Switzerland by Rail with Magnificent Europe Zurich → Budapest (2025)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Zurich
Duration
27 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
8 years

Description

Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of Europe, where breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences await. From the bustling city of Zurich to the serene alpine village of Engelberg, each day offers a new adventure. Ascend to the heights of Mt Titlis, traverse the Alps on the legendary Glacier Express, and explore the charming towns of Zermatt and Wengen. Continue your journey through the picturesque Swiss countryside, cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Thun, and discover the vibrant cities of Montreux and Geneva. As you sail along the Rhine and Danube rivers, immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Germany and Austria. Conclude your journey in the enchanting city of Budapest, where the past and present blend seamlessly. With luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining, and a wealth of activities to choose from, this tour promises an experience like no other.

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Included

14 nights on a brand-new luxury river ship

Geneva, Hotel President Wilson

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A total of 61 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages

In-suite dining and beverage service in all suites

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Experiences in 25 destinations

Freedom of Choice Inclusions

Visit Tenuta Castello di Morcote wine estate for a tour and wine tasting

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The services of an expert Tour and Cruise Directors

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Transfers, rail and hotel porterage, port charges and gratuities

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Destinations

photo of panoramic view of Engelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland.Engelberg
Linz, Austria. Panoramic view of the old town.Linz
Hallein - city in AustriaHallein
Lugano - city in SwitzerlandLugano
Geneva skyline cityscape, French-Swiss in Switzerland. Aerial view of Jet d'eau fountain, Lake Leman, bay and harbor from the bell tower of Saint-Pierre Cathedral. Sunny day blue sky.Geneva
photo of Winter landscape in Grindelwald at sunrise, behind the Mittelhorn and Wetterhorn, Wetterhorn, Interlaken-Oberhasli, Bernese Oberland, Canton of Bern, Switzerland.Grindelwald
Amsterdam Netherlands dancing houses over river Amstel landmark in old european city spring landscape.Amsterdam
Utrecht - city in NetherlandsUtrecht
Photo of the medieval town of Dürnstein along the Danube River in the picturesque Wachau Valley, in Lower Austria.Dürnstein
Spiez - city in SwitzerlandSpiez
Old town of traditional architecture of Bamberg, Bavaria, GermanyBamberg
Panoramic view of historic Zurich city center with famous Fraumunster, Grossmunster and St. Peter and river Limmat at Lake Zurich on a sunny day with clouds in summer, Canton of Zurich, SwitzerlandZurich
Budapest - city in HungaryBudapest
Austria, Rainbow over Salzburg castleSalzburg
Photo of Castle Chillon one of the most visited castle in Montreux, Switzerland attracts more than 300,000 visitors every year.Montreux
Gemeinde Melk - city in AustriaMelk
Lucerne - town in SwitzerlandLucerne
photo of an aerial view of Zermatt & Matterhorn Mountain in Switzerland.Zermatt
Church Heiliger Franz of Assisi at Mexikoplatz, Vienna, Austria.Vienna
Photo of scenic summer view of the German traditional medieval half-timbered Old Town architecture and bridge over Pegnitz river in Nuremberg, Germany.Nuremberg
Interlaken
Regensburg - city in GermanyRegensburg
Passau - city in GermanyPassau

Map

Attractions

photo of view of Memorium Nürnberger Prozesse, Nuremberg, Germany.Memorium Nuremberg Trials
photo of breathtaking view of a serene lake nestled atop Mount Titlis. The lake itself is calm and tranquil, with clear, still waters that reflect the surrounding mountains and sky in Switzerland.Titlis
JungfraujochJungfraujoch
Lake Thun, Lake Thun, Oberland administrative region, Bern, SwitzerlandLake Thun
Mantegazza Park, Varese, Lombardy, ItalyMantegazza Park
Preda Rossa
Gorner Gorge
photo of Mountain Road crossing St. Gotthard Pass (Gotthardpass or Passo del Sao Gottardo) in the Swiss Alps, Airolo - Canton of Ticino, Switzerland.Gotthard Pass
Golden Pass Railway, Montreux, District de la Riviera-Pays-d’Enhaut, Vaud, SwitzerlandGolden Pass Railway
Melk AbbeyMelk Abbey
Lake Maggiore Zipline
photo of view of The Musikverein concert hall in Vienna,Vienna Austria.Vienna Music Society
Nadelwehr Luzern, Lucerne, Luzern, SwitzerlandLucerne Needle Dam
Photo of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Vienna, Austria.St. Stephen's Cathedral
Sherlock-Holmes-Museum, Meiringen, Interlaken-Oberhasli administrative district, Oberland administrative region, Bern, SwitzerlandSherlock-Holmes-Museum
photo of Matterhorn peak and Gornergrat railway station on top hill, Zermatt, Switzerland.Gornergrat railway

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Zurich

  • Zurich - Arrival day
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  • Nölliturm
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Arrive in the vibrant city of Zurich, Switzerland's financial hub, where your journey begins. After a warm welcome, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring Zurich's charming Old Town, a perfect blend of historical charm and modern energy. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a delightful welcome reception. Accommodation: Zurich Marriott Hotel (or similar).

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Zurich to Engelberg via Lucerne

  • Zurich
  • Lucerne
  • Engelberg
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  • Chapel Bridge
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Today, embark on a scenic journey to Lucerne, where you'll enjoy a walking tour of the city. Marvel at the iconic Chapel Bridge and the stunning views of Lake Lucerne. Continue your adventure to Engelberg, a picturesque village nestled in the mountains at the base of Mt Titlis. Accommodation: Kempinski Palace Engelberg (or similar).

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Engelberg and Mt Titlis

Day 3: Engelberg and Mt Titlis

  • Titlis
  • Chapel Bridge
  • Glacier Express
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Ascend to the heights of Mt Titlis aboard the world's first revolving cable car. Explore the mesmerizing Glacier Cave and walk across Europe's highest suspension bridge. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine landscape. Spend the afternoon at leisure in the charming village of Engelberg. Accommodation: Kempinski Palace Engelberg (or similar).

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Engelberg to Lugano

  • Lucerne
  • Lugano
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  • Montebello Castle
  • Gotthard Pass
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Travel through the impressive Gotthard Base Tunnel to the city of Lugano. Upon arrival, visit the stunning Tenuta Castello di Morcote, a family-owned wine estate. Enjoy a wine tasting experience amidst terraced vineyards and olive groves. Accommodation: Hotel Swiss Diamond Lugano (or similar).

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Explore Lugano

  • Lugano
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  • Mantegazza Park
  • Lakefront Pallanza
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Discover the unique blend of Swiss and Mediterranean cultures in Lugano. Cruise the serene waters of Lake Lugano and ascend Monte Bre for spectacular views. The evening is yours to explore the city at your own pace. Accommodation: Hotel Swiss Diamond Lugano (or similar).

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Lugano to St Moritz via Tirano

  • Lugano
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  • Fly Emotion Aerofune
  • Giardini e Palazzo Estensi
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Cross into Italy to board the famous Bernina Express in Tirano. Experience the breathtaking journey through the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway, with stunning views of the Alps. Arrive in the elegant resort town of St Moritz. Accommodation: Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains St Moritz (or similar).

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: St Moritz to Zermatt

  • Zermatt
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  • Matterhorn
  • Bernina Express
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Embark on the legendary Glacier Express, a journey that takes you through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Marvel at the stunning landscapes as you travel from the Bernina Range to the iconic Matterhorn. Arrive in the enchanting town of Zermatt. Accommodation: Hotel Monte Rosa Zermatt (or similar).

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Zermatt and the Matterhorn

  • Zermatt
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  • Matterhorn
  • Gornergrat railway
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Take a scenic ride on the Gornergrat Railway for breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. Meet a local mountaineer who will share fascinating stories of life in the mountains. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Zermatt at your leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Monte Rosa Zermatt (or similar).

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Zermatt to Wengen via Spiez and Interlaken

  • Zermatt
  • Spiez
  • Grindelwald
  • Interlaken
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  • Lake Thun
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Depart Zermatt and travel to Spiez, where you'll enjoy a delightful lake cruise on Lake Thun to Interlaken. Continue by train to the charming village of Wengen, known for its stunning alpine scenery. Accommodation: Grand Hotel Belvedere Wengen (or similar).

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Wengen and Jungfraujoch

  • Grindelwald
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  • Jungfraujoch
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Embark on an epic rail journey to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and capture the magical landscapes with your camera. Accommodation: Grand Hotel Belvedere Wengen (or similar).

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Wengen to Montreux

  • Grindelwald
  • Montreux
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  • Giant Swing
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Travel aboard the scenic GoldenPass Line, gliding along the River Aare and through the picturesque Simmen Valley. Arrive in the charming lakeside town of Montreux, where you can relax and unwind. Accommodation: Fairmont Le Montreux Palace (or similar).

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Montreux to Geneva

  • Montreux
  • Geneva
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  • Leman Lake Museum
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Begin your day with a tour of Montreux, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Later, travel to the cosmopolitan city of Geneva. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. Accommodation: Hotel President Wilson Geneva (or similar).

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Geneva to Amsterdam

  • Geneva
  • Amsterdam
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Fly from Geneva to the vibrant city of Amsterdam. Board your luxurious river ship, where you'll settle in for the next two weeks of exploration. Accommodation: APT Solara or APT Ostara.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Amsterdam to Utrecht

  • Amsterdam
  • Utrecht
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  • Keukenhof Forest
  • Het Amsterdamse Bos
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Choose your preferred activity in Amsterdam, from a glass-top boat canal cruise to a visit to the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store. In spring, explore the stunning Keukenhof Gardens. Rejoin the ship in Utrecht and cruise towards Germany. Enjoy a gala welcome dinner on board.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Utrecht to Andernach

  • Utrecht
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  • Are Castle
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Spend the morning cruising through Germany. In the afternoon, disembark in Andernach for a special visit to Namedy Castle, where you'll be welcomed by Princess Heide von Hohenzollern. Enjoy a cocktail party with a pianist setting the mood.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Andernach to Rudesheim

Day 16: Andernach to Rudesheim

  • Schlosskirche Meisenheim
  • Roemerhalle Bad Kreuznach
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Sail through the most picturesque stretch of the Rhine River. In Rudesheim, choose from a gondola ride to the Niederwald Monument, a visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or a wine tasting in a historic cellar.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Rudesheim to Miltenberg

Day 17: Rudesheim to Miltenberg

Enjoy a relaxing sail along the Main River to the historic town of Miltenberg. Discover the town's remarkably preserved buildings and lively squares on a guided exploration, followed by leisure time to explore on your own.

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Day 18

Day 18 – Day 18: Miltenberg to Wurzburg

Day 18: Miltenberg to Wurzburg

  • Rothenburger Tor
  • Würzburg Residence
  • Marienberg Fortress
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Choose from a visit to the Wurzburg Residence, a tour of the medieval town of Rothenburg, or a hike to the Marienberg Fortress. Each option offers a unique glimpse into Germany's rich history and culture.

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Day 19

Day 19 – Day 19: Wurzburg to Bamberg

  • Bamberg
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  • Goldbergsee Coburg
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Arrive in the World Heritage-listed city of Bamberg, one of the few German cities not destroyed during World War II. Explore the Old Town with a guide, discovering historic churches and buildings. Rejoin your ship to continue cruising on the Main-Danube Canal.

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Day 20

Day 20 – Day 20: Bamberg to Nuremberg

  • Nuremberg
  • Bamberg
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  • Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
  • Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
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Choose your sightseeing activity in Nuremberg, from exploring World War II sites like the Reich Party Rally Grounds to discovering the city's medieval history at the Imperial Castle. Continue cruising on the Main-Danube Canal.

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Day 21

Day 21 – Day 21: Nuremberg to Regensburg

  • Regensburg
  • Bamberg
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  • St Peter Cathedral
  • Porta Praetoria
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Explore Regensburg's World Heritage-listed city centre on a guided tour, or take a guided bike ride to the Walhalla Memorial. Enjoy a tasting at Regensburg's historic sausage kitchen, one of the oldest working restaurants in the world.

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Day 22

Day 22 – Day 22: Regensburg to Salzburg

  • Passau
  • Salzburg
  • Linz
  • Regensburg
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  • Rauschberg Gipfelkreuz
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Take a guided tour of Salzburg, followed by a special lunch on Gaisberg Mountain. Enjoy a show featuring music from 'The Sound of Music' in a traditional restaurant setting.

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Day 23

Day 23 – Day 23: Salzburg to Durnstein

  • Melk
  • Dürnstein
  • Hallein
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  • Wachau
  • Melk Abbey
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Visit the renowned Melk Abbey, then choose between a scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley or a guided bike ride from Melk to Durnstein. Explore the cobblestoned lanes of Durnstein at your leisure.

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Day 24

Day 24 – Day 24: Durnstein to Vienna

  • Vienna
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  • Weinvierteldraisine
  • St. Stephen's Cathedral
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Arrive in Vienna and embark on a city tour, taking in landmarks along the Ringstrasse and St Stephen's Cathedral. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before a magical evening with a private performance at Vienna's City Palace.

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Day 25

Day 25 – Day 25: Vienna and Beyond

  • Vienna
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  • Schönbrunn Palace
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Choose from a tour of Schonbrunn Palace or a visit to Bratislava in Slovakia. In the evening, enjoy a Captain's farewell dinner as you set sail for Hungary.

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Day 26

Day 26 – Day 26: Vienna to Budapest

  • Budapest
  • Vienna
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  • St. Stephen's Basilica
  • Heroes' Square
  • Gellért Hill
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Arrive in Budapest and choose your sightseeing option, from a city tour including Heroes' Square and St Stephen's Cathedral to a funicular ride to Castle Hill. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the city.

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Day 27

Day 27 – Day 27: Departure from Budapest

  • Budapest - Departure day
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As your incredible journey comes to an end, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

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