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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Classic Glacier Express

Independent rail trip from Zurich to St. Moritz via the Glacier Express

Illustration of Classic Glacier Express

Railbookers runs this version of Classic Glacier Express as a 5-day, 4-night independent rail vacation starting and largely spent between Zurich and St. Moritz. The trip opens with two nights in Zurich, where an Old Town walking tour, a look at the Bahnhofstrasse and university quarter, and a lake cruise are included. On day three, the red panoramic carriages of the Glacier Express carry travelers from Brig to St. Moritz over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, reaching 6,669 feet at the Oberalp Pass. St. Moritz then offers a free day with walking trails or the Segantini Museum before the return train to Zurich. As an independent package rather than an escorted tour, it suits travelers who want the trains and Swiss Pass arranged for them but prefer to explore each city on their own. At 999 US dollars per person, it is priced lower than Railbookers' similar Glacier Express itineraries that start further afield.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotels listed are a set of 11 accommodation options across tiers and cities rather than a fixed list of stays; which hotel you get depends on the tier and city you choose.
  • The evidence available does not list current departure dates for this trip; confirm availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Your Journey Begins in Zurich

    Welcome to Zurich! Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay.

  2. Day 2overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Explore Zurich's charming Old Town this morning. In the afternoon, enjoy a classic sightseeing tour including the Bahnhofstrasse, the financial district, the university quarter, and a guided walking tour through the Old Town, finishing with a one-hour audio-guided cruise on Lake Zurich.

  3. Day 3railovernight: St. Moritz

    Glacier Express from Brig to St. Moritz

    Use your Swiss Pass to travel from Zurich to Brig. Once in Brig, join the famous red panoramic carriages of the Glacier Express. This journey runs over 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels and reaches its highest point at the Oberalp Pass, 6,669 feet above sea level, before arriving into St. Moritz.

  4. Day 4overnight: St. Moritz

    St. Moritz

    Enjoy a full day soaking up the scenery of St. Moritz, famous for its champagne climate and its glamorous ski scene. Explore some of the 112 miles of walking trails, or visit the Segantini Museum.

  5. Day 5rail

    Depart St. Moritz

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and take the train back to Zurich to continue with your travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A sightseeing tour of Zurich's Old Town, Bahnhofstrasse, financial district, and university quarter, finishing with a one-hour audio-guided cruise on Lake Zurich.
  • Day 3The Glacier Express runs in red panoramic carriages from Brig to St. Moritz, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels and reaching 6,669 feet at the Oberalp Pass.
  • Day 4A full day in St. Moritz, known for its champagne climate and ski scene, with access to 112 miles of walking trails or the Segantini Museum.

Included

  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Zurich
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in St. Moritz
  • Three-day Swiss Pass in standard class
  • Reservations on the Glacier Express between Brig and St. Moritz
  • City Tour and lake cruise in Zurich

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in this trip?
Yes. A three-day Swiss Pass and reservations on the Glacier Express between Brig and St. Moritz are included.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is sold as an independent rail vacation; Railbookers arranges the hotels, Swiss Pass, and train reservations, and travelers explore Zurich and St. Moritz on their own outside the included Zurich city tour.
Which trains does the trip use?
The Glacier Express, traveling from Brig to St. Moritz, reached from Zurich using the included Swiss Pass.
What hotels are used?
The trip draws from a set of 11 accommodation options across Zurich and St. Moritz, including the 25hours Hotel Zurich Langstrasse, the Baur Au Lac, and hotels such as the Art Boutique Hotel Monopol in St. Moritz.
How long is the trip and what is the starting price?
5 days and 4 nights, from 999 US dollars per person, about 200 US dollars per day.

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