ( over 40 mln pounds) of boulders, creating a continuous spectacle
that resonates with the sheer magnificence of nature.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Derby (or comparable accommodation).
Day 11: Reichenbach Valley & Zurich
Today we are going to leave Grindelwald and head to Zurich. In the morning we
will board the Postal Bus in Grindelwald for a scenic ride over the Grosse
Scheidegg. We will ride past alpine meadows and chalets to reach the
Schwarzwaldalp. Here we will change buses with time to visit the old
Schwarzwaldalp sawmill.
Continuing our journey, we pass by the renowned Reichenbach Falls, famously
featured in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Final Problem” as the dramatic setting
for the climactic showdown between Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty.
Once in Meiringen, we transfer to the Zentral Railway and travel over the Brünig
Pass to Lucerne where we connect to the train to Zurich.
In Zürich we will have lunch at a local restaurant in the heart of town.
Afterwards there is time for your Guide to provide a walk-through in the old
parts of Zürich. Towards evening we head to the Zürich main station and take the
train to our Zürich airport hotel and check you in.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Hyatt-Place (or comparable lodging).
Day 12: Zurich & Beyond
Today is departure day.
We wish you a safe onward journey to your next destination.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Post-Trip Option: Lugano & Lake Como
Not ready to go home? The Post-Tour option extends your rail tour with 3 days of
Italian flair, both in the Swiss canton of Ticino and the Lake
Como-Bellagio-Lugano region of Italy. Grand Rail Tour Post-Trip Information and
Pricing.
BOOK THE GRAND RAIL TOUR TODAY!
Book Now
DETAILS AND PRICING
Rates
Adult Standard: US $8,923 per person, based on 2 people in a double/twin room
Single Supplement: 100$/night
10% Deposit secures the booking – balance due 90 days before the departure date
Included
* Services of a local Swiss Resident English-speaking guide
* 1st Class Rail Pass throughout
* 2 nights Lucerne
* 2 nights St. Moritz
* 2 nights Andermatt
* 2 nights Zermatt
* 2 nights Grindelwald
* 1 night Zurich
* 3-course dinners and an extensive breakfast buffet daily
* All ground transportation including mountain railways and cable cars
* All admission costs
* Daily transfer of your luggage directly from hotel to hotel – carry only your
day-pack
Not Included
* Lunches
* Alcoholic Beverages
* Items for personal use
Tipping
Tipping in Switzerland is not mandatory but appreciated.
Restaurants: Leave a tip if you’re happy with the service. Usually, it’s around
10% of the bill.
Guides: Typically a tip varies from 10$ to 20$ per person, per day.
Cancellation Policy
See our Cancellation Policy for more details.
Cash & Cards
Visa, Maestro and Mastercard are commonly accepted in Switzerland. American
Express is less popular and many businesses don’t accept it. The country is
becoming more and more cashless with contactless and mobile payments (Google and
Apple Pay). Still, it’s useful to have some cash on you while travelling. All
banks provide currency exchange services at a favorable rate.
Fitness Level
Reasonable Fitness Required
This is a tour based solely on public transportation. Bear in mind, that apart
from optional walks and hikes, you will have to commute on foot from the train
station to the hotel, between the hotel and restaurants, and from one activity
to the next. Such commute routes take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes.
The amount and intensity of walking everyday varies throughout the trip. It’s
safe to say that you will walk anywhere between 5,000 to 12,000 steps a day (40
minutes to 2,5 hours).
We make several train connections, or move from train to bus or boat, each day.
This means you will be walking up and down train platform stairs or ramps to
make the connection platform changes. These connection times can range from 7
to 15 minutes and are usually close to another, so a regular walk pace is all
that’s needed.
Sometimes our reserved seats are on the end of a long train and sometimes we
only know where our reserved seats are when the train arrives so then we need to
walk briskly to enter the respective car.
Although this is a Rail Tour, a reasonable walking fitness is required to fully
enjoy the splendour of Switzerland.
Packing List
Here you can find all the information about the Packing List for the Grand Rail
Tour of Switzerland.
How to Book
1. Click on any of the “Book now” buttons on the page.
2. You will be redirected to our dedicated booking platform.
3. Choose a desired date for your trip add number of participants. Click
continue.
4. Fill out the form with all travellers’ details and click “Confirm booking”.
5. Once we receive your booking request you will be sent an email with payment
instructions from our partner Flywire.
6. Follow the instructions in the email.
7. Once the payment is processed, your booking is confirmed.
Testimonials
Check our review page
BOOK THE GRAND RAIL TOUR TODAY!
Book Now
PLAN YOUR GRAND TRAIN TOUR OF SWITZERLAND
2024 DATES
* June 3 to June 14 (sold out)
* June 10 to June 21 (sold out)
* June 24 to July 5 (sold out)
* July 8 to 19
* July 22 to Aug 02
* July 29 to Aug 09 (sold out)
* Aug 05 to 16
* Aug 19 to 30
* Sept 2 to 13
* Sept 9 to 20
* Sept 16 to 27
2025 DATES
* June 9 to June 20
* June 16 to June 27
* June 23 to July 4
* July 7 to 18
* July 21 to Aug 01
* July 26 to Aug 08
* Aug 04 to 15
* Aug 18 to 29
* Sept 1 to 12
* Sept 8 to 19
* Sept 15 to 26
NOTE: Our Grand Rail Tours are limited to 16 people. Book your rail tour now to
guarantee your seats.
BOOK THE GRAND RAIL TOUR TODAY!
Book Now
TESTIMONIALS
"If you have an interest in the seeing the iconic mountain sites in Switzerland
and doing it by train, this is the tour for you. The activities were seamless
and first class all the way. Luzern, St. Moritz, Andermatt, Zermatt, and
Grindelwald. Wonderful hotels in these locations that provided for easy access
to the top of the Alps. Never a line to stand in, never a missed connection, and
great meals. The organization prior to the tour was good and our guides were top
notch. You couldn't ask for better travel companions than our guides, Denise and
Deb. No detail in this 12 days is left to chance. There is enough flexibility to
allow for some individual preferences. I snuck in a swim in Lake Luzern and Lake
St. Moritz. If you want to see Switzerland I can't think of a better way."
Greg C.
"I had an amazing trip. I’ve lived in both the Netherlands and France and
traveled extensively, and this vacation to Switzerland stands out as one of the
best experiences I’ve ever had. I highly recommend ECHO Rails & Trails to take
you there. My main goal was to travel by train, which is both exhilarating and
challenging. It's exhilarating because Swiss trains cover a vast network, but it
can be tricky to navigate, with various trains, platforms, and connections to
consider. Luckily, the ECHO guides took care of all these details for us. The
guides were all exceptional individuals living in Switzerland, fluent in English
(among other languages), and fantastic travel companions. I thoroughly enjoyed
the diverse modes of transportation, from regular trains to funiculars, buses,
cog railways, and cable cars of all sizes. It's essential to be in good physical
condition for this trip, as a lot of walking is involved. On average, we walked
around 9,200 steps daily, totaling nearly 120,000 steps. During about half of
our journey, we visited sites at altitudes ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 feet in
the Alps, with our highest point reaching 11,710 feet. None of this was
climbing, just walking/hiking, though some of the locations had rocky trails.
This adventure was truly remarkable."
Bill R.
"I never would have figured out how to get around Switzerland by myself! I am so
beyond happy I booked a tour with Echo Trails. My best friend, sister and I all
went on the tour. We had the best Swiss tour guides Monica and Andreas. They
were so knowledgeable and engaged. We took trains, boats and buses and we saw so
many things in a week! We never could have seen or done all that we did without
the tour and our guides. We loved Echo Trails and are so happy we chose to use
them."
Jenna L.
"We have traveled to Europe many times, but this was the first trip we booked
with a tour group and we couldn’t have been happier with the experience. There
was no way we could have done so much in a limited time without ECHO’s
scheduling expertise. The guides were extremely helpful, knowledgeable and
simply delightful people. The entire experience was wonderful."
Donna M.
We were first timers in Switzerland and on a guided tour. The small group and
great reviews were what led us to our decision to choose this tour, and it was
definitely the right choice. Rene and Suzanne were not only knowledgeable and
efficient, but were also amazing people who quickly became friends to all of us
in the group. We covered all the major areas of interest, rode numerous scenic
trains, crossed beautiful blue lakes, and traversed breathtaking mountaintops.
Rene shared many stories and facts concerning the things we saw, making it all
more interesting than it already was. He and Suzanne were quick to accommodate
the needs and interests of the individuals in the group giving us time to
explore, hike or relax as we chose. For us this was a long awaited dream trip,
and it surpassed our dreams!
Millie A.
"This was an amazing trip in an amazing country. Incredible vistas, well planned
activities, great accommodations and wonderful food. Everything was first class.
The guides, Andrea, Marta and Andreas, were exceptional. They were very
knowledgeable and friendly, always going the extra mile to make sure everyone
was having a great time and that the trip was running smoothly. I would highly
recommend this trip which is a great value."
Ron H.
Our tour visited many of the must see destinations including Luzerne, Zermatt,
St. Mortiz, Lugano, Gruyeres and many others. Rene's knowledge of the rail
lines, cities and people allowed us to experience the true Swiss culture. The
best part was Rene's willingness to share his vast knowledge, his desire to
learn new information and his eagerness to make our experience the best it could
be. Rene was constantly offering optional unscheduled (free) experiences to the
group. Anytime there was some downtime in the schedule he was right there to
fill it with interesting options. An example was when we had a full free day,
Rene guided additional excursions on cable cars to the tops of two mountains
along with a hike down one mountainside. We would be extremely pleased to have
Rene lead or organize a tour for us anytime in the future!
Kent T.
"I was very wary of traveling with a tour group. But, trying to plan all of the
details including transportation, lodging, food and attractions was more than I
wanted to tackle. So, we decided on a tour lead by Rene Welti, founder of ECHO
Tours. What a great choice! He made us feel welcome from the very first meeting
and then, over the course of 10 days, became a friend-not the people herder that
i had feared. We saw sights, ate food and stayed at places that I wouldn't ever
dream of. He went out of his way to ensure that everyone's needs were met. I can
honestly say that I can't think of one thing I would change. These folks really
know Switzerland and go to great lengths to make sure everyone has a great
time."
Don T.
"We had had a trip of a lifetime. Highly recommend anyone wanting to visit
Switzerland you must go with Echo Tours . Our tour guides were the best we have
ever had —- they were both very attentive , knowledgeable, personable and lots
of FUN. Our itineraries were perfect. We felt we saw the best that Switzerland
had to offer from the big cities to the small villages. It’s hard to put into
words the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Our trip was more than we expected, a great
value for the dollars spent. We would go back only if we can go with Echo
Tours."
Zack & Mandy
"Our 13 day trip was one of best train experiences we have had. Rene being very
familiar with the area and his past experience as a travel agent probably makes
him and his Echo-tours group one of the best agents to work with. All of his
rail tours are with small groups which allows the group to interact much more
casually than with typical bus tours. The itinerary was very well planned taking
advantage of the famous Swiss interconnected public transportation system. Let
him know if you have any special interest (such as a church or museum) and he
may be able to find time for you to see them. All travel was with a First-Class
travel pass which gave us the best and often reserved seats – especially on
trains. If anyone wants an introduction to Switzerland, its fabulous scenery,
food and culture, and transportation system or to see the area again – we very
much recommend them."
Peter P.
"I Wish I Could Give it 10 Stars!!! It was the most amazing 2 weeks I have ever
had. It far exceeded my expectations. The venues were amazing, the scheduling
was spot on, the reserved 1st class train accommodations were out standing and
of course Switzerland is beyond amazing. I can’t say enough about our guides.
Our entire group just fell in love with them. I can’t imagine anyone could do
more or a better job than they did. Most of us had tears in our eyes when we had
to say good by. They make a great team. Again an amazing experience and you can
be sure I will recommend Echo Rails and Trails to anyone that asks, I may even
do it again👍😀."
Stan B.
"Embarking on the 12-day Grand Rail Tour of Switzerland from Lucerne to Zurich
was an experience that transcended the boundaries of a typical vacation. The
tour began in the charming city of Lucerne and set the stage for the adventure
that lay ahead. The panoramic views from the trains were extraordinary with
landscapes varying from beautiful valleys to towering peaks, each more
breathtaking than the last. The journey through the iconic Swiss Alps was
magnificent. Our guides were exceptional. They were multi-lingual (very
proficient in English), very engaging, and provided local expert perspectives on
the various sites, cities, and villages that we visited. They were flexible and
provided some options for the various daily activities and handled all of the
logistics (including luggage transfer, which was a huge plus!). In order to take
full advantage of all of the sites and scenes you need to be in reasonably
active shape and able to walk on average 10,000 steps per day (sometimes on
hilly, uneven ground). Overall, this 12-day tour was an excellent way to
experience all that Switzerland had to offer. The combination of stunning alpine
scenery, world-famous trains, luxury accommodations, and expert guides made it a
journey of a lifetime."
Teri S.
"If you have an interest in the seeing the iconic mountain sites in Switzerland
and doing it by train, this is the tour for you. The activities were seamless
and first class all the way. Luzern, St. Moritz, Andermatt, Zermatt, and
Grindelwald. Wonderful hotels in these locations that provided for easy access
to the top of the Alps. Never a line to stand in, never a missed connection, and
great meals. The organization prior to the tour was good and our guides were top
notch. You couldn't ask for better travel companions than our guides, Denise and
Deb. No detail in this 12 days is left to chance. There is enough flexibility to
allow for some individual preferences. I snuck in a swim in Lake Luzern and Lake
St. Moritz. If you want to see Switzerland I can't think of a better way."
Greg C.
"I had an amazing trip. I’ve lived in both the Netherlands and France and
traveled extensively, and this vacation to Switzerland stands out as one of the
best experiences I’ve ever had. I highly recommend ECHO Rails & Trails to take
you there. My main goal was to travel by train, which is both exhilarating and
challenging. It's exhilarating because Swiss trains cover a vast network, but it
can be tricky to navigate, with various trains, platforms, and connections to
consider. Luckily, the ECHO guides took care of all these details for us. The
guides were all exceptional individuals living in Switzerland, fluent in English
(among other languages), and fantastic travel companions. I thoroughly enjoyed
the diverse modes of transportation, from regular trains to funiculars, buses,
cog railways, and cable cars of all sizes. It's essential to be in good physical
condition for this trip, as a lot of walking is involved. On average, we walked
around 9,200 steps daily, totaling nearly 120,000 steps. During about half of
our journey, we visited sites at altitudes ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 feet in
the Alps, with our highest point reaching 11,710 feet. None of this was
climbing, just walking/hiking, though some of the locations had rocky trails.
This adventure was truly remarkable."
Bill R.
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REVIEWS
Shea
2023-10-30
Captivating hike through the Alps
Ezra was an amazing guide through the vastness of the Alps! He met us at the
Lucerne train station and kept us engaged from the moment we got picked up until
the end of our time together. Ezra was super knowledgable and in sync with his
surroundings, adding a whole new layer of depth to our hike. I so appreciated
his attention to detail and commitment to making our hike amazing! Thanks so
much!
Read more
Donna M
2023-10-08
Stunning views, good people, great vacation.
We have traveled to Europe many times, but this was the first trip we booked
with a tour group and we couldn’t have been happier with the experience. There
was no way we could have done so much in a limited time without ECHO’s
scheduling expertise. The guides were extremely helpful, knowledgeable and
simply delightful people. The entire experience was wonderful.
Read more
Ron H
2023-10-03
Take this tour. You will love it.
This was an amazing trip in an amazing country. Incredible vistas, well planned
activities, great accommodations and wonderful food. Everything was first class.
The guides, Andrea, Marta and Andreas, were exceptional. They were very
knowledgeable and friendly, always going the extra mile to make sure everyone
was having a great time and that the trip was running smoothly. I would highly
recommend this trip which is a great value.
Read more
Charlotte Cunningham
2023-10-03
An incredible Day on Mt Rigi, Queen of the Alps.
Our guide Ezra was a joy to be with. It is obvious that he thoroughly enjoys
what he does and is passionate about the beauty of Switzerland. He is very
knowledgeable but fun! My sister & I are in our late 60’s early 70’s so most
likely slower than younger folks. Ezra was patient and gave us plenty of breaks.
And the views!! Fantastic! We highly recommend this trip and others Echo offers.
You will not be disappointed!
Read more
Stan B
2023-10-01
10 STARS
I Wish I Could Give it 10 Stars!!! It was the most amazing 2 weeks I have ever
had. It far exceeded my expectations. The venues were amazing, the scheduling
was spot on, the reserved 1st class train accommodations were out standing and
of course Switzerland is beyond amazing. I can’t say enough about our guides.
Our entire group just fell in love with them. I can’t imagine anyone could do
more or a better job than they did. Most of us had tears in our eyes when we had
to say good by. They make a great team. Again an amazing experience and you can
be sure I will recommend Echo Rails and Trails to anyone that asks, I may even
do it again??.
Read more
Lynne H
2023-09-29
Spectacular Views
Our private tour of the Alps was an incredible experience! Our guide, Livia, met
us at the train station and led us on an excellent adventure tailored to our
wishes. After a train ride and short bus ride, we ascended a mountain on a cable
car. We hiked along trails, visited a cheese making farm and ate an authentic
Swiss lunch surrounded by mountains. The scenery was unbelievable, from snow
capped mountains to beautiful waterfalls. Livia was very accommodating and
friendly, making our tour even more enjoyable!
Read more
Pete M
2023-09-22
Hiking tour from waldstatenburg to Quentin. Great views
Amazing hike. Leo was an excellent tour guide and provided for us. It was an
amazing time. Highly recommenddd
Read more
Pete M
2023-09-22
Walk through country side next to Lake Lucerne.
Amazing views. Tour guide was fantastic. Very informative and helpful. Despite
finishing the walk early, Ezra took us through "Old Town" and showed much of the
history and area to help my wife and I understand the area.
Read more
Teri S
2023-09-22
Journey of a Lifetime
Embarking on the 12-day Grand Rail Tour of Switzerland from Lucerne to Zurich
was an experience that transcended the boundaries of a typical vacation. The
tour began in the charming city of Lucerne and set the stage for the adventure
that lay ahead. The panoramic views from the trains were extraordinary with
landscapes varying from beautiful valleys to towering peaks, each more
breathtaking than the last. The journey through the iconic Swiss Alps was
magnificent. Our guides were exceptional. They were multi-lingual (very
proficient in English), very engaging, and provided local expert perspectives on
the various sites, cities, and villages that we visited. They were flexible and
provided some options for the various daily activities and handled all of the
logistics (including luggage transfer, which was a huge plus!). In order to take
full advantage of all of the sites and scenes you need to be in reasonably
active shape and able to walk on average 10,000 steps per day (sometimes on
hilly, uneven ground). Overall, this 12-day tour was an excellent way to
experience all that Switzerland had to offer. The combination of stunning alpine
scenery, world-famous trains, luxury accommodations, and expert guides made it a
journey of a lifetime.
Read more
Traveler16652926496
2023-09-21
Perfect Guided Hiking in the Engadine Valley of the Swiss Alps
Thanks to Alpenwild and their first-rate guides, Louis and Sophie, for the
fantastic hike from St. Moritz to Italy. I had never been to the Alps before,
and I had never heard of villages like Soglio and Malaga, nor the Engadine
Valley or Bregalia. Everything was spectacular and I couldn’t have asked for
more from either Alpenwild, their guides or Switzerland itself. Well worth the
money!!!
Read more
Tripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 271 reviews
AFFILIATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AWARDS & FEATURED IN...
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