7-Day Switzerland Itinerary Featuring the Glacier Express

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich & City Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Zurich from NYC and check into your hotel. Take some time to relax after your flight.

Afternoon: Explore the Old Town (Altstadt) with its charming cobbled streets, and visit the Bahnhofstrasse for shopping.

Evening: Enjoy a romantic dinner by Lake Zurich, soaking in the Swiss ambiance.

Day 2: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus

Morning: Travel to Lucerne, walk across the iconic Chapel Bridge and visit the Old Town.

Afternoon: Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Lucerne followed by a cable car trip to Mount Pilatus for panoramic views.

Evening: Return to Lucerne for dinner in a cozy Swiss restaurant experiencing local cuisine.

Day 3: Interlaken & Lauterbrunnen Valley

Morning: Head to Interlaken, explore the town with views of Jungfrau and Harder Kulm.

Afternoon: Visit Lauterbrunnen Valley – see the famous Staubbach Falls and, time permitting, hike to Trümmelbach Falls.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed evening in Interlaken, perhaps a lakeside walk or casual dining.

Day 4: Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz

Morning: Travel early to Zermatt, prepare for your Glacier Express journey.

Afternoon: Embark on the full-day luxury scenic train ride aboard the Glacier Express, enjoying stunning Alpine vistas between Zermatt and St. Moritz.

Evening: Arrive in St. Moritz, check in to your hotel, and have dinner at a local gourmet restaurant.

Day 5: St. Moritz Exploration & Bernina Express (Optional Extension)

Morning: Relax or stroll through St. Moritz, visit the Lake St. Moritz area and local galleries.

Afternoon: Optionally, take a half-day ride on the Bernina Express to experience another spectacular train route through UNESCO World Heritage landscapes.

Evening: Return to St. Moritz for a quiet evening or spa relaxation.

Day 6: Return to Zurich via Chur

Morning: Depart St. Moritz and take the scenic train to Chur, Switzerland’s oldest town, for a brief visit.

Afternoon: Continue onwards by train to Zurich. Use the afternoon to shop or visit the Kunsthaus Zurich art museum.

Evening: Enjoy your last dinner in Switzerland at a fine Zurich restaurant with Swiss specialties.

Day 7: Departure

Morning: Depending on your flight time, take a leisurely breakfast and do any last-minute shopping or sightseeing near your hotel.

Afternoon: Transfer to Zurich Airport for your return flight to NYC.

Evening: In-flight.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Zurich Old Town & Bahnhofstrasse: 4 hours; Free to $50 (shopping/dining)
• Lake Zurich Dinner: 2 hours; $80 per couple
• Lucerne & Chapel Bridge: 3 hours; Free
• Mount Pilatus (cable car): 4 hours; $70 per person
• Interlaken & Lauterbrunnen Valley: 6 hours; $30 transportation + $20 sightseeing
• Glacier Express Train: Full day (approx. 8 hrs); $200 per person
• St. Moritz local activities: 4 hours; $40 per person
• Bernina Express (optional): 4 hours; $100 per person
• Chur Visit & Zurich Art Museum: 3-4 hours; $30 total
• Dining & Miscellaneous: Throughout trip; approx. $400 total per couple

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $1,490 - $1,690 per couple (excluding airfare)

Tips

To extend your trip, consider adding extra days in Zermatt or Interlaken for hiking or skiing adventures, or include more scenic train journeys like the Bernina Express. For those wanting to reduce the trip duration, focus on Zurich, Lucerne, and a half Glacier Express journey combined with a shorter stay in St. Moritz to capture the highlights within 4-5 days.