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Travelmarvel (APT Travel Group) · Rail Tour

Alpine Discovery by Rail

Thirteen-day Alpine rail loop from Zürich to Munich aboard five scenic trains

Illustration of Alpine Discovery by Rail

Travelmarvel's 13-day Alpine Discovery by Rail departs Zürich and concludes in Munich, traversing four countries through Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Germany. The journey pairs famous mountain railways with multi-night stays in resort towns and cultural cities: you spend two nights each in Interlaken, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Salzburg and Munich, with one night in Lucerne and Zürich. Day 7 brings the Glacier Express across panoramic viaducts between Zermatt and St. Moritz; Day 8 features the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage railway that descends into Italy via the Brusio Circular Viaduct with views of glaciers and mountain streams. Earlier days include the Jungfrau Railway and the world's steepest cog-wheel ascent of Mount Pilatus. A Travelmarvel Tour Director and local guides lead throughout, handling transfers and porterage. The itinerary suits repeat rail travellers seeking celebrated scenic trains, couples drawn to alpine towns and Neuschwanstein Castle, and those who prefer guided days with included meals and logistics managed for them.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights to and from Zürich and Munich are not included in the package price.
  • The package includes only 18 meals (12 breakfasts and 6 dinners); most lunches are at your own expense.
  • Two nights in Interlaken, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Salzburg and Munich mean limited time in each location for independent exploration.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Arrive Zürich

  2. Day 2overnight: Lucerne

    Zürich, Lucerne

  3. Day 3railovernight: Interlaken

    Lucerne, Luzern–Interlaken Express, Interlaken

  4. Day 4railovernight: Interlaken

    Interlaken, Jungfrau Railway

  5. Day 5overnight: Zermatt

    Interlaken, Zermatt

  6. Day 6overnight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

  7. Day 7railovernight: St. Moritz

    Zermatt, Glacier Express, St. Moritz

  8. Day 8railovernight: St. Moritz

    St. Moritz, Bernina Express, Tirano, St. Moritz

  9. Day 9overnight: Salzburg

    St Moritz, Innsbruck, Salzburg

  10. Day 10overnight: Salzburg

    Salzburg

  11. Day 11overnight: Munich

    Salzburg, Munich

  12. Day 12overnight: Munich

    Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle

  13. Day 13

    Depart Munich

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Luzern-Interlaken Express carries you along the Reuss valley to the foot of the Bernese Oberland.
  • Day 4The Jungfrau Railway climbs to observation stops hewn from solid rock between the rail tunnel and the Eiger's north face.
  • Day 7The Glacier Express narrow-gauge train travels from Zermatt to St. Moritz with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows.
  • Day 8The Bernina Express crosses the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway, curving across the Brusio Circular Viaduct above mountain streams before descending into Tirano.
  • Day 12Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, King Ludwig II's palace in the Bavarian Alps, with views across forests, lakes and mountains.

Included

  • Two-night stays in Interlaken, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Salzburg and Munich; and one-night stays in Zurich, Lucerne
  • 18 meals - 12 breakfasts and 6 dinners
  • Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and expert local guides
  • Transfers, porterage and tipping
  • Explore nine towns, villages and cities
  • Journey aboard the Glacier Express to St. Moritz
  • Ride the Bernina Express, passing glaciers and rushing mountain streams
  • Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle

Not included

  • Flights (unless specified)

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes journeys on the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Jungfrau Railway, Cog-Wheel Railway to Mount Pilatus, and connecting rail journeys between cities.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
Escorted. Travelmarvel provides a Tour Director and expert local guides throughout. Transfers, porterage and tipping are included.
How many nights do you stay in each place?
One night each in Zürich and Lucerne; two nights each in Interlaken, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Salzburg and Munich.
What meals are included?
Twelve breakfasts and six dinners. Other meals are at your own expense.
Are flights included?
No. Flights to and from Zürich and Munich are not included unless specified at booking.

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