Trip vs trip

Grand Tour of Switzerland by Train vs Vienna, Munich & Zurich by Rail

Two ways to do a similar journey. Every number below is from the operators' own published details, verified on the dates shown on each trip page.

Grand Tour of Switzerland by Train

Authentic Europe

Vienna, Munich & Zurich by Rail

Cox & Kings

Duration9 days9 days
From price$2,851$2,664
Price per day$317$296
Rail share85%44%
Pacefastrelaxed
Comfortessentialsclassic
GuidingSelf-guidedTailor-Made Journey
CountriesSwitzerlandAustria, Germany, Switzerland
Named trainsGoldenPass Express, Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Gotthard Panorama ExpressAustrian Federal Railways sleeper service, Eurostar
Nights on boardnoyes

Which one, honestly

  • For value: Vienna, Munich & Zurich by Rail costs the least per day here: $296 against $317 (Grand Tour of Switzerland by Train).
  • For time on the train: Grand Tour of Switzerland by Train spends the most of the trip on rails: 85% rail share, against 44% (Vienna, Munich & Zurich by Rail).
  • For support level: Grand Tour of Switzerland by Train is escorted; Grand Tour of Switzerland by Train runs independently, so you set the daily plan.
  • For pace: Grand Tour of Switzerland by Train runs fast; Vienna, Munich & Zurich by Rail runs relaxed.
View and book with Authentic EuropeView and book with Cox & Kings

Grand Tour of Switzerland by Train: worth knowing

  • This is a self-guided trip: there is no tour escort, and the operator's luggage transportation service only covers the trains from Interlaken through to the return to Lucerne, so travelers handle their own bags on the earlier legs.
  • Tourist taxes are not included and must be paid locally.
  • The operator notes that if a train is fully booked in the direction listed, they will book the trip in the opposite direction instead.
  • Most stops are a single night, Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz and Lugano, so this is a fast-moving circuit rather than a trip with extended stays in any one place.

Vienna, Munich & Zurich by Rail: worth knowing

  • Only 4 of the 9 days include a rail journey between cities (the overnight sleeper to Vienna, Vienna to Munich, Munich to Zurich, and the return to London); the other days are spent exploring each city at leisure.
  • Inclusions are described only as 'accommodation, itinerary and meal basis as described,' without listing which specific meals are provided.
  • Only two departure dates are listed, in April and July, priced from GBP 1,995 to GBP 2,095.