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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Basel to Zurich via the Glacier and Bernina Express Trains

5-day independent Swiss rail trip from Basel via Zermatt to St. Moritz

Illustration of Basel to Zurich via the Glacier and Bernina Express Trains

Railbookers runs this 5-day independent rail journey from Basel to St. Moritz, crossing the Swiss Alps on two celebrated scenic trains. Day 1 departs Basel via Visp for the car-free resort of Zermatt, home for two nights. Day 2 is built around the Gornergrat cog railway, climbing for views of the Matterhorn with walking trails at the summit. Day 3 crosses Switzerland aboard the Glacier Express, through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, including the Oberalp Pass and the Landwasser Viaduct, into St. Moritz for a second two-night stay. Day 4 is a day trip on the Bernina Express to Tirano in northern Italy, passing Piz Bernina, Piz Palu, and the Brusio spiral viaduct before returning to St. Moritz. The trip ends Day 5 with a train to Zurich airport via Chur. Because the trip centers on two of the world's most scenic rail lines, it suits independent travelers and rail enthusiasts more than those seeking city sightseeing.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence lists 15 accommodation options across cities and tiers rather than one fixed hotel per stop; the final property depends on the tier and city you choose.
  • The operator publishes no current departure dates in the available materials; confirm scheduling directly with Railbookers before booking.
  • Only breakfast is included with each hotel stay; other meals are not part of the package.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zermatt

    Basel

    Depart Basel and head south via Visp to the car-free mountain resort of Zermatt for a 2-night stay.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Zermatt

    The Gornergrat Day Trip

    Ride the Gornergrat cog railway for spectacular views of the Matterhorn; walking trails at the top.

  3. Day 3railovernight: St. Moritz

    The Glacier Express

    Cross Switzerland aboard the Glacier Express, through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, crossing the Oberalp Pass and Landwasser viaduct, arriving in St. Moritz.

  4. Day 4railovernight: St. Moritz

    The Bernina Express Day Trip

    Day trip to Tirano, northern Italy, on the Bernina Express, passing Piz Bernina, Piz Palu, and the Brusio spiral viaduct, then back to St. Moritz.

  5. Day 5rail

    End Of Tour

    Train to Zurich airport via Chur for your flight home, or continue your travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart Basel via Visp for the car-free mountain resort of Zermatt, arriving for a two-night stay.
  • Day 2Ride the Gornergrat cog railway for views of the Matterhorn, with walking trails available at the summit.
  • Day 3Cross Switzerland aboard the Glacier Express, through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, including the Oberalp Pass and the Landwasser Viaduct, to St. Moritz.
  • Day 4A day trip to Tirano, Italy, on the Bernina Express, passing Piz Bernina, Piz Palu, and the Brusio spiral viaduct before returning to St. Moritz.
  • Day 5A train to Zurich airport via Chur concludes the five-day rail journey.

Included

  • Rail travel as per the itinerary
  • Seat reservations on the Bernina and Glacier Express trains
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in St Moritz
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • Gornergrat Railway Day Trip from Zermatt

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included per the itinerary, including seat reservations on the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is described as an independent rail vacation.
Which trains are used?
The Gornergrat cog railway, the Glacier Express (Zermatt to St. Moritz, panoramic class), the Bernina Express (St. Moritz to Tirano, panoramic class), and Swiss Railways.
What hotels are included?
The evidence lists 15 accommodation options across Basel, Zermatt, and other stops rather than one fixed hotel; sample properties include Hotel Victoria Basel, Beausite Zermatt, and the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof.
What is not included?
The evidence lists no meals beyond breakfast.
How much walking is involved?
Optional walking trails are available at the top of the Gornergrat; the Bernina and Glacier Express portions are scenic train travel rather than hikes.

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