Switzerland Panoramic Rail Journey

A breathtaking train adventure through Switzerland’s most stunning scenery, iconic summits, and cultural experiences

Private Itinerary
8 Days

Journey Highlights & Signature Inclusions

Experience Switzerland in motion on a breathtaking rail adventure through the country’s most iconic alpine landscapes. From the world-famous Glacier and Bernina Express routes to awe-inspiring summits like Jungfraujoch and Mt. Pilatus, this journey combines scenic splendour with immersive cultural highlights. Ride in comfort and style across bridges, tunnels, and mountaintops for an unforgettable exploration of Swiss beauty.

  • 7 nights in an exquisite 4-star hotels
  • 7 breakfasts (B)
  • Scenic rail journeys on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express (UNESCO World Heritage route)
  • Mt Pilatus Golden Round Trip with boat cruise, cogwheel train, cable car and gondola
  • Lunch reservation at the iconic Restaurant Pilatus-Kulm with stunning views (subject to availability)
  • Day excursion to Jungfraujoch
  • Visit to the Matterhorn Viewpoint Exhibition via the Gornergrat cogwheel railway
  • Swiss Travel Pass covering premium rail, boat, and public transport travel throughout the journey
  • Note: hotel city taxes, if applicable, are not included

Discover The Itinerary

Explore your itinerary in detail, featuring carefully selected hotels, unique experiences, and premium inclusions designed to elevate your travel experience.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8

DAY 1: Zürich – Lucerne

Begin your Swiss rail adventure with a picturesque train journey to Lucerne using your Swiss Travel Pass. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Stroll the charming Old Town, visit the iconic Chapel Bridge, or take in lake views along the promenade

AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora

Overnight Hotel / or similar

DAY 2: Lucerne – Mt. Pilatus – Lucerne

Embark on the famed Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip. Cruise across Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, then ascend by the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to Mt Pilatus. Soak up panoramic alpine views over a reserved lunch at Restaurant Pilatus-Kulm (subject to availability) before descending via cable car and gondola to Kriens. Return to Lucerne for an evening at leisure.

AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 3: Lucerne – Interlaken

Board your train through the scenic Brünig Pass, passing emerald lakes, waterfalls, and dramatic peaks en-route to Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. On arrival, take a short express train into town and check in. Enjoy the evening at leisure to perhaps stroll Höhematte Park or explore the vibrant shopping boulevard.

Boutique Hotel Bellevue

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 4: Interlaken – Jungfraujoch – Interlaken

Journey to the “Top of Europe” aboard the Eiger Express and Jungfrau Railway. Ascend to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, to admire the Aletsch Glacier, visit the Ice Palace, and take in breathtaking views from the Sphinx Observatory. Return to Interlaken for an evening at leisure.

Boutique Hotel Bellevue

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 5: Interlaken – Zermatt

Travel by train to the beautiful village of Zermatt, with stunning views of the Bernese Alps along the way. Known as a mountaineering hub and gateway to the Matterhorn, Zermatt offers a charming blend of alpine tradition and modern luxury. After check-in, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to perhaps stroll the Bahnhofstrasse or visit the Matterhorn Museum.

Tradition Julen Hotel

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 6: Zermatt

Ride the Gornergrat cogwheel train for unforgettable views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. Visit the immersive Matterhorn Viewpoint Exhibition, offering multimedia displays on the area’s alpine nature, mountaineering history, and the Gornergrat railway itself. Return to Zermatt for a relaxing evening.

Tradition Julen Hotel

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 7: Zermatt – St. Moritz

Enjoy one of the world’s most legendary rail journeys aboard the Glacier Express, known as the “slowest express train in the world.” Travel in panoramic comfort past soaring peaks, deep gorges, and quaint alpine villages as you cross some of the routes 291 bridges and 91 tunnels on your way to glamorous St. Moritz.

Hotel Laudinella

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 8: Moritz – Tirano – Milan

Board the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage Listed route renowned for its engineering feats and spellbinding scenery. Travel from glacial landscapes to palm-lined valleys as you descend from St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy. Upon arrival, transfer to a regional train for your onward journey to Milan.

Breakfast

Meals Included

Upcoming Departures

Enjoy your private itinerary

Experience the freedom of a private, fully customisable itinerary with Ormina Tours. This itinerary can start on any date, with options to adjust activities, upgrade experiences, and tailor every detail to suit your travel style, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable journey designed just for you.

  • Depart on any date you choose
  • Fully customisable
  • Unique activities
  • Comfort and privacy
From $5,790 AUD PPFrom price (Private driver)

Upgrade Options

  • Upgrade to a 5-star hotel: recommended – Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern, Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa in Interlaken, Grand Hotel Zermatterhof in Zermatt
  • Enjoy a gourmet cruise on Lake Lucerne with a 3-course meal on board
  • While in Zermatt, experience the highest Alpine Crossing by cable car that connects Switzerland and Italy
  • Enjoy a cheese fondue and raclette based dinner in Zermatt
  • Extend your journey by pairing with Grand Swiss Cities itinerary or with our Milan City Break

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Ormina Tours provide?

Ormina Tours provides land services in Europe. We cover most of Europe and are continually expanding. If your destination is uncommon, please contact us to confirm availability.

We offer Small Group Journeys on set departure dates (max. 10 guests for 2025 and max. 12 guests for 2026), tailored private journeys (full F.I.T. services), and booking and coordination of accommodation. From airport transfers to fully customized European travel, we cover everything, except flights

Where is Ormina Tours based, and do you serve clients worldwide?

We are an Australian company with offices in Sydney and Perth, as well as a team in Europe to ensure seamless service delivery. While based in Australia, we cater to clients globally and partner with over 250 travel agents across Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.

When is the best time to visit Europe, and do your tours operate year-round?

Europe offers charm year-round. May and September are popular for Australians, while beach destinations are busiest in August. Most Small Group Journeys run between April and October, while private journeys are available year-round. Early planning (at least 6 months) is recommended for busy regions like the Amalfi Coast.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes, we require all clients travelling to have travel insurance as this is a requirement for Tour Operators Insurances, otherwise guests must sign a release and discharge of liability waiver for us to accept the booking. If you need assistance arranging insurance, just ask.

Do you cater to travellers with mobility challenges?

We tailor all journeys to our client’s travel preferences and needs, including any mobility challenges whether it is special vehicles, travel scooters, hotel rooms with accessible showers and hoists. We also have expertise on most attractions and towns to know which are more accessible than others.

With our Small Group Journeys, any significant mobility challenge requires an accompanying minder/helper to attend on the tour as it is not always possible for our Tour Directors, drivers and guides to offer continuous care in a group environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

What is the group size, and what happens if only two people book the tour?

Our Small Group Journeys are designed for a maximum of 10 guests (12 guests in 2026) to ensure an intimate experience. A minimum of 2 guests is required to guarantee departure (4 guests in 2026).

Should fewer than four guests be booked, you will have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy the same itinerary as a private journey at a preferential rate, giving you the confidence and certainty to book in advance. If you do not wish to undertake the small group journey itinerary as a private journey and we advised within the require deadline as disclosed, we will provide you with a full refund.

What is included and excluded in a Small Group Journey?

Our itineraries include accommodation, transportation, guided activities, and meals as marked – B (breakfast), L (lunch), or D (dinner). Exclusions typically include flights, city taxes, personal expenses, and any items not explicitly listed in the itinerary.

Do I need to tip?

Tipping is optional but appreciated for exceptional service. After booking you will be provided with some tipping guidelines should you choose to do so.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each guest can bring one standard checked bag and one carry-on. Please inform us if you need to bring extra luggage.

What is a private journey?

Private journeys (named City Breaks and Regional Discoveries) are not tours with other people. They are suggested itineraries for the city/region that can be fully customised with prearranged services, allowing independent exploration.

Can I choose my hotel?

For private itineraries, we recommend hotels in our itineraries, we can certainly work to accommodate your preferences.

Hotels are set for Small Group Journeys but you can opt to upgrade your room.

What currency are your tours priced in?

Tours (that is our Small Group Journeys) are priced in AUD for Australian residents, NZD for New Zealand residents, and USD for US residents. Other nationalities will pay in AUD unless otherwise arranged.

Prices are fixed once paid in full. In rare cases of significant currency fluctuations, unpaid bookings may be subject to price adjustments. If this occurs, we will contact you or your travel agent to advise you and you will have the option to either pay the full tour price by a certain date or accept the increase.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, though credit card fees may apply. Domestic wire transfers are also accepted.

What deposit is required?

Deposit amounts vary on the size of the booking and whether the booking includes tickets and admissions that maybe non-refundable or non-transferable after purchase. Full payment is due 3 months before your first service date.

Can I change or cancel my booking after making a deposit?

Changes incur a $100 fee per request unless additional services are added. Cancelling more than 50% of services is considered a cancellation, and fees will apply.
Any cancellation made by you prior to your travel (including any changes to your departure date) will result in the following cancellation fees:

Days of notice from notification to first date of service:

  • 91+ days: Loss of deposit
  • 90–75 days: Loss of Booking Deposit and 50% of the balance of the Tour Price
  • 75 days or less: Loss of Booking Deposit and 100% of the balance of the Tour Price

We always advise our clients to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unforeseen cancellations.

What are Ormina Tours’ COVID-19 guidelines?
  • Follow local laws, wear masks, and maintain social distancing as required.
  • Do not travel if you are symptomatic, recently exposed, or COVID-positive.
  • Stay updated on airline and country-specific protocols.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Reach out to our team for personalised assistance and start planning your next European adventure with Ormina Tours.