Great Rail Journeys · Independent

Best of Switzerland

Eight-day independent Swiss tour on Bernina, Glacier and GoldenPass Express trains

Best of Switzerland, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

Great Rail Journeys offers this eight-day independent tour through the Swiss Alps, flying into Zurich and finishing with a flight home or an optional rail route back through Paris. With no Tour Manager, travelers make their own way between four bases, St Moritz, Zermatt, Montreux and Interlaken, choosing hotels from 3 to 5-star at each stop. The itinerary is built around three named scenic trains: the Bernina Express, which climbs the UNESCO-listed Bernina Pass above 7,300 feet, the Glacier Express through snow-capped mountains to Zermatt, and the GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken. Free days in Zermatt and Interlaken leave time to view the Matterhorn, walk the car-free village streets, or take a boat trip on the lakes, with optional add-ons such as the Gornergrat Railway or Jungfrau Express available at a supplement. It suits independent-minded travelers who want to build their own days around a fixed core of scenic rail journeys.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotel choices at each stop range from 3-star to 5-star, for example the Hauser Hotel, Hotel Schweizerhof or Kempinski Hotel in St Moritz; the final standard is whichever tier you select, not a single fixed hotel.
  • This is an independent tour: days 4 and 7 in Zermatt and Interlaken are entirely free time with no guide, and no Tour Manager is mentioned in the evidence.
  • The base inclusion is bed and breakfast only; excursions such as the Gornergrat Railway, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Jungfrau Express cost extra and are listed as optional.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: St Moritz

    Arrival in St Moritz

    Your great adventure begins today when you take your flight to Zurich. On arrival in Zurich you'll take the train from the airport to Chur. From Chur your train journey rises into the majestic mountains before arriving in cosmopolitan St Moritz. The first winter sports destination in the world, St Moritz is well known for being the place where the rich and famous holiday, but it's also a place of outstanding alpine beauty. Enjoy your first night in chic St Moritz in your choice of one of our handpicked 3*, 4* or 5* hotels on a B&B basis. Alternatively, take the train all the way from London via Eurostar to Paris, then to Basel (overnight), and onward to St Moritz.

    Meals: Breakfast

  2. Day 2railovernight: St Moritz

    Bernina Express

    Experience a world-famous train journey aboard the Bernina Express today. In operation since 1910, this astounding route has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. You'll travel in panoramic carriages, enjoying the breathtaking landscapes as you leave St Moritz and ascend the Bernina Pass. Reaching the summit at more than 7,300 feet above sea level, pass the turquoise waters of Lago Bianco and view the spectacular Palü Glacier at Alp Grüm. From here, you'll descend towards Poschiavo, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Pretty pastel houses line the street as you continue on and cross into Italy, spiralling around the famous corkscrew viaduct at Brusio. Your journey ends in Tirano, from where the return journey begins back to St Moritz for your second night.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    Glacier Express

    You'll board the magnificent Glacier Express today, for an incredible journey through this alpine landscape. Travel in a classic carriage or upgrade to first class or excellence class. Beginning with a climb up to the winter ski resort of Andermatt, your journey continues its climb upwards into the snow-capped mountains. The train then reaches its highest point before descending along the beautiful Rhone Valley. On 'The Slowest Express Train in the World', you'll travel through classic Swiss scenes of green meadows and turquoise river gorges, before arriving in the car-free town of Zermatt in the early evening. Optionally enjoy a two or three course lunch onboard at a supplement.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    Enjoy a free day in Zermatt today and explore this charming car-free village in the mountains. With breathtaking views of the iconic Matterhorn, you can travel by rail on the Gornergrat Railway, or by cable-car, to the higher mountains, or take a walk around the village centre, where you'll find many restaurants, cafes and bars. Or take one of the hiking trails nearby. Optional excursions available at a supplement: Gornergrat cogwheel train, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Matterhorn Return Alpine Crossing, Zermatt Hiking.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: Montreux

    Zermatt to Montreux

    Following breakfast in your hotel this morning, you'll take the train from Zermatt to Montreux, stopping briefly in Visp along the way. Relax and watch the rolling landscapes pass by your window as your journey takes you into the beautiful Rhone Valley, before arriving in the pretty lakeside town of Montreux. On arrival in Montreux you'll be transferred to your hotel. Choose between our 3*, 4* and 5* hotels, on a B&B basis. Optional excursions available at a supplement: Guided Tour of Chateau de Chillon, Guided Tour of Chateaux du Chillon with Wine Tasting.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6railovernight: Interlaken

    Montreux and the Golden Pass Train

    This morning you can enjoy some free time in Montreux. Go shopping, or take a walk by the lake and soak up the atmosphere. Then it's time to embark on a great journey aboard the GoldenPass Express. This captivating rail journey travels through the heart of Switzerland's stunning landscapes, showcasing the country's diverse beauty through panoramic windows. Enjoy lush valleys, serene lakes, charming villages, and majestic mountains, before arriving in Interlaken, the gateway of adventure in the heart of the Bernese Oberland region.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7railovernight: Interlaken

    Free in Interlaken

    Enjoy a free day in Interlaken today and get to know the town between two lakes better. Take a boat trip on one of these beautiful lakes, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride around town. Wander the pretty streets and shop for Swiss souvenirs, or relax with a drink at one of the many cafes. Optional excursions available at a supplement: Jungfrau Express, Grindelwald First, Schynige Platte.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8rail

    Homeward Bound

    Your epic adventure comes to its end today when you're transferred from your hotel in Interlaken to Zurich airport for your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, travel by train from Interlaken to Basel, from Basel to Paris Gare du Lyon, and from Paris Nord to London St Pancras aboard the Eurostar. Upgrades to First Class available.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The train from Zurich climbs into the mountains via Chur before reaching the resort town of St Moritz, the first winter sports destination in the world.
  • Day 2The UNESCO-listed Bernina Express climbs the Bernina Pass to more than 7,300 feet, passing the turquoise waters of Lago Bianco.
  • Day 3The Glacier Express climbs to the ski resort of Andermatt before descending through the Rhone Valley to Zermatt.
  • Day 4A free day in the car-free village of Zermatt gives views of the Matterhorn, with an optional ride on the Gornergrat Railway to the higher mountains.
  • Day 6The GoldenPass Express travels from Montreux to Interlaken through panoramic windows, showing lush valleys, lakes and villages along the way.

Included

  • 7 nights hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast)
  • Standard Class Rail in Switzerland
  • Return Flights between London and Zurich

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, Standard Class rail in Switzerland is included, covering the Bernina Express, Glacier Express and GoldenPass Express as described in the day-by-day itinerary.
Is it escorted or independent?
Independent. The evidence does not mention a Tour Manager or guide; two days, in Zermatt and Interlaken, are entirely free time.
What hotels are used?
Hotels are chosen from 3, 4 or 5-star options at each stop, such as the Hauser Hotel, Hotel Schweizerhof or Kempinski Hotel in St Moritz.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance, plus optional excursions such as the Gornergrat Railway, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Jungfrau Express and Grindelwald First.
How does the trip get home?
Either a flight from Zurich to the UK, or an alternative rail route from Interlaken via Basel and Paris to London St Pancras on the Eurostar, with First Class upgrades available.

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