Switzerland by Rail with Magnificent Europe Zurich → Budapest (2025)
Description
Summary
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.
Included
14 nights on a brand-new luxury river ship
Geneva, Hotel President Wilson
A total of 61 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
In-suite dining and beverage service in all suites
Experiences in 25 destinations
Freedom of Choice Inclusions
Visit Tenuta Castello di Morcote wine estate for a tour and wine tasting
The services of an expert Tour and Cruise Directors
Transfers, rail and hotel porterage, port charges and gratuities
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Zurich
- Zurich - Arrival day
- More
- Nölliturm
- More
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).
Day 2 – Day 2: Zurich to Engelberg via Lucerne
- Zurich
- Lucerne
- Engelberg
- More
- Chapel Bridge
- More
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).
Day 3 – Day 3: Engelberg and Mt Titlis
Day 3: Engelberg and Mt Titlis
- Titlis
- Chapel Bridge
- Glacier Express
- More
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).
Day 4 – Day 4: Engelberg to Lugano
- Lucerne
- Lugano
- More
- Montebello Castle
- Gotthard Pass
- More
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).
Day 5 – Day 5: Explore Lugano
- Lugano
- More
- Mantegazza Park
- Lakefront Pallanza
- More
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).
Day 6 – Day 6: Lugano to St Moritz via Tirano
- Lugano
- More
- Fly Emotion Aerofune
- Giardini e Palazzo Estensi
- More
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).
Day 7 – Day 7: St Moritz to Zermatt
- Zermatt
- More
- Matterhorn
- Bernina Express
- More
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).
Day 8 – Day 8: Zermatt and the Matterhorn
- Zermatt
- More
- Matterhorn
- Gornergrat railway
- More
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).
Day 9 – Day 9: Zermatt to Wengen via Spiez and Interlaken
- Zermatt
- Spiez
- Grindelwald
- Interlaken
- More
- Lake Thun
- More
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).
Day 10 – Day 10: Wengen and Jungfraujoch
- Grindelwald
- More
- Jungfraujoch
- More
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).
Day 11 – Day 11: Wengen to Montreux
- Grindelwald
- Montreux
- More
- Giant Swing
- More
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).
Day 12 – Day 12: Montreux to Geneva
- Montreux
- Geneva
- More
- Leman Lake Museum
- More
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).
Day 13 – Day 13: Geneva to Amsterdam
- Geneva
- Amsterdam
- More
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.
Day 14 – Day 14: Amsterdam to Utrecht
- Amsterdam
- Utrecht
- More
- Keukenhof Forest
- Het Amsterdamse Bos
- More
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.
Day 15 – Day 15: Utrecht to Andernach
- Utrecht
- More
- Are Castle
- More
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.
Day 16 – Day 16: Andernach to Rudesheim
Day 16: Andernach to Rudesheim
- Schlosskirche Meisenheim
- Roemerhalle Bad Kreuznach
- More
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.
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.
Day 18 – Day 18: Miltenberg to Wurzburg
Day 18: Miltenberg to Wurzburg
- Rothenburger Tor
- Würzburg Residence
- Marienberg Fortress
- More
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.
Day 19 – Day 19: Wurzburg to Bamberg
- Bamberg
- More
- Goldbergsee Coburg
- More
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.
Day 20 – Day 20: Bamberg to Nuremberg
- Nuremberg
- Bamberg
- More
- Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
- Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
- More
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.
Day 21 – Day 21: Nuremberg to Regensburg
- Regensburg
- Bamberg
- More
- St Peter Cathedral
- Porta Praetoria
- More
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.
Day 22 – Day 22: Regensburg to Salzburg
- Passau
- Salzburg
- Linz
- Regensburg
- More
- Rauschberg Gipfelkreuz
- More
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.
Day 23 – Day 23: Salzburg to Durnstein
- Melk
- Dürnstein
- Hallein
- More
- Wachau
- Melk Abbey
- More
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.
Day 24 – Day 24: Durnstein to Vienna
- Vienna
- More
- Weinvierteldraisine
- St. Stephen's Cathedral
- More
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.
Day 25 – Day 25: Vienna and Beyond
- Vienna
- More
- Schönbrunn Palace
- More
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.
Day 26 – Day 26: Vienna to Budapest
- Budapest
- Vienna
- More
- St. Stephen's Basilica
- Heroes' Square
- Gellért Hill
- More
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.
Day 27 – Day 27: Departure from Budapest
- Budapest - Departure day
- More
As your incredible journey comes to an end, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.