Planning Your First Luxury Trip to Switzerland
Focus your itinerary on two bases—typically Lucerne and Zermatt—to avoid constant hotel switching. Use the Swiss Travel Pass First Class to handle all rail, boat, and bus transit seamlessly while enjoying dedicated quiet zones and extra legroom.
- Book the Glacier Express Excellence Class. This sells out 3-6 months in advance. Book your seat specifically in the 'Excellence Class' carriage for a guaranteed window seat, personal concierge, and a five-course meal with wine pairing.
- Secure your Swiss Travel Pass. Purchase the 8-day First Class pass. It covers all mountain excursions (like Rigi or Stanserhorn) and provides a 50% discount on most high-altitude cable cars like the Jungfraujoch.
- Prioritize private transfers for luggage. If you don't want to carry bags, use the SBB luggage transfer service. Drop your bags at your hotel reception by 9:00 AM, and they will be waiting at your next hotel by 6:00 PM.
- Curate your dining reservations. Michelin-starred restaurants in places like Zurich and St. Moritz require bookings 4 weeks out. Email the hotel concierge as soon as your flights are confirmed to secure these.
- Do I need to tip for luxury service?
- Service is included in the bill in Switzerland. However, for exceptional service at a high-end restaurant or a private guide, rounding up or adding 5-10% is appreciated but not mandatory.
- Is First Class on the trains worth the extra cost?
- Yes. It is significantly quieter, offers more space for luggage, and provides power outlets at every seat, which is essential for remote work or relaxing travel.