Ultimate 13-Day Swiss Adventure: Zurich to Saint Gallen with Scenic Train Rides, Iconic Attractions, and Alpine Exploration

Day 1: Arrival and Zurich Exploration

Zurich, Switzerland on May 28, 2025

10:15am

Flight from Riyadh to Zurich

Depart Riyadh at 10:15 and arrive in Zurich Airport at 3:25pm, settling into your Dormero Hotel Zurich Airport.
Included in airfare, 5h10m

4:30pm

Lindt Chocolate Factory Visit

Visit the nearby Lindt Chocolate Factory in Kilchberg, open until 6:00pm, to enjoy a tour and tasting of exquisite Swiss chocolates, a must-try for chocolate lovers.
CHF 15, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine at Zeughauskeller, a historic restaurant in Zurich city center known for its sausages and Rösti. Open until 10:00pm.
CHF 30-40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Zurich to Luzern

Zurich to Luzern, Switzerland on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Babu's Bakery & Coffeehouse

Start your day with freshly baked pastries and coffee at Babu's Bakery & Coffeehouse located in Zurich, open from 7:30am.
CHF 15, 1h

10:00am

Train ride Zurich to Luzern

Take a scenic one-hour train ride to Luzern, enjoying views of lakes and mountains.
CHF 25, 1h

11:30am

Chapel Bridge & Old Town Luzern

Explore Luzern’s iconic Chapel Bridge and the picturesque Old Town, ideal for history lovers and photographers.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Enjoy authentic Swiss specialties at this family-owned restaurant dating back to 1856, open for lunch until 3:00pm.
CHF 25-35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument)

See the famous Lion Monument, an impressive sculpture commemorating fallen Swiss Guards. Open in public park.
Free, 30m

4:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Bergsonne Luzern

Relax and freshen up at Hotel Bergsonne, your accommodation for two nights.
Included, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Balances

Dine along the river with a view of the Reuss Bridge, offering modern Swiss and international cuisine. Open until 10pm.
CHF 40-50, 1h30m
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Day 3: Mount Pilatus and Hiking

Luzern, Switzerland on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Bergsonne

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before an active day ahead.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Cable Car to Mount Pilatus

Take the panoramic gondola and cable car from Luzern to the top of Mount Pilatus, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, offering spectacular alpine views.
CHF 72, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pilatus Kulm Hotel

Lunch atop Mount Pilatus with breathtaking views and Swiss specialties. Open until 3:00pm.
CHF 30, 1h

2:00pm

Hiking Pilatus Trails

Easy to moderate hiking paths around Pilatus summit suitable for exploring alpine flora and fauna.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Luzern via Golden Round Trip

Descend by cogwheel train to Alpnachstad (if open) or cable car and return by boat on Lake Lucerne for a scenic route.
Included in ticket, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Stadtkeller Luzern

Try traditional Swiss fondue with live folk music in a lively atmosphere, open until 11pm.
CHF 40-50, 2h
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Day 4: Luzern to Gsteig via Interlaken

Gsteig and Interlaken, Switzerland on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Bergsonne

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before travel.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel Luzern to Interlaken

Scenic 2-hour train journey crossing lakes and mountain valleys.
CHF 40, 2h

11:15am

Explore Interlaken

Walk through Höheweg promenade, visit the historic Kursaal, and enjoy lake views between Lakes Thun and Brienz.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Laterne

Traditional Swiss dishes and snacks in a cozy setting, open until 3:00pm.
CHF 25-30, 1h

2:00pm

Travel Interlaken to Gsteig

Short 1h transfer by local train or car to your home accommodation at Gsteig.
CHF 20, 1h

3:30pm

Leisure at Gsteig

Relax and enjoy the alpine village ambiance or short walks in the surrounding meadows.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Local Mountain Inn

Dine on local Swiss cuisine featuring fresh mountain produce.
CHF 30-40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Hiking and Waterfalls near Gsteig

Gsteig, Switzerland on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Home

Enjoy breakfast in your home accommodation and prepare for a day outdoors.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Hiking Gemmenalphorn

Take a popular trail from Gsteig to Gemmenalphorn, about 3-4 hours round trip offering stunning views of the Bernese Alps and Lake Thun.
Free, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch Picnic

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the summit or scenic spots along the hike.
Prepare yourself, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Trümmelbach Falls

Drive or take public transport to Lauterbrunnen valley and visit Trümmelbach Falls, the impressive glacier waterfalls inside the mountain open until 6pm.
CHF 12.50, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Gsteig

Head back for rest and freshening up after an active day.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gsteig

Enjoy a relaxing dinner with local dishes at a village restaurant.
CHF 30-40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Gsteig to Interlaken to Montreux

Interlaken and Montreux, Switzerland on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Home

Eat a quick breakfast before checking out and traveling.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel Gsteig to Interlaken

Short transfer to Interlaken for a brief visit before continuing onward.
CHF 20, 1h

10:30am

Interlaken to Montreux by Golden Express Train

Board the Golden Express at 11:07am for the scenic 3h20m journey along lakes and vineyards to Montreux.
CHF 80, 3h20m

2:00pm

Check-in J5 Hotels Helvetie Montreux

Settle into your hotel on the Lake Geneva waterfront.
Included, N/A

3:00pm

Visit Chillon Castle

Tour the medieval lakeside fortress open until 7:00pm, a symbol of Swiss heritage with panoramic views.
CHF 13.50, 1h30m

5:00pm

Promenade Strolling

Walk along the Montreux lakeside promenade lined with sculptures and flower beds.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Museum Restaurant

Enjoy fine dining with views of Lake Geneva featuring local fish and Swiss delicacies. Open until 10pm.
CHF 45-55, 1h30m
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Day 7: Montreux to Zermatt

Montreux and Zermatt, Switzerland on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin your day with a hotel breakfast before check-out.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel Montreux to Zermatt

Travel by train (approx 3h) via Visp with scenic alpine views.
CHF 50-60, 3h

11:30am

Check-in Hotel Daniela

Drop off luggage and get ready for local sightseeing.
Included, N/A

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Schäferstube

Sample authentic Valais cuisine including raclette in traditional mountain ambiance, open from noon.
CHF 40, 1h

1:30pm

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Take the world's highest cable car to reach 3883m peak with stunning views of Matterhorn. Open 8am to 5pm.
CHF 90, 3h

5:00pm

Explore Zermatt Village

Stroll in the car-free village exploring shops and historic buildings.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Whymper-Stube

Enjoy classic Swiss and alpine specialties in cozy setting. Open until 10pm.
CHF 35-45, 1h30m
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Day 8: Zermatt to Lugano via Tirano

Zermatt, Tirano and Lugano, Switzerland/Italy on June 4, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Daniela

Early breakfast before departure.
Included, 30m

7:00am

Travel Zermatt to Tirano

Train journey via Visp and Brig to Tirano, Italy (approx 4hrs).
CHF 60, 4h

11:00am

Lunch in Tirano

Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at local trattoria near station, open till 3pm.
CHF 25, 1h

12:30pm

Scenic Bernina Express to Saint Moritz

Board the iconic Bernina Express to Saint Moritz with jaw-dropping alpine scenery; route partly shared with your transportation plans.
Included in ticket, 2h30m

3:00pm

Arrival and Transfer to Lugano

From Saint Moritz, travel via train to Lugano (approx 3h, transfer in Zurich or Chur).
CHF 60, 3h

6:30pm

Check-in at Locanda della Masseria a Porza, Lugano

Settle into your charming accommodation in Lugano area.
Included, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Galleria Arté al Lago

Dine on exquisite Mediterranean cuisine on Lake Lugano waterfront, open until 10pm.
CHF 50-60, 1h30m
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Day 9: Lugano to Saint Moritz

Lugano and Saint Moritz, Switzerland on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Locanda della Masseria

Local breakfast to start the day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel Lugano to Tirano to Saint Moritz

Train from Lugano to Tirano to connect with train to Saint Moritz arriving by early afternoon.
CHF 70, 4h

1:00pm

Check-in Hotel Nolda, Saint Moritz

Settle into your accommodation.
Included, N/A

2:00pm

Hiking around Lake St. Moritz

Enjoy moderate scenic hiking trails around the lake, ideal for nature and photography enthusiasts.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Dal Mulin

Refined Engadine cuisine in traditional setting, open till 9:30pm.
CHF 40-50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Saint Moritz to Basel via Weil am Rhein

Saint Moritz and Basel, Switzerland/Germany on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Nolda

Early breakfast before an all-day journey.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel Saint Moritz to Basel

Train to Basel (approx 4h), stopping at Weil am Rhein, Germany.
CHF 70, 4h

12:15pm

Visit Weil am Rhein, Germany

Stopover for shopping at Designer Outlet and quick exploration, open until 7:00pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Basel Old Town

Walk through elegant streets, visit Basel Minster and Marktplatz. Museums open till 5pm.
Free/ entry fees vary, 2h30m

4:30pm

Visit Fondation Beyeler (optional)

World-class modern art museum open until 6pm.
CHF 23, 1h

6:00pm

Check-in Self Check-In Hotel David 22, Saint Gallen

Travel onward to Saint Gallen (~1:30h) and check-in.
Included, N/A

8:00pm

Dinner in Saint Gallen Old Town

Choose local Swiss cuisine at a traditional restaurant open till late.
CHF 30-40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Liechtenstein and Heididorf Day Trip

Saint Gallen, Liechtenstein, Heididorf, Switzerland on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare with breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Vaduz, Liechtenstein

Train and bus approx 2h trip to Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein.
CHF 40, 2h

10:00am

Explore Vaduz

Visit the Vaduz Castle (exterior), Liechtenstein National Museum, and quaint shops open from 10am to 5pm.
Mostly free; museum CHF 12, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Torkel

Enjoy local Liechtenstein specialties like Käsknöpfle, open for lunch till 2pm.
CHF 30-35, 1h

1:30pm

Travel to Heididorf, Maienfeld

Short 45-min train ride to the village famous as the setting of the Heidi story.
CHF 15, 45m

2:30pm

Heididorf Museum and Village

Explore the Heidi village and museum depicting the beloved character Heidi, open until 5pm.
CHF 13, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Saint Gallen

Travel back to hotel for relaxation.
CHF 25, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Logenhaus

Dinner with a fine selection of local and international dishes in Saint Gallen.
CHF 35-45, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Day Trip to Lindau (Germany) and Bregenz (Austria)

Saint Gallen, Lindau, Bregenz on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast before an exciting day crossing borders.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Lindau

Train to Lindau (Germany), approx 1.5h with scenic Lake Constance views.
CHF 30, 1h30m

9:30am

Explore Lindau Island

Walk around Lindau’s historic old town island, harbor with Bavarian lion statue, shops and cafes open from 9am.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Travel to Bregenz

Short ferry or train ride to Bregenz, Austria, approx 30 minutes.
CHF 10, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Gasthof Kornmesser Bregenz

Enjoy Austrian cuisine next to Lake Constance, open until 3pm.
CHF 30-35, 1h

1:00pm

Pfänder Mountain Cable Car

Ride open 9am-6pm to Pfänder summit for panoramic views of the lake and Alps.
CHF 12, 2h

3:30pm

Return to Saint Gallen

Travel back to hotel for evening.
CHF 30, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Einstein St. Gallen

Celebrate your Swiss adventure with a refined dinner in historic surroundings.
CHF 50-60, 2h
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Day 13: Geneva Day Trip and Departure Preparation

Saint Gallen and Geneva, Switzerland on June 9, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare for an early long day visiting Geneva.
Included, 30m

7:00am

Travel Saint Gallen to Geneva

Train journey approx 4h with early morning departure.
CHF 90, 4h

11:15am

Explore Geneva

Visit Jet d'Eau, Old Town, St. Pierre Cathedral, and United Nations headquarters. Most attractions open until 5pm.
Free and some CHF entries, 4h

3:30pm

Lunch at Café du Centre

Renowned seafood and local dishes, open for lunch till 4pm.
CHF 40, 1h

4:30pm

Return to Saint Gallen

Train back to hotel to rest and finalize packing.
CHF 90, 4h

9:00pm

Light Dinner at Hotel or nearby

Relax with light meal preparing for early departure next day.
CHF 15-20, 1h
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Day 14: Departure Day

Zurich Airport, Switzerland on June 10, 2025

5:00am

Travel to Zurich Airport

Early transfer from Saint Gallen to Zurich Airport to catch flight departing at 15:20.
CHF 50, 1h30m

10:00am

Check-Out

Complete check-out from accommodations and prepare for flight.
Included, N/A

15:20

Flight Zurich to Riyadh

Departure for Riyadh, ending your memorable Swiss adventure.
Included in airfare, 7h
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