Our goal was to see as much as possible in 6 days while maintaining an unhurried approach. From the first contact, our experience was detailed perfection. Marc and his team managed everything from airport pickup to hotel and restaurant recommendations.
We hoped to relax and not worry about anything — this expectation was exceeded. The team clearly listened to our preferences.
Our main stops included Zurich, Appenzell, Liechtenstein, Lake Lucerne, Interlaken, Thun, Zermatt, and the vineyards around Montreux.
The best element of our time was our top-tier guide, Manuel. His personality, knowledge, energy, and pride in his country were exceptional.
10-Day Ultimate Swiss Train
Tour: Zermatt to St. Moritz
with Private Luggage Service
- 10 Days
- Chocolate
- Geneva
- Interlaken
- Jungfrau
- Lucerne
- Rail
- St. Moritz
- Zermatt
- Zurich
Overview
Highlights
Some journeys show you Switzerland. Others let you feel it.
This carefully designed 10 day Swiss luxury train tour connects the country’s most iconic landscapes and cultural regions while travelling almost entirely by rail. From historic cities and lakeside villages to the legendary Glacier Express, every detail is arranged so you can simply relax and experience the journey.
With private guides, seamless connections, and a private luggage transport service, this itinerary blends elegant train travel with immersive local experiences.
Schedule
Morning
Your journey begins in Zurich, Switzerland’s vibrant gateway city and a natural starting point for many Swiss private tours. After meeting your guide, you board a comfortable InterCity train bound for St. Gallen.
As this is a Switzerland rail tour with luggage transport, your bags are transferred separately, allowing you to travel lightly and enjoy the scenery as the train moves through countryside and traditional Swiss villages.
Afternoon
Upon arrival, your guide introduces you to the UNESCO-listed Abbey District on a relaxed walking tour. You’ll marvel at the cathedral’s ornate baroque interior, while the Abbey Library is equally beautiful, revealing one of the most remarkable historic collections in Europe. Afterwards, wander through the colourful old town where painted bay windows decorate centuries-old buildings.
If you want to cover more ground, an optional guided excursion into the Appenzell countryside can be arranged, where Alpine views, traditional villages, and local cheese tastings offer an authentic introduction to Swiss culture.
Evening
As the evening arrives, you’ll settle into the rhythm of eastern Switzerland. A local restaurant is the perfect place to sample regional specialities, including the famous St. Gallen bratwurst. Afterwards, you can settle into your hotel for the night in St. Gallen.
Morning
After breakfast, your private guide picks you up, and the journey continues aboard the Voralpen Express – one of the most scenic routes among Switzerland tours by train. As you travel across the rolling landscapes of the Swiss pre-Alps, the train passes shimmering lakes, forested valleys, and quiet farming communities.
Highlights along the way include views of Lake Zurich, the protected Rothenthurm high moor, and the dramatic Sitter Viaduct, which rises nearly 100 metres above the valley floor, and eventually Lake Lucerne.
Afternoon
A stop in Rapperswil breaks the journey beautifully. Often called the “Riviera of Lake Zurich,” this charming town is known for its lakeside promenades and medieval castle. Your guide leads a relaxed exploration through the old streets, including the rose garden near the Capuchin monastery where views stretch across the lake.
You’ll then stop for lunch here on the lakeside promenade, which feels wonderfully unhurried before the train continues toward Lucerne.
Evening
Once you arrive, Lucerne welcomes you with its storybook setting of lakes, bridges, and mountains. As the day winds down, a private sunset cruise across Lake Lucerne offers a calm introduction to the city.
With a Swiss aperitif in hand and the surrounding peaks glowing in the evening light, it’s the perfect way to end the start of your 10 day luxury Switzerland train tour. Afterwards, you’ll be taken to your hotel in Lucerne for the night.
Morning
Today begins with one of the classic experiences included in many Lucerne tours. Accompanied by your private guide, you travel to Mount Pilatus where a cable car lifts you above forests and alpine meadows toward the summit. From the top, sweeping views stretch across Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps. On clear days the panorama feels almost endless, with peaks layered across the horizon.
Afternoon
Back in the valley, the focus turns to one of Switzerland’s most beloved traditions: chocolate. At a small local manufactory, you join a private workshop led by expert chocolatiers. During this hands-on experience you’ll learn about Swiss chocolate craftsmanship while creating your own treats – a memorable highlight among the best chocolate tours in Switzerland.
Evening
Later in the afternoon, the journey continues aboard the panoramic train toward Interlaken along the scenic Brünig and GoldenPass route. Lakes shimmer beside the railway and wooden chalets appear in quiet mountain villages along the way.
As evening arrives, Interlaken welcomes you between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, perfectly positioned for the alpine adventures that follow. You’ll stay overnight in a luxury hotel in Interlaken.
Morning
Day 4’s adventure takes you high into the Bernese Alps with a privately guided excursion into the legendary Jungfrau region. Travelling via Lauterbrunnen, one of Switzerland’s most dramatic valleys, the journey passes beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls before continuing up to the mountain village of Wengen.
From here the railway climbs steadily toward Jungfraujoch, famously known as the “Top of Europe.” Unlike many routes, this experience avoids the busy Grindelwald approach, creating a calmer and more immersive alpine journey.
Afternoon
At 3,454 metres above sea level, Jungfraujoch offers sweeping glacier views that stretch across the high Alps. Walk through the Ice Palace tunnels, step onto the observation terraces, and simply take in the vast landscape of snow and ice.
Evening
Later in the afternoon, descend back to Interlaken with your guide. The evening is free to relax beside the lakes, enjoy the hotel spa, or stroll through town as the surrounding peaks fade into evening light.
Morning
Today you continue one of the most scenic journeys among Switzerland tours by train, travelling aboard the GoldenPass panoramic railway from Interlaken toward Lake Geneva.
The train glides through the Bernese Oberland, passing green valleys, traditional chalets, and Alpine peaks. Along the way you’ll pass well-known mountain villages such as Zweisimmen and Gstaad, where the atmosphere blends rural charm with understated Swiss elegance.
Afternoon
A stop in the picturesque village of Saanen breaks the journey perfectly. Here your guide leads a gentle walk through historic streets lined with beautifully preserved wooden houses. Lunch is enjoyed in a local restaurant where regional flavours take centre stage.
Evening
Later, the journey continues toward the Lavaux wine terraces above Lake Geneva. These UNESCO-listed vineyards cascade down the hillsides toward the lake, creating one of Switzerland’s most iconic landscapes. A private tasting introduces you to the region’s wines while the views across the water stretch toward the distant Alps.
Once you’ve completed your Swiss wine tour, you’ll stay overnight in Montreux.
Morning
After breakfast, a private VIP limousine transfer takes you from Montreux deep into the Swiss Alps. The drive gradually reveals changing landscapes – from vineyard-covered hillsides to dramatic mountain valleys. Travelling comfortably with your guide, the journey offers a relaxed transition from the lakeside atmosphere of western Switzerland to the high alpine world of Valais.
Afternoon
At the mountain village of Täsch, electric taxis provide the final short transfer into Zermatt. This car-free village sits beneath the unmistakable silhouette of the Matterhorn and has long been a highlight of many private tours in Switzerland. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is yours to unwind and enjoy the slower pace of the village.
Evening
Zermatt is particularly atmospheric in the evening when the streets grow quiet and the mountains darken against the sky. Many travellers choose to enjoy the hotel’s spa facilities or dine in one of the village’s excellent restaurants before settling in for the night.
Morning
The morning in Zermatt begins at a relaxed pace. After breakfast, there’s time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the car-free village. Wooden chalets, quiet alpine streets, and views of surrounding peaks make this a lovely place to slow down. Your guide can introduce a few hidden corners of the village or recommend a café terrace where you can enjoy coffee while people watching.
Afternoon
Later, board the famous Gornergrat cogwheel railway for one of the most spectacular alpine journeys in Switzerland. In less than an hour, the train climbs to 3,089 metres above sea level, passing forests, high alpine meadows, and increasingly dramatic views of glaciers. At the summit, lunch is served at the mountain restaurant with uninterrupted views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks.
Evening
Back in the village, your guide leads a private relaxed walk through Zermatt, sharing stories of early mountaineers and the village’s transformation into one of the Alps’ most beloved destinations. The evening is yours to enjoy, perhaps with dinner in one of Zermatt’s cosy mountain restaurants.
Morning
Today marks one of the defining moments of this 10 day Switzerland luxury train tour. After breakfast, your luggage is collected directly from the hotel and transferred onto the train, allowing you to arrive at the station comfortably and without stress. Boarding the legendary Glacier Express, you settle into the exclusive Excellence Class carriage where attentive service and panoramic windows set the tone for the day.
Afternoon
As the train begins its remarkable journey across the Alps, the scenery gradually unfolds: deep valleys, dramatic bridges, quiet villages, and high mountain passes. On clear days, you can even see above the cloud line.
Gourmet courses are served throughout the journey, carefully paired with Swiss wines. This legendary Zermatt to St. Moritz train tour crosses 291 bridges and passes through numerous tunnels, revealing landscapes that feel remote and timeless.
Evening
Arriving in St. Moritz in the early evening, you’re greeted at the station and transferred to your hotel, with your luggage. Spend the evening exploring at your leisure, before settling in for the night.
Morning
Day 9’s experience explores the cultural heart of the Engadine Valley. With your guide, you travel through several of the region’s oldest villages, where traditional stone houses decorated with sgraffito designs line the streets. These settlements offer a glimpse into centuries of alpine life, where language, architecture, and traditions remain deeply rooted in local identity.
Afternoon
The tour continues through quiet valleys and small communities where daily life unfolds. Your guide shares insights into Engadine culture, from local craftsmanship to the region’s historic trading routes that once connected Switzerland to Italy.
Evening
As the sun begins to drop behind the mountains, a horse-drawn carriage awaits for a memorable alpine experience. Wrapped in blankets, you glide through peaceful landscapes before arriving at a cosy setting for a traditional Swiss fondue dinner. The warmth of the meal, combined with the stillness of the valley at dusk, creates one of the most memorable evenings of the journey.
Morning
After breakfast, your guide assists with luggage as you transfer to St. Moritz railway station. Boarding a modern train of the Rhaetian Railway, the route travels through the Engadine landscapes toward Chur – Switzerland’s oldest city. The journey offers one last chance to enjoy Switzerland’s mountain scenery from the comfort of the train.
Afternoon
In Chur, your private guide welcomes you for the final excursion of the itinerary – a scenic drive into the Principality of Liechtenstein. In the capital Vaduz, you’ll see the Prince’s Castle perched above the town and learn about the country’s unique royal history.
Evening
Before returning to Zurich, the journey includes a stop at a traditional Swiss dairy. Here you’ll discover how regional cheeses are produced and enjoy tastings of fresh yoghurt and local specialities. In the late afternoon you return to Zurich, where this unforgettable 10 day Swiss train tour comes to a close.
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Quick Facts About This Swiss Tour
The Glacier Express crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels.
The Abbey Library in St. Gallen houses over 170,000 historic volumes, including manuscripts dating back to the 8th century.
Jungfraujoch railway station sits at 3,454 metres above sea level, making it the highest railway station in Europe accessible by rail.
Lavaux vineyards stretch for around 30 kilometres along Lake Geneva.
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Why Book With Us?
1. 100% local expertise, tested first-hand
Every itinerary is designed by Swiss locals who live and breathe their regions – we’ve tested every route, restaurant, and hidden lookout ourselves.
2. Exclusive top-rated Swiss guides
Our guides aren’t just professionals – they’re storytellers and insiders, available only through Luxury Tours Switzerland.
3. Hidden gems beyond tourist routes
We open doors to secret spots, from private lakeside picnics to heritage chalets, that no typical private tours Switzerland itinerary could offer.
4. Special access through trusted networks
From after-hours museum tours to private vineyard dinners, our connections unlock Switzerland’s most exclusive moments.
Our Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This itinerary is designed as one of our Swiss private tours, meaning you travel with expert local guides who coordinate each stage of the journey while you experience Switzerland comfortably by train.
Yes. A dedicated luggage service transfers your bags between destinations so you can enjoy the journey without carrying them. This is a key feature of this Switzerland rail tour with luggage transport.
Yes. The journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz is planned in Glacier Express Excellence Class, offering panoramic seating, gourmet dining, and personalised onboard service. As Excellence Class has limited capacity and is extremely popular, tickets are subject to availability and typically need to be reserved 8–9 months in advance to secure seats.
If Excellence Class is unavailable for your travel dates, alternative premium seating options can be arranged to ensure a comfortable experience.
Yes. This route connects several of the country’s most iconic landscapes and experiences, making it one of the most comprehensive private tours in Switzerland for first-time visitors.