Scenic Switzerland by Train (6010) - 2013

9 days from Zürich to Zürich

Return to Central Europe Budget Tours

Lake Geneva stretches along Switzerland's southern border with France and is the largest lake in Europe

Vacation Overview

This is truly a different way to discover Switzerland! Marvel at spectacular scenery from the first-class carriages of the Swiss train network, with rides on the GoldenPass Panoramic train, Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and the Gornergrat open-air cogwheel train. Your vacation begins with an overnight in Zürich, then on to Lucerne, the delightful medieval town with its famous wooden bridge. Travel through breathtaking mountain pastures and quaint villages like Interlaken and Zweisimmen before reaching Lausanne on Lake Geneva. Visit elegant Montreux and Zermatt at the foot of the imposing Matterhorn. Spend two nights in this beautiful car-free village, then take an exciting ride on the Glacier Express from Zermatt to glitzy St. Moritz. Travel through the pristine natural wonders of the Alps, the perfect prelude to your train ride on the Bernina Express. From St. Moritz, return to Zürich for the finale of your grand Swiss rail journey.

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Receive a $100 per person air credit on select 2013 air-inclusive Europe vacations.*

*Book a 2013 air-inclusive Europe (excluding Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt) vacation of six nights or more to receive the $100 per person air credit. Must be booked, under deposit and discount applied between January 9 and June 25, 2013 for travel between January 9 and December 31, 2013. Not applicable on instant purchase air. Applies to coach class only. Air must be purchased in conjunction with a Europe vacation. Air credit will apply to the per person air price and is non-transferable. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. An additional $300 non-refundable deposit is required for air booked in conjunction with a land vacation. Once airfare is confirmed and we have received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive price is guaranteed. We reserve the right to ticket passengers upon receipt of full land and air deposit; Any subsequent changes and/or revisions to airline reservations at your request after receipt of full land deposit are subject to revision fees and/or airline-imposed change or cancellation fees. These fees are a minimum of $300, and in some instances may be up to 100% of the ticket price. In addition, promotional discounts do not carry forward on changed air bookings. However, promotions in effect at the time of the change will apply. Total air price includes all government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking. Air price, air tax and security fees are non-commissionable. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. For the most current airline-imposed baggage fees, please check the following website, www.iflybags.com. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. Only valid for Cosmos and Monograms part of the Globus family of brands. Offer not valid with any other offer except Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit, Europe Free Night (Monograms), Single Supplement (Cosmos) and Europe $50 (Cosmos) promotions.

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Receive a $100 per person air credit on select 2013 air-inclusive Europe vacations.*

Headsets throughout the tour

Sightseeing:
Visits to Lucerne, Interlaken, Lausanne, Montreux, Zermatt, Gornergrat train, St. Moritz, Zürich

Scenic Highlights:
Swiss Alps

Guides:

Services of a professional Tour Director while touring

NOTE:

Hotels are generally located within walking distance from train stations, so no transfers will be provided

Day 1Arrive in Zürich, Switzerland

Check into your hotel in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this exciting city. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)

Day 2Zürich–Lucerne

Today, journey by train from Zürich to Lucerne. Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most idyllic medieval cities, surrounded by a beautiful lake and nestled amidst snowcapped Alps. The rest of the day is at leisure to discover the delights of this charming city or to join one of the optional excursions. (B)

Day 3Lucerne–Interlaken–Goldenpass Train––Montreux–Lausanne

Leave Lucerne this morning on the scenic route crossing the Brunig pass to Interlaken where you will spend some time at leisure. Continue on the Golden Pass Panoramic train for the spectacular journey to Montreux on Lake Geneva. From there, it will be only a short train ride to Lausanne and your overnight hotel (B).

Day 4Lausanne–Montreux–Täsch–Zermatt

This morning, depart for the delightful Swiss mountain resort of Zermatt. En route, stop in the town of Montreux, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and known as the “Swiss Riviera.” Time for leisure or maybe join the optional excursion to Chillon with an opportunity to enjoy the guided visit of its castle before continuing by train to Zermatt for two overnights. (B,D)

Day 5Zermatt. Gornergrat Excursion

Today, enjoy the included excursion to the famous Gornergrat, traveling onboard Europe’s highest rack railway. The views from its summit are spectacular. The rest of the day is at leisure in Zermatt—with a variety of interesting shops, cafés, bars, and narrow streets to explore. (B)

Day 6Zermatt–Glacier Express–St. Moritz

The train journey today aboard the spectacular Glacier Express is without a doubt one of the main highlights of the tour. Enjoy an unforgettable journey as it makes its way through the unspoiled natural beauty of the Alps on its direct route from Zermatt to the world-famous mountain resort of St. Moritz. (B,D)

Day 7St. Moritz. Bernina Express to Tirano, Italy

Today, take the Bernina Express train (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to Tirano for one of Europe’s most spectacular and breathtaking train rides. Travel across lofty Bernina Pass via the Swiss Poschiavo area to Tirano in the Italian Valtellina, witnessing an array of beautiful mountain streams, glaciers, and alpine scenery along the way. Overnight in St. Moritz. (B)

Day 8St. Moritz–Zürich

Leave St. Moritz this morning for the journey back to Zürich (standard class between Samaden and Sagliains). Overnight in Zürich. (B)

Day 9Zürich

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Transportation:
Scheduled transatlantic flights and airport transfers in Zürich if Cosmos issues the air tickets. First-class train travel (except on Day 8: Samaden to Sagliains)

ZÜRICH Novotel City West (F)
LUCERNE Luzernerhof (F)
LAUSANNE Alpha Palmiers (F)
ZERMATT Tschugge (F)
ST. MORITZ Bären (F)
ZÜRICH NH (F) at Zurich Airport

Buffet breakfasts; 3 dinners

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Receive a $100 per person air credit on select 2013 air-inclusive Europe vacations.*

VACATION OVERVIEW
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DATES & PRICES
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OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS