Search

Euroventure · Self-guided rail tour

Glacier Express: 2 Weeks

London to Geneva in 15 days on trains through France and Swiss Alps

Illustration of Glacier Express: 2 Weeks

Euroventure's Glacier Express: 2 Weeks is a self-guided rail journey of 15 days from London to Geneva through France and the Swiss Alps. The trip combines major cities and Alpine destinations: you depart London on Eurostar, spend a night in Paris, then travel to Zurich for two nights before heading into the Alps. St Moritz offers three nights in a thermal spa valley, followed by the signature Glacier Express, a 7.5-hour scenic train ride to Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn. After three nights in Zermatt, you move to Interlaken for two nights, then Geneva for two, returning to Paris for a final night before Eurostar back to London. All rail tickets, accommodation in tested three and four-star hotels and hostels, and seat reservations are included. This is ideal for independent rail travellers who want the security of booked transport and lodging but the freedom to explore each city without a group schedule. Optional activities range from paragliding in Interlaken to visits to the Louvre and Moulin Rouge in Paris.

What to know before you look closer

  • Accommodation grades vary: the package includes both hostels and tested hotels, so your final hotel depends on the tier and city you choose
  • This is a self-guided tour with no group guide; you navigate independently between attractions and accommodation, though walking directions are provided
  • The from-price of £1,589 assumes standard accommodation selections; upgrades to higher-star hotels or private rooms cost more

Day by day

  1. Day 1rail

    London

    Central London invites exploration on foot, from the South Bank's pop-up stalls to the glamour of the West End and Hyde Park. Highlights: see Buckingham Palace; hop on the London Eye for city views. Eurostar to Paris - 4 hours.

  2. Day 1railovernight: Paris

    Paris (1 night)

    Paris is the embodiment of romance and style, from the Eiffel Tower to the Pont Neuf. Highlights: see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre; watch a cabaret act at the Moulin Rouge; experience the nightlife of the Marais. Train to Zurich - 4.5 hours.

  3. Day 2overnight: Zurich

    Zurich (2 nights)

    Zurich's medieval centre stands untouched by war; stroll picturesque Lake Zurich. Highlights: see the glass-stained windows of Fraumunster; visit the Lindt chocolate factory outlet; window-shop on Bahnhofstrasse. Trains to St Moritz - 4.5 hours.

  4. Day 4railovernight: St Moritz

    St Moritz (3 nights)

    St Moritz sits in the Oberengadin valley, enveloped by Alpine peaks and renowned for its therapeutic mineral spas. Highlights: take the Corviglia Funicular; walk around St Moritz Lake; ride the St Moritz-Celerina Olympia Bob Run. Glacier Express to Zermatt - 7.5 hours.

  5. Day 7railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt (3 nights)

    Zermatt is surrounded by charming ski villages and the iconic Matterhorn. Highlights: visit the Matterhorn Glacier Palace; watch sunrise at Lake Stellisee; hike the 5 Lake Trail. Train to Interlaken - 2.5 hours.

  6. Day 10overnight: Interlaken

    Interlaken (2 nights)

    Interlaken sits between two lakes, framed by three snow-capped peaks, with an adventure-sports reputation. Highlights: paraglide over the town; ski at renowned local stations; test your skills on the ice circuit. Trains to Geneva - 3.5 hours.

  7. Day 12overnight: Geneva

    Geneva (2 nights)

    Geneva is surrounded by the Alps with views of Mont Blanc, a hub of contemporary art and lakeside charm. Highlights: climb the Cathedral towers for city and lake views; see the Jet d'Eau in the evening; relax by the lake or in a cafe. Trains to Paris - 3.5 hours.

  8. Day 14railovernight: Paris

    Paris (1 night)

    Arrive back in the French capital for the night to tick off anything missed first time around. Highlights: watch the sunset from the Montparnasse Tower; visit the Eiffel Tower at night; picnic at Sacre Coeur. Eurostar to London - 4 hours.

  9. Day 15

    London

    Finish your trip back in London, or continue your onward journey home to your nearest UK station for free using your Interrail pass.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar from London to Paris in 4 hours, crossing the Channel by rail
  • Day 2Stroll Zurich's medieval city centre and Lake Zurich after a 4.5-hour train from Paris
  • Day 4Arrive in St Moritz in the Oberengadin valley, surrounded by Alpine peaks
  • Day 7Ride the Glacier Express from St Moritz to Zermatt, a 7.5-hour scenic journey through the Swiss Alps
  • Day 7View the Matterhorn from Zermatt and visit the Matterhorn Glacier Palace

Included

  • All overland transport tickets from the first to the last city, as shown in the map
  • Any Interrail or Eurail passes if required, based on the best value for you
  • Ride the Glacier Express between St Moritz and Zermatt
  • All possible seat reservations on high-speed rail, night trains or ferries
  • Accommodation in top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels, tested by us
  • Walking directions between the stations and your booked accommodation
  • Travel Disruption Protection - alternative travel included if there is a strike or similar disruption
  • A personalised travel booklet with maps, language guides, top tips, and more
  • Access to our 24hr emergency phone number while you're away
  • Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe
  • 1GB of Free Data, with the option to add more anytime with eSIM

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. All overland rail tickets from London to Geneva are included, as well as all seat reservations on high-speed and regional trains. The Glacier Express between St Moritz and Zermatt is included. An Interrail or Eurail pass is provided if it offers best value.
Is this an escorted or self-guided tour?
This is a self-guided rail tour. You plan your own exploration in each city, though Euroventure provides walking directions, maps, language guides, and a personalised travel booklet. A 24hr emergency phone number is available.
Which trains are ridden?
Eurostar from London to Paris (and return), TGV or similar trains from Paris to Zurich, regional trains to St Moritz, the Glacier Express from St Moritz to Zermatt, and trains to Interlaken and Geneva.
What accommodation is included?
Top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels tested by Euroventure. Your final accommodation choice depends on the tier you select and the city.
What is not included?
Meals, optional activities (such as paragliding, the Moulin Rouge, or the Matterhorn Glacier Palace entry), and attraction entry fees, though exclusive discounts on attractions are provided.
When does this trip run?
The operator does not publish a departure calendar in the available information; contact Euroventure directly to confirm scheduled dates.

Similar journeys