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.

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 create a bespoke bar to take home, before returning to Lucerne by train.

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.

Today, we discover some of the rural traditions of the Ticino region. Meeting our local guide, we travel by train and bus to Arogno, near the Italian enclave of Campione d'Italia. Our first stop is a vineyard and farm, where we learn about the estate's approach to organic viticulture and its commitment to biodiversity.

We explore the vineyards before heading into the cellar and barrel room to discover how the wines are produced and matured. We finish with a tasting of four wines, accompanied by a selection of local cured meats and cheeses, while enjoying views over the vineyards. We then return by train to Lugano for a guided tour of this historic lakeside city, discovering its cultural heritage and exploring its attractive streets and squares.

Take the train to Locarno after breakfast, a city on the shores of Lake Maggiore where we have some time for a short orientation walk. Then ride another icon of Swiss travel, the Centovalli Express to to Domodossola in northern Italy, a spectacular journey through deep gorges, vineyards and villages. Pause for lunch in Domodossola before continuing by 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. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and listen to the sound of cowbells as you admire views of the Matterhorn in the distance.

Tonight, enjoy a group dinner of raclette at your hotel.

Walk through the village of Bettermalp (20 minutes) and take the cable car to the top of 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. Return to Bettmeralp station by cable car and travel by rail (20 minutes) to the Swiss Alpine town of Brig, where we have an orientation walk to admire the baroque Stockalper Palace (entrance fee not included).

We continue to Sierre, and make a quick visit to Château de Villa, a 15-minute walk from the station. 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.

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 for dinner together. Upgrade to a deluxe lake-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details.

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.