Before the train itinerary (24 Jan): arrival at Zurich Airport
- We found Fred and his wife a hotel in Zurich as close to their friends’ place as possible.
Before the train itinerary (25-30 Jan): sightseeing in Zurich
- For their days with their friends in Zurich, we gave them a flexible list of sightseeing options in and around Zurich, including picturesque towns such as Olten and Stein am Rhein.
Before the train itinerary (31 Jan): travel to Zermatt
- All day: travel to Zermatt. We suggested the most beautiful route to Zermatt: via the northern stretch of the GoldenPass line (Lucerne-Interlaken) and the Lötschberg Mountain Railway.
Before the train itinerary (1-5 Feb): skiing and sightseeing in Zermatt
- Fred and his wife would be skiing with their friends, and only needed a few additional tips for mountain excursions. We listed the best options and explained the required tickets.
Day 1 (6 Feb): travel to St. Moritz by Glacier Express
- All day: travel to St. Moritz by Glacier Express. Although they traveled in 2nd class, they would have loved to experience the luxurious Glacier Express Excellence Class. That was booked out, but luckily, an upgrade to 1st class was still possible.
- We explained how to ship their ski gear ahead from Zermatt to Zurich Airport, where they could pick it up by the end of their trip.
In Fred’s detailed travel plan, I also explained how they could ship their ski gear ahead from Zermatt to Zurich Airport, where they could pick it up by the end of their trip.
Day 2 (7 Feb): Maloja bus trip + frozen-lake hike
- All day: bus ride to Maloja. This gorgeous bus ride traverses the Upper Engadine. For the return, we recommended a unique winter hike from Sils-Maria to Silvaplana across the frozen lake.
Day 3 (8 Feb): Bernina Express day trip
- Morning: travel to Tirano by Bernina Express train. We deliberately left out the connecting bus ride to Lugano, as that destination wasn’t the best fit for their overall itinerary. Instead, we included a day trip on the Bernina Express train to Tirano.
- Afternoon: travel back to St. Moritz. For their afternoon return by regional trains, we added a winter hike to the Morteratsch Glacier.
Day 4 (9 Feb): Roseg Valley on foot or by carriage
- All day: exploring the Roseg Valley. This romantic valley near Pontresina was the perfect spot for a lovely winter hike and a horse-drawn carriage ride!
Day 5 (10 Feb): travel to Lucerne via Zernez
- All day: travel to Lucerne. For this route to their next base town, we recommended traveling via the Lower Engadine. This way, they wouldn’t be backtracking a part of the Glacier Express route which they’d already seen.
Day 6 (11 Feb): Rigi round trip with stunning hike
- All day: round trip to and from Mount Rigi with a panoramic hike. Since the Rigi cogwheel trains operate year-round, this was a perfect winter trip. It was made even more varied by adding a panoramic hike.
Day 7 (12 Feb): Seelisberg
- All day: round trip from and to Seelisberg. Following the popular Mount Rigi, we suggested a quieter round trip by bus, boat, and funicular to this quaint town high above Lake Lucerne.
Day 8 (13 Feb): Lucerne
- All day: exploring the city. Knowing that Fred and his wife loved culture and good food, we recommended a walking route through Lucerne with tips for cheese fondue and chocolate shopping.
Day 9 (14 Feb): St. Gallen and Voralpen-Express
- All day: round trip from and to St. Gallen. This scenic Voralpen-Express train ride is especially wonderful when the northern Swiss hills are covered in snow.
Day 10 (15 Feb): travel to Thun via the Emmen Valley
- Morning: travel to Thun via Lucerne and Bern. Instead of the straightforward route, we recommended the much more scenic journey to Thun via the lovely Emmen Valley and Bern.
Day 11 (16 Feb): Thun + Lake Thun
- All day: explore Thun and Lake Thun. Fred’s new base town of Thun deserved attention: its historic center and lakeside location are well worth it. We added a boat ride on Lake Thun as well (where boats operate year-round, unlike neighboring Lake Brienz).
Finding the right hotel rooms was a crucial part of Fred’s Plan + Package process. We focused on combining his wishes for central but quiet locations, large beds, and great views.
Day 12 (17 Feb): Lauterbrunnen Valley round trip
- All day: round trip in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. This valley in the Jungfrau Region is known for its waterfalls in spring and summer, but it’s equally stunning in winter! We created a varied round trip by train, mountain train, cable car, and bus, plus 2 easy optional hikes on groomed winter trails.
Day 13 (18 Feb): GoldenPass day trip to Gstaad
- All day: scenic GoldenPass round trip. To include the gorgeous GoldenPass line without a full transfer to Montreux, we planned a day trip to Gstaad, located halfway along the route. For variety, we recommended returning to Thun via Montbovon, Bulle, and Bern.
Day 14-15 (19-20 Feb): travel to Zurich via Bern
- 19 Feb: travel to Zurich Airport via Bern. We found Fred and his wife a hotel close to Zurich Airport. For their trip from Thun, we recommend the most straightforward route, with an optional stop in Bern to explore the city.
- Upon arrival, they could conveniently pick up their forwarded ski luggage.
- 20 Feb: travel to Zurich Airport + departure.

Itineraries

MySwissAlps Plan + Package

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