10-Day Switzerland Itinerary Featuring the Glacier Express & Bernina Express

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich & Transfer to Lucerne

Morning: Arrive from NYC at Zurich Airport. Transfer to Lucerne by train and check into your hotel.

Afternoon: Explore the charming Old Town Lucerne including the Chapel Bridge and Lake Lucerne promenade.

Evening: Enjoy a vegetarian dinner at a local restaurant such as Olivo known for plant-based options.

Day 2: Lucerne Sightseeing & Mount Pilatus

Morning: Take the cogwheel railway or cable car to Mount Pilatus for panoramic Alpine views.

Afternoon: Return to Lucerne and visit the Swiss Museum of Transport or relax by the lakeside.

Evening: Discover cozy vegetarian-friendly dining at Mill'Feuille near the river.

Day 3: Glacier Express from Lucerne to Zermatt (via Andermatt)

Morning: Board the iconic Glacier Express in Chur (transfer from Lucerne to Chur early morning by train).

Afternoon: Enjoy breathtaking views on the Glacier Express through the Swiss Alps, crossing the Oberalp Pass and scenic valleys.

Evening: Arrive in Zermatt, check into your hotel and have a relaxing vegetarian dinner nearby.

Day 4: Zermatt Exploration & Matterhorn Views

Morning: Visit the Matterhorn Museum to learn about Zermatt’s history and mountaineering heritage.

Afternoon: Take the Gornergrat Railway for spectacular Matterhorn panoramas and hiking options.

Evening: Dine at one of Zermatt’s vegetarian-friendly restaurants such as Vegetarian Zermatt or Zum See.

Day 5: Full Day in Zermatt – Hiking & Wellness

Morning: Enjoy an easy to moderate hiking trail like the Zmutt Valley hike for gorgeous scenery.

Afternoon: Relax in a spa or wellness center such as Mont Cervin Palace Spa.

Evening: Explore local vegetarian cuisine with creative seasonal dishes in town.

Day 6: Zermatt to St. Moritz via Bernina Express

Morning: Transfer early to Tirano and board the scenic Bernina Express to St. Moritz, crossing UNESCO World Heritage rail routes.

Afternoon: Arrive in St. Moritz and explore the glitzy town center and beautiful Lakes.

Evening: Enjoy a vegetarian dinner at a stylish St. Moritz restaurant such as Dal Mulin.

Day 7: St. Moritz & Surroundings

Morning: Take the Corviglia Cable Car for mountain hiking or panoramic views.

Afternoon: Visit the Engadine Museum or relax by Lake St. Moritz.

Evening: Sample vegetarian Swiss specialties at a local restaurant.

Day 8: St. Moritz to Zurich

Morning: Take a scenic train back to Zurich, with optional stop in Chur for a coffee break.

Afternoon: Explore Bahnhofstrasse, Old Town, and Lake Zurich.

Evening: Delight in vegetarian cuisine at popular Zurich restaurants like Hiltl, Europe’s oldest vegetarian restaurant.

Day 9: Zurich Day Trip or Leisure Day

Morning: Optional day trip to Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall, or visit Kunsthaus Zurich.

Afternoon: Return to Zurich for shopping or visiting the Swiss National Museum.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell vegetarian dinner in Zurich’s vibrant area of Langstrasse.

Day 10: Departure from Zurich

Morning: Leisurely breakfast and last-minute souvenir shopping.

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

Evening: Flight departs and end of your memorable Swiss adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Zurich Airport to Lucerne Transfer: 1.5 hours; $50 per person
• Mount Pilatus Excursion: 5 hours; $75 per person
• Glacier Express (Chur - Zermatt): 8 hours; $160 per person
• Zermatt Gornergrat Railway: 3-4 hours; $100 per person
• Bernina Express (Tirano - St. Moritz): 4 hours; $120 per person
• St. Moritz Corviglia Cable Car: 3 hours; $50 per person
• Zurich Public Transport Day Pass: Full day; $15 per person
• Rhine Falls Day Trip (optional): 4-5 hours; $40 per person
• Vegetarian Meals (average per meal): $30 per person × 18 meals =  $540
• Hotels (average per night for 2 people): $180 × 9 nights =  $1,620

Total estimated cost for 2 people: Approximately $3,500

Tips

To extend your trip, consider adding more days in Lucerne or St. Moritz to explore additional hiking or cultural experiences, or take a leisurely cruise on Lake Lucerne. For a shorter trip, combine Lucerne and Zurich into fewer days and focus on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express journeys along with the 2-day Zermatt stay to maximize the iconic Swiss train experiences.