Day 1: Sunday 4th September: Arrival in Zurich → St. Gallen

From Zurich Airport you dig right into Switzerlands natural wonderland. The train takes you north to Europe's biggest waterfall - the Rhine Falls. By boat, you get on the Rock in the middle of the falls to understand the power of this natural spectacle. 

From here you'll head to St. Gallen to discover the UNESCO world heritage Abbey district of St. Gallen. Ist magnificent Baroque cathedral forms a unique historical ensemble. The Abbey Library - with Switzerland's most beautiful hall and ancient books will fascinate you.

Day 2: Appenzell

Today the public transport system takes you into the beautiful Appenzell, various hikes await you in this area, including to the famous Aescher house or the Seealpsee.

Bad weather program: Visit the cheesery where the famous Appenzell cheese is produced.

Day 3: St. Gallen → Lucerne

Well connected from St. Gallen, Lucerne is reachable without train change within 2 hours.

Sitting on the foot of the mountain Pilatus, Lucerne is often voted as one of the prettiest cities in the world, featuring a colorful old town and 14th-century city walls, as well as covered bridges including the iconic Kapellbrücke with its 17th-century art.

Day 4:  Lucerne

Lucerne's Old Town is rated every year among the most beautiful towns in the world. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the lake. Those who are interested in the history of Switzerland might want to hop off the boat and hike part of the Switzerland trail or visit the meadow where the legendary oath of Rüttli was taken and therefore a confederation of the first three cantons was formed according to the famous William Tell story.

Also, the oldest cogwheel train in Switzerland up to the top of Mount Rigi, the queen of all mountains, is included in your Swiss Travel Pass. Enjoy a first glimpse of the Alps and the beautiful scenery of Lake Lucerne.

Day 5:  Lucerne → Lugano

Lucerne and Lugano are very well connected with direct trains in less than 2 hours.

Lugano is the largest town in the Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland. The city with its Mediterranean flair lies in a bay on the northern side of Lake Lugano. Stop in Bellinzona and discover the 3 Fortresses of Bellinzona.

Day 6: Ticino

Enjoy the day in the exceptional Ticino. We will provide you with some of our suggestions for these days, but for a few first ideas: For one of the best viewpoints over the town, the lake, and its surrounding mountains, take the funicular railway up Monte Brè, considered the sunniest mountain in Switzerland. Alternatively, take the boat and visit one of the Italian markets, or go for a swim in the jade green water of the Valle Verzacsca.

Day 7: Lugano → Engadin

From Lugano, a Bus will bring you safely to Tirano. Then the Bernina Express links up regions with different languages and cultures. This is not a rack railway and the train winds its way gently through splendid scenery. 

On the highest railway across the Alps, the Bernina Express climbs up to the glistening glaciers before descending to the palms of Italy far below. This rail link between Northern and Southern Europe builds bridges between regions with different languages and cultures.

The railway is unique, blending ideally with the alpine landscapes around the Albula and Bernina Passes. The train negotiates the 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and inclines of up to 70 per mille with ease.