14 Day Swiss Grand Train Journey
Value Private Guided Tour
Switzerland possesses some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, and the best way to take them all in is from the window of a first-class train. This captivating adventure across the mountain passes and rolling hills of the Alps connects idyllic Swiss cities and alpine adventure courtesy of one of the world’s most advanced (not to mention scenic) rail networks.
The journey begins in Zürich, the gorgeous alpine heart of Switzerland’s banking empire. Once settled, step out and explore the city on a privately guided walking tour of its must-see sights, including the historic Altstadt and the medieval Fraumünster church, home to Marc Chagall’s famous stained-glass windows.
A convenient private transfer delivers you next to Lucerne, the quintessential Swiss city. With a private guide, stroll its charming cobblestone streets in search of covered bridges, immaculately preserved medieval architecture, and other scenic delights. Later, take a relaxing cruise around Lake Lucerne before ascending to the 7,000-foot (2,000-meter) summit of Mount Pilatus by cogwheel train. Before departing, you’ll have the chance to breathe in the refreshing mountain air of the Bernese Oberland on a private tour of the valleys, lakes, and villages in the shadow of the towering Jungfrau.
The trip to Lugano is an experience all of its own. From the Gotthard Panorama Express, you’ll journey through the scenic landscapes of the historic St. Gotthard Pass to Italian-accented Lugano. Here, take a private tour of the fascinating castles of Bellinzona: Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro, whose fortifications are collectively protected by UNESCO.
Another stunning rail journey connects you to St. Moritz, the playground of Europe’s elite. Aboard the Bernina Express, you’ll cross the picturesque Val Poschiavo to Bernina Pass, home to some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in Europe. From St. Moritz, you’ll board the world-famous Glacier Express for a beautiful eight-hour ride through the Swiss Alps, passing gorgeous pastures and alpine valleys and crossing the incredible Oberalp Pass en route to Zermatt.
Best known as the gateway to the iconic Matterhorn, the small village of Zermatt is pure Switzerland. The view from the top of the Gornergrat – a rocky ridge 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) up accessible by cogwheel train – can’t be beaten; from here, you can see almost all of Switzerland’s signature peaks, including the Matterhorn, Weisshorn, Monte Rosa Massif, and Dufourspitze.
One final stop before Geneva: Montreux, the gem of the Swiss Riviera and home to Chateau of Chillon, perhaps the most striking of Switzerland’s many castles. Bask in its beauty with time at leisure before next exploring the castle and city with a private guide.
Kensington Tours creates private trips from the world’s finest ingredients. Tailor-made with care by your personal Destination Expert, your personalized trip is always a one-of-a-kind experience made just for you. Expert local guidance and 24/7 service come standard.
- Luxury
- Rail Tours
What really matters to us
We aim to develop long term relationships – with our clients, our partners and, especially, with the communities we visit regularly. As such, our business is built on giving back. We are dedicated to preserving the land, oceans and cultures that compel us to travel.
We believe that both the customized, private-guided tours that we design and the giving partnerships we undertake should be inspiring and impactful. Our charitable initiatives are rooted in exploration, education and environmental awareness.
Encouraging exploration
A yearning for adventure and new discoveries around the globe is at the heart of all that we do. Kensington is an official travel partner of The Explorers Club, a prestigious professional society supporting research and education in the physical, natural and biological sciences.
We also support a group of intrepid storytellers from around the globe. Part of our Explorers In Residence program, these writers, photographers and filmmakers are committed to furthering our understanding of this planet and its people.
Fostering education
We believe offering access to education is one of the most powerful ways we can make a global impact. Kensington Cares is an initiative designed to support education in developing countries, including Kenya, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our efforts have helped to fund the opening of two schools in the Masai Mara: Oloosinon Primary School and Kensington Hall.
Funding environmental initiatives
We’re focused on supporting research and data collection efforts that will affect change, especially when it comes to conservation. As a founding partner of Nekton, Kensington has made an important commitment to the research and conservation of the deep ocean, our planet's last great frontier.
In accordance with 30x30, Nekton collects data and samples to set a baseline of information for the previously unexplored deep-sea waters of the Indian Ocean.
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
Every journey begins with a conversation.
We think care and curation make all the difference in the world. Understanding your travel vision is the first priority.
No fixed dates or schedules
Escape the tour bus crowds and explore on your own terms, departing and returning whenever you choose.
The freedom of flexibility
Travel whenever you want, for as long as you want with the option to change your plans on the fly – even in-destination.
Tailor-made for you
Mix relaxation, luxury and adventure as you wish with an itinerary designed to suit your preferred pace of travel.
Accommodating your every need
Custom-made for every type of traveler, accessible and inclusive options ensure a comfortable and fulfilling experience.
Itineraries designed by well-traveled experts.
Our Destination Experts are people with deep, local knowledge of the areas they represent, having lived, worked or traveled extensively throughout the region.
The best of each destination
Our team travels regularly to source and individually vet each and every activity, accommodation and experience featured within our product offering. Your Destination Expert will help you discover these special restaurants, galleries and museums before they hit the guidebooks.
A single point of contact
The Destination Expert who designs your personalized itinerary will keep in touch throughout your journey from planning to unpacking.
Local secrets unlocked.
Cultivate a deeper understanding of your destination with one of our local, English-speaking, private guides by your side. Become immersed in local traditions, cuisines and customs as your guide reveals hidden gems.
Only the best will do
Our exacting standards and vetting process in combination with a proprietary training program designed to reflect the expectations of North American travelers ensure access the finest local, private guides worldwide.
Specialist guides
From historians and archeologists to culinary experts and world-class athletes, enhance the private-guided experience by opting for an excursion with a local expert.
Your trip. Our responsibility.
With our industry-leading, 24/7 support and operational expertise you’ll travel with peace of mind. Should hiccups occur, you can rest assured that our round-the-clock assistance is only a phone call away.
The moment you touch down
Once you clear customs, we’re there for you and will take care of the rest. A Kensington representative will meet you at the airport to start your personalized trip.
Live updates
We stay in touch with you throughout your travels. If changes are necessary, you’ll receive live updates via the Kensington app.
We’re invested in your trip
Anyone can book a vacation, but we’re in the business of turning travel aspirations into reality. If you’re not happy, just let us know and we’ll make it right.
What really matters to us
We aim to develop long term relationships – with our clients, our partners and, especially, with the communities we visit regularly. As such, our business is built on giving back. We are dedicated to preserving the land, oceans and cultures that compel us to travel.
We believe that both the customized, private-guided tours that we design and the giving partnerships we undertake should be inspiring and impactful. Our charitable initiatives are rooted in exploration, education and environmental awareness.
Encouraging exploration
A yearning for adventure and new discoveries around the globe is at the heart of all that we do. Kensington is an official travel partner of The Explorers Club, a prestigious professional society supporting research and education in the physical, natural and biological sciences.
We also support a group of intrepid storytellers from around the globe. Part of our Explorers In Residence program, these writers, photographers and filmmakers are committed to furthering our understanding of this planet and its people.
Fostering education
We believe offering access to education is one of the most powerful ways we can make a global impact. Kensington Cares is an initiative designed to support education in developing countries, including Kenya, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our efforts have helped to fund the opening of two schools in the Masai Mara: Oloosinon Primary School and Kensington Hall.
Funding environmental initiatives
We’re focused on supporting research and data collection efforts that will affect change, especially when it comes to conservation. As a founding partner of Nekton, Kensington has made an important commitment to the research and conservation of the deep ocean, our planet's last great frontier.
In accordance with 30x30, Nekton collects data and samples to set a baseline of information for the previously unexplored deep-sea waters of the Indian Ocean.
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
Every journey begins with a conversation.
We think care and curation make all the difference in the world. Understanding your travel vision is the first priority.
No fixed dates or schedules
Escape the tour bus crowds and explore on your own terms, departing and returning whenever you choose.
The freedom of flexibility
Travel whenever you want, for as long as you want with the option to change your plans on the fly – even in-destination.
Tailor-made for you
Mix relaxation, luxury and adventure as you wish with an itinerary designed to suit your preferred pace of travel.
Accommodating your every need
Custom-made for every type of traveler, accessible and inclusive options ensure a comfortable and fulfilling experience.
Itineraries designed by well-traveled experts.
Our Destination Experts are people with deep, local knowledge of the areas they represent, having lived, worked or traveled extensively throughout the region.
The best of each destination
Our team travels regularly to source and individually vet each and every activity, accommodation and experience featured within our product offering. Your Destination Expert will help you discover these special restaurants, galleries and museums before they hit the guidebooks.
A single point of contact
The Destination Expert who designs your personalized itinerary will keep in touch throughout your journey from planning to unpacking.
Local secrets unlocked.
Cultivate a deeper understanding of your destination with one of our local, English-speaking, private guides by your side. Become immersed in local traditions, cuisines and customs as your guide reveals hidden gems.
Only the best will do
Our exacting standards and vetting process in combination with a proprietary training program designed to reflect the expectations of North American travelers ensure access the finest local, private guides worldwide.
Specialist guides
From historians and archeologists to culinary experts and world-class athletes, enhance the private-guided experience by opting for an excursion with a local expert.
Your trip. Our responsibility.
With our industry-leading, 24/7 support and operational expertise you’ll travel with peace of mind. Should hiccups occur, you can rest assured that our round-the-clock assistance is only a phone call away.
The moment you touch down
Once you clear customs, we’re there for you and will take care of the rest. A Kensington representative will meet you at the airport to start your personalized trip.
Live updates
We stay in touch with you throughout your travels. If changes are necessary, you’ll receive live updates via the Kensington app.
We’re invested in your trip
Anyone can book a vacation, but we’re in the business of turning travel aspirations into reality. If you’re not happy, just let us know and we’ll make it right.
About Kensington
Learn More About Kensington
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
About Kensington
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
