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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Bernina Express & Beyond

Swiss rail loop from Zurich via Lucerne, Chur, and the Bernina Express

Illustration of Bernina Express & Beyond

Marvellous Escapes offers a five-day independent tailor-made rail holiday that strings together Switzerland's Alpine highlights. The journey begins with flights from London to Zurich or an optional train route via Paris and London St. Pancras. After arriving in Zurich, you travel by rail to Lucerne for a two-night stay with breakfast included. On Day 2, you board a steam-powered cruise across Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, then ascend Mount Pilatus via cogwheel railway (or aerial gondola outside the May to November season) for alpine views. Day 3 takes you by scenic train from Lucerne to Chur, Switzerland's oldest city, where you explore its 12th-century cathedral and medieval old town. Day 4 is devoted to the signature Bernina Express, a roundtrip journey from Chur to Tirano that crosses famous viaducts, passes glaciers, and descends into Italy. Throughout, your Swiss Travel Pass grants freedom to move independently between stops, with 24-hour support from Marvellous Escapes. This pace suits independent travellers who want celebrated rail routes without daily guided tours and couples seeking lakeside and Alpine scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is an independent journey, not escorted; you navigate between destinations using the Swiss Travel Pass, with support available by phone.
  • Day 2's Mount Pilatus excursion uses either a cogwheel railway or an aerial gondola depending on the season (gondola outside May to November).
  • The trip combines air travel and rail; flight times and connections are not detailed in the itinerary.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lucerne

    Lucerne

    Fly from London to Zurich for a two-night stay (roundtrip rail via Paris is also available with your Swiss Pass, onward to Lucerne).

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lucerne

    Lucerne

    An extraordinary journey to the summit of the steepest cogwheel railway in the world: a scenic hour-long steam cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, then a cogwheel railway (or aerial gondola outside May-November) to the summit of Mount Pilatus, with a stop at the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Chur

    Chur

    A scenic rail journey from Lucerne to Chur, Switzerland's oldest city, through dramatic Alpine scenery. Explore the medieval old town, including the 12th-century Cathedral of Saint Mary and the Bishop's Palace.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Chur

    Bernina Express

    A roundtrip on the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano and back, crossing viaducts, passing glaciers, and descending into Italy, including the famous Landwasser Viaduct, with free time to explore Tirano.

  5. Day 5

    Return home

    Head to Zurich airport from Chur for your return journey home. Extend your stay in Switzerland by speaking to your Marvellous Escapes Travel Designer.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: A steam cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, followed by cogwheel railway ascent to the Mount Pilatus summit.
  • Day 4Day 4: Roundtrip on the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano, crossing viaducts including the Landwasser Viaduct and passing glaciers as the route descends into Italy.

Included

  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Lucerne with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Chur with breakfast included
  • Flights to and from the UK (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras)
  • Bernina Express roundtrip Chur to Tirano
  • Swiss Travel Pass throughout the journey
  • Daytrip to ascend Mount Pilatus

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The Swiss Travel Pass, Bernina Express roundtrip from Chur to Tirano, and all other rail legs within Switzerland are included. Flights from London or train travel from London St. Pancras via Paris are also included.
Is this an escorted tour?
No. Marvellous Escapes describes this as an independent tailor-made journey with 24-hour on-trip phone support. You travel between destinations at your own pace using the Swiss Travel Pass.
Which trains are used?
The Bernina Express operates the roundtrip from Chur to Tirano on Day 4. Day 2 includes a steam cruise on Lake Lucerne and a cogwheel railway (or aerial gondola) to Mount Pilatus. Day 3 uses a scenic rail service from Lucerne to Chur.
What hotels are included?
Two nights in Lucerne and two nights in Chur, both with breakfast included. Hotel names are not specified in the itinerary.
How much walking is involved?
Day 2 involves a steam cruise and railway ascent with minimal walking. Day 3 includes exploration of Chur's medieval old town on foot. Day 4 offers free time to explore Tirano after the Bernina Express roundtrip.

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