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Tailor Made Rail · Tailor-made independent rail holiday

Across the Spine of the Alps

13-day independent rail journey from Zermatt through Alps to Stuttgart

Illustration of Across the Spine of the Alps

Tailor Made Rail's 13-day independent rail holiday follows the spine of the Alps from Zermatt, Switzerland, through Austria and Slovenia to Stuttgart, Germany. The journey spans four countries and relies almost entirely on scenic trains, including the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur with panorama windows and seat-served meals, plus the Bernina Express (a return day trip to Tirano in Italy), the RailJet over the Arlberg Pass, and regional services across Alpine terrain. You stay in handpicked 3 and 4-star hotels for 12 nights, with free days in Zermatt to explore the Matterhorn's slopes via the Gornergrat Mountain Railway, in Chur's medieval Old Town, in Innsbruck's centre with an optional excursion to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and two full days at Lake Bled to visit its 17th-century island church and hike in Triglav National Park. The return journey features travel along the Rhine Gorge past the Loreley Rock, ending at Eurostar's Brussels terminal for the final leg to London St Pancras. This suits experienced rail travellers and independent explorers who prefer to pace their own sightseeing.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 1 involves rail travel from London through Paris to Switzerland; optional overnight stops in Paris or flights to Geneva, Zurich, or Basel are available but booked separately from the main package.
  • The itinerary highlights an overnight stop in Heidelberg on the return journey, but this is not listed in the hotel accommodation; confirm return routing details with Tailor Made Rail before booking.
  • Single supplements apply for sole occupancy; pricing is quoted for two people sharing a room.
  • Supplements may apply during peak periods, particularly at short notice.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zermatt

    London to Zermatt

    Depart London St Pancras for Paris, transfer to Gare de Lyon for a connecting service to Basel, then onto the Swiss network south to Zermatt. Optional overnight stop in Paris or flights to Geneva/Zurich/Basel can be arranged.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    Free day in the resort town at the foot of the Matterhorn, with lifts for hikers and skiers and the Gornergrat Mountain Railway for panoramic views.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Chur

    Glacier Express to Chur

    Ride the Glacier Express, the world's slowest express train, with panorama windows, seat-served local cuisine and audio commentary, to Chur.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Chur

    Chur and the Bernina Express

    Explore Chur's medieval Old Town, one of Switzerland's oldest settlements, or take the Bernina Express return trip to Tirano in Italy.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Chur

    Chur and the Bernina Express

    Second day in Chur; the Bernina Express day trip to Tirano can be taken on either of the two days.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Innsbruck

    Chur to Innsbruck

    Change at Sargans onto an Austrian RailJet train through Liechtenstein and over the Arlberg Pass to Innsbruck.

  7. Day 7overnight: Innsbruck

    Innsbruck

    Full day exploring the old town centre and surrounding hills; optional day trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Lake Bled

    Innsbruck to Lake Bled

    Scenic journey east through Tyrolean villages, connecting at Schwarzach-St Veit onto an Intercity train from Salzburg and Munich through the Karawanken Tunnel into Slovenia, arriving at Lesce Bled.

  9. Day 9overnight: Lake Bled

    Lake Bled

    Explore Lake Bled, its 17th-century island church, and hikes in the nearby Triglav National Park.

  10. Day 10overnight: Lake Bled

    Lake Bled

    Second free day at Lake Bled, with local specialities such as Kremšnita custard cake.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Graz

    Lake Bled to Graz

    Regional train to Ljubljana, then a direct service along the Sava River and across the Austrian border to Graz.

  12. Day 12railovernight: Stuttgart

    Graz to Stuttgart

    Free morning in Graz before a direct train through dramatic Alpine scenery, across the German border to Stuttgart.

  13. Day 13rail

    Stuttgart to London

    Scenic train along the Rhine Gorge past the Loreley Rock, platform change at Cologne, Eurostar terminal at Brussels, then onward to London St Pancras.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Ride the Glacier Express, the world's slowest express train, with panorama windows and seat-served local cuisine from Zermatt to Chur.
  • Day 4Optional day trip on the Bernina Express to Tirano in Italy, descending through Alpine switchbacks and viaducts.
  • Day 6Journey on the RailJet through Liechtenstein and over the Arlberg Pass into Austria.
  • Day 9Explore Lake Bled's 17th-century island church and nearby hikes in Triglav National Park.
  • Day 13Return journey along the Rhine Gorge past the Loreley Rock, platform change at Cologne, and Eurostar from Brussels to London St Pancras.

Included

  • Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
  • 12 nights' handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Comprehensive directions to your hotels
  • Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
  • All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents

Questions travellers ask

What trains are included on this holiday?
Standard Class rail travel includes the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur, the Bernina Express (day trip to Tirano from Chur), the RailJet to Innsbruck via the Arlberg Pass, an Intercity train from Innsbruck to Lake Bled via Salzburg and Munich, and Eurostar on the return to London. Seat reservations are included.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
Tailor Made Rail describes this as an independent rail holiday. You receive comprehensive directions to your hotels, pre-arranged rail tickets, and hotel vouchers, but travel independently rather than with a guide.
What is included in the price?
The price includes Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations, 12 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast, comprehensive directions, ticket and voucher wallets, and delivery of all travel documents.
What hotels are used on this trip?
Hotels include the Hotel Garni Testa Grigia in Zermatt, Ambiente Hotel Freieck in Chur, Hotel Innsbruck, Hotel Lovec in Lake Bled, Grand Hotel Wiesler in Graz, and the 4-star Arcotel Camino in Stuttgart. Tailor Made Rail offers optional upgrades to Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, Grand Hotel Toplice, and others.
How much walking and physical activity are involved?
Days include exploring old town centres and surrounding hills on foot. The Lake Bled portion offers optional hikes in nearby Triglav National Park. Cable cars and mountain railways are available for scenic viewing without strenuous hiking.
Can I upgrade to First Class?
Yes, Tailor Made Rail offers an upgrade to First Class on all rail journeys from £200 per person.

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