Episode 146: The Ultimate 17-Day Swiss Itinerary for Scenic Train Rides and Mountain Excursions
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Dreaming of the perfect Switzerland vacation but feeling overwhelmed by train schedules, hotel options, and which destinations are worth your time? If panoramic views, charming villages, and stress-free Alps travel are on your wishlist, this is for you.
In this episode, we follow Alan and Jackie Freshwater’s 17-night adventure across Switzerland, where they combined independent exploration with the ease of a pre-arranged rail package.
From their first-class rides on the Glacier Express and other panoramic trains to strolling through the car-free streets of Zermatt, their Swiss itinerary is packed with breathtaking scenery and amazing experiences..
You’ll hear exactly how they navigated Switzerland travel without stress, including using luggage transfer services, timing their mountain excursions for the best weather, and adding extra nights to truly enjoy each destination.
Their journey showcases the highlights of Swiss mountains and lakes, including stops in Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Lugano.
Along the way, they share firsthand Swiss travel tips for making the most of your time on Switzerland’s iconic trains, from flexible day trips to must-see routes for scenic train rides.
Whether you’re planning your own Zermatt travel, considering a multi-city itinerary, or just gathering ideas for your dream Switzerland vacation, this episode will help you travel smarter, enjoy more, and soak in every alpine view!
Show Notes
In this episode you’ll learn about:
- Why Jackie and Alan, experienced independent travelers, decided to book a Swiss rail package for their first in-depth trip to Switzerland
- What’s included in a Switzerland rail package, from train tickets and seat reservations to flexible accommodation options and luggage transfers
- Jackie and Alan’s customised itinerary “Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Classic”
- Tips for planning mountain excursions and maximizing good weather, including the benefits of staying multiple nights in each location
- Jackie and Alan’s recommendations for a smoother, more enjoyable Swiss rail adventure, including their favorite hotels and practical travel tips
Our Guests
Alan and Jackie Freshwater are a retired couple from Sydney, Australia. They are regular travellers who have visited Europe on a few occasions. After passing through Switzerland a few years ago, they were keen to return and explore the country in depth and to visit the mountain peaks.
Jackie and Alan’s Itinerary: Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Classic (customised with additional nights)
Jackie and Alan flew into Zurich and spent three nights there before starting their Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. They added extra nights in most locations so that they could see more of what each destination has to offer and to allow for some relaxation time. At the end of the Grand Train Tour, they returned to Zurich for their flight home to Australia.
Lucerne 2 nights > Interlaken 3 nights > Montreux 2 nights > Zermatt 3 nights > St. Moritz 2 nights > Lugano 2 nights > Lucerne 2 nights – plus Zurich 3 nights pre-tour and 1 night post-tour
See the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland Classic itinerary here
Hotels chosen by Jackie and Alan
There are a wide range of hotels to choose from when booking a rail package with Switzerland Travel Centre. Alan and Jackie chose a mix of 3* and 4* hotels as well as the Barabas Hotel in Lucerne, a former jail.
>> Lucerne: Barabas Hotel
>> Interlaken: Hotel Crystal – 3* hotel
>> Montreux: Mona Montreux – 4* hotel
>> Zermatt: Jägerhof Hotel and Apartments – 3* hotel
>> St. Moritz: Hotel Nolda – 3* hotel
>> Lugano: Hotel City – 4* hotel
>> Lucerne: Ambassador Hotel – 3* hotel
Planning a trip to Switzerland?
At Holidays to Switzerland we are passionate about sharing our love of Switzerland and helping you to plan the perfect trip. Read our guide to planning a trip to Switzerland to kick start your travel plans and join our free Switzerland Travel Planning group on Facebook to chat with other past and future travellers.
Want monthly news and podcast updates, helpful travel tips and special deals sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Holidays to Switzerland and we’ll send you a bonus copy of our Switzerland Travel Planning Starter Kit and Guide.
🇨🇭 Check out our exclusive discount offers and save on your Swiss vacation. 🇨🇭
Useful resources
Jackie and Alan booked a rail package through our preferred partner, Switzerland Travel Centre, and saved 5% by using the promo code HTSWISS. Read all about the fully customisable rail package itineraries, and the discount offer.
🎥 Watch my step-by-step guide to booking your Switzerland Travel Centre rail package online.
🎙️You can learn more about the rail packages offered by Switzerland Travel Centre in the following podcast episodes:
- Episode 66: Explore Switzerland with a Swiss rail package
- Episode 107: Experience Switzerland in a winter. Top rail packages for snowy adventures
✅ Browse the exclusive travel discounts offered by our trusted partners.
👉 Free Switzerland Travel Planning Kit and Guide
> You can read a full transcript of this episode here.
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SWITZERLAND TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
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