21-Day Scenic Switzerland Tour: Trains, Cable Cars, and Boat Rides

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Enjoy a classic Swiss breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee at Café Sprüngli, a renowned spot famous for Luxemburgerli macarons, open from 7:00am.
CHF30, 1h

9:30am

Zurich Old Town Walking Tour

Explore the charming streets of Zurich’s Old Town, featuring medieval buildings and historic landmarks such as Grossmünster Church.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Traditional Swiss cuisine in a historic armory building, serving specialties like Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, open 11:30am to 11:00pm.
CHF40, 1h

2:00pm

Boat Ride on Lake Zurich

Take a scenic 1.5-hour boat cruise on Lake Zurich to enjoy beautiful waterside views and the Alps in the distance.
CHF25, 1h30m

5:00pm

Stroll along Bahnhofstrasse

Walk along one of Europe’s most exclusive shopping streets, perfect for window shopping and admiring the bustling city vibe.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hiltl

Dine at the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, offering a wide buffet of fresh and flavorful dishes, open until 10:00pm.
CHF45, 1h30m
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Day 2: Zurich to Lucerne Scenic Train

Zurich to Lucerne, Switzerland on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with freshly baked bread and specialty coffees before your train journey, open from 7:30am.
CHF25, 1h

9:30am

Train to Lucerne

A short and scenic train ride (about 1h) from Zurich to Lucerne offering views of lakes and rolling hills along the way.
CHF25, 1h

11:00am

Explore Old Town Lucerne

Walk through Lucerne’s historic center, admiring wooden bridges like the Chapel Bridge and medieval frescoed buildings.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

A traditional Swiss restaurant offering hearty regional dishes like Rösti and fresh local meats, open 11:30am - 2:00pm.
CHF35, 1h

2:30pm

Boat Ride on Lake Lucerne

Take a 2-hour boat cruise across Lake Lucerne, soaking in stunning mountain vistas and crystal-clear waters.
CHF40, 2h

5:00pm

Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport

Explore fascinating exhibits on transport and communication; museum open until 5:00pm - plan to arrive early.
CHF32, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Balances

Fine dining by the river with seasonal Swiss and European dishes, open until 10:00pm.
CHF60, 1h30m
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Day 3: Lucerne Cable Car and Nature

Lucerne, Switzerland on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Schober

Cozy up with pastries and rich Swiss coffee in an elegant old-world atmosphere, open from 7:00am.
CHF20, 1h

9:00am

Cable Car to Mount Pilatus

Enjoy a breathtaking double cable car ride from Kriens to Pilatus Kulm with panoramic views; first cable car opens at 8:15am.
CHF72, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pilatus Kulm Restaurant

Dine at the mountaintop restaurant with spectacular alpine views and Swiss specialties.
CHF45, 1h

2:00pm

Descend via cogwheel railway

Take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway back towards Alpnachstad for a scenic descent through forests and mountains.
Included with ticket, 1h30m

4:00pm

Leisurely walk by Lake Lucerne

Relax with a lakeside stroll or café visit to unwind after your mountain adventure.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Stern Luzern

Contemporary Swiss cuisine in a historic setting, offering seasonal menus, open till 9:30pm.
CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 4: Lucerne to Interlaken via Brünig Pass

Lucerne to Interlaken, Switzerland on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation or nearby café

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your scenic train journey over the Brünig Pass.
CHF20, 1h

9:30am

Train Ride to Interlaken

A picturesque train ride (~2h) over the Brünig Pass with stunning views of mountain landscapes and lakes.
CHF35, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hirschen Restaurant, Interlaken

Seasonal Swiss dishes in a warm, traditional setting, open for lunch from 11:30am.
CHF40, 1h

2:00pm

Funicular to Harder Kulm

Ride the funicular up to Harder Kulm viewpoint (1322m) for panoramic views over Interlaken and lakes Thun and Brienz.
CHF38, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Interlaken Town

Walk through the town center with charming shops, cafés, and river views.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

Cozy Swiss restaurant with classic fondue and local dishes, open until 10:00pm.
CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 5: Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen & Cable Cars

Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland on June 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café de Paris

Light breakfast and great coffee nearby Interlaken West station, open from 7:00am.
CHF20, 1h

8:30am

Train to Lauterbrunnen

Short train trip (20 mins) through beautiful valley scenery to the village famous for its waterfalls.
CHF10, 20m

9:00am

Visit Staubbach Falls & Trümmelbach Falls

Staubbach Falls is one of Europe’s highest free-falling waterfalls. Then visit Trümmelbach Falls inside a mountain; open from 9 am to 5 pm.
CHF11 for Trümmelbach Falls, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Staubbach Restaurant

Enjoy Swiss specialties with stunning waterfall views, open 11:00am - 2:00pm.
CHF40, 1h

2:00pm

Cable Car to Grütschalp and walk to Mürren

Take the cable car up to Grütschalp and enjoy a scenic 1-hour walk to car-free Mürren village with alpine charm.
CHF20, 3h

5:30pm

Return to Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken

Return journey by cable car and train, relax in Interlaken for the evening.
Included, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ox Restaurant & Grill

Modern grill with lake views and fresh ingredients, open until 10:00pm.
CHF55, 1h30m
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Day 6: Interlaken to Zermatt via Spiez

Interlaken to Zermatt, Switzerland on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast to prepare for the travel day ahead.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Train to Zermatt via Spiez

Travel on the scenic train route through Bernese Oberland to Zermatt with a transfer at Spiez. Total travel time 2h50m.
CHF55, 2h50m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Whymper-Stube

Traditional Swiss mountain food in cozy setting right in Zermatt village, open 11:30am-2:30pm.
CHF40, 1h

2:00pm

Gornergrat Railway Ride

Take the cogwheel train to Gornergrat summit at 3,089m for spectacular Matterhorn views, open 8:00am - 6:00pm.
CHF95, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Du Pont

Enjoy hearty alpine meals with Matterhorn ambiance, open until 9:30pm.
CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Zermatt Mountain Adventures

Zermatt, Switzerland on July 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bäckerei Fuchs

Freshly baked pastries and coffee in a charming local bakery, open from 7:00am.
CHF20, 1h

9:00am

Cable Car to Klein Matterhorn

Ascend to the highest cable car station in Europe for incredible views and the Glacier Palace; open 8:30am - 5:00pm.
CHF100, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Panorama restaurant on Klein Matterhorn

Panoramic dining with mountain vistas and Swiss specialties.
CHF50, 1h

3:00pm

Hiking around Riffelalp

Gentle scenic hike from Riffelalp to Riffelberg with stunning alpine views, paths easily accessible from train stations.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at After Seven

Modern chic dining with international and Swiss fusion dishes, open until 10:00pm.
CHF70, 1h30m
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Day 8: Zermatt to St. Moritz via Glacier Express

Zermatt to St. Moritz, Switzerland on July 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation

Early breakfast to enjoy the full Glacier Express experience.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Board Glacier Express

Experience one of the world’s most scenic train journeys—eight-hour ride from Zermatt to St. Moritz with breathtaking alpine views.
CHF170 - 250 depending on class, 8h

4:30pm

Arrival in St. Moritz and check-in

Relax and explore the luxury alpine resort town on foot after an invigorating train ride.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Chesa Veglia

Traditional Engadine cuisine served in a rustic, historic chalet, open until 10:00pm.
CHF65, 1h30m
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Day 9: St. Moritz Lakes & Cable Cars

St. Moritz, Switzerland on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hauser's Restaurant

Well known for relaxed bacon rolls and coffee, open from 7:30am.
CHF25, 1h

9:30am

Boat ride on Lake St. Moritz

Enjoy a tranquil 1-hour boat cruise on the lake with mountain reflections and fresh air.
CHF20, 1h

11:00am

Cable Car to Piz Nair

Ride the cable car for panoramic views of the Albula Alps and Engadine valley; open 8:30am - 5:30pm.
CHF40, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Piz Nair Restaurant

Enjoy delicious Swiss lunch fare surrounded by amazing alpine scenery.
CHF50, 1h

3:00pm

Explore St. Moritz Village

Walk through upscale shops and cafés in the stylish resort town center.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Talvo by Dalsass

Fine dining with seasonal Swiss ingredients, renowned for excellent service and ambiance.
CHF85, 1h30m
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Day 10: St. Moritz to Lugano via Chur and Arth-Goldau

St. Moritz to Lugano, Switzerland on July 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel

Prepare for a scenic multi-leg train journey with an energizing breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Lugano via Chur and Arth-Goldau

Travel south through the Swiss Alps with spectacular views, total time approximately 3h with changes.
CHF70, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Grand Café al Porto

Elegant lakeside dining in Lugano featuring Italian-Swiss fusion cuisine, open 11:30am - 2:30pm.
CHF45, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Parco Ciani

Stroll the beautiful lakeside park with statues, gardens, and views of Lake Lugano.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Funicular Ride to Monte Brè

Take a short funicular to the summit of Monte Brè for stunning city and lake views.
CHF15, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Grotto della Salute

Rustic and authentic Ticino-style dining, popular with locals, open until 10:00pm.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 11: Lugano to Geneva via Lausanne

Lugano to Geneva, Switzerland on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at a local café

Light breakfast with fresh coffee to start your day of travel.
CHF20, 1h

9:30am

Train to Geneva via Lausanne

Scenic train journey along Lake Geneva’s northern shore, under 3 hours with a simple change in Lausanne.
CHF60, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café du Centre

Classic French brasserie near Lake Geneva, offering seafood and Swiss specialties, open 11:30am - 3pm.
CHF45, 1h

2:00pm

Walk along Lake Geneva and Jet d’Eau

Enjoy views of the famous Jet d’Eau fountain and a lakeside walk in Geneva’s elegant parklands.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit the International Red Cross Museum

Museum open Thu-Mon 10am-6pm. Discover history and humanitarian work of the Red Cross.
CHF15, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Armures

Historic Geneva restaurant known for fondue and Swiss classics, open late until 11pm.
CHF60, 1h30m
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