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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Classic Switzerland from Milan

Rail trip from Milan to Zurich via the Bernina and Glacier Express

Illustration of Classic Switzerland from Milan

Railbookers runs Classic Switzerland from Milan as an 8-day, 7-night independent rail vacation that starts in cosmopolitan Milan and ends in Zurich. After a first night near Milan's Duomo, the trip heads north on the Bernina Express, passing the Brusio Spiral and Landwasser viaducts on the way to Chur. The next day, the Glacier Express crosses into Switzerland's car-free resort town of Zermatt, where the Matterhorn dominates the skyline and a cog railway climbs to the Gornergrat. From Zermatt, trains continue to Interlaken for two nights, including a day trip through Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. The route ends with a final train to Zurich for one night before the short ride to the airport. Because it is sold as an independent package rather than an escorted tour, Milan, Chur, and Zurich are quick overnight stops, while Zermatt and Interlaken get two nights each to settle in.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotels listed are a set of 27 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.
  • Milan, Chur, and Zurich are each a single overnight stop, so those legs involve checking in and out quickly around the Bernina and Glacier Express travel days.
  • The evidence available does not list current departure dates for this trip; confirm availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Milan

    Milan

    Welcome to Milan! On arrival make your way to your hotel and check-in. Perhaps take a stroll to see the amazing Duomo or explore the designer shops and cafes.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Chur

    The Bernina Express

    Hop onto the train to Tirano then head north on the Bernina Express, passing the dizzying Brusio Spiral and Landwasser viaducts, arriving in Chur.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    The Glacier Express

    Cross Switzerland onboard the famous red carriages of the Glacier Express, then enjoy the evening in the car free town of Zermatt.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    Spend the day relaxing in this classic Alpine destination. Marvel at the Matterhorn mountain or take the cog railway trip to the Gornergrat.

  5. Day 5overnight: Interlaken

    Zermatt to Interlaken

    Jump on trains to Visp then onto Interlaken for a 2-night stay, with the option of a boat cruise on Lake Thun or Brienz using your Swiss Pass.

  6. Day 6overnight: Interlaken

    Jungfrau Day Trip

    A spectacular journey passing through Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen to the top of the Jungfrau Mountain, the highest station in Europe.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Take a train to Bern, then onto Zurich for your final night's accommodation.

  8. Day 8rail

    End Of Tour

    After checking out of your hotel, take the short train ride to Zurich Airport for your flight home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Bernina Express heads north from Tirano, passing the Brusio Spiral and Landwasser viaducts on the way to Chur.
  • Day 3The Glacier Express crosses Switzerland in its famous red carriages, arriving in the car-free town of Zermatt.
  • Day 4A cog railway trip from Zermatt to the Gornergrat for views of the Matterhorn.
  • Day 6The Jungfrau Day Trip runs through Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe.

Included

  • Rail Travel as per itinerary
  • Seat reservations for the Bernina and Glacier Express trains
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Milan
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Chur
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Interlaken
  • 6 Day Swiss Pass
  • Day trip to the Gornergrat from Zermatt
  • Day trip to the Jungfraujoch from Interlaken

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in this trip?
Yes. A 6-day Swiss Pass and seat reservations on the Bernina Express and Glacier Express are included, along with day trips to the Gornergrat and the Jungfraujoch.
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 each stop on their own.
Which trains does the trip use?
The Bernina Express from Tirano to Chur, the Glacier Express from Chur to Zermatt, plus the cog railways to the Gornergrat and the Jungfraujoch.
What hotels are used?
The trip draws from a set of 27 accommodation options across Milan, Chur, Zermatt, Interlaken, and Zurich, ranging from the Crowne Plaza Milan City to the Armani Hotel Milano and Four Seasons Hotel Milano.
How much walking or altitude does the trip involve?
The trip includes a cog railway to the Gornergrat and a day trip to the Jungfraujoch, described as the highest railway station in Europe, alongside city strolling in Milan and Zurich.

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