12 Day Grand Train Tour Of Switzerland

• Incredible sightseeing! Tour Switzerland by world-famous rail journeys, experience the alpine wonderland of Jungfraujoch – Europe’s highest railway station, explore cosmopolitan cities like Zurich and charming Swiss villages and resort destinations like Lucerne, Lugano, St. Moritz, Montreux and Interlaken
• Enjoy the flexibility of independent travel with all arrangements made for you
• 11 nights in handpicked, quality 3-star accommodation
• Airport train included on the first and last day of your tour
• Breakfast daily
• World-famous scenic train journeys through the Swiss Alps, including the spectacular Golden Pass Express, Gotthard Panorama, Glacier Express, Bernina Express
• Dedicated rail ticket in 2nd or 1st class, as per the itinerary, including seat reservation on all scenic trains
• Self-guided excursion to Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station
• Entry to Lindt Home of Chocolate
• Panoramic cruise on Yacht MS Saphir in Lucerne 
• Guest cards in Zurich, Lucerne, Lugano, Montreux, and Interlaken, providing free local transport and discounted shopping opportunities

• Zurich – Enjoy magnificent views of the snow-capped Alps in this ‘Metropolis of Experiences’ 
• Lucerne – Visit famous Chapel Bridge and board the Gotthard Panorama Express including a paddle steamer boat experience on picturesque Lake Lucerne 
• Lugano – Board the Bernina Express including bus and panoramic train rides across circular viaducts and winding tunnels 
• St. Moritz – Use your included guest card to explore this picturesque village, then take the world-famous Glacier Express through valleys and the Alps
• Zermatt – Marvel at the Matterhorn, one of the world’s most famous mountains, and stroll through this car-free resort town with an abundance of activities at your leisure
• Montreux – Walk the town’s promenade and admire grand Belle Epoque buildings, and perhaps consider a visit to nearby Chillon castle or the vineyards of the Lavaux region
• Wilderswil/Interlaken – On your way stop at the famous Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station, and marvel at impressive ice sculptures 

4 Star Hotel upgrade ($1,389 per person on double basis, and $2,162 per person on single basis). Select this supplement if you would like to upgrade your hotel to 4-star.

1st Class Rail 
Select this supplement if you would like to upgrade your itinerary to 1st class rail on all sectors, including seat reservation on the scenic trains. Upgrade for $350 per person.  First Class has dedicated carriages offering a higher level of comfort with spacious seats and less passengers per carriage.  Some trains will have larger windows in First Class.

Glacier Express 3-Course Lunch
As you gaze out at the stunning alpine panorama, enjoy a freshly prepared 3-course meal on board and served at your seat. Upgrade for $125 per person. 

For travel during May to August, a seat reservation will be required for travel to Jungfraujoch. Your package includes a self-guided excursion to the summit, and all bookings during this period will receive a complimentary seat reservation voucher. This voucher, featuring a unique QR code, will be provided with your final documentation approximately 14–30 days before travel, allowing you to select your preferred travel time.

Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.

Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.

Instalment Schedule:

1. At the time of booking pay a $99.00 deposit per person.
2. Pay a 1st installment of $1,724.00 per person within 28 days.
3. Pay a 2nd installment of $1,724.00 per person within 90 days.
4. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

Important Note: Please note that if selecting an upgrade that includes the Glacier Express that your scheduled first installment payment MUST be paid on or before the due date in order for us to sercure this service, as it is non-refundable once booked. We will reach out to you to confirm avaialbility of this upgrade and request this payment before we can proceed further. We appreciate your understanding. 

This is a land only package.

This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination. 

The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:

• Your booking is confirmed
• Your departure date is within 11 months
• You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances. 

Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.

If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.

If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.

It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.

Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.

This particular tour is categorized as a”3”

Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.

Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.

Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:

1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,900.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.

2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement. 

You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub

During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.

Triple Share
Not available.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.

Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.

Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveler has appropriate expectations before they start their travels: 

• Independent - On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible.

Luggage Requirements
Please note that the maximum luggage allowance is 20 kg due to train compartment restrictions.

All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.

Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.

It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.

You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

Pre Tour Accommodation in Zurich

• $582.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $436.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Post Tour Accommodation in Zurich

• $582.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $436.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.

• $929 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $698 per room, per night for solo travellers

• $929 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $698 per room, per night for solo travellers

• International airfares
• Visas
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Tipping
• Local taxes such as hotel city taxes
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Since we partner with a ground operator for this package, they have their own set of amendment fees if changes are made to a booking once it is confirmed.

Once your booking has been confirmed, if you wish to change your travel arrangement in any way, e.g. your chosen departure date or different type of ticket, or removing an add-on or upgrade, these changes incur an amendment fee of CHF 60 per person, which will be charged to you along with any other costs involved in making these alterations.