10-Day Switzerland Itinerary: Glacier Express & Bernina Express for a Vegetarian Couple with 1 Full Day in Tirano and 2 Full Days in Zermatt

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich & City Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Zurich and check into your hotel. Start your day with a walk around the charming Old Town (Altstadt), discovering quaint shops and vegetarian cafés.

Afternoon: Visit the Swiss National Museum to learn about Swiss culture and history. Have lunch at a vegetarian-friendly restaurant nearby.

Evening: Stroll along Limmatquai and enjoy dinner at a cozy vegetarian bistro, soaking in the vibrant city ambience.

Day 2: Zurich to Tirano via Bernina Express

Morning: Board the famous Bernina Express in Zurich for a spectacular scenic train journey south towards Tirano, appreciating breathtaking alpine views.

Afternoon: Arrive in Tirano. Settle into your accommodation and explore the historic town center with its colorful buildings and quaint streets.

Evening: Enjoy a vegetarian meal at a local Italian-style osteria, sampling regional dishes adapted to your preferences.

Day 3: Full Day in Tirano

Morning: Visit the lovely San Martino Church and wander through the local market, perfect for picking up fresh produce and snacks.

Afternoon: Take a slow walk to the Tirano Castle ruins for panoramic views and photo opportunities.

Evening: Relax at a cozy café in town, indulging in vegetarian gelato and watching the town's evening life.

Day 4: Tirano to St. Moritz via Bernina Express

Morning: Begin your return journey on the Bernina Express, now heading towards St. Moritz—marvel at the glaciers, mountain passes, and viaducts along the route.

Afternoon: Explore St. Moritz, taking in the luxury alpine resort vibe and visiting the Lake St. Moritz promenade.

Evening: Dinner at a vegetarian-friendly alpine restaurant, sampling local specialties made meat-free.

Day 5: St. Moritz to Zermatt via Glacier Express

Morning: Board the iconic Glacier Express for a breathtaking 8-hour journey through the Swiss Alps to Zermatt.

Afternoon: Enjoy panoramic views from the comfort of the train. Reach Zermatt in the late afternoon and check into your hotel.

Evening: Take a leisurely walk in this car-free village and dine at a vegetarian restaurant with views of the Matterhorn.

Day 6: Full Day Exploration in Zermatt

Morning: Ride the Gornergrat Railway for spectacular views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.

Afternoon: Hike scenic trails suitable for all levels or visit the Matterhorn Museum to learn about local mountaineering history.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner at a gourmet vegetarian restaurant, experiencing local alpine flavors.

Day 7: Another Full Day in Zermatt

Morning: Visit the Klein Matterhorn via cable car and experience Europe’s highest cable car station with incredible glacier views.

Afternoon: Leisurely lunch followed by a spa or wellness session at one of Zermatt’s many wellness centers.

Evening: Stroll through the village and savor your last Swiss dinner with plenty of vegetarian options.

Day 8: Zermatt to Interlaken

Morning: Depart Zermatt via train, traveling through scenic routes to Interlaken, the adventure hub of the Bernese Oberland.

Afternoon: Explore Höheweg Street for shopping and views of the Jungfrau skyline.

Evening: Dine at one of Interlaken’s vegetarian-friendly restaurants specializing in Swiss and international cuisine.

Day 9: Interlaken & Surroundings

Morning: Take a boat trip on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, enjoying pristine alpine waters.

Afternoon: Visit Harder Kulm viewpoint via funicular for panoramic views of Interlaken and the surrounding mountains.

Evening: Relax and savor a vegetarian Swiss fondue experience in a traditional chalet.

Day 10: Departure from Zurich

Morning: Travel back to Zurich by train, allowing time for last-minute shopping or a café visit near the main station.

Afternoon: Pack and prepare for your departure.

Evening: Head to Zurich Airport for your flight home, reminiscing about your scenic and vegetarian-friendly Swiss adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Bernina Express (Zurich to Tirano): ~6 hours, approx. CHF 100 per person
• Tirano exploration & meals: Full day, minimal entry fees, meals approx. CHF 40 per person per day
• Bernina Express (Tirano to St. Moritz): ~2.5 hours, approx. CHF 80 per person
• St. Moritz touring & meals: Half day, approx. CHF 30 for entry and meals
• Glacier Express (St. Moritz to Zermatt): ~8 hours, approx. CHF 150 per person
• Zermatt activities (Gornergrat Railway & cable car): Full days, CHF 90 per person per day
• Interlaken travel and sightseeing: 2 days, combined travel and activities approx. CHF 100 per person
• Meals across trip (vegetarian-friendly restaurants): Approx. CHF 40 per person per day
• Accommodations (mid-range hotels): Approx. CHF 150 per night for double room
• Total estimated cost (transport, activities, meals, accommodation): CHF 4,500 - 5,000 for two people

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding a few days in Lucerne or the nearby Jungfrau region for more alpine hiking and lake cruises. For a shorter trip, focus only on the Glacier and Bernina Express routes with 1 full day in Zermatt and Tirano, reducing time in Interlaken and Zurich to half days or skipping them entirely.