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railtour suisse · Panoramic train journey

Glacier Express + Bernina Express

Alpine rail loop from Brig to Lugano on two UNESCO heritage trains

Illustration of Glacier Express + Bernina Express

Railtour Suisse operates this 3-day Alpine train journey combining two UNESCO World Heritage railway lines: the Glacier Express from Brig to St. Moritz, and the Bernina Express from St. Moritz through the Alps to Tirano and onward to Lugano. The package spans Switzerland and northern Italy, with overnight stays in 3-star hotels in both mountain towns and breakfast included each morning. Day 1 takes you aboard the Glacier Express, crossing the Oberalp Pass at over 2,000 meters, passing through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, and descending into the Alpine resort of St. Moritz. Day 2 features the Bernina Express, which climbs to the Bernina Pass, crosses the distinctive spiral Brusio Circular Viaduct, and then transitions to coach transport for the scenic descent through the Valtellina valley and along the shores of Lake Como to Lugano. Day 3 leaves time to explore Lugano's Mediterranean lakeside character before your individual return home. This trip suits first-time rail travelers eager to experience two of the world's finest scenic trains, as well as repeat enthusiasts and photographers drawn to Alpine engineering and mountain views.

What to know before you look closer

  • Rail fare is booked on a Half Fare Travelcard basis; confirm the exact cost structure with railtour suisse when booking.
  • The operator lists no current departure dates; contact them to check availability for your preferred travel dates.
  • Day 3 return journey is individual, not escorted; you arrange your own transport home from Lugano.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: St. Moritz

    Glacier Express (6h30)

    Arrival in Brig by train. Continue on the Glacier Express, one of the most impressive train journeys in the world. Spectacular journey over the Oberalp Pass and through the fascinating Rhine Gorge. Overnight in St. Moritz.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lugano

    Bernina Express (8h15)

    Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will travel with the Bernina Express from St. Moritz over the Bernina Pass and the circular viaduct at Brusio to Tirano (Italy), the south end of the Bernina Line. After lunch or a stroll through the romantic old town, you travel with the Bernina Express bus through the idyllic Valtellina valley and along Lake Como to Lugano. Overnight in Lugano.

  3. Day 3

    Lugano and return journey

    Breakfast at the hotel. Experience the Mediterranean lifestyle in this charming paradise on Lake Lugano and enjoy the magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. The picturesque old town and the lake promenade invite you to take a stroll. Individual return journey. This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The Glacier Express departs Brig and climbs over the Oberalp Pass, crossing 291 bridges and passing through the Rhine Gorge en route to St. Moritz.
  • Day 2The Bernina Express winds over the Bernina Pass and crosses the Brusio Circular Viaduct, a distinctive spiral engineered structure, before descending into Italy and the Valtellina valley toward Lake Como and Lugano.
  • Day 3Morning in Lugano allows exploration of the old town and lakeside promenade on Lake Lugano, with views of surrounding mountains.

Included

  • Train journey in 2nd class from/to domicile, Half Fare Travelcard basis
  • Seat reservation in the Glacier Express and Bernina Express
  • 1 night in St. Moritz, 3-star hotel, standard double room with breakfast
  • 1 night in Lugano, 3-star hotel, standard double room with breakfast

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Railtour Suisse includes 2nd-class rail from your domicile, seat reservations on both the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, and coach travel through the Valtellina valley. You travel on a Half Fare Travelcard basis.
Which trains are featured?
The Glacier Express from Brig to St. Moritz, traveling 6 hours 30 minutes over the Oberalp Pass and through the Rhine Gorge. The Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano, traveling 8 hours 15 minutes over the Bernina Pass and the Brusio Circular Viaduct.
What hotels are included?
One night in a 3-star hotel in St. Moritz and one night in a 3-star hotel in Lugano, both standard double rooms with breakfast.
Is the trip guided or independent?
Days 1 and 2 follow a set itinerary with reserved train seats. Day 3 in Lugano is independent; you return home by your own arrangement.
What is not included?
Lunch, dinner, and local transport are not included. Day 3 return journey to your home is at your own cost and arrangement.
How much walking is involved?
Minimal beyond train stations and hotel transfers. Day 3 offers optional strolls through Lugano's old town and along the lake promenade.

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