Original
Explorer
Rail
Best of Switzerland
4.6
Excellent
28 reviews
8 days
Start
Zurich, Switzerland
Finish
Bern, Switzerland
Trip Code
AMSS
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Transport
Train, Public bus, Boat, Cable car, Cog railway
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
From £2,976(8 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Discover the area where Einstein lived and developed his Theory of Relativity at the start of the 20th century on an orientation walk with your local leader in Bern.
Get a taste of the world-renowned Swiss rail system – your main transport on this trip – and soak in the scenic views as you ride the Luzern-Interlaken Express.
Walk to the peak of Mount Rigi on a daytrip. Ride the cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm, learn about the region during a cheese cellar tasting and take in the panoramic views with a picnic lunch.
Find out why the Swiss are known around the world for their cheese and chocolate, with opportunities to sample both delicious treats along the way.
Choose your own adventure with plenty of free time – maybe visit Grossmunter Church in Zurich, see Bourbaki Panorama in Lucerne or ride a cable car to Grindelwald First in Grindelwald.
Is this trip right for you?
Some of Switzerland’s best scenery is found on walks, which can be quite steep and long. While this trip itself doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to take part in all activities. During the trip, you have the option to hike the trails in the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau region.
The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Swiss trains are a fast (and punctual) way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. They are comfortable and all have toilets, however, can sometimes be quite busy. You may need to make exchanges in between to reach your destination. Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train and storage space for luggage on trains can be quite limited, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential Trip Information’ section.
Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
On this trip, you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15 kg. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter. You'll also need a daypack for daytrips.
Your trip includes a three-day Swiss Travel Pass, which will allow you to access many free optional activities.
Some of Switzerland’s best scenery is found on walks, which can be quite steep and long. While this trip itself doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to take part in all activities. During the trip, you have the option to hike the trails in the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau region.
The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Swiss trains are a fast (and punctual) way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. They are comfortable and all have toilets, however, can sometimes be quite busy. You may need to make exchanges in between to reach your destination. Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train and storage space for luggage on trains can be quite limited, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential Trip Information’ section.
Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
On this trip, you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15 kg. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter. You'll also need a daypack for daytrips.
Your trip includes a three-day Swiss Travel Pass, which will allow you to access many free optional activities.
Itinerary
Get your nature (and cheese) fix – Swiss style
Embark on an eight-day journey through the countryside and cuisine of Switzerland. This small nation packs a punch with its mountainous landscapes, glacial lakes, picturesque cities and food staples that are so tough to beat. Visit the Zytglogge Clock on an orientation walk with your local leader in Bern, travel on a cogwheel train through the Alps and hike to the peak of Mount Rigi. Join a guided tour of a local cheese cellar, explore Grindelwald at your own pace and treat your taste buds to plenty of chocolate along the way!
Inclusions
Transport
Train, Public bus, Boat, Cable car, Cog railway
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
Included activities
Bern: Orientation Walk
Bern: Zytgoggle Guided Tour
Grindelwald - Village walk
Lucerne - Orientation Walk
Lucerne - Glacier Garden Visit
Lucerne - Interlaken to Lucerne panoramin train ride
Lucerne - Swiss Travel Pass
Lucerne - Rigi Staffel to Vitznau cogwheel train ride
Lucerne - Vitznau to Lucerne boat ride
Lucerne - Rigi Kulm cogwheel train ride
Rigi Mountain - Cheese cellar guided tour & tasting
Zurich - Local hot chocolate drink
Zurich - Orientation walk
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
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Important notes
1. Please provide your full name as per passport and date of birth at the time of booking so that we can secure train tickets for you.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability, please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Reviews (27)
5 stars
18
4 stars
8
2 stars
1
Connor
Aug 10, 2025
Was an amazing trip very well organised and accomodations were lovely as well and the activities Included were super fun and well worth it
Alex
Jul 09, 2025
This trip was an amazing way to explore many different regions of Switzerland. Breathtaking views, amazing food...what could be better! Absolutely worth doing to experience Switzerland.
Helen
Jun 30, 2025
My 5th Intrepid tour, I choose this company because of the well managed and organised trips. The variety and activities are valuable and well thought out. I really enjoy the activities and orientation walks plus the balance of free time is ideal. If you're thinking about seeing a new place- then do it! Intrepid will show you the highlights really well, plus you'll make some friends!
Janice
Oct 07, 2024
The Intrepid trip was great because of the knowledgeable and fun Tour Guide. Everything was just as described in the brochure and the trip was particularly enjoyable because we travelled with a small group allowing us to get to know each member of the group better. I would definitely use Intrepid for my next tour group
Nicole
Sep 29, 2024
We found the Best of Switzerland tour exceeded our expectations in every way. The scenery was stunning, the activities were excellent as was our tour leader Serena and we had a fantastic group from far and wide. I would highly recommend it!!
Michael
Aug 26, 2024
Great trip , saw a lot of Swiss , Irene was a great tour leader
yushan
Aug 25, 2024
I feel very fortunate to have joined this journey. Everything was unexpected and full of new experiences. This was my first time coming to Switzerland with Intrepid, and also my first time joining an English-speaking tour group. I felt that everyone was very accepting of me. We went to restaurants together, danced, and drank. Everything was full of life. I shared a room with Eva, and we had many conversations. The different cultural backgrounds and life experiences made our exchange incredibly interesting. In addition, there was a lot of free time, and we had plenty of time to do what we wanted. I think this is the essence of Intrepid: it leads us into a new world and allows us to explore it on our own.
Alex Alfie
Aug 12, 2024
A really enjoyable trip getting to know the different regions of Switzerland and its local history. The towns and cities are beautiful and the natural landscape outstanding.
Sofia
Jul 04, 2024
This was a trip to remember for several reasons. Firstly, our guide Silvia was very pleasant and organized. The views in Switzerland were unparalleled. My favorite activities include Mt. Pilatus (impeccable views and a fun slide down the mountain), Jungfraujoch - top of Europe (great views, ice museum, other activities at the top), roaming the charming town of Grindelwald, and Trummelbach falls (more amazing views and you're able to get up close to the waterfalls). Additionally, the train rides to our destinations were also enjoyable due to the amazing views. Our group got along very well which only added to the experience. A few things to note: I went during the end of May to the beginning of June and we had some rainy and cloudy days. It was raining during a few days of our trip and our scheduled picnic was cancelled, but it was accomodated with chocolate and cheese tasting. Unfortunately, we had zero visibility at the very top of Mt. Pilatus. Luckily, we still got amazing views as we made our way down. The last two days were my least favorite on the itinerary, although I still had a great time. Also, the food scene was expensive and not all that exciting for me. Overall, I would 10/10 recommend this trip!
Adam
Sep 12, 2023
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