Swiss Christmastime Rail Adventure
Max Group 12
Private Room
Lifetime Deposit
14 Days Of Iconic Peaks, Lakes & Eats
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
SNOW-TIPPED SCENERY THAT’LL TURN YOUR HEAD
Glittering glaciers, snow-tipped peaks and mountain villages dusted in white – you’ll surely spend half the time thinking you’re dreaming.
ITALIAN NEW YEAR CHEER!
Kick your regular celebrations to the curb this year and ring in the new year with new friends in Switzerland’s oh-so Italian corner – Lugano!
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL
From iconic trains like the Glacier Express to lake cruises and cogwheel climbs, this is Swiss transport passing through a Winter wonderland at its absolute finest.
VISIT UNESCO’S ST. GALLEN
Just when you think you couldn’t be wowed any more by old-world villages, you’ll be flabbergasted as you discover the historical and religious treasures of St. Gallen, thanks to the guiding hand of a specialist.
MUNCH ON SWISS DELIGHTS
Skip the plum pudding this year and dive straight into the cheese platters and wine, chocolate making (and eating!) and bubbling pots of fondue – this trip’ll have your mouth watering from day one.
Trip Details
Trip Breakdown
| Dates | Price AUD |
|---|---|
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Length
14 days / 13 nights
Pricing Details
- $2,500 AUD deposit.
- 2 week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Private room – no sharing required
Arrival
Hotel Alexander, Zurich
Departure
Hotel Alexander, Zurich
Group Size
12
Included
- Meals: 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 9 dinners
- 15 Day Swiss Travel Pass 1st Class, starting 1 day before the trip starts.
- Trains throughout, 2 cruises
- 7 x single piece luggage transfers per person
- 13 nights premium accommodation
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- Specialist guides as per itinerary
- All listed activities and more!
Not Included
- International Flights and travel insurance (necessary)
- Visa (see FAQs)
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and 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 Alexander, Zurich
Baxter Hotel, Visp
Hotel Parco Paradiso, Lugano
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.
Meet your tour leader at the hotel reception at 11:30am today. We’ve got a special treat for you to get to know your fellow Fencoxers before tonight’s welcome dinner. Don your apron because it’s time to sample life as a ‘Maître Chocolatier’ at Lindt, the Home of Chocolate, in your very own chocolate-making (and tasting) master class!
Accommodation: Hotel Alexander (or similar), Zurich
Included: Dinner
Day 2: Lake Thun
Pack your bag (but don’t worry – you’ll see it again when they magically reappear at your hotel tonight). This morning kicks off with a quick train to Interlaken, followed by another blink-and-you’ll-miss-it ride to Thun. Switzerland really is every train lover’s dream – no delays on the horizon here!
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 wintery socks off!
Accommodation: The Hey Hotel (or similar), Interlaken
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Breinz and Thun
This time, you and your luggage will be on separate adventures until you reunite in Montreux tomorrow. So, squeeze a few essentials into your day pack to suffice, for tonight’s stay is far from the well-trodden path!
The train from Interlaken hugs the lake shore all the way to Breinz, so have your camera at the ready! You’ll have time to wander the heart-stoppingly scenic village of Brienz once you’re there. Expect wooden chalets, a snow-tipped mountain backdrop and a lakeshore so pretty words don’t do it justice. Choose a cosy cafe for a little lunch and just soak up the charm of this unforgettable spot!
After your whimsical wanders around Breinz, it’s time to catch a train to another fairytale town – this time it’s Thun. After checking into your waterside hotel you might like to take a stroll down to the old-town. Pinch yourself – It’s Christmas Eve and you really are wandering the cobble stone streets of a medieval town that’s draped in Christmas twinkle!
Raise your glass in a merry toast over dinner with your new Fencox friends tonight. This is living life!
Accommodation: Hotel Aare (or similar), Thun
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: The Golden Pass Express & Merry Christmas in Montreux
Today, you’ll swap the German-speaking Brienz for the French-speaking shores of Lake Geneva. It’s a short ride back to Interlaken to board the Golden Pass Express, where, yes, you’ll find more out-of-this-world scenery. The real thing to get excited about though, is on your plate, a mountain platter piled high with local cheeses, cured meats and fresh bread. It’s not your average Christmas lunch, but hey, when in Rome….. You should eat cheese?! Add a drink, and suddenly, this train ride feels full of Christmas joy!
Once in Montreux, you’ve got some free time to take full advantage of this slice of lakeside living with a touch of je ne sais quoi. Stroll the promenade like you own it, or stay cozy and continue your festive cheer with your Fencox Christmas crew at one of the hotel’s lounge bars. Both could be a fabulous prequel to an in-house celebratory dinner best shared together tonight. .
And as for your suitcase? It’s back! Greet it like an old friend and dress to impress for dinner. It’s Christmas, after all! .
Accommodation: Hotel Excelsior (or similar), Montreaux
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Montreux and Glacier 3,000
After a sleepy start to the morning, there’s a bus and a train to catch with your guide to Col-du-Pillon. Then, woosh! It’s just a 15-minute cable car ride from the valley floor, to a 3,000m altitude at the top.
You’ll spy the suspension bridge immediately. This is no time to be timid, so take a deep breath and head across together! Afterall, there must be bragging rights for crossing the first ever suspension bridge built between two mountain peaks. High-five team, you did it! Top off the adventure with an on-top-of-the-world lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Excelsior (or similar), Montreaux
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Zermatt and Visp
First, you’re off to Zermatt, the mountain town that plays host to the mighty Matterhorn – THE Swiss mountain. Yep, the one you’ve seen on Toblerone packs and in your daydreams of alpine travel your whole life.
Once in Zermatt, grab lunch at your leisure and soak up the mountain town buzz before joining your guide to get busy exploring Zermatt’s history and highlights with a local guide. The fact that the entire town is car-free just adds to the blissed-out vibes. Zermatt’s wooden houses, some standing strong for over 500 years, are more than just cute alpine chalets; they’re a testament to the town’s rich history.
There’s one more quick train trip today. You’re sleeping the next two nights in Visp – lesser known on the usual Swiss tourist circuit, its old town is a joy to see and you’re going to love its wine culture!
Accommodation: Hotel Baxter (or similar), Visp
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Gornergrat Ridge
Let’s check out Matterhorn from up-close – at the Gornergrat ridge with views so incredible they’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 endless glaciers, 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 like, so prop your feet up in front of the fire and replay today’s alpine highlights, or head out and explore a cosy dinner spot with your Fencox crew.
You’re only halfway through the trip, and you’ve already made new friends and experienced so much!
Accommodation: Hotel Baxter (or similar), Visp
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: The Glacier Express to Andermatt
You’ll be bouncing out of bed this morning because the day is finally here where you climb aboard the Glacier Express, Switzerland’s most famous train! Prepare for a day that pulls out all the stops – soaring peaks, plunging valleys and villages so spotless you’d think the mountains have a full-time cleaning crew.
With lunch and some of the best scenery under your belt, you’ll be jumping off at Andermatt today. It’s not only an important junction town for the oh-so Italiano New Year planned for you tomorrow, you’re almost assured of a snow-covered village here. Tucked in a valley surrounded by the Gotthard Massif, it has its own frosty microclimate.
Accommodation: Hotel Radisson Blu (or similar), Andermatt
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Lugano!
The Gotthard Panorama Express doesn’t operate this time of year, but that’s OK – regional trains are still really comfortable and as you head south on the same line, there’s plenty to keep your eyes glued to. As you enter the Gotthard Base Tunnel, wave goodbye to those trademark alps because when you pop out the other side (57 kilometres later) you’ll be welcomed by a brand new, moderate climate and a rolling-hills, Mediterranean-style landscape to match.
Lugano is a town that feels like Switzerland took a holiday in Italy and decided to stay. Grab some lunch and slip into your new town vibe. The weather here is balmy compared to the Alps and for the next two nights, this will be your home-away-from-home.
Accommodation: Hotel Parco Paradiso (or similar), Lugano
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: An Italian-Flavoured New Year
It’s New Year’s Eve and what better way to kick off celebrations than with a food and wine tour led by a local! Go on a Mediterranean flavours journey of delicacies and wines. From German, to French to the Italian region – could you ever have imagined the flavours of each region could be so different?
By the afternoon, you’ll feel the excitement building in the town centre. They love their New Years Eve parties in Lugano, but once you catch a glimpse of the view of the city from your hotel as dusk falls – we bet that’s where you’ll want to be. It’s time to pop back to your room to freshen up for dinner, for it’s finally time to enjoy the last meal of 2025 and to ring in the New Year with your new friends!
Accommodation: Hotel Parco Paradiso (or similar), Lugano
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 11: Lucerne
You pass back through some previously chartered territory on your way to Lucerne today, so if your eyelids are suffering with a New Year’s Day slumber, you shouldn’t feel guilty – but who could ever get tired of that view! This afternoon, you’ll trade the rails of Switzerland for some good old-fashioned 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. Then it’s back to your hotel for a group dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Waldstatterhof (or similar), Lucerne
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Lake Lucerne Cruise and Mt Rigi Cogwheel Train
Start your day with a lake cruise from Lucerne to Vitznau, where you’ll meet your next ride – a cogwheel train to carry you straight up Mt Rigi! Saved for the steepest of summits, cog wheel trains are always a thrilling ride. Not only is the ride steep, but the engineering behind the cog wheel is more than a century old and not only helps propel the train up the steepest of ascents, it ensures it stays glued to the tracks!
There’s time at the summit to grab yourself some lunch and take in the fresh air and views (keep your fingers crossed for a clear day), before heading back to Lucerne for a little ‘me’ time.
Accommodation: Hotel Waldstatterhof (or similar), Lucerne
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13: Voralpen Express and St Gallen
It’s almost time to close the chapter on this Swiss Christmas adventure, but not before squeezing every last festive 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. Here you’ll meet your local guide, who will take you on a journey through history – including a must-do visit to the Abbey Library. Once the tour wraps up, you’ll have free time to grab lunch in town before setting 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, a traditional Swiss Fondue dinner – the real deal! Share a dipping pot of luscious cheesiness while sharing a whole load of belly laughs too… and maybe one last piece of chocolate. 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. It’s the last call for your Swiss Travel Pass and at this point, you’re basically an 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 $2,500 is required to hold 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 110 days in advance.)
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.
Most of our trips have a Tip Kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands.
We will be updating the details for tipping here soon.
TBA
In December and January, Switzerland is deep into winter and it’s magical.
Temperatures in lowlands (e.g. Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne) are from -3°C to 5°C. Snow is almost guaranteed in the mountains. Cities might get light snow or just be cold and wet.
Days are short. Sunrise is around 8 am, and sunset is around 4:30 pm.
TBA
TBA
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.
TBA
Will we be picked up at the airport?
Yes! One of our friendly team will be waiting for you in the public arrivals area of the airport. You’ll transfer directly to the hotel. The transfer is free and in a private and air-conditioned vehicle, which you will only share if there is anyone else on your flight joining the tour.
When should we arrive?
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier would be recommendable. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.
The official currency in Switzerland is the Swiss franc (CHF).
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!
