10-Day Switzerland Itinerary: Glacier Express & Bernina Express for a Vegetarian Couple

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich & Travel to Zermatt

Morning: Arrive at Zurich Airport from NYC and transfer to Zermatt by train, enjoying scenic views along the way.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Zermatt and take a casual stroll through the charming car-free village, admiring the iconic Matterhorn.

Evening: Enjoy a vegetarian dinner at one of Zermatt’s top-rated restaurants such as Veggie Café Zermatt and relax in the alpine ambiance.

Day 2: Zermatt Exploration & Gornergrat

Morning: Take the Gornergrat Railway up for panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers, ideal for photo opportunities.

Afternoon: Explore the Glacier Paradise at Klein Matterhorn via cable car and enjoy easy alpine hikes or visit the ice palace.

Evening: Relax with a vegetarian meal and explore the quaint streets; consider a spa or wellness center visit for some rest.

Day 3: Glacier Express: Zermatt to St. Moritz

Morning: Board the famous Glacier Express, one of the world's most scenic train rides, heading toward St. Moritz. Enjoy complimentary vegetarian meal service aboard.

Afternoon: Continue to marvel at spectacular Alpine landscapes including the Oberalp Pass and Rhine Gorge during the journey.

Evening: Arrive in St. Moritz, check into your hotel, and dine at a local vegetarian-friendly restaurant like Hauser’s Restaurant.

Day 4: St. Moritz Leisure & Bernina Express to Tirano

Morning: Spend a relaxed morning walking around Lake St. Moritz and visiting local galleries and shops.

Afternoon: Board the Bernina Express to Tirano, Italy, crossing UNESCO-listed landscapes including Morteratsch Glacier and Brusio Spiral Viaduct.

Evening: Explore the quaint town of Tirano, savor an Italian vegetarian dinner, and stay overnight.

Day 5: Tirano to Lugano & Lake Lugano

Morning: Depart Tirano and take a scenic train to Lugano, entering the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland.

Afternoon: Explore the beautiful waterfront of Lake Lugano, visit the Parco Ciani, and enjoy vegetarian gelato or local specialties.

Evening: Dinner at a vegetarian-friendly restaurant with lake views, then enjoy a peaceful evening stroll.

Day 6: Lugano to Lucerne

Morning: Take the train to Lucerne, a picturesque city famous for its medieval architecture and lake views.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Chapel Bridge and the Old Town, stopping by local vegetarian cafés.

Evening: Relax with a vegetarian dinner and consider a sunset cruise on Lake Lucerne.

Day 7: Lucerne to Interlaken via Brünig Pass

Morning: Travel from Lucerne to Interlaken through the scenic Brünig Pass, absorbing stunning mountain views.

Afternoon: Take a walk along Höhematte Park, visit local shops, or opt for a vegetarian picnic by the lake.

Evening: Dinner at a vegetarian-friendly restaurant and enjoy views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.

Day 8: Jungfrau Region Day Trip from Interlaken

Morning: Take a train and cable car to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe; experience breathtaking glacier views and alpine activities.

Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at the mountain restaurant with vegetarian options, explore the Ice Palace, and take photos of the snowy peaks.

Evening: Return to Interlaken for a quiet evening and try out a different vegetarian restaurant like Bistro Memory.

Day 9: Interlaken to Bern & Sightseeing

Morning: Take the train to Bern, Switzerland’s capital, and visit the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its arcades and medieval fountains.

Afternoon: Explore the Bear Park and the Rosengarten for panoramic city views.

Evening: Dine at a vegetarian-friendly restaurant such as Alpenblick and take an evening stroll along the Aare River.

Day 10: Bern to Zurich & Departure

Morning: Depart Bern for Zurich. If time permits, do some last-minute sightseeing or shopping in Zurich Old Town.

Afternoon: Enjoy a light vegetarian lunch at a Zurich café before heading to the airport.

Evening: Board your flight from Zurich Airport back to NYC.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Zurich Airport Arrival & Transfers: 3-4 hours; $100 per person (train tickets)
• Zermatt Stay & Activities (2 days): 2 full days; $300 (hotel) + $100 (Gornergrat Railway & Glacier Paradise combined)
• Glacier Express (Zermatt to St. Moritz): About 8 hours; $160 per person
• St. Moritz Stay & Dining: 1 full day; $200 (hotel + meals)
• Bernina Express (St. Moritz to Tirano): ~4 hours; $90 per person
• Tirano Stay & Meals: 1 day; $100
• Lugano Activities: Half day; $50 (transport + meals)
• Lucerne Sightseeing & Cruise: Full day; $90
• Interlaken & Jungfraujoch Day Trip: Full day; $180 per person
• Bern Sightseeing: Half day; $40 (meals + local transport)
• Zurich Departure Day: Half day; $30 (meals + transport)

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $1,740 per person

Tips

• To extend the trip, consider adding another day in the Bernina Express region for hiking or visiting the nearby Swiss National Park.
• To reduce the trip duration, skip Lugano and Lucerne and focus on the Glacier and Bernina Express routes combined with Zermatt and Interlaken.
• Make restaurant reservations in advance to ensure availability for vegetarian options, especially in smaller towns.
• Purchase Swiss Travel Passes if planning additional train travels outside this itinerary for convenience and savings.