Grand Tour of Switzerland

An idyllic montage of mountains, lake and vineyards… Montreaux has inspired artists, writers and musicians ranging from Freddie Mercury and Prince to Igor Stravinski. It feels almost Mediterranean along the shores of Lake Geneva between Villeneuve ad Lutry where Montreaux Riviera enjoys a microclimate that sustains the famous terraced vineyard of Lavaux (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Enjoy a wine tour, or venture from the lake shore into the forests where walking trails lead through alpine meadows to fabulous panoramic viewpoints. Overnight in Montreaux.

Continue by rail to the famous Swiss ski resort of Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn. This car-free village offers numerous summer activities. We recommend the cogwheel train ride to Gornergrat which takes you to over 3,000m for a breathtaking view of the Matterhorn. It’s also a great starting point for Alpine walks. Overnight in Zermatt.

Embark on the classic Glacier Express rail journey to the elegant alpine resort of St Moritz. This 290km, 7.5hr train ride takes you through a head-spinning kaleidoscope of snow-capped peaks and narrow valleys, through spiral tunnels and across the Obralp Pass. Perhaps the crowning glory of this epic train journey is traversing the Landwasser – a curved, six-arched limestone viaduct, completed in 1902 and carrying you 65m above a ravine before burrowing straight into a tunnel carved in the cliff face. Spend the following two nights in St Moritz.

Birthplace of Alpine winter tourism, St Moritz has twice hosted the Winter Olympics – but summer is equally beguiling in this spa resort where mineral springs were discovered 3,000 years ago. With a full day to immerse yourself in this Alpine paradise, choose from a plethora of activities, ranging from hiking and mountain biking to sailing, horse riding and golf. Don’t miss a romantic carriage ride around the lake, through the town or Staz forest. Overnight in St Moritz.

Today’s rail journey takes you on another classic route: the Bernina Express to Tirano. Climbing to 2,253m, you’ll reach Ospizio Bernina station – the highpoint of this exciting trans-Alpine railway. Panoramic carriages provide unobstructed views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks. In Tirano, change to the Bernina Express bus to complete your journey to the stunning lakeside town of Lugano. Spend the following three nights in Lugano.

The Italian-speaking Swiss town of Lugano is not only famous for its spectacular views of the San Salvatore and Bré Mountains, but also for its colourful neoclassical architecture and intimate old town. With two days to explore Lugano, we’d recommend taking the funicular up to San Salvatore or Bré Mountain and then hiking back, taking a boat trip on Lake Lugano, sampling some local and seasonal cuisine and simply enjoying the town’s beautiful architecture – the cathedral of San Lorenzo is well worth a visit. Both nights in Lugano.

Embark on another iconic rail journey – the historic Gotthard Panorama Express to Flüelen. Travelling in a first-class panorama coach, relax as you watch the spellbinding scenery slip past. Highlights include Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro – the trio of 15th-century Bellinzona castles built by the Dukes of Milan and now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will also travel through the 15km-long Gotthard Railway Tunnel, a masterpiece of engineering dating from 1882. At Wassen, the train gains height in a series of loops, allowing you to admire the village’s striking Baroque church several times. At Flüelen, transfer to a lake steamer and voyage along Lake Lucerne, passing Tell’s Chapel (where Wilhelm Tell is said to have made his daring escape) and Rütli Meadow (where Switzerland was founded in 1291). Arrive in the charming lakeside city of Lucerne where you spend the following two nights.

Spend your final day in Switzerland exploring what many consider to be one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Hugging the shores of Lake Lucerne, with mountains as a backdrop, Lucerne’s must-see highlights include the 14th-century landmark of Chapel Bridge, the old city square of Weinmarkt and the fortified Musegg Wall. Don’t miss the Dying Lion of Lucerne – a rock sculpture described by Mark Twain as ‘the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world’. For a final meal out, try regional specialities like Lucerne vol-au-vents, dried meats or fillet of lake trout. Overnight in Lucerne.

Board the morning train to Paris or Brussels, depending on the most convenient rail connections, and join the evening Eurostar back to London St Pancras International.