Discover Switzerland by Rail

Begin your adventure in Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland and a long-time centre for banking, art and innovation. Around 6pm, say grüezi to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big Swiss welcome by arranging a three-course group dinner at a local restaurant. Want more time in Zurich? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative. Stay: Hotel Alexander/Central Plaza (or similar) (D).

Board the train (40 minutes) to Lucerne, a lakeside city framed by the Alps.

On arrival, we drop our bags at our hotel before joining a local guide for a walking tour of the Old Town, taking in the Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, Jesuit Church, and more.

After free time for lunch, hop on the train (15 minutes) to a chocolatier, where we learn the history and artistry of Swiss chocolate, taste our way through the exhibition, and even craft our own bar to take home, before returning to Lucerne by train. Stay: Hotel Waldstaetterhof (or similar) (B).

Experience an icon of Swiss travel this morning: the Gotthard Panorama Express, a unique journey that combines a boat cruise and scenic train ride. Begin on the boat, gliding across Lake Lucerne to Flüelen, enjoying views of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi. Then board the train southwards, travelling first class through mountain passes, spiralling tunnels, and dramatic valleys. Our final stop is Lugano, where Swiss and Mediterranean cultures combine in a dramatic mountain-and-lake setting (B).

Today is dedicated to discovering the rural traditions of the region. First, we take the train (35 minutes) to Locarno, a city on the shores of Lake Maggiore, where we meet a local guide to immerse ourselves in the agricultural heritage of the Ticino canton. Then we ride another icon of Swiss travel, the Centovalli train, to the mountain village of Intragna, where we enjoy a guided walk, before heading to Cavigliano. From the railway station, we take a 10-minute stroll past chestnut forests, vineyards and orchards to a local farm, where we learn all about the regional traditions from a farmer and enjoy a rustic spread of polenta, cold cuts, cheese and local wine. After, we return by train to Lugano. Stay: Hotel Parco Paradiso (or similar) (B).

Take the train to Locarno after breakfast, then ride the Centovalli Express to Domodossola in northern Italy, a spectacular journey through deep gorges, vineyards and villages. Pause for lunch in Domodossola before continuing by train to the Swiss Alpine town of Brig, where we have free time to explore and admire the baroque Stockalper Palace.

In the afternoon, take the train and cable car up to car-free Bettmeralp, a mountain village perched at nearly 6,560ft (2,000m) with breathtaking views of the Valais Alps.

Tonight, enjoy a group dinner at your hotel. Stay: Hotel Waldhaus (or similar) (B/D).

We take the cable car up Bettmerhorn mountain this morning. From the viewing platform, gaze over the mighty Aletsch Glacier, formed of 11 billion tonnes of ice, and visit the Glacier World exhibition (free entry) if you wish. Return to Bettmeralp and travel by rail (25 minutes) to Sierre, where a 15-minute stroll brings us to Château de Villa. Here, we indulge in a traditional raclette lunch, the quintessential Swiss cheese feast. Continue by train (1hr 30min) to Montreux. The evening is free to explore this lakeside town famed for music, flowers and Riviera glamour. Upgrade to a deluxe lake-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details. Stay: Hotel Royal Plaza (or similar) (B/L).

Visit Chillon Castle this morning, built on a rocky islet on the scenic shores of Lake Geneva. Its history stretches to the 12th century, when it was owned by the counts of Savoy, who would charge travellers passing the castle on the Via Francigena, an ancient road and pilgrimage route. Explore the fortress at your own pace before continuing by train (15 minutes) to Vevey, where lakeside cafes beckon for lunch.

In the afternoon, ride the train (15 minutes) to the Lavaux vineyards. Here, we visit a winery for a tasting of the region's celebrated wines, before returning to Montreux by rail. Upgrade to a deluxe lake-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details. Stay: Hotel Royal Plaza (or similar) (B).

You've explored Switzerland by rail, gazed over the mighty Aletsch Glacier, and stepped inside the medieval walls of Chillon Castle, but now it's time to begin your return journey home. Alternatively, if you'd like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options (B).