Swiss Alps Ultimate Rail Journey
14 Days of Fondue, Chasselas & 'Baukultur'
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
Travel the Swiss way: hop on a train, cruise a glacier-fed lake, breathe the mountain air and soak in a hot spring – now that’s living!
With summer comes meadows carpeted in flowers and the clang of cowbells echoing – half the time you’ll be wondering if you’ve slipped into a dream.
When you can, you should! How jealous will your friends back home be when you flit across the border for some lakeside ambience and a cheeky pasta meal, and be back in Switzerland in time for dinner!
From every angle, the Matterhorn delivers – looming large over Zermatt and taking centre stage from Gornergrat. It’s Switzerland’s superstar for a reason and you’ll see why.
Crack the seal of a delicate Pinot Noir and break bread over a gushing cheese fondue – you may travel solo, but you’ll never feel alone with your fun-loving Fencox crew.
Trip Details
Trip Breakdown
Length
14 days / 13 nights
Details
- 2-week cooling-off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Private Room for every guest every night.
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Arrival
Hotel Alexander, Zurich, Switzerland
Departure
Hotel Alexander, Zurich, Switzerland
Group Size
12
Included
- 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches (including mountain platters on the Golden Pass Express) and 7 dinners (4 at local restaurants).
- 15 Day Swiss Travel Pass.
- All trains, including ‘Feature Trains’:
- Brienzer Rothorn Steam locomotive.
- Golden Pass Express
- Glacier Express
- Bernina Express
- Gotthard Panorama Express
- Voralpen Express
- 12 nights of premium accommodation.
- 1 night of mountain resort accommodation.
- Same day luggage transfers (1 piece of luggage per person) on all transfer days, except day 11 (overnight).
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader.
- Guided walks in Zermatt, Lucerne and UNESCO’s St. Gallen.
- Lake cruises on Lake Thun, Lugano and Lucerne.
- Wine and cheese tasting in Lavaux and tastings at a Mt Rigi local dairy.
- Risotto cooking class in Lugano.
- Wine during activities on days 5 and 10.
Not Included
- International Flights and travel insurance (necessary)
- Visa (See FAQs for more information)
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks (including water).
- Other personal expenses.
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information).
Accommodation
Your Fencox accommodation means having a private room, all to yourself – every single time.
Accommodation Preview
Hotel Excelsior, Zermatt
Hotel Parco Paradiso, Lugano
Hotel Rigi Kaltbad, Rigi Kaltbad
Day 1: Welcome to Switzerland!
Touch down in Zurich and kick off your Swiss adventure the way the locals do. Efficiently! We’ll have your Swiss Travel Pass handy for you (you’ll be inseparable for the next two weeks) when you hop on the train, AKA the easiest way to get into town.
Your hotel for the night sits smack in the heart of Zurich’s Old Town, just a breezy five-minute stroll from the main station. Not up for the walk with your luggage? No worries – tram No 4 will whisk you there in two stops flat. Once you’ve checked in, take a moment to soak up the German-influenced charm of Zurich before meeting your new Fencox crew this evening over a welcome dinner. Let’s get this party started!
Accommodation: Hotel Alexander (or similar), Zurich
Included: Dinner
Day 2: Lake Thun and a Cruisy Lunch
Pack your bags (but don’t worry – you’ll see them again when they magically reappear at your hotel tonight). This morning kicks off with a quick trip to Interlaken, followed by another blink-and-you’ll-miss-it ride to Thun. Now it’s time for the main event: a cruise on the dazzling Lake Thun. Bob along the glassy waters as steep cliffs tower above, alpine forests hug the shore, and timber-roofed mountain huts dot the hillsides. It almost looks too good to be true! Lunch is served onboard, but good luck keeping your eyes on your plate when the shorelines are just screaming for your attention. With plenty more days like this ahead, you’ve got everything you need for an adventure that’s set to knock your socks off!
Accommodation: The Hey Hotel (or similar), Interlaken
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Historic Village of Breinz and Thun
Wander the heartstoppingly-scenic village of Brienz today. Expect wooden chalets, flower-filled balconies and yet another lakeshore so pretty words don’t do it justice. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to drop everything and start carving cuckoo clocks for a living.
Hail the afternoon train to Thun – in about an hour you’ll be checking into your hotel and we’ve kept some time spare for you to roam this storybook town before dinner is served back at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Aare (or similar), Thun
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Ooh-La-La: Welcome to French Montreaux
Today, you’ll swap the German-speaking Thun for the French-speaking shores of Lake Geneva. All aboard the Golden Pass Express, where, yes, you’ll find more out-of-this-world scenery, but the real thing to get excited about is on your plate, a mountain platter piled high with local cheeses, cured meats and fresh bread. Yum! Add a drink, and suddenly this train ride feels like a five-star experience.
Once in Montreux, the afternoon is all yours to explore, so take full advantage of this slice of lakeside living with a touch of je ne sais quoi. Stroll the promenade like you own it, sip something fancy in a tucked-away café, or let the town’s laid-back vibes wrap you up like a cashmere blanket.
And as for your suitcase? It’s back! Greet it like an old friend as you settle into your new hotel for two nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Excelsior (or similar), Montreaux
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: The Vineyards of Lavaux
The rolling UNESCO-listed Lavaux Vineyards have been working their grape-growing magic for over 800 years. With vines clinging to steep terraces that tumble dramatically down to Lake Geneva, the setting is nothing short of “WOW”!
Of course, you can’t visit Lavaux without stopping off at a local winery to uncover the secrets behind the region’s crisp whites and rich reds, and why it’s been the hub of Swiss winemaking for centuries. Then, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for… it’s wine-tasting time! Swirl, sniff, sip and repeat, all paired with platters of cold meats and cheeses. A match made in heaven, if we do say so ourselves.
Accommodation: Hotel Excelsior (or similar), Montreaux
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Zermatt
Swap vineyards for vertigo as you head to Zermatt, the mountain town that plays host to the mighty Matterhorn. Yep, the one you’ve seen on Toblerone packs and in your daydreams of alpine travel your whole life. As the train climbs higher, the scenery cranks up the drama with every twist and turn. Get ready to trade ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ with your fellow Fencoxers as the scenery levels up with every mile.
Once in Zermatt, check in and grab some lunch. Afterwards, you’ll be joining your guide to get busy exploring Zermatt’s history and highlights. It’s not everyday you get to explore a place that’s completely car free – enjoy! .
Accommodation: Hotel Excelsior (or similar), Zermatt
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: The Matterhorn Up Close
From Gornergrat ridge, the Matterhorn view is so incredible it’ll knock the breath right out of your lungs (well, the 3,089-metre altitude will help with that). Sure, it’s a bit touristy here, but let’s face it: sometimes the touristy stuff is touristy for a reason.
Lunch is served up top, with the views stealing the show and the food getting the job done. Between bites, soak in the towering peaks and that ever-iconic Matterhorn standing proud in the distance. It’s a view you’d never get sick of!
The evening is yours to wind down however you’d like, so prop your feet up and replay today’s alpine highlights, or head out and explore Zermatt’s cosy dinner spots with your Fencox crew.
You’re only halfway through the trip, and you’ve already made new friends and experienced so much!
Accommodation: Hotel Excelsior (or similar), Zermatt
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: St Mortiz
Did you know that the Glacier Express is Switzerland’s most famous train! Prepare for a day that pulls out all the stops – soaring peaks, plunging valleys and storybook-like villages. Lunch onboard is a three-course feast – Try not to spill your soup while staring out at the Rhone Valley.
You’ve seen a lot of mountain towns so far, but there’s something about St Moritz that just hits differently, and you’ll notice that right away. The mix of German and Italian cultures means you’ll find schnitzels and espressos in equal measure, as well as a vibe that we can only describe as “uniquely St Moritz”.
Accommodation: Hotel Steffani (or similar), St Moritz
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Say Hello to Italy!
Can you believe it’s Day 9 and you’re back on the rails to hop on the Bernina Express bound to… a whole new country? That’s right, why not make a quick day trip to Italy when it’s this close by? You don’t need to be a rail lover to appreciate the engineering masterpiece that will have you spiralling over circular viaducts, diving through tunnels carved into the Alps and passing scenes so wild and dramatic they don’t seem real. Just another regular old day on your Swiss Fencox summer adventure!
By late morning, you’ll roll into Tirano, Italy. Woohoo! Grab a seat at a local trattoria, order whatever catches your eye and let the flavours of northern Italy remind you why crossing borders is worth it. After lunch, hop on an express bus to Lugano, a town that feels like Switzerland took a holiday in Italy and decided to stay. For the next two nights, this will be your home, where you can expect palm trees swaying by the lake, piazzas buzzing with life, and gelato stands calling your name.
Accommodation: Hotel Parco Paradiso (or similar), Lugano
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Lakeside Lugano
Lugano deserves a full day of your attention, so that’s what we’ve arranged. You’ll kick this off with a cruise on Lake Lugano, gliding past hillside villas and sun-soaked shores. Midway through, hop off for a drink at a waterfront café because, really, what’s an Italian boat ride without a glass of wine or a cheeky Aperol Spritz in hand?
This afternoon, you’ll master the art of risotto-making under the guidance of a local chef – name a better way to honour your time in Switzerland’s Italian region! Stirring, sipping and sautéing your way to a masterpiece, it’s now time for the best part: eating it! A glass of Merlot del Ticino seems like the perfect accompaniment, too. It’s hard work, but somebody’s got to do it.
Accommodation: Hotel Parco Paradiso (or similar), Lugano
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11: Gotthard Panorama Express & Mountain Stay
Today’s front-row seat to Switzerland’s greatest hits is from the Gotthard Panorama Express. You’d better have packed that nifty overnight bag this morning, because you’re about to head way off the map in the afternoon. A cogwheel train will carry you straight up the mountain to Hotel Rigi Kaltbad – your overnight hideaway!
Take a deep breath. You’re surrounded by alpine life here and the hotel’s mineral spa is calling your name. Dinner is served at the hotel, so the only thing left to do is soak, savour and soak some more. Challenge accepted!
Accommodation: Hotel Rigi Kaltbad (or similar), Rigi Kaltbad
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Cheese, Cruising and Lovely Lucerne
Your mountain escape comes to an end as you hop back on the cogwheel train for one last wow-worthy descent to Vitznau. But don’t get too misty-eyed… there’s still plenty more adventure ahead, including a yummy encounter with cheese! From Vitznau, you’ll board yet another lake cruise across the water to Lucerne, your next stop.
On arrival, reunite with your luggage. This afternoon, you’ll trade the trains and waterways of Switzerland for some good old walking, as you explore Lucerne with a local expert. Between the crooked bridges, wonky clock towers and buildings so intricate they look hand-stitched, you’re in for a real treat!
Accommodation: Hotel Waldstaetterhof (or similar), Lucerne
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13: Voralpen Express and St Gallen
It’s almost time to close the chapter on this Swiss adventure, but not before squeezing every last drop out of it. Hop on the Voralpen Express this morning and glide through rolling hills and forested valleys on your way to St Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage city with a history older than your great-great-grandparents. Once the tour wraps up, you’ll have free time to grab lunch in town before heading off back to where it all began – Zurich.
Check in, freshen up and get ready to celebrate in style. Tonight’s farewell dinner is one for the books, with plates of Swiss specialities flying out of the kitchen and an opportunity to share those even-funnier-in-hindsight stories, a whole load of belly laughs and maybe one last round of cheese. The perfect send-off!
Accommodation: Hotel Alexander (or similar), Zurich
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14: Farewell Friends!
Enjoy one final breakfast at the hotel before that time you’ve been dreading… It’s time to say your goodbyes. Swap contact details with your Fencox besties and re-live the trip’s best bits (glacier views, clinking glasses and epic train rides that made every other commute in your life look tragic) as you say your farewells.
It’s the last call for your Swiss Travel Pass, and at this point, you’re basically honorary Swiss. See you next time!
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is a significant variation in the AUD:CHF exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD : 0.57 CHF.
A deposit of 25% of the total trip price is required to secure your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made at least 120 days before trip departure.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
Australian and New Zealand passport holders do not require a tourist visa for short stays in Switzerland. All travellers need a passport that is valid for 6 months after departure.
Level 1
To enjoy this trip, you’ll need to be able to spend time on your feet and regularly walk for 3-4 hours without assistance, including regular stints walking uphill. Daily activities might include:
- walking on uneven and hilly ground
- getting on and off various forms of transportation
- climbing stairs
You may also encounter over-the-bath showers in some of the accommodations.
It will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon and be able to keep up with the group. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring a walking aid.
In Switzerland, tipping for services is about rounding up, rather than a percentage of the bill (e.g. if your bill is CHF 23.50, you might pay CHF 25), so there’s no need for a tip kitty on this trip. Your guide will be on hand to assist and will let you know when it makes sense to give a small tip.
For your guide, tipping is not expected but is appreciated. At the end of the trip, if you’d like to give something, the amount is up to you and should be what feels comfortable.
One piece of luggage per person is included for luggage transfers between destinations.
Bring a day pack that you’re comfortable carrying to pack essentials for the overnight stay at the mountain resort on day 11, as your luggage will not follow you on that day.
Switzerland’s train system is impressive, and rather than lugging luggage around, we use couriers to transport it between destinations. It’s a same day service. We include the courier charge for one piece of luggage per guest.
As well as your usual luggage (single case, please), you’ll need a small backpack for overnight essentials at the mountain-resort stay on day 11. There are no luggage courier services on this day because the resort is not part of the well-travelled Swiss tourist route. Your luggage will be waiting for you at the next destination…. A small inconvenience for the pleasure of getting off-the-map!
AUGUST
In August, Switzerland generally enjoys warm and pleasant summer weather, especially in the lowlands and major cities such as Zurich and Geneva. Daytime temperatures usually range between 20-28°C, sometimes climbing close to 30 °C, while nights are cooler, averaging 12-17°C.
In the mountains, conditions are milder and more variable. The Zermatt and St. Moritz regions often see daytime highs of 15-22°C, with nights dropping to around 5-10°C. At higher altitudes above 2,000 metres, daytime temperatures can be as low as 5-15°C, and nights may approach freezing. Rain and afternoon thunderstorms are fairly common in August, but the mix of sunshine and fresh air makes it one of the best months for hiking and outdoor adventures.
SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER
The weather in September and October is cool and gradually transitions from late summer to autumn.
In September, it is generally mild with a mix of sunny days and occasional rain, with the average temperatures around 10–22°C.
It is getting colder in October, especially in higher elevations. The temperatures are around 5–15°C.
TBA
Your accommodation will be private; in other words, no room-sharing with anyone, throughout the entire trip.
Most Fencox travellers tend to be in their mid-50s to mid-70s.
Generally, we have no upper age limit for our trips. But, it’s important for you to know that our trips can be physically demanding and we will chat to you about your suitability. We’ll provide you with details of the health and fitness must-haves for our trips; however, we clearly are not medical experts. We will need you to obtain proper and detailed medical advice at least two months before you travel for the latest health requirements, vaccination advice and recommendations for your destination.
Age 75+
Guests over 75 years old at the time of travel, or those with pre-existing health conditions may need to have medical clearance to ensure safe travel, and must have a doctor complete a ‘Certificate of Medical Fitness to Travel’ within 30 days of booking confirmation.
Minimum age
While it doesn’t happen often, we do get younger guests joining our trips! As a general rule, the minimum age is 15 at the time of travel. All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or be accompanied by someone over the age of 18 appointed by their legal guardian.
International airfares are not included.
Being tour operators (not travel agents), we are not licensed to sell flights. We recommend contacting your trusted local travel agent to book flights if you’re in need of assistance.
There are no direct flights from Australia and New Zealand to Zurich. Travelers typically need to book flights with one or more stopovers (in Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi).
This trip is the rare occasion we have not included private airport transfers. That’s because the train system is so great, it makes sense to commute to Zurich city by train. It’s a very easy process and your hotel is located very close to Zurich’s main train station, but don’t worry, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide and your rail pass before you arrive.
The official currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF).
Our Swiss journeys are designed to include travel on the country’s celebrated panoramic trains in first class. Occasionally, due to scheduling, availability, or smaller group sizes (fewer than 10 guests), we may need to travel on standard train services or in second class instead. These alternatives travel the same routes and still provide excellent comfort and scenic views.
In the unlikely event of a health or security-related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
Fencox was created because we had so many enquiries from men and women who had heard about our amazing Patch Adventures trips for women-only and wanted the opportunity to travel solo in the same way, only in a mixed group.
Fencox caters to both men and women who are solo travellers, have a genuine sense of adventure, are aged 55+, and are physically active and young at heart. Your fellow travel mates on a Fencox trip are inquisitive about the world and love exploring new travel destinations. Fencox travel mates love meeting new people, enjoy a good chat, and are happy to share a table with fellow travel mates for dinner.
If you’re travelling solo but don’t want to feel alone, this is your opportunity to share your travel experiences with other like-minded people. And best of all …. you’ll never pay a single supplement because everyone is guaranteed their own room!
