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Air Canada Vacations

Highlights of Central Switzerland

Overview

The diverse region of Central Switzerland is commonly entered through the gateway of Lucerne. Enjoy day trips to Mount Rigi, Andermatt, Mount Pilatus and more stunning mountain landscapes for great opportunities and outdoor adventures.

The train tickets and hotel stays are included in the package, along with some meals and many other travel essentials that will help make this trip easy and unforgettable.

This itinerary includes Out & About suggestions for activities that are not included in your package, but they are great tips for places to visit and things to do.

Format

Self-guided tour

Locations

  • Zurich
  • Lucerne

Inclusions

  • Round-trip flight to Zurich (if Flight & Hotel package option is chosen)
  • 7 nights of accommodation
  • 7 breakfasts 
  • Transfer by rail from airport to Lucerne in second class category
  • 10-day Tell Pass in second class
  • Lucerne Guest Card
  • Earn and redeem Aeroplan® points

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Canada

Fly to Zurich.

Day 2

Welcome to Zurich

Upon arrival, transfer to Lucerne by rail, check in to your hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day exploring the city at your leisure.

Day 3

Lucerne – Mount Pilatus: Sightseeing

After breakfast, head out for your day trip to Mount Pilatus.

($) Optional Activities

  • Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip

    Experience the Golden round-trip from Lucerne, featuring a scenic boat ride on Lake Lucerne, a thrilling ascent onto the world's steepest cogwheel railway to the summit (2,132 meters), and Pilatus’ hospitality in summit restaurants. Descend with the "Dragon Ride" aerial cableway and panoramic gondolas to Kriens, then return to Lucerne on bus no. 1. The route is also available in the opposite direction from Kriens or Alpnachstad.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 4

Lucerne – Mount Rigi: Sightseeing

Begin your picturesque journey from Lucerne to Mount Rigi.

($) Optional Activities

  • Day Trip to Mount Rigi

    Choose between a train or boat to Vitznau or Weggis, and ascend to Mount Rigi’s summit using a cogwheel railway or cable car. Spend the midday exploring the area, and in the afternoon, continue to savor the mountaintop experience with hiking trails, stunning attractions, and unique ways to relax. As the day comes to a close, descend and return to Lucerne.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 5

Lucerne - Andermatt: Sightseeing

After breakfast, board the scenic boat journey from Lucerne to Flüelen. Upon arrival, board the picturesque train ride to Andermatt. 

($) Optional Activities

  • Day Trip to Andermatt

    Spend the day exploring this charming village before taking a train back to Lucerne.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 6

Lucerne – Mount Titlis: Sightseeing

After breakfast, spend your day at the iconic Mount Titlis.

($) Optional Activities

  • Mount Titlis

    Whether by train or a combination of trains and cable cars, revel in the stunning alpine scenery on your way to the top of Mount Titlis. At the summit, savor panoramic views of the Swiss Alps, explore the observation deck, and take a stroll on the suspension bridge for an exhilarating experience. After enjoying leisure time at the top, descend from Mount Titlis and return to Lucerne as the day progresses.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 7

Lucerne – Stoos & Fronalpstock: Sightseeing

Venture on a day of alpine exploration.

($) Optional Activities

  • Day Trip to Stoos & Fronalpstock

    Visit Stoos, a charming car-free village nestled in the mountains. Take the world's steepest funicular railway for a scenic journey to Stoos, where you’ll enjoy the tranquility of this picturesque location. Extend your adventure to Fronalpstock by cable car from Stoos, ascending to the summit for breathtaking views of surrounding peaks and valleys. From there, enjoy leisure time at the top, savoring the serenity and capturing memorable moments against the stunning backdrop. As the day unfolds, descend from Fronalpstock and Stoos, making your way back to Lucerne.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 8

Lucerne – Stanserhorn: Sightseeing

Head out for an enchanting day trip to Stanserhorn.

($) Optional Activities

  • Stanserhorn

    Explore a majestic mountain that provides stunning panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. Commence your journey with a scenic train ride to Stans, where you'll board a vintage funicular and then an open-air cable car, where you’ll enjoy the gradual ascent through lush landscapes. Upon reaching the summit of Stanserhorn, take a moment to soak in the breathtaking vistas that stretch across the alpine peaks and picturesque valleys. Enjoy leisure time at the top, explore the observation deck of the revolving restaurant, and relish in the mountain air. As the day progresses, descend from Stanserhorn and return to Lucerne.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 9

Lucerne - Zurich - Return to Canada

After breakfast, board your train back to Zurich. From there, head to the airport and board your flight home to Canada.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Accomodations

Where you'll stay

The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Hotel accommodation details will be communicated to you or your travel agent prior to departure.

Location

Hotel

Lucerne
Hotel De la Paix (or similar)
3

Room details

Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 people
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.

Lucerne
Hotel Hermitage (or similar)
4

Room details

Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 people
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.

Important Information

  • Daily departures from:

    • April 1 to October 31, 2024
    • April 1 to October 31, 2025
  • Not included:

    • Entrance fees
    • Seat selection onboard trains
    • Optional activities ($) and excursions
    • Meals (unless specified)
    • Local city taxes
    • Personal expenses and insurance
    • Tell Pass offers 20% to 50% discount to various attractions, museums, and historical sites.

    Out & About - suggested itinerary 

    This itinerary includes Out & About suggestions for activities that are not included in your package, but they are great tips for places to visit and things to do.

  • Lucerne Guest Card offers free travel on public transport in the city of Lucerne.

    Tell Pass in second class category offers:

    • Unlimited travel on trains, buses, boats and the included aerial cableways throughout the Lake Lucerne Region
    • Unlimited travel to major mountain peaks: Rigi, Titlis, Brienzer Rothorn, Stanserhorn, Stoos and more
    • Unlimited travel on Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug & Lake Ägeri
  • The itinerary above is subject to change without prior notice. The order in which destinations are visited or day excursions occur may change due to operational restrictions.