Zurich to Lucerne Familiarization Trip — A Curated Swiss Experience
7 Days


Travel Dates: November 7–13, 2026
This Switzerland Familiarization (FAM) Trip is designed to give Travel Advisors firsthand experience of the country’s most compelling destinations, seamless logistics, and high-impact touring. Beginning in Zurich and continuing to Lucerne, the journey combines cultural highlights, alpine scenery, and signature Swiss experiences.
Advisors will explore Rhine Falls, experience immersive chocolate tastings, and travel through the Swiss Alps by panoramic train. Excursions to Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus, paired with a Lake Lucerne cruise, highlight the balance of guided touring and scenic experiences that define Swiss travel.
Pricing: $1,299 per person (double occupancy) | $1,599 per person (single occupancy)
Highlights
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Old Town City Tour (Zurich)
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Lindt Home of Chocolate Experience (Zurich)
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Rhine Falls Excursion (Zurich)
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First-Class Train: Zurich to Lucerne
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City Tour (Lucerne)
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Max Chocolatier Visit & Tasting (Lucerne)
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Lake Lucerne Lunch Cruise (Lucerne)
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Mount Rigi Experience (From Lucerne)
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Panoramic Train: Lucerne – Interlaken – Lucerne
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Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
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Mount Pilatus Excursion (with Lunch) (From Lucerne)
Itinerary Details
2 Nights
Zurich
Included activities
Day 1: Saturday, November 7, 2026 — Arrival in Zurich
Upon arrival in Zurich, Travel Advisors are welcomed to Switzerland’s largest city, where historic charm meets contemporary sophistication. The day begins with a guided Old Town city tour, offering an introduction to Zurich’s storied past, picturesque streets, and key cultural landmarks. From medieval alleys to lakeside views, this immersive experience sets the tone for the journey ahead. In the evening, Travel Advisors gather for a hosted welcome dinner—an opportunity to connect with fellow advisors and the Europe Express team while enjoying local cuisine in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Overnight: Sorell Hotel Seefeld — Standard Room with Hot Buffet Breakfast
Sorell Hotel Seefeld (4-Star)
Located in Zurich’s stylish Seefeld district, just a short walk from Lake Zurich, this contemporary 4-star hotel offers a comfortable and well-connected base for exploring the city. Guests are within easy reach of the historic Old Town, boutique shopping, and scenic lakeside promenades, while nearby tram links provide seamless access across Zurich. The hotel features modern, thoughtfully designed rooms with warm finishes and practical amenities, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere after a day of sightseeing. Each morning, a generous hot buffet breakfast is served, offering a variety of fresh, locally sourced options to start the day. Blending convenience, comfort, and a desirable neighborhood setting, Sorell Hotel Seefeld is an ideal choice for travelers seeking an authentic yet easy Zurich experience.
Old Town City Tour
Discover the historic heart of Zurich on a guided tour through its charming Old Town (Altstadt), where centuries of history unfold along cobblestone streets and picturesque squares. Travel Advisors will explore key landmarks including the iconic Grossmünster, with its striking twin towers, and the elegant Fraumünster, renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall. Strolling past medieval guild houses and along the scenic Limmat River, the tour offers insight into Zurich’s evolution from a Roman settlement to a global financial and cultural hub. The experience also includes time along Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping avenues, blending historic surroundings with modern sophistication. This immersive introduction provides both cultural context and a sense of place, setting the stage for the journey ahead.
Day 2: Sunday, November 8, 2026 — Zurich's Chocolate & Natural Wonders
Day two invites Travel Advisors to experience two of Switzerland’s most iconic highlights, blending indulgence with breathtaking scenery. The day begins at the Lindt Home of Chocolate, where advisors will enjoy an immersive journey through the world of Swiss chocolate—from its origins to modern production—complete with tastings and interactive exhibits. Following the visit, a hosted lunch (location to be confirmed) provides time to relax and connect before continuing to the awe-inspiring Rhine Falls. Europe’s largest waterfall delivers a powerful display of natural beauty, where cascading waters and panoramic viewpoints create an unforgettable experience. The day concludes back in Zurich with a hosted dinner, offering another opportunity for Travel Advisors to gather, reflect on the day’s highlights, and connect with the Europe Express team. Overnight: Sorell Hotel Seefeld — Standard Room with Hot Buffet Breakfast
Lindt Home of Chocolate Experience
This immersive experience introduces Travel Advisors to the history and craftsmanship behind Swiss chocolate. Interactive exhibits trace the journey from cocoa bean to finished product, while tastings highlight the quality and innovation that define Switzerland’s global reputation. Included meals provide a well-rounded introduction to Swiss culinary culture.
Rhine Falls Excursion
A scenic journey leads to Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall. Elevated viewpoints and walking paths provide close access to the cascading waters, offering both panoramic perspectives and immersive proximity. The experience highlights a high-impact natural attraction that is easily accessible for a wide range of travelers.
4 Nights
Lucerne
Included activities
Day 3: Monday, November 9, 2026 — Zurich to Lucerne
The day begins with a first-class rail journey from Zurich to Lucerne, offering a comfortable and scenic transition through the Swiss countryside. Upon arrival, Travel Advisors are introduced to this charming lakeside city on a guided Lucerne city tour, featuring its well-preserved medieval architecture, iconic landmarks, and picturesque setting. The experience continues with a relaxing cruise on Lake Lucerne, where stunning alpine views set the stage for a hosted lunch enjoyed along the water. In the afternoon, Travel Advisors will participate in a hands-on chocolate experience, offering a deeper appreciation for Switzerland’s world-renowned confectionery traditions. Dinner is included this evening, providing time to unwind and reflect on the day’s highlights. Luggage is transferred separately to ensure a seamless and comfortable arrival in Lucerne. Overnight: Hotel Wilden Mann — Standard Room with Buffet Breakfast
Hotel Wilden Mann (4-Star)
Set in the heart of Lucerne’s historic Old Town, this charming 4-star hotel is housed within a collection of beautifully preserved heritage buildings dating back to the 13th century. Just steps from the Reuss River and iconic sights like the Kapellbrücke, the hotel offers an authentic and atmospheric stay in one of Switzerland’s most picturesque cities. Each room is individually styled with antique furnishings and traditional details, creating a warm, character-rich ambiance that reflects the property’s storied past. Guests can enjoy on-site dining featuring regional Swiss cuisine, along with a welcoming setting that blends historic charm with modern comfort. With its central location, unique personality, and timeless appeal, Hotel Wilden Mann provides a memorable stay that immerses travelers in the culture and history of Lucerne.
First-Class Train: Zurich to Lucerne
A first-class rail journey demonstrates Switzerland’s efficient and comfortable intercity travel, offering insight into seamless multi-destination routing.
City Tour (Lucerne)
A guided exploration of Lucerne introduces key landmarks and provides context on the city’s history and daily life. This experience supports stronger destination positioning and itinerary planning.
Lake Lucerne Lunch Cruise
A scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne pairs regional cuisine with sweeping alpine views. A multi-course lunch featuring seasonal ingredients is served against a backdrop of mountains and lakes, showcasing the appeal of combining dining with landscape.
Max Chocolatier Visit & Tasting
This boutique experience offers insight into artisanal chocolate production. Guided by experts, Travel Advisors sample a curated selection of handcrafted chocolates while learning about ingredients, techniques, and seasonal flavor profiles that define premium Swiss confectionery.
Day 4: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 — Mount Rigi
Today is dedicated to a classic Swiss alpine experience, combining mountain exploration with scenic lake travel. The pace allows for full immersion in the landscape while showcasing how multiple modes of transport come together seamlessly within a single excursion. Overnight: Hotel TBD, Lucerne — Standard Room with Buffet Breakfast
Mount Rigi Experience (with Lunch & Cruise)
Known as the “Queen of the Mountains,” Mount Rigi offers sweeping panoramic views across lakes and alpine landscapes. The journey combines multiple modes of transport, showcasing Switzerland’s connectivity and accessibility. The experience concludes with a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne, providing a relaxing contrast to the mountain ascent.
Day 5: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 — Panoramic Rail Journey & Alpine Experience
Today showcases Switzerland’s world-renowned rail system alongside one of its most iconic alpine highlights. Travel Advisors will embark on a scenic panoramic rail journey from Lucerne to Interlaken and return, where expansive windows frame ever-changing views of alpine landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and charming mountain villages. The experience continues with an excursion to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, offering a memorable journey into Switzerland’s high-alpine environment. A hosted lunch is included, allowing Travel Advisors to take in the dramatic surroundings while enjoying this unique setting. This thoughtfully designed day reinforces rail as both a seamless mode of transportation and an essential part of the Swiss travel experience. The journey concludes back in Lucerne, where the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore independently. Overnight: Hotel Wilden Mann — Standard Room with Buffet Breakfast
Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
Travel Advisors will experience one of Switzerland’s most iconic alpine excursions with a journey to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. This high-altitude experience highlights the seamless integration of Switzerland’s rail network with its most sought-after mountain destinations, demonstrating how transportation becomes a core part of the overall guest experience. Throughout the journey, Travel Advisors will observe how scenic rail travel enhances itinerary design, offering guests continuous views of alpine landscapes before arriving in a dramatic high-mountain setting. Time at the summit allows for exploration of the surrounding environment, with opportunities to take in panoramic views and experience the scale and beauty of the Swiss Alps firsthand. A hosted lunch is included, providing additional time to experience the destination while evaluating the overall flow and pacing of this featured excursion. This experience reinforces the value of incorporating Switzerland’s premier mountain journeys into client itineraries, combining operational ease with high-impact, memorable moments.
Panoramic Train: Lucerne – Interlaken – Lucerne
This scenic rail journey showcases Switzerland’s most dramatic landscapes, with panoramic windows framing views of alpine passes, lakes, and traditional villages. The experience highlights how rail travel functions as both transportation and a core part of the itinerary.
Day 6: Thursday, November 12, 2026 — Mount Pilatus & Farewell Dinner
The final full day combines a high-impact alpine excursion with a celebratory closing experience with a farewell dinner. The itinerary balances adventure and reflection, ending the journey with a strong sense of place and shared experience. Overnight: Hotel TBD, Lucerne — Standard Room with Buffet Breakfast
Mount Pilatus Excursion (with Lunch)
This multi-modal mountain journey pairs a scenic rail departure from Lucerne with a breathtaking ascent on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Guests will enjoy an immersive day at the summit exploring the Dragon Trail and panoramic viewpoints before a seasonal lunch at Restaurant Pilatus-Kulm.
Day 7: Friday, November 13, 2026 — Departure
Travel Advisors depart Lucerne for onward travel and/or for return home.
Inclusions
Includes
- All rates quoted are in US Dollars
- All rates are NET, non-commissionable
- Accommodations including breakfast as listed, subject to availability at time of deposit
- All services as listed in your itinerary
- Luggage allowance on ground transportation is based on one standard sized suitcase and one small carry-on per person
- Skip-the-line entry where available; security lines may still apply
- Applicable taxes & fees in force at time of confirmation
Not Included
- Airfare or cruise fare
- Meals unless listed in the itinerary
- Porterage unless listed
- City taxes are not included and might be requested by accomodations during check-in
- Tips for drivers, guides, and services
- Optional tours and supplements
- Visa, passport, and entry/exit fees
- Travel Protection (highly recommended)