Zurich: 3 Train Tours to South, East & Central Switzerland
Canton Nidwalden, Zurich
From Zurich, unlock 3 Swiss worlds: Appenzell’s traditions & cheese, Central Alps’ peaks & lakes, and Ticino’s stone-house villages & Italian flair — a trilogy of adventures guided by a geographer.
Overview
This is a 3-day Swiss travel experience from Zurich, ideal for travelers wanting to explore Switzerland’s cultural, alpine, and southern regions using public transport.
Highlights
- Travel Switzerland by train, boat, funicular, and cable car
- Visit UNESCO Abbey Library, taste Appenzell cheese, and ride a scenic cogwheel train
- Ascend three mountain peaks via historic funiculars and modern cable cars
- Enjoy a Lake Lucerne cruise featuring classic Swiss and alpine scenery
- Cross the Alps to Ticino’s villages with palm-lined lakeshores and Italian-Mediterranean atmosphere
Description
Over three days, explore Switzerland’s diversity entirely by public transport, making travel an integral part of the experience. On day one, visit St. Gallen and Appenzell to explore the UNESCO-listed Abbey Library, sample local cheese, and ride a scenic cogwheel railway.
Day two focuses on central Switzerland with rides on historic funiculars and modern cable cars to reach three mountain peaks, followed by a relaxing Lake Lucerne cruise.
On day three, cross the Alps into southern Ticino, where you can walk through picturesque villages like Ascona and Bellinzona, experience palm-lined lakesides, and enjoy an Italian-Swiss cultural blend.
Each day ends back in Zurich, allowing you to travel light while discovering three distinctive regions. The tour is guided by Dave, a Swiss local with a master’s degree in geography and 15 years of experience in teaching, who provides insights into Switzerland’s landscapes and culture.
Includes
- 3-day Swiss Travel Pass: unlimited travel on public trains, buses, boats, selected funiculars, cable cars, cogwheel trains, plus entry to 500+ museums (self-purchase option available)
- 3 personally arranged tours
- Personal guide Dave, local Swiss geographer and teacher
- Visit to UNESCO-listed Abbey Library
- Cheese tasting
- Beer tasting
- Lake Lucerne cruise
- Historic funiculars and modern cable cars
- Scenic cogwheel railway rides
Excludes
- Meals: flexible options include bringing a picnic, street food, cafés, or restaurants
- Overnight accommodation (the tours start and end in Zurich)
Important Information
- Travel light as you return to Zurich every day
- Experience three distinct Swiss regions within three days
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For optimal comfort, bring weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Book early to secure your preferred dates, especially during peak seasons.
