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Great Rail Journeys · Independent Rail

Glacier & Bernina Express to Venice

Two famous Alpine trains, then Venice: Glacier and Bernina Express from Zermatt

Illustration of Glacier & Bernina Express to Venice

Great Rail Journeys' eight-day Glacier and Bernina Express to Venice is an independent rail journey pairing two of Europe's most celebrated train routes. The trip begins with flights from London to Zurich and a train transfer to Zermatt, the car-free village set beneath the Matterhorn. After a free day to explore or hike, you board the Glacier Express, the world's slowest express train, for a full-day panoramic journey descending through the Rhone Valley and climbing the Rhine Valley to St Moritz, a glamorous Alpine resort. Day 4 gives you leisure time in St Moritz before you embark on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bernina Express, which ascends the Bernina Pass at over 7,300 feet, passes turquoise glacial lakes, and crosses the famous corkscrew viaduct at Brusio as it spirals into Italy. You then travel to Venice, where two free days allow you to explore the city's canals, bridges, and gothic architecture by gondola and on foot. The journey ends with your choice of a return flight or a two-day train route home via Milan and Paris. This trip suits independent travellers who want the structure of included rail and flights with the freedom to explore each destination at their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price covers the package (flights, hotels, Standard Class rail, breakfast); lunch aboard the Glacier Express is optional at supplement.
  • Hotels in each city are offered in two tiers (4-star and 5-star options); final accommodation depends on the tier and location you select.
  • Day 8 return offers two choices: a flight from Venice or a two-day train journey back via Milan and Paris with an overnight; plan accordingly.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zermatt

    Outbound Travel – London to Zermatt

    Your journey begins with your flight from the UK to Zurich. On arrival you'll take the train from Zurich airport to the village of Visp. The train journey takes you up into the mountains, where the Matterhorn reveals itself as you arrive in car-free Zermatt. On arrival in Zermatt you'll be transferred to your hotel for the night. Alternatively, take a leisurely two-day journey by train from London St Pancras via Eurostar to Paris Nord, then from Gare de Lyon to Basel, spending the night in Basel before continuing to Visp and Zermatt the next day.

    Meals: Breakfast

  2. Day 2railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt – Free Day

    Enjoy a free day in the charming village of Zermatt. Set amid the mountains with views of the iconic Matterhorn, this car-free village has lots of restaurants, bars and shops to explore. Take one of the many hiking trails nearby, or choose one of the optional excursions available at a supplement, including the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Gornergrat cogwheel train, Matterhorn Return Alpine Crossing, or a Zermatt Hiking tour.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: St Moritz

    Glacier Express to St Moritz

    Your panoramic journey aboard the Glacier Express begins with a steady descent into the upper Rhone Valley, travelling through meadows and river gorges. The train climbs back into the snow-capped mountains reaching the journey's highest point, before descending along the beautiful Rhine Valley. Aboard 'The Slowest Express Train in the World', you'll pass Chur, travel into the mountains, cross viaducts, burrow through tunnels and rise above the clouds on your way to St Moritz. You have the option to choose lunch aboard the Glacier Express (two or three courses). Once in St Moritz there's time to discover this luxury resort town before transferring to your hotel. Note: No Glacier Express trains run between 12th October and 5th December.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: St Moritz

    St Moritz – Free Day

    Relax on your free day in St Moritz and explore this glamorous resort town. The shopping in this glitzy town is an experience, and even window shopping is a fun activity. Take a boat out on the lake and marvel at the scenery, or choose one of the optional excursions available at a supplement, including the Muottas Murgl funicular (included with Local Travel card) and a Walking Tour of St Moritz.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: Venice

    Bernina Express to Venice

    Today you'll experience a world-famous train journey aboard the Bernina Express. In operation since 1910, this astounding route has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Travelling in panoramic carriages, enjoy 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 descend towards Poschiavo in 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. From Tirano, your journey continues through northern Italy by rail to Milan, changing for the onward journey to Venice. On arrival in Venice, you'll be transferred to your hotel for the night.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Venice

    Venice – Free Day

    Enjoy some free time in Venice to fully explore the city and get to know the streets. There's plenty to do in Venice, from art galleries to gondola rides. Sit at a historic café and watch the people go by, gaze at the city's gothic architecture, and eat and drink your way around the city. Optional excursions available at a supplement include a Walking Tour of Venice, a Private Cooking Class with Lunch, and a Private Gondola Ride with Prosecco.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7overnight: Venice

    Venice – Second Free Day

    Enjoy your second free day in Venice. Dig a little deeper into the history of the city and discover some of the famous people who've called Venice home. Or take a day to fully relax, take a stroll around the streets or get out on the water. Optional excursions available at a supplement include a Private Half-Day Excursion to Murano and Burano, and a Private Grand Canal Motor Launch with Guide.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8rail

    Return to London

    As your epic journey comes to a close today, you'll transfer by water taxi to the airport in Venice, where you'll take your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, take a two-day train journey back to the UK: Venice to Bologna, Bologna to Milan, Milan to Montreux (overnight), then Montreux to Lausanne, Lausanne to Paris Gare de Lyon, and finally Eurostar from Paris back to London St Pancras. First Class upgrades available.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrival in car-free Zermatt with views of the Matterhorn as you step from the train.
  • Day 3The Glacier Express descends through the Rhone Valley and Rhine Valley, crossing viaducts and passing through tunnels in panoramic carriage.
  • Day 5The Bernina Express spirals around the famous corkscrew viaduct at Brusio and ascends the Bernina Pass at over 7,300 feet, passing turquoise Lago Bianco and glaciers.
  • Day 6Arrival in Venice; explore gondola rides, gothic architecture, and historic cafes over two free days.

Included

  • 6 nights hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast)
  • Standard Class Rail in Switzerland and Italy
  • Panoramic carriage journeys on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express
  • Flights between London and Zurich, and Venice and London

Not included

  • Cancellation and Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes Standard Class rail travel in Switzerland and Italy, panoramic carriage journeys on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, and flights between London and Zurich and Venice and London.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail tour. You travel on your own schedule between cities. Four of the eight days are free days in Zermatt, St Moritz, and Venice, with optional guided excursions available.
Which trains do I travel on?
You travel on the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz and the Bernina Express from St Moritz to Tirano in Italy, both in panoramic Standard Class carriages. First Class upgrades are available.
What hotels are included?
You have hotel choices in each city: Zermatt (Parkhotel Beau-Site or Hotel Mont Cervin Palace, 2 nights); St Moritz (Hotel Schweizerhof or Kempinski Hotel, 2 nights); Venice (Hotel Kette, Hotel American Dinesen, or Monaco & Grand Canal, 2 nights).
How much does the trip cost?
From GBP 2,595 (approximately USD 3,466). This covers flights, hotels, rail travel, and daily breakfast.
What is not included?
Meals other than breakfast, lunch aboard the Glacier Express, cancellation and travel insurance, optional excursions, and First Class rail upgrades.

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