A hiker looking out over snow-capped mountains

7 Days

Swiss Alpine Escape

Lucerne • Interlaken • Jungfraujoch • scenic rail experiences.

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The holiday

What to expect

A week in the heart of the Swiss Alps, travelling almost entirely by train. You start by Lake Lucerne with a day on Mount Titlis, ride the Luzern–Interlaken Express over the Brünig Pass, and go up to Jungfraujoch, at 3,454 metres the highest railway station in Europe. Staying mainly in two towns means fewer hotel changes and more time looking out of the window.

The pace suits families, couples and senior travellers alike: the mountain days are by train and cable car, with no hiking needed. We can add a night in Zurich or Geneva, swap Titlis for Mount Rigi or Pilatus, or extend to Zermatt and the Glacier Express. Indian and vegetarian restaurants are easy to find in Lucerne and Interlaken.

Switzerland

Itinerary

Day by day

A suggested plan. Days can be added, dropped or swapped around your dates and interests.

Day
1
Arrive in Zurich, transfer to Lucerne
Land in Zurich and take the train to Lucerne, about an hour away. In the evening, walk across the Chapel Bridge and along the lakefront promenade.
Day
2
Mount Titlis excursion
Travel to Engelberg and ride the cable cars up Mount Titlis, the last stage on the revolving Rotair. Walk through the Glacier Cave and out on to the Titlis Cliff Walk, then return to Lucerne for the evening.
Day
3
Lucerne city walk, then the Luzern–Interlaken Express
See the Lion Monument and the Old Town in the morning. After lunch, take the panoramic train over the Brünig Pass to Interlaken, a journey of about two hours past lakes and waterfalls.
Day
4
Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe
A full day by mountain railway and the Eiger Express cable car to Jungfraujoch. See the Ice Palace, the Sphinx Observation Terrace and the Aletsch Glacier, then come back down through Grindelwald.
Day
5
Lauterbrunnen valley and Lake Brienz
Visit Lauterbrunnen and the Staubbach Falls in the morning. In the afternoon, take a boat across the turquoise water of Lake Brienz, or go up Harder Kulm for the view over Interlaken.
Day
6
Interlaken to Zurich, city tour
Take the train back to Zurich, about two hours. Spend the afternoon in the Old Town, along Bahnhofstrasse and by Lake Zurich.
Day
7
Depart from Zurich
Free time for last-minute Swiss chocolate and watches before your transfer to Zurich Airport for the flight home.

What's included

6 nights in hotels in Lucerne, Interlaken and Zurich, with daily breakfast
Arrival and departure transfers at Zurich Airport
Swiss Travel Pass (second class) for the train, bus and lake boat journeys on the itinerary
Mount Titlis excursion with cable cars
Jungfraujoch excursion by mountain railway and the Eiger Express
Sightseeing as per the itinerary
Schengen visa assistance