Mix & Match: Swiss Express

Welcome to Switzerland. Today you can make our own way to Geneva from any destination within Switzerland using your Swiss Rail Pass. Set on the shores of Lake Geneva is a city that perfectly blends cosmopolitan flair with serene lakeside beauty. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take a moment to settle into the elegant atmosphere of Switzerland's second-largest city. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure; perhaps begin with a gentle stroll along the waterfront where the iconic Jet d'Eau shoots skyward against a backdrop of distant mountains. As the sun sets, wander through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town. This historic heart of the city invites reflection on centuries of European history, offering a quiet contrast to the bustling international districts you will discover tomorrow. Find a lakeside café to relax and soak in your first evening in this diplomatic hub Special Information Today use your Swiss Travel Pass to get to Geneva. You can take any connection from within Switzerland. Please check the SBB app timetable before travelling. In Geneva your stay includes a local transport card offering free public transport and discounts on selected local activities.

Today's guided city tour offers a deep dive into Geneva's multifaceted identity. You will visit the Old Town to see St. Peter's Cathedral and the Place Bourg-de-Four, the oldest square in the city. The tour also highlights Geneva's natural and artistic side with stops at the Flower Clock and the majestic Jet d'Eau, before passing through the UN district to learn about the city's vital role in global diplomacy. The afternoon provides an opportunity to revisit the landmarks that piqued your interest or to explore the city's many museums. As you navigate the historic quarters, you'll feel the unique pulse of a city that acts as a bridge between nations, all while maintaining a quintessential Swiss charm. Inspiring Highlights Geneva - Guided city tour

Bid farewell to Geneva as you board a train for a scenic journey through the Rhône Valley. Using your Swiss Travel Pass, watch as the landscape transforms from lakeside elegance to the dramatic, jagged peaks of the Valais Alps. Your destination is Zermatt, a world-renowned, car-free alpine village nestled at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn. Upon arrival and check-in, the afternoon is free for you to explore this charming village. Breathe in the crisp mountain air as you wander past traditional chalets and boutique shops. The sight of the Matterhorn, perhaps the world's most photographed mountain, provides a constant and awe-inspiring presence as you settle into your alpine home for the next two nights. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Today is yours to fully immerse yourself in the mountain majesty of Zermatt. You may choose to wander through the village, visiting the traditional chalets or the local boutiques to reflect on the daring history of alpine exploration. The village's car-free streets ensure a peaceful environment, perfect for finding a quiet spot to admire the surrounding 4,000-metre peaks. For those looking to ascend into the clouds, two spectacular optional excursions are available. You may choose to join the Gornergrat Railway excursion, a historic cogwheel train that offers spectacular views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. Alternatively, you can opt for an excursion to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, where you can experience the high-altitude wonders of Europe's highest mountain station. Both options provide a profound sense of the scale and beauty of the Swiss Alps.

Your journey continues across the heart of Switzerland as you travel by train via Interlaken to Lucerne. This route offers a stunning transition from the high Alps to the rolling hills and turquoise lakes of Central Switzerland. Arriving in Lucerne, you'll find a city that feels like a storybook illustration, with its preserved medieval architecture and stunning lakeside setting. In the afternoon, board a boat for a relaxing cruise on Lake Lucerne. Floating across the calm waters, you will be treated to views of dramatic cliffsides and historic lakeside towns. It is a moment of pure serenity, allowing you to appreciate the legendary "cradle of Switzerland" from a unique and peaceful perspective Inspiring Highlights Luzern-Interlaken Express - Scenic rail journey Lucerne - Lake Lucerne cruise Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours. In Lucerne our stay includes a local transport card offering free public transport and discounts on selected local activities.

Today you will have a free day to explore Lucerne and its surroundings. Experience the contrast between historic monuments and contemporary design which combine to create a unique and lively city centre. Stroll along pedestrian cobblestone streets lined with historic homes decorated with frescoes in the old town. Visit Switzerland's first Baroque building, the Jesuit church dating to the 17th century, and visit the Lion monument, a figure of a dying lion which was hewn from the face of rock in remembrance of the heroic death of Swiss guards killed during an attack in 1792.

After breakfast, a short and comfortable train ride brings you to Zurich, Switzerland's largest city and a global centre for banking and innovation. After checking into your hotel, take a self-guided visit to the Lindt Home of Chocolate, exploring the exhibits with an included audio guide. Later join a guided tour of Zurich, taking in the highlights of Switzerland's largest city. The evening is at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Zurich - Lindt Home of Chocolate visit Zurich - Guided city tour Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

Enjoy one last breakfast this morning, before your Swiss adventure comes to an end after checking out of your hotel. At a suitable time make your way to Zurich airport or your onwards destination within Switzerland using your Swiss Travel Pass. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information The return journey from Zurich to your onward destination by train within Switzerland or to the airport is self-arranged and covered by your Swiss Travel Pass.