The Great Train Tour of Switzerland

Flight or train to Geneva on request.
(By train: Paris > Geneva = 3h20).

Geneva welcomes you with refined charm and a cosmopolitan spirit.

Begin your visit by admiring the famous Jet d’eau, the city’s emblem, before wandering through the picturesque lanes of the Old Town. Take a break at Saint-Pierre Cathedral or near the flowering clock in the English Garden, a true horticultural gem. Continue your discovery with the Patek Philippe Museum, where Swiss watchmaking art reveals itself with elegance.

Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, your Swiss Grand Tour by train begins: you take the regular train to reach the Olympic capital, Lausanne.

Its historic heart, dominated by the magnificent Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, is best explored on foot between cobbled lanes, steep stairways and lively squares such as Place de la Palud. Further down, the Ouchy district, by the lake, invites you to stroll along the quays, among flower-filled parks, café terraces and cruise boats.

The Olympic Museum of Lausanne, located on the Lake Geneva waterfront in the Ouchy district, tells the story of the Olympic Games from Ancient times to today. Through iconic objects, videos, interactive installations and temporary exhibitions, it immerses visitors in the world of sport and Olympic values. Its sculpture garden and terrace offer a magnificent view over the lake, making this a visit that is both cultural and inspiring.

Overnight at the hotel. (BFF)

Today, set your sights on Bern, the federal capital and a jewel listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Let yourself be carried away by the charm of its medieval arcades, ideal for strolling in sheltered comfort, before following the peaceful banks of the Aare or getting lost in its cobbled streets steeped in history.

Intrigued by the bear, the city’s emblem? Pay it a visit in the Bear Pit, a green space located just a short distance from the romantic Rose Garden, from where you enjoy a splendid view over the rooftops of the Old Town. Don’t miss the Zytglogge, the 13th-century astronomical clock, a true Bernese symbol. And if the sun is shining, treat yourself to a well-deserved break at the Marzili outdoor pool, by the river, with the Federal Palace in the background. A peaceful, lively capital with a distinctly Swiss feel.

Overnight at the hotel. (BFF)

At a time of your choosing, you’ll join Zurich, Switzerland’s financial capital, in less than an hour.

Start by wandering through the charming lanes of the Niederdorf, where shops, cafés and art galleries sit side by side.
Continue your walk along the Limmat until you reach the calm of the Lindenhof, a historic viewpoint offering a beautiful view over the Old Town. Don’t miss the dazzling Fraumünster Church, famous for its stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall, true gems of art and light. Further on, along the shores of Lake Zurich, admire the grace of swans gliding peacefully across the water.

For a friendly, delicious lunch break, Raclette Factory invites you to enjoy this traditional Swiss dish in a warm atmosphere.

Make the most of your stay by visiting some of Zurich’s most iconic museums: admission to the Villa Patumbah, to Kulturama – Museum of Mankind, as well as to the Haus Konstruktiv Museum is included in your package. Each of these places offers a unique experience: Villa Patumbah charms with its exotic architecture and exhibitions on built heritage, Kulturama offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of humankind and life on Earth, while Haus Konstruktiv is a major venue for contemporary concrete and constructivist art.

Overnight at the hotel. (BFF)

Your Grand Tour continues in Eastern Switzerland.
The train runs alongside Lake Zurich, then gives way to landscapes punctuated with steeples and typical farms.

As you approach St. Gallen, the terrain becomes more pronounced as you near the Appenzell foothills.
Let yourself be captivated by the rich façades of the Innenstadt, the lively historic centre. Don’t miss St. Gall Abbey and its library, a Baroque masterpiece listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, a true cultural treasure.

In the afternoon, take the train to Appenzell, just 37 minutes away, a picturesque village known for its living traditions; or choose Schaffhausen, reachable in 1h15, an ideal starting point for a magical cruise to the impressive Rhine Falls.
Your transport pass also allows you to cruise on the Rhine as well as Lake Constance.

Overnight at the hotel. (BFF)

On board the semi-panoramic Voralpen Express, you first cross the green landscapes of the Appenzell region to Lucerne, a charming Swiss city set in a picturesque setting.

Stroll along its famous covered bridges, get lost in a maze of lanes with richly painted façades, and then pay tribute to the Lion of Lucerne, a moving memorial to the Swiss Guards, a symbol of courage and loyalty.

Extend your discovery with a peaceful cruise on the Lake of the Four Cantons, or by taking the ride up to Mount Rigi (1,798 m), the Queen of the Mountains, thanks to Europe’s first cogwheel train.

Overnight at the hotel. (BFF)

Board the Luzern–Interlaken panoramic train, which offers a spectacular view throughout the journey—between shimmering lakes and alpine peaks—interrupted only by a few tunnels. Along the way, you’ll follow the magnificent lakes of Brienz and Thun before arriving in Interlaken, the true hub of adventures.

From this charming town, you can take a funicular to Harder Kulm, followed by a hike to descend gently. You can also board a peaceful cruise on Lake Brienz or discover Thun, a medieval town with authentic charm.

For a full day of wonder, choose the excursion to Jungfraujoch, the famous “Top of Europe.” This spectacular alpine experience takes you right into the heart of snow-covered peaks for an unforgettable memory.

Overnight at the hotel. (BFF)

Discovery continues aboard the modern Golden Pass Express through some of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes.
The GoldenPass Express, or GPX as it’s known, is a next-generation panoramic train, recognisable by its elegant dark metallic-blue bodywork. Recently inaugurated, it connects Montreux to Interlaken without changing trains thanks to a unique technical innovation in Switzerland: it automatically adjusts its wheels to the variable track gauge in Zweisimmen.

This spectacular journey passes through the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, the Vaud Prealps, mountain lakes and typical villages such as Gstaad.

Luxury, calm and indulgence… Outside the lively periods of the famous Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux is savoured at a slower pace, nestled between the mountains and the shores of Lake Geneva. Take a stroll along its lovely flowering Riviera, lined with palm trees and Art Deco palaces, still shining with Belle Époque splendour. Continue your walk to the legendary Château de Chillon, perched by the water and immortalised by Lord Byron. This medieval gem takes you through the centuries in a postcard-perfect setting.

To end the day beautifully, enjoy the sunset over the vineyards of Lavaux with a glass of local chasselas in hand.

Overnight at the hotel. (BFF)

During this day, you’ll gain altitude up to the famous alpine resort of Zermatt, perched at 1,600 metres. Timetables remain flexible: you take the Montreux – Visp – Zermatt rail line, an approximately 3-hour journey that gradually takes you from the valley lakesides to high-mountain landscapes, between spectacular gorges, forests and views of the alpine peaks.

After Visp, the semi-panoramic Mattherhorn Bahn train becomes a true window onto the Alps, gradually revealing the majestic silhouette of the Matterhorn.

You arrive at Zermatt, the charming car-free village committed to sustainability and nestled in the heart of the mountains. Stroll among traditional chalets with flower-filled balconies, then board the legendary Gornergrat Bahn. This cogwheel train takes you to more than 3,000 metres above sea level, where a spectacular view of the Matterhorn and the surrounding glaciers awaits.

Overnight at the hotel. (BFF)

You board a railway legend: the Glacier Express, a worldwide star among panoramic trains. Linking the west to the east of Switzerland, it offers an unforgettable journey through the Alps, between deep valleys, dizzying bridges and majestic peaks. Settle in comfortably and enjoy a panoramic lunch onboard (additional cost), while the landscapes roll by like a grand film.

Time passes almost too quickly, and before you know it, you arrive in St. Moritz, an iconic resort of alpine luxury and a top destination for winter sports. The atmosphere is hushed, elegant and decidedly exclusive.

Overnight at the hotel. (BFF)

Today, head south on board the second of Switzerland’s iconic trains: the Bernina Express. This famous red train climbs into the heart of the Alps, offering spectacular views at every bend. The ascent is dizzying: you “lift off” to Ospizio Bernina, at an altitude of 2,253 metres, between sparkling glaciers and high-altitude lakes.

Then, slowly, the scenery changes. This is a real descent into the warmth of the south: the train arrives in Tirano, Italy, at just 443 metres above sea level, at the foot of palm trees and in an atmosphere that’s already Mediterranean. From there, the journey continues on the Bernina Bus, which takes you comfortably to Lugano, between the lake and the hills. A unique itinerary, between Alpine peaks and Italian charm.

Welcome to Lugano, the “Pearl of Italian Switzerland”, where an almost Tuscan atmosphere prevails, between cypresses, olive trees and the pleasures of everyday life.

Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)

Discover the heart of the city, before strolling along the lakefront, with Monte Brè as your backdrop.

Take your time for an espresso on Piazza della Riforma, the lively and elegant main square—ideal for soaking up the Mediterranean ambience of Ticino.
As the highlight of the day, board the Monte San Salvatore funicular: in just a few minutes, you reach the summit at 912 metres above sea level. From there, a spectacular panorama unfolds over Lake Lugano, the Swiss Prealps, the Ticino valleys and, on clear days, even the Po Valley in Italy.

You can also set sail on a cruise on Lake Lugano, a peaceful and panoramic way to discover the lakeside villages such as Gandria or Morcote, nestled between water and mountains. Reflections of the sky on the lake, cypresses, colourful houses and the hills in the background come together to create a truly enchanting scene.

Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)

For this final stage, head towards the French border with a stop in Basel, whose historic city centre is one of the best-preserved in Europe. Wander through its medieval alleyways and admire the Basel Münster, a majestic rose sandstone cathedral overlooking the Rhine. As you stroll along the quays, let the city’s unique atmosphere sweep you off your feet: swimmers drift with the current, their belongings stored in the traditional Wickelfisch.

Then cross the river by Fähri, an iconic cable ferry boat, to reach the Kleinbasel district. More alternative and more lively, this is where Basel reveals its creative, cosmopolitan spirit.

Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)

Free time for personal discovery depending on your departure time.
End of your train journey in Switzerland. (Breakfast)

Additional night, return flight or return train on request.
(By train: Basel > Paris = 3h08)