3 Train Trips from Zurich: Alps, Appenzell & Ticino – Local Guide

Overview

Discover Switzerland’s variety in just three days, traveling entirely by public transport—like the locals—making the journey part of the adventure. On day 1, head east to St. Gallen and Appenzell, exploring the UNESCO-listed Abbey Library, tasting cheese, and riding a scenic cogwheel railway. Day 2 takes you into central Switzerland, where you ride historic funiculars and modern cable cars to three peaks, before relaxing on a Lake Lucerne cruise. On day 3, cross the Alps into southern Ticino, where Italian flair meets Swiss charm. Stroll through picturesque villages, see palm-lined lakeshores, and enjoy the Mediterranean vibe in Ascona and Bellinzona. Each day returns you to Zurich, so you travel light while experiencing three distinct regions—cultural treasures, alpine adventures, and southern sunshine. Guided by a geographer with a master’s degree and 15 years of teaching experience, you will also gain insights into how Switzerland’s landscapes were formed and its culture shaped.