Switzerland – Alpine Train (from Thessaloniki)

After breakfast, we’ll set out on one of the most beautiful and well-rounded days of our trip. Today we’ll discover two different facets of authentic Switzerland: medieval Bern and romantic Lucerne. Our first destination is Bern, the country’s federal capital. The city is built on a striking bend in the Aare River, and its historic center is one of the best-preserved medieval ensembles in Europe. Bern doesn’t impress with skyscrapers or the hustle and bustle of a big city. Its charm lies in its atmosphere, its architecture, and the sense that its historic center has retained its character over the centuries. We’ll start in the Bear Quarter, home to the city’s timeless symbol, and enjoy the panoramic view of the old town across the Aare River. Crossing the bridge, we enter the heart of Bern.

We’ll walk beneath the distinctive covered arcades, among historic buildings and ornate fountains. We’ll arrive at the famous Zytglogge, the medieval Clock Tower, one of the city’s most important landmarks. We’ll see the imposing Cathedral, the house where Albert Einstein lived for a time, and of course the Bundeshaus, the Federal Palace, seat of the government and the Swiss Parliament. Time for a leisurely stroll, coffee, and photos. We continue on to the enchanting city of Lucerne. And here, the scenery changes completely. Before us lies Lake Lucerne, while the peaks of the Alps rise around the city, creating one of Switzerland’s most iconic landscapes. We’ll visit the famous Lion Monument, carved directly into the natural rock, one of the country’s most moving and recognizable landmarks. Next, we’ll head to the old town. We’ll stroll among historic buildings with painted facades, small squares, and picturesque alleys, and of course we’ll arrive at Lucerne’s most iconic landmark: the famous Kapellbrücke, the covered wooden Chapel Bridge, which spans the Reuss River next to the distinctive water tower. We’ll have free time to stroll along the lake, enjoy a coffee or a Swiss pastry, and take photos of the unique Alpine scenery. In the afternoon, we’ll depart for our return to Zurich. Arrival at the hotel and overnight stay.

Today is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Switzerland Panorama tour. Early in the morning, we depart from Zurich and head for Chur – Chur, the capital of the canton of Graubünden and one of the country’s most historic cities. Here we leave the bus behind, and a completely different travel experience begins. We board the Alpine train of the Rhaetian Railway (Rhätische Bahn) bound for St. Moritz. And this is where the real magic begins. The train gradually leaves Chur behind and climbs toward the heart of the Alps. Outside our windows, the scenery is constantly changing: rivers, mountain villages, snow-covered forests, breathtaking valleys, stone bridges, and deep gorges. We travel along the legendary Albula Line, a route considered a true feat of railway engineering. As we gain altitude, the landscape becomes increasingly alpine. Snow-covered slopes, traditional chalets, and mountain peaks create a continuous natural panorama. And we arrive at the legendary St. Moritz, a destination that has become synonymous with the European winter like few others. Perched high in the Engadin Valley and surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks, St. Moritz has been a benchmark for winter tourism, winter sports, and cosmopolitan life for decades. We’ll stroll through the elegant town center, past historic hotels, boutiques of international brands, traditional buildings, and luxury shops. We’ll enjoy the panoramic view of Lake St. Moritz and the snow-capped peaks of the Engadin. Free time for lunch, coffee, or hot chocolate—and, of course, for the obligatory photos. In the afternoon, we’ll board our bus and begin the return journey to Zurich. We’ll arrive in the evening and spend the night there. This isn’t just a day trip. It’s a complete experience in the Swiss Alps and one of the most memorable moments from this trip.

The last day of 2026 is initially dedicated to the city that will host our New Year’s celebration. After breakfast, we’ll begin our full exploration of Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and one of Europe’s most elegant metropolises. Zurich is not only one of the world’s most important financial and banking centers. It is a beautiful lakeside city with an exceptionally well-preserved historic center, the Limmat River, medieval alleyways, and impressive churches. We’ll start by walking along the lake, passing the elegant Opera House and the beautiful lakeside neighborhoods. Then our walking tour of the old town begins. We’ll see the imposing Grossmünster, with its distinctive twin towers, the famous Fraumünster, and St. Peter’s Church. We’ll walk through the picturesque Niederdorf district, along the Limmat River, and arrive at Lindenhof, where we’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the historic center. Our tour concludes on the famous Bahnhofstrasse and at the elegant Paradeplatz. For those who wish to enrich their trip even further, we’ll depart at noon for a special optional excursion to one of Europe’s smallest countries. Following a scenic route through the Swiss countryside and along the Rhine Valley, we cross into the Principality of Liechtenstein, the tiny Alpine country nestled between Switzerland and Austria. Our destination is Vaduz, the small but exceptionally elegant capital of the Principality. Towering over the city is the iconic Vaduz Castle, a symbol of the country and the residence of the princely family. We’ll stroll through the Städtle, the capital’s main pedestrian street, and see Peter-Kaiser-Platz, the Government Palace, the modern Parliament building, and St. Florin’s Cathedral. We’ll explore the famous Museum Mile area and have time for photos, coffee, and a short stroll on our own. The unique feeling of getting to know yet another independent European country in just a single afternoon makes the excursion to Liechtenstein an excellent addition to our Panorama tour. Early in the afternoon, we set off for our return to Zurich, so we’ll have plenty of time to rest and get ready before the big night. At night, Zurich takes on a whole new look. Thousands of people gather around the lake and in the historic center for the famous Silvesterzauber, the city’s big open-air celebration. Music, street food, bars, and various entertainment zones create a unique atmosphere around the lake. Shortly before midnight, the bells of the historic churches mark the final moments of 2026. And shortly after the New Year, the sky above the lake is lit up by a spectacular festive fireworks display.

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. And since we want to make the most of every day on this trip right up until the very last moment, we’re not heading straight to the airport. One of Switzerland’s most breathtaking natural sights still awaits us. We’re heading to the Neuhausen am Rheinfall area, near Schaffhausen. And suddenly, amid the winter landscape, the Rhine is transformed. Huge volumes of water rush powerfully over the rocks, creating a constant roar and a spectacular cloud of water vapor. The Rhine Falls are one of Switzerland’s most important natural attractions and are impressive in every season. In January, however, the scene takes on a unique character. The winter-clad trees, the waters of the Rhine, the rocks, and the historic Schloss Laufen create a scene entirely different from the cities and the Alps we’ve explored in recent days. We’ll follow the specially marked trails and head to the viewing points to enjoy this unique natural phenomenon up close. Time for photos and to capture one last, breathtaking image of Switzerland. We’ll then head to Basel and the airport. We’ll arrive with plenty of time to spare for check-in and boarding our return flight.

Notes: The order of the itinerary may vary depending on circumstances, but nothing will be omitted.