Compare Zurich - Lucerne - Geneva by Train by TripMasters vs Magical Switzerland - Small Group, Winter 2023 2024 by Insight Vacations

Day 1 in Zurich

 Welcome to Zurich! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

Begin the afternoon by heading straight to Altstadt (Zurich`s Old Town) and find a place for lunch amongst the wide range of cafes and restaurants in the area. Spend a bit of time wandering the narrow and winding cobblestone streets, check out the colorful and wonderfully-preserved buildings, and stroll along the Limmat River. We highly recommend a walking tour to discover the city and learn about the history and culture that it offers.

From here, make your way to Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich`s premier shopping street and one of the bustling streets in Old Town where you`ll find window-shopping stores such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Burberry and much more! While here, it`s worth checking out Uhrenmuseum (Watch Museum) that is located in the basement of Beyer watch shop. You will learn the history and see the exhibition on time keeping dating back from 1400 BC to today.

Finish your day at one of the many restaurants or cafes on Bahnhofstrasse, some rich with tradition and many that are very inviting!

Day 2 in Zurich

Wake up early today and start your day off with a stroll along Lake Zurich. The lake is absolutely pristine and offers spectacular views of the Alps. Then head out on a boat cruise for about an hour ride on the lake and get lost in the stunning views and peaceful nature all around.

In the afternoon spend some time visiting Grossmunster, one of the most famous churches in Zurich. Climb the stairs to the top of the tower for stunning views of the city from the top. If time allows, head over to Church of Our Lady (or Fraumunster), built in the 9th century and famous for its graceful spire. You must see it to appreciate its beautiful architecture and stained glass windows that alone make it worth the visit.

As night approaches, head over to the Lindenhoff for sunset, a small climb will offer the most spectacular views of Zurich over the Limmat River and Old Town. You'll find numerous options for a great traditional Swiss dinner while in the downtown area offering views of the river.

Day 3 in Zurich

Start off your day by exploring the breathtaking views of Zurich and head to the Uetilber Mountain. Hike, jog, bike, or take the train up the mountain. At the top, take in the spectacular panoramic views of the entire city of Zurich, the lake, and perhaps even a glimpse of the Alps. Relax with a cup of coffee or a bite to eat while taking in the fantastic views of the city and beyond.

Next, head over to the KunsthausZurich (Museum of Art); said to be one of the best museums in the city. Among an interesting collection of Swiss artists, the museum also hangs works by Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, Marc Chagall and Claude Monet. And a visit to the top floors is a must!

On your final night, make your way to Zuri-West, a night life hotspot with a trendy, post-industrial edge. A revival has been taking place here for more than a decade, with converted industrial buildings offering everything from concert halls and rooftop bars to luxury flats. The area is now a hotspot for food design, art and culture.

Additional Days in Zurich

Should you be able to spend additional days in Zurich check out the picturesque beauty of Lucerne. Only a 45 minute drive from Zurich, this full day adventure will give you an understanding of why this is deemed one of Europe’` prettiest cities. Wonder around the city and marvel at the beautiful architecture and the oldest covered foot bridge in Europe. Then take a scenic boat ride to the base of Mount Pilatus and ascend on the steepest cogwheel railway in the world (only open in the summer months). This is an incredible journey up mountains offering the most breathtaking views to the top. Then make your way back down on the aerial cableways and panorama gondolas.

Your Last Day in Zurich

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.

Day 1 in Lucerne

Welcome to Lucerne! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Once you arrive in town, start your exploration at the Old Town, a maze of cobblestone alleys lined with brightly frescoed facades. Follow the old cobbled streets in the Old Town of Lucerne, and get lost amongst the many shops, fountains, restaurants and the historic painted buildings. The four main squares of the Old Town are Mühlenplatz, Weinmarkt, Hirschenplatz and Kornmarkt.

Most of Old Town is spread across the north bank of River Reuss. On the south bank is the 17th century baroque style Jesuit Church of Saint Francis Xavier, identified by its dull-green twin onion domes. The flower-lined 14th century wooden Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) runs diagonally across the river and is the most well-known symbol of Lucerne. The Kapellbrücke is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe and is full of history. As you stroll along the bridge and past the water tower, you can view the many paintings on the gables inside the bridge, which were painted by Hans Heinrich Wägmann in the 17th-18th century. Many of these paintings and the bridge were destroyed after a fire in 1993, but have since been reconstructed. You can also capture a gorgeous view of the town of Lucerne as well as a scenic view of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps.

Further down the river is Lucerne`s second covered wooden footbridge, the Spreuer Brudge or Mill Bridge, built in 1408. The bridge, in the city`s lower end, connected the mills to the baker`s quarter. Triangular panels on the roof depict a macabre series of paintings that show grinning skeletons in everyday human scenes. Cross over the bridge and stop in one of the charming al fresco riverside cafes. Make sure to try some delicious handmade chocolates and the variety of specialty cheeses you`ll encounter along the way.

Check out the brick-roofed Rathaus, the 17th-century town hall that now houses its own brewery and restaurant in the basement. Continue on and check out the Lion Memorial, a dying lion is carved into a sandstone rock rising above a pond of water, commemorating the Swiss guards who fell fighting for King Louis XVI in 1792 during the French Revolution. Check out the Glacier Garden found next to the Lyon monument which displays natural remnants from the Ice Age 20,000 years ago.

In the evening, enjoy an atmospheric dinner by the riverside, many restaurants offer both indoor and al fresco seating.

Day 2 in Lucerne

Start off your day with a cruise of the beautiful Lake Lucerne. Sit back and relax while you cruise past the stunning views of Switzerland. The average trip is about an hour-long and includes an audio guide of the main sights, as well as amazing views of the Alps. For something more active, you may want to explore Lake Lucerne by paddle boat and make your own way around the Lake.

After the cruise, stroll and people-watch along the active waterfront promenade. When the weather is warm, the stretch is full of young people rollerblading and old men playing pétanque (an age-old ball game). Find a restaurant in the area to enjoy some lunch and make sure to enjoy the cheese fondue, a must try while in Switzerland!

Continue along the promenade towards the Swiss Museum of Transport. The museum traces the history of road, rail, water and air navigation through simulators and multimedia displays. Don`t miss the vintage locomotives on display among the numerous exhibits. There is a film theater and a planetarium within the museum complex, but the highlight for kids and the kids at heart is the Chocolate Adventure. The interactive ride explains the history and making of chocolate through visuals, smells and tastings. Grab a snack at the in-house restaurant and take it with you for a picnic across the street at the beautiful lakeside park.

As evening approaches head back into Old Town to enjoy one of the lively cafes or restaurants in town. You may want to take in the live music and traditional folk performances, complete with yodelers, alphorn players and other Swiss performances. And end your night with a characteristically Swiss dessert, a cheese platter. It features different cuts of cheese paired with relish, jelly, walnut, fig, mustard and bread, and can be found on almost every menu in town.

Day 3 in Lucerne

On your last day in Lucerne, grab your comfortable shoes and take a day trip up the mountain to Mount Pilatus for a breathtaking view of the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne. Towering over Lucerne at 6,995 ft, Mount Pilatus has the world`s steepest cogwheel railway. Board the 126-year-old cogwheel rail that chugs up the mountainside at a steep angle, sometimes as sharp as 48 degrees, and operates from May to November. The train gently rolls up the mountain at 6 miles/hr and rolls through tunnels piercing straight through the rock face.

Another option to the top of Mount Pilatus is by gondola from Kriens through Krienseregg to Fräkmüntegg. The ride is a peaceful stretch complete with pristine views of the Mount Pilatus and the luscious green meadows and wildlife below. The final leg up from Fräkmüntegg to Pilatus Kulm by aerial cableway is the most exciting, but maybe not for the faint hearted. The total journey up to the mountain station is about 30 minutes.

When you arrive at the top, be prepared for the most spectacular views as soon as you step outside. From here, it is a 10-minute climb to the summit of the Esel (the central peak, but not the highest). And from Pilatus-Kulm, it is a 30 minute trek to the Tomlishorn, the highest peak of the mountain. The trip can also be combined with various types of sports or hiking tours.

In summer, indulge your active side at the Rope Park or the Toboggan Run. Grab a bite at the upscale Queen Victoria restaurant at Hotel Pilatus-Kulm or the self-service restaurant with a sun terrace at the Hotel Bellevue. There`s usually a choice of set meals. The Panoramic Gallery linking the two hotels features a covered roof and is a good place to stop for breathtaking views of the mighty Alps.

On your last evening in Lucerne check out the Grand Casino, a perfect spot to try your luck in poker, roulette or blackjack. Or if you are looking for something a bit more cultural, and if you speak German, you can enjoy a performance at the Stadttheater. And after dark, the Old Town is a great spot to be with various pubs and cafes to enjoy.

Additional Days in Lucerne

Should you be able to spend additional days in Lucerne we recommend a day trip to the World Heritage-listed Jungfraujoch, located 50 miles from Lucerne, this is known as the Top or Europe and is home to the highest railroad station on the continent at 11,332 ft. A perfect way to enjoy this stunning Alpine scenery is on the Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Day Trip. The journey would begin with a drive through the breathtaking scenery of the Bernese Oberland and a cogwheel train trip up to the Jungfraujoch, passing through the mountain pass of Kleine Scheidegg, beneath the famous Eiger North Face. While on the summit, you can stop to explore the Ice Palace and enjoy the stunning views from the Sphinx Observation Terrace.

Your Last Day in Lucerne

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.

Day 1 in Geneva

Welcome to Geneva! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Once you arrive in town, stroll around the lakeside, the largest freshwater lake in the Alps. The best way to get to know the city is to walk along the banks and explore. Enjoy the sight of the Jet d`Eau, the city`s landmark, a large fountain, that started out as a way to release pressure from a local factory. Along the eastern bank, by Quai Gustave-Ador, you`ll pass by the iconic Flower Clock that sits outside the Jardin Anglais. On the opposite side you`ll see Perle du Lac park, a beautiful green area where it`s possible to swim in the lake.

Next, make your way up to Geneva`s main shopping district to explore the city`s high-end stores and brands. Together Rue du Rhône, Rue du Marché and Rue de la Croix d`or are where these stores gather. This is also where you`ll find luxury items, from Swiss watches to the finest jewelry, and all the latest trends with prices that will reflect the luxury items that they are. Stop in for a bite to eat on Place de Molard where you`ll find some charming restaurants with outside terraces.

Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring Geneva`s old town, Vielle Ville. Start in Place du Bourg-de-Four, a square filled with history and the gateway to the picturesque maze of small streets. In the heart of the old town there are numerous antique shops, boutiques, galleries, museums, historic sites and homey cafes to discover. Be sure to visit the famous St. Peter`s Cathedral which dates back to the 12th century. Some other must see places are Maison Travel (the museum of history of Geneva) and the Old Arsenal, a series of canons decorated by mosaics portraying Caesar`s arrival in the city in 58 BC located in front, Place du Bourg-de-Four and The Treille Promenade. Also here is the famous luxurious Hotel de Ville, where many historical milestones occurred.

Finish your day relaxing with a lakeside cocktail after your first day in Geneva. There are many restaurants overlooking the lake that serve cocktails some with rooftops terraces offering beautiful views of the lake.

Day 2 in Geneva

Wake up early today and head to Mont Salève for the best views of Geneva. It is a short half-day trip to Salève, across the border in France (a 30-minute bus ride from Geneva`s central station). Hiking up the side of the mountain takes around 1-2 hours or you can take a leisurely cable car in less than 10 minutes. From the top you can enjoy outstanding panoramic views of all of Geneva and the vast expanse of Lac Léman. This mountain is an immense playground for sports lovers. In addition to hiking, you can go paragliding, rock climbing, mountain biking or cross-country skiing in the winter months. Nature lovers will enjoy the fauna and flora and the beautiful vista of Geneva. On the south-east side of the mountain, take in the views of the Alps with the Mont-Blank massif.

After you have worked up an appetitive, stop in the restaurant located at the funicular arrival point for some traditional French mountain dishes or grab a snack at the shack just outside.

Spend the remaining part of your day unwinding in Carouge, Geneva`s Italian district. Built in the 18th century by architects from Sardinia, the area immediately stands out from the rest, incomparable to the rest of the city. In fact, Carouge`s unique architecture is an expression of its Sardinian heritage, a pattern of magnificent historical streets with warm and cozy cafes, bistros and antique shops. Relax over a cup of coffee and watch the world go by, or plan to stay a while and enjoy dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants in the area.

If time and energy allows, end your day getting cultural at the performing arts of Geneva. The city offers both the theatre and opera houses and hosts a mix of internationally renowned shows. Check out the latest events at the Grand Théâtre de Genève and the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande.

Day 3 in Geneva

On your last day in Geneva explore International Geneva by starting at the Place des Nations, a big square situated in the heart of Geneva`s International district, in front of the United Nations headquarters, famous for housing the Broken Chair. The chair is commemorating victims of mine disasters. From here you can take a tour of the Palais des Nations or learn about the history of the humanitarian movement at the International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.

In the afternoon pay a visit to CERN, the world`s largest most expensive physics lab, home to an array of impressive machinery including several particle accelerators. Even for those not too interested in mind-bogglig physics equations, it`s a fascinating trip that traces the history, and purpose, of the Large Hadron Collider, that is at the center of probably the best known, and most controversial, experiments in the world.

On your last evening in Geneva choose from one of the numerous world-class restaurants in the city, several of them Michelin-starred to relax over some delicious local cuisine.

Additional Days in Geneva

Should you be able to spend additional days in Geneva we recommend a day trip to one of the several nearby cities and regions of the area. Lausanne, with its excellent museums and historic sites, is a short boat or train ride away, and the Swiss capital of Bern and the mountain glory around Interlaken are short train rides east. In this Jungfrau region, the villages of Mürren and Wengen are among the most attractive towns in Europe. Because Geneva sits right on the border with France, it is easy to reach several French cities, as well. Lyon is only two hours by train. Dijon, to the north in Burgundy, is only a little farther. Geneva is within easy reach of some of the best ski resorts in Switzerland, and as well as superb skiing in the French Alps. The French Alps are also filled with year-round attractions.

Your Last Day in Geneva

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.

Day 1: Zürich and Lovely Lucerne

Welcome to Switzerland - an enchanting winter wonderland of frozen waterfalls, peaceful cosy villages, snow-laden forests and imposing mountain ranges, crowned by famous peaks. On arrival at Zürich airport, transfers leave for your hotel in Lucerne at 09:30 and 13:30. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner with good food and wine.

Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: Lucerne and St. Moritz Relaxed Start

Experience Lucerne, a beautiful 14th century city still protected by medieval fortifications. Your Travel Director will reveal the covered wooden bridges, the painted gables and the sorrowful Lion Monument. Then there’s time to enjoy the excellent shops and lakeside walks before heading along the dramatic Walensee, past Chur, to the fashionable ski resort of St. Moritz. Set in the sparkling Engadine Valley, this elegant resort nestles below the awe-inspiring, majestic Grisons Alps.

Hotel Laudinella, St Moritz.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 3: St. Moritz at Leisure Relaxed Start

This whole day is completely at leisure, so maybe enjoy a late breakfast to start? Afterwards you may choose to explore the spa quarter of this chic resort, see the houses with their traditional sgraffito facades or indulge in the stylish boutiques? You may even consider joining the Bernina Express for a scenic rail journey of such epic proportions that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Hotel Laudinella, St Moritz.

Breakfast

Day 4: Aboard the Glacier Express

Board the world famous Glacier Express for a spectacular ride with lunch included, through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Descend through the tunnels of the Albula Pass and traverse the lofty Landwasser Viaduct. Your train then joins the broad Rhine Gorge and meanders beside rock-strewn rivers before climbing through snowy pastures and woodlands. Picturesque landscapes of ice-capped mountains and stone-built villages with chalet-style houses glide by. After a series of spirals, you will reach the highest point of the route, the icy Oberalp Pass. Modern, panoramic viewing cars ensure that you won’t miss a thing on your descent to Andermatt where you rejoin the coach. Drive through the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge passing the Devil's Bridge. Marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley.

Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine

Day 5: Grindelwald at Leisure Relaxed Start

Enjoy a day at your leisure to explore Grindelwald further. Perhaps take a cogwheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau mountain?

Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald.

Breakfast

Day 6: Chillon Castle and Geneva

Journey to the shores of Lake Geneva where the associations with the early European Romantic movement are very strong. Join Maud, the curator of the Chateau, to visit the beautiful Chillon Castle, former home to the Counts of Savoy, set on a rocky islet in the lake. In 1816, the castle inspired Lord Byron to write the poem ‘The Prisoner of Chillon,’ following his walk through the dungeons. Look out for his name, which he carved into a pillar. Close by is the sophisticated tiered town of Montreux, where it is delightful to stroll along the lakeside promenade. Enjoy a beautiful journey alongside the lake, passing Vevey and Lausanne, to reach the immaculate town of Geneva. On arrival, your orientation includes the United Nations Building, officially known as the Palais des Nations, the Old Town and the Jet d’Eau. Visit the Red Cross Museum for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn how this world-renowned organization provides vital assistance to refugees, migrants and asylum seekers. Spend your night in Geneva, rejoicing with your newfound friends at a local restaurant, as you are treated to a delicious, traditional fondue Celebration Dinner complete with wine.

Warwick Geneva.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 7: Depart Geneva

Your magical journey comes to an end after breakfast. Your transfer will arrive at Geneva airport at 08:00 or 10:00.

Breakfast