Grand Tour of Switzerland

Day 1 - Lucerne

Join your tour group at the hotel. Subject to arrival times, enjoy dinner this evening at a local folklore show.

Waldstatterhof Lucerne (4-star)

Day 2 - Lucerne - Mount Rigi

A walking tour of the charming city, set beside the gorgeous lake with spectacular mountain backdrops, will include the medieval Chapel Bridge, decorated with paintings that depict the city’s story. Later, we’ll sail across Lake Lucerne to Brunnen for a train to Arth Goldau where we board a cogwheel train for the climb to the top of Rigi Kulm, Mount Rigi’s highest peak. From the top, we’ll enjoy sweeping views of the glistening lakes and mountains below. Once you’ve had your fill of the sights, we’ll take the cogwheel down to Vitznau where we’ll return across the beautiful lake to Lucerne.

Waldstatterhof Lucerne (4-star)

Day 3 - Lucerne - Locarno

This morning we board a paddle steamer to sail the length of Lake Lucerne, skewed by the Alps which become even more impressive as we head south. At Flüelen, we meet the train to continue our panoramic journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express route, twisting up steep inclines through wonderful mountain scenery and the Gotthard tunnel, before descending past Lake Maggiore to swoon-worthy Locarno.

Belvedere Hotel, Locarno (4-star)

Day 4 - Locarno

We think you’ll love this chic lakeside town for its irresistible Mediterranean vibe. Enjoy today completely at leisure to enjoy Locarno at your own pace. Known as the town with the warmest climate in Switzerland, it’s been a popular holiday destination since the days of the Roman Empire. Perhaps visit the 15th-century Castello Visconteo and you’ll see an exhibition of Roman and Bronze Age artefacts. Situated on the shore of Lake Maggiore, you may also like to take a gentle walk along the idyllic lake edge. Or use your Ticino ticket on the funicular and cable car to visit the sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso, an important place of pilgrimage set amongst the most magnificent scenery.

Belvedere Hotel, Locarno (4-star)

Day 5 - Brig - Zermatt

This morning we take a scenic train journey to Brig via the Italian town of Domodossola and the stunning Simplon Pass with its record breaking tunnel, over 12 miles long. We have some free time to explore the wonderful city of Brig, with the large Stockalper Palace and its historic old quarter of aristocratic town houses. Later, our train journey continues to Zermatt, where we transfer to our hotel for the next two nights.

Hotel Sonne, Zermatt (4-star)

Day 6 - Gornergrat

Our day starts by travelling on Europe’s highest cogwheel train over dramatic bridges, past rocky ravines and through gorgeous forests. Our destination: the summit of Gornegrat, some 3,089m above sea level. From the top, you’ll have time to enjoy the magnificent views over the jagged Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains. A breathtaking place for a spot of lunch. Later, we return to the cogwheel train for a beautiful journey back past the mountain lakes to Zermatt.

Hotel Sonne, Zermatt (4-star)

Day 7 - Zermatt - Vevey, Montreux Riviera

Another day of wonderful scenery awaits. We take a leisurely route, by train, to Montreux via Brig and Spiez, to appreciate glorious views as the track navigates the natural bends and inclines of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Region of Jungfrau-Aletsch. En route we cross the Kander viaduct, pass the beautiful mountain Lake Oeschinen, and enjoy views over the spectacular Lötschen Valley. The last part of the journey, from Zweisimmen, is possibly the most spectacular, where the line is at its narrowest and the view over Lake Geneva is remarkable.

Astra Hotel Vevey, Montreux Riviera (4-star)

Day 8 - Vevey, Montreux Riviera

Enjoy a full day at leisure in the Montreux Riviera. Vevey’s stunning lakeside setting means breathtaking views no matter which direction you look - it’s a relaxing town perfectly made for wandering. You’re also close to the city of Montreux, surrounded by vineyards, Lake Geneva and snow-covered mountains.

Astra Hotel Vevey, Montreux Riviera (4-star)

Day 9 - Vevey, Montreux Riviera

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.

Vevey, Montreux Riviera