2026 Switzerland in Motion: A Grand Rail Journey – Zurich to Bern with Wendy Fracchia

9 Days

There’s no better way to experience the breathtaking beauty of Switzerland than by train. This spectacular journey takes us deep into the heart of Europe’s most scenic landscapes — from the sparkling lakes and alpine villages of Zurich and Lucerne to the majestic peaks of Jungfraujoch and the timeless charm of Zermatt. Traveling by rail allows us to relax in comfort as panoramic windows reveal ever-changing vistas of mountain passes, glacial valleys, and storybook towns that define this alpine paradise.

Each day brings a new adventure — standing atop the “Queen of the Mountains” at Mount Rigi, cruising across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne, and feeling the mist of the mighty Rhine Falls. We’ll stroll cobblestone streets in medieval towns like Stein am Rhein and Gruyères, explore the awe-inspiring Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe,” and ride gondolas to the snowy heights of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. From the lakeside elegance of Montreux to the timeless charm of Bern, our days will be filled with discovery, beauty, and the unique rhythm of Swiss life.

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Before you read this detailed description of this beautiful tour, please know that it is a TRAIN TOUR. After day 1, we will travel by train. Every day, you will walk a significant amount to fully enjoy all we have planned. This is a fun and ideal way to truly experience all that Switzerland has to offer.

There’s no better way to experience the breathtaking beauty of Switzerland than by train. This spectacular journey takes us deep into the heart of Europe’s most scenic landscapes — from the sparkling lakes and alpine villages of Zurich and Lucerne to the majestic peaks of Jungfraujoch and the timeless charm of Zermatt. Traveling by rail allows us to relax in comfort as panoramic windows reveal ever-changing vistas of mountain passes, glacial valleys, and storybook towns that define this alpine paradise.

Each day brings a new adventure — standing atop the “Queen of the Mountains” at Mount Rigi, cruising across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne, and feeling the mist of the mighty Rhine Falls. We’ll stroll cobblestone streets in medieval towns like Stein am Rhein and Gruyères, explore the awe-inspiring Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe,” and ride gondolas to the snowy heights of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. From the lakeside elegance of Montreux to the timeless charm of Bern, our days will be filled with discovery, beauty, and the unique rhythm of Swiss life.

As we glide effortlessly from one destination to the next, our luggage travels ahead, leaving us free to enjoy each moment to the fullest. Whether sipping hot chocolate at a mountain café, wandering through vibrant city squares, or marveling at the craftsmanship of Swiss watchmakers and chocolatiers, this journey invites us to slow down and savor it all. Switzerland by train isn’t just a way to travel — it’s the adventure of a lifetime, where every view from your window feels like a postcard come to life.

This journey through Switzerland promises to be a sensory feast, a visual spectacle, and an exploration of the heart that the memories you'll collect and the beauty you'll witness will forever remain a part of you.

Highlights of the Tour:

  • Experience Switzerland like the Swiss - On a Train!  This trip is 90% train travel with luggage door-to-door service!
  • Morris Murdock, Tour Director for the whole trip, along with local guides
  • Licensed, insured, and bonded travel agency with 65 years of experience!! It matters who you travel with!

We offer A CASH DISCOUNT of $100 per person on this tour. Please inquire for more details!

To book this tour, contact your favorite Morris Columbus Travel Advisor or the Group Tour Manager listed below:

Tour ID #9226I22

Questions? Contact:

Wendy FracchiaTour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-5285

Highlights

  • Hosted by Wendy Fracchia
  • All meals onboard the cruise
  • Licensed, insured, and bonded travel agency with 65 years of experience!! It matters who you travel with!
  • Cruise on the beautiful AMA Lucia River Ship

Itinerary

  • Days
    1
    &
    2

    Tuesday & Wednesday, September 22-23, 2026 - U.S.A. - Transatlantic Flight - Zurich, Switzerland

    Depart your home city on Monday traveling to Zurich!  Flying overnight night, you will arrive and a private car with English speaking driver will be waiting for you at the airport and bring you to downtown Zürich to the hotel. After registration, you will have free time to acclimatize, rest from travel or start exploring the administrative and most touristic Swiss city. Take a walk through the Bahnhofstrasse (Train station Street) and get marveled with the magnificent Swiss watches and luxury shops.  After a short rest we will enjoy our first true Swiss experience, the Lindt Chocolate Factory!  Tonight we will meet for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and get to know each other before we return to our hotel for the overnight

    Meals : Dinner, In-flight

  • Day
    3

    Thursday, September 24, 2026 - Zurich - Rhine Falls - Stein am Rhein

    Today we will enjoy our included breakfast at the hotel before we meet our guide who will help us experience all the outstanding things Zurich has to offer in this singular sightseeing tour. Experience the town of this unique city tour with detailed commentaries of a local. Our route leads across the famous Bahnhofstrasse (the shopping street of Zurich) and the Banking Center to the lake with a view of the snowcapped mountains, part of the old town with its magnificent guild houses and the churches St. Peter, Grossmünster, and Fraumünster. After a picture stop at Lake Zürich, we’ll pass by the Opera House and experience a ride uphill by cogwheel train to one of the great viewpoints of the city to take in breath-taking vistas of the city, the lake, and the snow-capped Alps before cruising the University quarter with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH).  We will see also the theatre and the art museum before reaching the charming Old Town and admire the town hall, Zürich's emblematic churches, and the medieval guild houses.  If all that isn’t enough, we will then enjoy an entertaining stroll while heading back along the picturesque Limmatquai.  We will have a short break for lunch and take a scenic coach journey along the route of the "Grand Tour of Switzerland" northwards.  We travel via charming farming villages and beautiful vineyards before we reach the mighty Rhine Falls – Europe’s biggest waterfall. We will enjoy spectacular views from the panoramic trail and feel the spindrift of the rumbling waters on an included boat ride taking us close to the falls. We continue to the medieval town of Stein am Rhein and learn about the well-preserved Old Town on a guided stroll. The half-timbered houses and distinctive historic buildings stun visitors with their exceptional frescoes.  After some time at leisure, we’ll drive back this evening to Zürich. There will be time to do dinner on your own tonight.  

  • Day
    4

    Friday, September 25, 2026 - Zurich - Mt Rigi - Lucerne

    This morning we travel light as our luggage is sent ahead to Bern. Boarding the train from Zurich, we journey to Arth-Goldau and ride the cogwheel railway up to Mount Rigi, known as the Queen of the Mountains. From the summit, the sweeping panoramas of Lake Lucerne and the snowcapped Alps are unforgettable.  After time to stroll the scenic trails, we descend to Vitznau and enjoy a peaceful cruise across Lake Lucerne. Upon arrival, we explore the charming lakeside city on a guided walking tour, including the opportunity to see the breathtaking "Lion Monument" before traveling by train to Bern, our home for the next two nights.  We will enjoy a night tour of Bern to see the famous Zytglogge that was built in the 13th Century.

  • Day
    5

    Saturday, September 26, 2026 - Jungfraujoch Glacier - Lauterbrunnen

    Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. During the tour you will receive free time to visit the Christmas Markets. In the afternoon, venture to alluring Baden-Baden, located at the border of Germany’s Black Forest. Learn about the area’s natural hot springs and Germany’s oldest casino, which some argue is the most beautiful casino in the world. Following your walking tour, indulge your holiday wanderlust with a stroll through Baden-Baden’s romantic Christmas Market.

  • Day
    6

    Sunday, September 27, 2026 - Bern- Zermatt - Matterhorn

    After breakfast, we’ll take the train from Bern to Zermatt. The train covers this beautiful zone in around 3 hours.  After we arrive you’ll have a little free time for lunch and then we’ll have a half-day excursion to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise!  The highest sightseeing point in Europe which is accessible only by cableway. The Matterhorn Express gondola will bring us to Furi where we change to the large cableway which takes us via the Trockener Steg to the Klein Matterhorn.  Finally, up here we take a lift to get to the highest sightseeing platform offering a panoramic view of the Alps including the 38 4,000-meter peaks (13,120+ ft) surrounding Zermatt.   At the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, we’ll visit the Glacier Palace - 15 meters under the glacier's surface. Sparkling ice crystals and glittering ice sculptures enchant visitors to the glacier palace. A lift carries guests 15 meters below the surface of the glacier to a fairy-tale palace deep under the perennial snow. An ice tunnel leads through the glacier to sites such as a glacier crevasse and an ice toboggan run. Cozy furs adorn ice benches; ice sculptures evoke the world of the ice fairy tales. Ice sculptors regularly create new artworks. After this visit, we’ll come back to Zermatt with free time for shopping and for an included typical Swiss cheese-fondue restaurant before you come back to the hotel. Overnight Zermatt.  

  • Day
    7

    Monday, September 28, 2026 - Montreux - Lake Geneva - Chillon Castle

    We travel west today to the elegant lakeside resort of Montreux on Lake Geneva. After checking into our hotel, we visit the medieval Château de Chillon, one of Switzerland’s most famous landmarks. Later, we stroll the flower-lined promenades of Montreux, soaking in the peaceful ambiance and Alpine beauty.

  • Day
    8

    Tuesday, September 29, 2026 - Gruyeres - Basel

    Our day begins aboard the nostalgic GoldenPass Belle Époque train, a first-class journey that feels like stepping back in time. We travel to Gruyères, home of Switzerland’s most beloved cheese, where we tour La Maison du Gruyère and learn the art of traditional cheesemaking. After lunch and time to explore the fairytale medieval town, we continue to Basel for our farewell dinner together — celebrating the friendships and memories forged along the rails of this unforgettable journey.

  • Day
    9

    Wednesday, September 30, 2026 - Return to USA

    Today will have a group transfer back to the airport at our set time for the flight home, with memories to last a lifetime. 

Cost Includes

  • Deluxe/air-conditioned motor coach transportation for airport transfers when arriving with group
  • All admissions as listed
  • Swiss Rail travel pass for the full tour with group seat reservations during peak travel times
  • Experienced Tour Host and City Tour Guides throughout
  • 7 nights Hotel accommodations in 4 Star deluxe-class European hotels
  • Sightseeing and admissions to all sights and tours as outlined on the itinerary
  • Breakfast daily and 2 group dinners

Cost Excludes

  • Airfare from your home city to Zurich and home from Basel, Switzerland
  • Group airfare From Salt Lake City on Delta is available on a first-come come-first first-served basis for $1189.00
  • Any private sightseeing not included in the itinerary
  • Tour gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals not included in the tour outline

About Wendy Fracchia

Wendy has loved travel from a very early age.  She recalls as young as 8 asking for travel opportunities "to go somewhere new" and that love continued straight into travel school from high school graduation.  In her 30+ years in the business, she’s had the opportunity to work and travel in many aspects of this industry.  She's worked in hotel operations, as a traditional travel agent, a corporate agent, travel course teacher, technology support, and while she's loved them all feels like she's found her passion and niche in groups and escorted tours where she has spent the last 15 years.  

While it's the world itself and new places that call her, she loves the new friends she has made while traveling just as much.  Wendy works hard to quickly establish trust and comradery with those in her travel groups and gives 100 percent to ensure everyone is comfortable and having a wonderful experience.  She truly feels that the people on our tours are what make our trips the best and why she loves what she gets to do every day.

“I feel blessed that in every aspect of travel I’ve worked so far that I've had the opportunity to help people fulfill their travel dreams!  What could be better to do every day! Travel is my addiction. I pray I will live long enough to see it ALL and then tell a great story!”

Pricing Information

Pricing:

  • Double Occupancy: $3495.00 per person 
  • Single Occupancy: $4499.00 for private room
  • Cash Discount: $100 per person

Payment Terms:

  • Deposit of $500.00 due at booking
  • Full Payment is due at booking after June 22, 2026
  • This tour is based on a minimum/max of 20 passengers and a max of 28

FAQs

Q. Are Flights Included in the Price?

Most tour and cruise packages are sold as “Land Only”. This allows you the freedom to purchase tickets on your preferred airline and from your home city. We may offer group flights depending on the tour.

Q. Can Frequent Flyer Miles be Used to Join a Tour?

Yes! Once the frequent flyer reservations have been confirmed and ticketed by the airline, please provide a copy of the itinerary to us to ensure that proper transfer arrangements are made. We regret that we cannot assist with making frequent flyer reservations.

Q. Is a Cash Discount Available?

Yes! If you want to save some money, this is the ideal option. All reservations paid for by check or cash will receive a discount. The amount varies by tour and will be listed on the web-site.

Q. Are Other Discounts Available?

Yes! If you are a Deseret Book Platinum Club member an additional discount may be available. There may be Expo discounts or other promotional discounts offered from time to time. However, only one discount per person will apply with the exception of the cash discount. Please call for details.

Q. Should I Purchase Travel Insurance?

Because unforeseen circumstances may arise, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. This insurance will cover you in case you need to cancel a tour after final payment has been made. Certain restrictions apply.

Q. Is Tipping Included in the Price?

Some tours do include gratuities for the local guides and bus drivers and others do not. Please refer to the “What is Included” section for your specific trip to find out.

Q. What if I Have a Medical Condition or Physical Disability?

Please note that many of these tours require that participants be in good physical and mental health. You must be capable, without assistance, of walking a minimum of one mile over uneven terrain and of climbing stairs that may not have handrails. Participants should have sufficient stamina to keep pace with an active group of travelers on long days of touring. Anyone with disabilities should have a travel companion who is willing and capable of assisting. Please let us know if you fall into this category.

Please view our full Mobility Policy here.

Q. Can I Bring My Children on the Tour?

In order for the enjoyment of all tour participants, we generally request that children be a minimum of 8 years old to participate on the tour. Parents should be advised that they may be the only youth on the tour. Some tours may be designed with family travel in mind and will be advertised as such. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Q. What Documentation Will be Needed?

All U.S. citizens are required to have a current passport valid for six months beyond the return date if the trip is international. In some cases a visa may also be required. For tours wholly within the United States a valid Drivers License is acceptable documentation.

Please remember that your first and last name on your ticket must match your passport or drivers license. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please call our office for assistance.

Q. When is Final Payment Due?

The final payment for an international tour is due 90 days prior to departure and for domestic tours it is due 60 days prior to departure. Full payment is required for new reservations received within the final payment period.

Q. What Happens if I Need to Cancel My Tour?

Per person cancellation fees are based on the date we receive notice from you.

For tours in the United States:

  • Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full deposit refunded.
  • Cancellations after the grace period ends to 91 days prior to departure: $125 will be refunded (50% of tour deposit)
  • Cancellations from 90 to 61 days prior to departure: no refund of deposit
  • Full payment due: 60 days prior to departure.
  • Cancellations made 59 days or less prior to departure: no refund.
  • Cancellations made on the day of departure: no refund
  • Cancellation by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours: full refund.
  • No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.

For all other tours including international tours and cruises:

  • Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full deposit refunded.
  • Cancellations after the grace period ends to 91 days prior to departure: $250 refund (50% of tour deposit)
  • Full payment due: 90 days prior to departure.
  • Cancellations made 89 days or less prior to departure: no refund
  • Cancellations made on the day of departure: no refund
  • Cancellation by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours: full refund.
  • No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.

Will I receive a refund?

The refund amount, if any, will be paid according to the cancellation schedule listed above. We highly recommend travel insurance.

Q. What Should I Pack?

Since each tour is different, please refer to the individual tour recommendations on the web-site. Generally speaking, you will want to pack comfortable walking shoes, slacks and shirts that can be easily layered should there be a change in temperature. Be sure pack an extra change of clothing, camera and prescription medicines in your carry on bag.

Q. How Much Luggage Can I Take?

Carry-on: Most airlines permit each passenger to take one carry-on bag, total dimensions (22"+ 14"+ 9") of which must not exceed 45 inches and which cannot weigh more than 22 lbs., and one additional personal carry-on item, such as a purse or briefcase/laptop case; all carry-on items must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.

Checked: Please check with your airline to confirm the current luggage limitations and any applicable fees. Most carriers charge a fee for any checked bags, with a discount if this is done ahead of time online.

Overweight: Please note that many airlines charge significant fees for overweight or oversized luggage. Be sure that all baggage and personal belongings are properly insured. Items such as medications, jewelry, or other valuables, breakable or perishable items, and important documents should be hand-carried. Responsibility will not be assumed by the airline for loss of or damage to these items.

Q. What Items Can I Carry-On?

Due to recent security issues on flights coming into the United States, the Transportation Security Administration has updated its aviation security measures. For an up-to-date list of items banned from carry-on luggage and items you can carry on, please visit: www.tsa.gov.

**Please see our complete Terms and Conditions for more information