3 Day Swiss Alps Rail Tour
3 Days/2 Nights Rail and Trail Tour
SWISS ALPS SHOWCASE
The Echo Trails 3-Day Swiss Rail tour is designed for those pressed for time but still wish to sample Switzerland’s legendary trains and culture. For added flexibility, you can choose the Swiss city where you want to be picked up and dropped off.
With an emphasis on Zermatt and the Matterhorn, the 3-Day Swiss Rail Tour includes first-class seating on both the Glacier Express and the 3-hour cruise of Lake Lucerne. If your time in Switzerland allows, you might like our 12-Day Signature Swiss Alps Rail Tour.
Two nights of premium accommodation at one hotel provides a relaxed pace–you never feel rushed. Your private guide takes care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy the journey.
Highlights
- Zermatt and the Matterhorn
- Two-night stay at a 4-star hotel
- Includes breakfast and three-course dinners
- Travel on iconic railways—including Gornergrat and the Glacier Express
- Flexible pick-up and drop-off locations in Switzerland
- Panoramic views of the Swiss Alps
- Choice of guided walks/hikes and excursions
- First-class travel on all trains
- First-class boat cruise on Lake Lucerne
- Lunch on either the Glacier Express or the Lake Cruise
- Your own personal, English-speaking guide throughout
Itinerary
Join us for a relaxed take on the grandeur of the Swiss Alps.
Enjoy magnificent views of the iconic Matterhorn, travel on world-famous railways and a delightful, late-afternoon cruise on Lake Lucerne. Guided day hikes tailored to your fitness and interest provide an unforgettable way to experience the soaring beauty of the iconic Matterhorn.
DAY 1: TRAVEL TO ZERMATT
After arrival in the city of your choice, we will determine a convenient place for our guide to meet you. Together you'll travel by train to Zermatt—a 3 ½ hour journey. You'll arrive in the picturesque town early enough for some relaxed sightseeing that includes many different views of the Matterhorn. Afterwards, there’s still plenty of time left to enjoy wellness services at your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Resort La Ginabelle (or comparable lodging)
Zermatt and the Matterhorn
DAY 2: THE MATTERHORN
Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Matterhorn and the Alps in an excursion tailored to your fitness and wishes. You can choose to ride on Europe’s second highest railway (and highest open-air railway on the continent)—the Gornergrat cogwheel train that climbs up to the 10,134 feet (3089 meters).
You can also choose to hike to a 360-degree platform area providing a spectacular panoramic view of 29 alpine peaks higher than 13,123 feet (4000 meters)–including the iconic Matterhorn.
A 1-2 hour guided hike across an alpine nature reserve includes awe-inspiring views of the Matterhorn mirrored in pristine alpine lakes. Along the way, you'll learn about the origins of Zermatt and the people who live in the the canton of Valais (French-speaking) or Wallis (German-speaking).
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Resort La Ginabelle (or comparable lodging)
The Gornergrat Cogwheel Rail Train
DAY 3: GLACIER EXPRESS AND LAKE LUCERNE CRUISE
You and your guide depart Zermatt on the legendary Glacier Express bound for Andermatt and Lucerne. The train journey ends in Fluelen, where you'll board the Lake Lucerne Steamer and find comfortable seating in First Class for the leisurely cruise on Lake Lucerne—a trip features stunning views of Mt. Pilatus and Mt. Rigi.
Lunch will be available on either the Glacier Express or Lake Cruise
Late afternoon, you'll arrive in Lucerne and our guide will provide all the information so you safely get to your final destination. Your guide will bring you to your train departure and bid you a bond farewell.
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Transport: Glacier Express
RATES
Rates
Adult Standard: US $2,448* per person. Double occupancy and minimum 4 participants.
Adult Standard: US $2,681* per person. Double occupancy and minimum 3 participants.
Adult Standard: US $3,066* per person. Double occupancy and minimum 2 participants
10% Deposit secures the booking – balance due 90 days before the departure date
Book Now! Rates will increase 5% after July 31
INCLUDES
Includes
● 3 day First Class Swiss Travel Rail Pass
● 2 nights Zermatt 4 star hotel
● Breakfasts and 3 course dinners
● Full Day Tour including Gornergrat Rail to the summit and walk-hike down
● First Class Glacier Express
● First Class Lake Lucerne Cruise – 3 hours voyage on Lake Lucerne
● Lunch on either the Glacier Express or Lake Cruise
● Local English speaking guide throughout so you have “Peace of Mind” guaranteed
NOT INCLUDED
Not Included
Wine & Alcoholic Beverages
Lunches in Zermatt
Items of personal nature.
Fitness
Reasonable Fitness
A reasonable fitness is required. We walk each day. You will need to be able to walk unhindered throughout the day for a total of 1 to 2 hours at a gentle pace. This would be about 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Currency Exchange
The US$ / Swiss Franc currency exchange rates have been relatively stable over the years. However, should the currency exchange rate change more than 2% at time of the final payment, we reserve the right to add the net difference to your final amount.
BOOKING A TOUR
Booking a Tour
Glacier Express
We do not guarantee the reservation on the Glacier express if the booking is made within 90 days from arrival.
Click on the “Book Now” button anywhere on this tour page
1. On the right hand side, select the Date you wish to take the tour in the Date Box
2. Input the number of participants: adults & children
3. Go To the Tour Box and click on BOOK button – the payment form will open
4. Under Options: See if you qualify for Swiss Pass or Half-Card tax – Select one or Select “No Card or Pass”
5. Review the final price – make sure it is correct
6. Read our Cancellation Policy – check the Terms & Conditions Box
7. Pay with either a PayPal account or debit/credit card
Once the payment has been processed, a written confirmation will be sent to your email address
Booking within 7 days of tour date?
Phone or text our Lucerne office – +41 79 813 3610 – to check if we can take you, before making a booking
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