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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

First-Class Glacier Express, Zermatt & Matterhorn

Nine-day First Class rail circle through Swiss Alps from London via Glacier and Bernina

Illustration of First-Class Glacier Express, Zermatt & Matterhorn

Great Rail Journeys operates this nine-day escorted tour through the Swiss Alps, departing from London and returning there nine days later. You travel in First Class on two of Europe's most celebrated alpine rail routes: the Glacier Express from St Moritz to Zermatt, and the Bernina Express across the Alps into Italy. The itinerary alternates between two mountain bases, St Moritz and Zermatt, each offering three nights in a four-star hotel. On day five, the Glacier Express carries you past snow-capped peaks, through the Rhine Gorge, and beneath the Matterhorn. On day three, the Bernina Express winds across a UNESCO-listed route to Alp Grüm, where you see Palü Glacier before descending into Italy via the Brusio corkscrew viaduct. You also ascend the Gornergrat cogwheel railway to over 10,000 feet for panoramic mountain views, and take a cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at Europe's highest station. A Tour Manager accompanies the group, luggage transfers between hotels are arranged, and a Swiss Half Fare Card allows independent exploration on the free day in St Moritz.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement (GBP 4,149 from GBP 3,499 double) represents a significant premium at 18.5 percent above half the double price.
  • Day four in St Moritz is free; the Swiss Half Fare Card is provided but other activities or meals are at your own cost.
  • Day six dinner and day four dinner are independent; not included in the package meals.
  • Maximum group size is 30 travellers, a relatively large escorted tour.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Basel

    Arriving in Switzerland

    Meet the Tour Manager and fellow travellers at London St Pancras. Travel in Eurostar Plus class with a light meal to Paris, then continue via Strasbourg to Basel by First Class rail. Basel sits on the Rhine where France, Germany and Switzerland converge. Short walk to the central hotel, time to relax, then dinner together.

    Meals: Eurostar light meal, Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: St Moritz

    From the Rhine Valley to serene alpine lakes

    After breakfast, take First Class train from Basel to Chur, passing lakes towards dramatic mountains. From Chur, snake across deep ravines and scenic viaducts, past snow-capped peaks and rushing waterfalls to St Moritz. Check in to the central hotel with uninterrupted views of Lake St Moritz, then enjoy a three-course dinner in the on-site restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: St Moritz

    Crossing the Alps in First Class onboard the Bernina Express

    Travel on the Bernina Express in First Class panoramic carriages on a UNESCO-listed route across the Alps into Italy. Reach the summit at over 7,300 feet, pass the turquoise Lago Bianco, and stop at Alp Grüm to admire the Palü Glacier. Descend via the Brusio corkscrew viaduct to Tirano, Italy, for free time to explore. Return to St Moritz on the local train, then three-course dinner at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: St Moritz

    A free day amidst the Engadine Valley

    Free day in St Moritz. Options include shopping on Via Serlas, a stroll by the lake, or using the Swiss Half Fare Card to explore further afield – Davos or Klosters can be reached by scenic rail in under two hours. Dine independently this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: Zermatt

    Awe-inspiring scenery in First Class on the Glacier Express

    Travel the full route of the Glacier Express from St Moritz to Zermatt in First Class panoramic carriages. The 'slowest express train in the world' traverses the UNESCO-listed Albula Line, the Rhine Gorge ('Swiss Grand Canyon'), climbs to Andermatt, enters the nine-mile Furka Tunnel, and zigzags up the Matter Valley before the Matterhorn comes into view. Enjoy a two-course lunch en route. Check in to the chalet-style spa hotel in Zermatt for three nights, with a three-course dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Zermatt

    Viewing the Matterhorn from the Gornergrat Mountain Railway

    Ride the Gornergrat Mountain Railway – Switzerland's original electric rack railway, over 125 years old – six miles up the mountain to over 10,000 feet. Enjoy jaw-dropping views of up to 29 mountaintops including the Matterhorn. Back in Zermatt, an expert guide reveals the resort's surprising connections to the UK, including the story of Edward Whymper. Dine independently this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7overnight: Zermatt

    Entering the wonderland of the Matterhorn Glacier

    Travel by gondola to the highest cable car station in Europe – Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at over 12,700 feet – for panoramic views of the famous peak. Descend nearly 50 feet inside the glacier to the ice palace, the highest of its kind in the world, with ice sculptures. Leisurely afternoon to explore the plateau, Schwarzsee, or relax at the hotel's outdoor jacuzzi or terrace. Stroll along Hinterdorfstrasse with its historic wooden chalets. Three-course dinner at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8railovernight: Strasbourg

    To the Alsace via idyllic lakes and the Rhine

    Leave Zermatt after breakfast, travelling by rail down the Matter Valley to Visp, then to Strasbourg via Basel, passing Lake Thun and the lakeside town of Spiez. Explore Strasbourg's grand architecture including La Petite France, Place Kléber and the Gothic cathedral. Final dinner at a local restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9rail

    Homeward bound

    Depart Strasbourg after breakfast, travel by First Class rail to Paris, passing the Champagne region. Board Eurostar Plus in Paris for the return journey to the UK with a light meal. The First Class adventure concludes on arrival.

    Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar light meal

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Ride the Bernina Express in First Class panoramic carriages across the Alps to Italy, passing Lago Bianco and stopping at Alp Grüm to view Palü Glacier before descending via the Brusio corkscrew viaduct.
  • Day 5Travel the full Glacier Express route from St Moritz to Zermatt in First Class, traversing the UNESCO-listed Albula Line, the Rhine Gorge, and climbing to Andermatt with the Matterhorn appearing as you approach Zermatt; two-course lunch included.
  • Day 6Ride the Gornergrat Mountain Railway, a 125-year-old cogwheel railway, six miles up to over 10,000 feet for views of up to 29 mountaintops including the Matterhorn, then learn the resort's UK connections from an expert guide.
  • Day 7Travel by gondola to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at over 12,700 feet, Europe's highest cable car station, and descend inside the glacier to view ice sculptures in the ice palace.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 8 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Plus class travel (London St Pancras to Paris and return)
  • First Class rail travel throughout
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Eurostar light meals (outbound and return)
  • Breakfast each day
  • 1 lunch (two-course on the Glacier Express)
  • 6 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between St Moritz and Zermatt
  • Swiss Half Fare Card (50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat and most mountain railways)
  • All guided tours and excursions
  • Gornergrat Mountain Railway excursion
  • Matterhorn Glacier Paradise gondola and cable car
  • Bernina Express First Class journey

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar Plus from London to Paris and return, and First Class rail throughout Switzerland, including the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and all connecting trains.
Which trains are featured?
The Glacier Express (St Moritz to Zermatt), Bernina Express (St Moritz to Tirano, Italy), Gornergrat Mountain Railway (a cogwheel railway to over 10,000 feet), and Eurostar Plus for the London to Paris legs.
How many nights and where?
Eight nights: three in St Moritz (Hotel Schweizerhof, four-star), three in Zermatt (Hotel Sonne, four-star), one in Basel (four-star), and one in Strasbourg (four-star).
Is the tour escorted?
Yes. A UK Tour Manager joins you from London through the end of the tour, providing guidance throughout.
What meals are included?
Breakfast each day, one two-course lunch on the Glacier Express, six dinners at hotels or local restaurants, and light meals on Eurostar (outbound and return). Two dinners (day 4 and day 6) are independent.
When does it run?
Great Rail Journeys operates seven departures across April, May, June, July, August, September and October 2027.

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