Winter in Switzerland Itinerary – 8 Days

Snowy Thrills & Alpine Charm With Your Private Driver & Guide

Switzerland in winter is a playground of glistening peaks, charming alpine towns, and thrilling snowy adventures — and this private driver-guided itinerary brings you right into the heart of it all.

Over eight unforgettable days, you’ll experience the country’s most iconic landscapes and winter activities. From snowshoeing on Mount Rigi and tubing on the Titlis glacier, to husky sledding, igloo lunches, and champagne moments on Europe’s highest peaks.

Destinations on Your 8-Day Winter Swiss Adventure

Gornergrat Train Station with tourists viewing the Matterhorn
Gornergrat Train Station, Zermatt, Switzerland

Lucerne & Mount Rigi: Historic charm, snowy trails, and lakeside spas

Engelberg & Mount Titlis: Glacier tubing, cliff walks, and high-altitude fun

Zermatt & Matterhorn: Gornergrat railway, glacier vistas, and husky sledding

Glacier Express: The world’s most scenic winter train in unmatched luxury

St. Moritz & Upper Engadin: Sleigh rides through snowy forests and daring peaks at Diavolezza

Zurich: A graceful return to the city, by road or helicopter, with memories to match the season

Day 1 – Arrival in Zurich & Lakeside Charm in Lucerne

The Chapel Bridge, Lucerne, Switzerland
The Chapel Bridge, Lucerne, Switzerland

Your winter adventure begins as your private driver-guide greets you at Zurich Airport or your hotel in the city.

Private Transfer to Lucerne – A Scenic Winter Welcome

Settle into your comfortable, heated vehicle as you’re whisked away toward Lucerne, the lake shimmering in the winter light as charming villages and snow-covered hills roll by outside your window. 

Along the way, you’ll glimpse icy meadows and the jagged outlines of distant peaks, already hinting at the alpine playgrounds that await.

Walking Tour of Lucerne’s Old Town – A Festive Stroll

On arrival, check in at your charming lakeside hotel before joining your guide for a private walking tour of Lucerne’s old town. 

Under twinkling lights, wander through cobblestone streets lined with medieval buildings adorned with colorful frescoes and festive decorations. As you cross the iconic Chapel Bridge, dusted in snow, and hear the faint sound of carolers or market bells, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a winter fairy tale.

As you wander through the picturesque streets of Lucerne, your guide shares captivating stories of the city’s rich history and lively traditions. Discover charming courtyards, vibrant squares, and inviting cafés, where you can enjoy warm, roasted chestnuts from a street vendor and soak in the enchanting atmosphere. This delightful evening sets the stage for the winter adventures ahead.

Day 2 – Mount Rigi: Snowshoeing & Spa 

After a hearty breakfast, your guide will take you to the base station of the Mount Rigi cogwheel railway, the oldest of its kind in Europe. Get ready for breathtaking views and the thrill of snowshoeing through pristine landscapes, followed by a relaxing visit to a luxurious spa to unwind and rejuvenate.

Cogwheel Train to Mount Rigi 

As the bright red train climbs higher into the mountains, watch as the city gives way to peaceful villages, thick forests, and snow-covered meadows sparkling in the morning sun. 

Your guide points out landmarks and explains the history of this legendary mountain, known as the “Queen of the Mountains.” 

At the summit, step out into a true winter playground — fresh powder crunches underfoot, and the crisp alpine air fills your lungs as you take in 360-degree views stretching to Germany’s Black Forest and the distant French Alps.

Snowshoeing on the Trails

Once at the top, strap on a pair of snowshoes and set out along a gently rolling trail, following your guide through serene forests and wide-open ridges. 

Each step reveals a new perspective — distant villages nestled in valleys, steam rising from hidden hot springs below, and peaks stretching to the horizon. Your guide keeps the pace light, allowing time for laughter, snowball fights, or even making a snow angel in the untouched drifts.

The experience is at once invigorating and peaceful, letting you connect with the quiet majesty of the winter landscape while working up just enough of a rosy glow to make the next stop even sweeter. 

Spa Experience – Steam & Soak with a View

After your hike, descend back to the lakeside for a well-earned spa experience. 

Slip into an outdoor thermal pool, where warm steam rises around you and the chill of the air heightens every sensation.

Let the jets massage tired legs, move from sauna to whirlpool, or float and gaze up at the winter sky. This is alpine relaxation at its finest — a chance to unwind from the day’s efforts while sharing quiet conversations and smiles, fully immersed in the magic of the season.

Day 3 – Engelberg & Mount Titlis: Glacier Adventures

Titlis cliff walk, Engelberg, Switzerland
Titlis cliff walk, Engelberg, Switzerland

Today you’re off to the lively winter resort of Engelberg, where your guide helps you board the rotating cable car to the summit of Mount Titlis.

Cable Car to Mount Titlis – Above the Clouds

The floor slowly spins as you ascend, offering spectacular 360-degree views of frosted forests, distant lakes, and craggy glaciers glinting in the sunlight.

Stepping out at the summit station feels like stepping into another world — an exhilarating landscape of gleaming white where fun and adventure await. 

The excitement is infectious as you watch other visitors zooming down tubing runs, taking selfies on the suspension bridge, and simply playing in the snow.

Snow Tubing & Glacier Fun

Your guide leads you directly to the snow park, where tubes are waiting. With a laugh, you settle into the wide inflatable ring and push off, spinning and sliding down a smooth chute of packed snow, the wind in your hair and the laughter of others filling the crisp air. 

Run back up for another go — it’s impossible to resist just one more ride.

There’s also time to explore other fun glacier activities, such as walking through an icy tunnel beneath the glacier, peering into blue-tinged crevasses, or building a snowman against the backdrop of towering peaks. 

Cliff Walk Suspension Bridge 

Before descending, follow your guide to the famous Cliff Walk, Europe’s highest suspension bridge.

Taking a deep breath, you step onto the narrow walkway, with the snowy valley floor far below, creating a dizzying drop. Each footstep crunches on the frosty planks, and the wind whips through as you gaze out at the jagged peaks and sparkling icefields.

This thrilling experience is the perfect way to conclude your glacier adventure—a blend of daring and the unforgettable.

Afterward, you return to the warmth of the cable car and descend to Engelberg, where your driver is waiting to take you back to Lucerne for another cozy evening — full of stories, photos, and memories of your first taste of Switzerland’s winter magic.

Day 4 – Scenic Drive to Zermatt via the Furka Region

Family eating a meal of Fondue in Switzerland with the Matterhorn mountain behind them
Zermatt, Matterhorn, Fondue, Switzerland

Rise in your luxurious hotel in the Alps as day 4 promises more Mountain passes, snowy vistas, and cozy alpine charm.

Private Scenic Drive – Through the Heart of Winter Alps

This morning, your private driver-guide collects you from your Lucerne hotel for a spectacular journey deep into the Valais. Along the way, your guide points out historic landmarks and shares tales of daring winter crossings and legends of these ancient mountains.

Your route takes you through the Furka region, where the iconic mountain pass cuts dramatically across the high ridges, offering endless opportunities to pause and snap photos of sharp peaks and deep valleys. Your guide ensures there’s time to stop for a warm drink in a rustic inn or take a short snowy walk to stretch your legs before continuing toward Zermatt.

Arrival in Zermatt

By late afternoon, you reach the charming car-free resort of Zermatt, where traditional chalets line the narrow streets and the faint scent of woodsmoke lingers in the crisp air. 

After check-in, the evening is yours to settle in and savor the unique atmosphere of this winter wonderland. 

You might step outside to watch the last light touch the peaks, the faint outline of the Matterhorn appearing just beyond the rooftops. In the evening, enjoy a hearty Swiss dinner in a cozy mountain restaurant or linger by the fire with a glass of Valais wine, looking forward to tomorrow’s alpine adventure.

Day 5 – Full Zermatt Day: Gornergrat & Glacier Views

The train of Gonergratbahn running to the Gornergrat station and Stellarium Observatory - famous touristic place with clear view to Matterhorn. Glacier Express train.

Our Winter itinerary continues as day 5 brings Iconic peaks, icy panoramas, and more unforgettable experiences.

Gornergrat Railway – Journey to the Matterhorn

This morning, join your guide at the station for the historic Gornergrat railway. This cogwheel train climbs steadily above Zermatt to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Alps. 

At the summit, step out into a world of snow and ice, where the air is crisp and the panorama stretches across glaciers, peaks, and the unmistakable pyramid of the Matterhorn standing proud. Wander with your guide along the viewing platforms, take photos that will last a lifetime, and let the exhilaration of standing among the giants of the Alps sink in.

Afternoon in Zermatt

After descending back to Zermatt in the afternoon, the time is yours to explore the town at your own pace. Wander through its boutiques and chocolate shops, or settle into a café for a hot drink and people-watching as the lights begin to twinkle in the early dusk.

If you prefer, your guide can suggest a short, scenic walk outside town to take in even more mountain views before evening falls. Tonight, indulge in a fondue feast or enjoy a quiet nightcap in your hotel, letting the memories of the day’s high-altitude adventure carry you into a restful sleep.

Day 6 – Glacier Express to St. Moritz

Skiing on the mountain with sun in St Moritz
St. Moritz, Ski Trip, Switzerland

The ultimate winter train journey — in unmatched style.

Glacier Express Excellence Class – A Winter Icon in Motion

This morning, you bid farewell to Zermatt and board the world-famous Glacier Express for your journey to St. Moritz. 

Expansive panoramic windows ensure you won’t miss a moment of the dramatic winter scenery as the train begins its elegant glide across bridges, through tunnels, and into the heart of the snowy Alps.

Arrival in St. Moritz – Chic & Snowy Elegance

By late afternoon, the Glacier Express rolls into St. Moritz, the birthplace of winter tourism and a glamorous yet understated alpine resort. 

Your private driver meets you at the station for a quick transfer to your elegant hotel, where you can settle in and admire the snowy Engadin Valley stretching beyond your window.

Tonight, stroll through the chic streets of St. Moritz with their designer boutiques and twinkling lights, or relax in your hotel, savoring a quiet dinner as you prepare for the next chapter of your winter adventure — full of unique experiences and Engadin charm still to come.

Day 7 – Upper Engadin: Sleigh Rides & Glacial Heights

Pontresina, Switzerland - Cable car advancing towards Diavolezza in Diavolezza skiing resort close the popular St. Moritz in Swiss Alps during peak winter

Snow-dusted forests and high-alpine thrills are on the agenda on your penultimate day of our winter in Switzerland itinerary.

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride – Through a Snowy Fairytale

This morning, your guide takes you into one of the Engadin’s serene valleys, where a pair of strong mountain horses awaits, harnessed to a charming open sleigh. 

Wrapped in warm blankets, you settle in as the horses set off at a gentle trot, their bells jingling softly as they carry you through snow-laden pines and across broad white meadows.

You can stop midway to sip hot chocolate and snap photos in this dreamlike winter setting, before returning to your hotel to warm up before the afternoon’s high-altitude adventure.

Diavolezza Cable Car – Touch the Glaciers

In the afternoon, you’ll head higher still, boarding the Diavolezza cable car, which whisks you up to a staggering 3,000 meters above sea level. 

At the top, step out into a true alpine wilderness — an exhilarating sea of white beneath a deep blue sky. 

Take a short walk to a viewpoint, where you can see the Bernina Range in all its glory, and perhaps even watch hardy mountaineers set off across the snowfields below. The air is thin and invigorating, the views unforgettable, and the feeling of standing amid this frozen grandeur will stay with you long after you descend.

Day 8 – Return to Zurich: A Grand Farewell

Skyline of Zurich in Switzerland
Zurich, Switzerland

After a final leisurely breakfast in St. Moritz, your driver-guide is ready to escort you back to Zurich.

Private Transfer – Scenic Road Back to the City

The journey winds through the snow-clad valleys and over Alpine passes one last time, offering a few more chances to savor Switzerland’s winter beauty before you return to the city. 

Your guide can tailor the pace to your mood — stopping for a farewell coffee at a scenic village inn or pulling over for a final snapshot of the mountains that have framed your adventure.

As the scenery gradually shifts from high Alpine to rolling hills, you’ll find yourself reflecting on all the highlights: the laughter on snow tubing runs, the thrill of cliff walks and cable cars, the stillness of sleigh rides through silent forests.

Optional Helicopter Upgrade – A Sky-High Sendoff

For an unforgettable finale, you can choose to return to Zurich by private helicopter. 

After a short transfer to a nearby helipad, you lift off into the crisp alpine air, the peaks and valleys unfolding beneath you in a sweeping panorama of snow and light. From above, the scale and majesty of Switzerland’s winter landscape becomes even more breathtaking, and the sense of adventure lingers as you glide smoothly back toward the city.

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