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railtour suisse · Rail journey

Glacier Express Excellence Class

Swiss Alpine rail journey St. Moritz to Zermatt on Glacier Express

Illustration of Glacier Express Excellence Class

Railtour suisse operates this five-day Alpine journey combining two nights in St. Moritz with two nights in Zermatt, linked by a full day aboard the Glacier Express in Excellence Class. St. Moritz, birthplace of Alpine winter sports, offers leisure time and free mountain-railway excursions such as the trip to Diavolezza. The centrepiece is the eight-and-a-half-hour Excellence Class journey, where you sit by a panoramic window, enjoy a multi-course meal with wine, access the on-board bar, and receive concierge service as the train climbs through the Swiss Alps, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels past the UNESCO-protected Albula and Bernina railways. In Zermatt, optional excursions to the Gornergrat cog railway or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise reveal the Matterhorn and surrounding four-thousand-metre peaks. Four-star accommodation with breakfast is included throughout. This package suits repeat rail travellers, luxury seekers, and photographers drawn to celebrated Alpine scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price (1,542 CHF / 1,921 USD) is per person on a Half Fare Travelcard basis; confirm your rail pass or ticket eligibility with railtour suisse before booking.
  • Days 2 and 4 are unscheduled leisure time; no guided activities are included aside from the train journey itself.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: St. Moritz

    Arrival in St. Moritz

    Train journey to St. Moritz, the birthplace of alpine winter sports. Enjoy the mountain landscape with its fantastic views or stroll through Via Serlas, one of Switzerland's most exclusive shopping streets. Overnight in St. Moritz.

  2. Day 2overnight: St. Moritz

    St. Moritz

    Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day at leisure in and around St. Moritz. In summer, our hotels in St. Moritz offer you free travel on various Upper Engadine mountain railways. Our favourite is an unforgettable trip to the Diavolezza. Overnight in St. Moritz.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    Glacier Express (8h30)

    Breakfast at the hotel. Today the highlight of your trip awaits you - the journey with the Glacier Express in the Excellence Class from St. Moritz to Zermatt. First-class comfort awaits you in the most exclusive carriage of the train. Sit back in your adjustable seat by the panoramic window and enjoy the breathtaking views of majestic mountains, deep gorges and picturesque villages. To whet your appetite, they serve you an aperitif platter and champagne. After that you get a regional, multi course lunch including corresponding wine, freshly prepared in the on-board kitchen. Overnight in Zermatt.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the day in Zermatt or make a trip to the Gornergrat. Europe's highest open-air cog railway takes you from Zermatt to the Gornergrat. On the summit you will have a superb panoramic view of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc and many other snow-capped peaks rising to above 4'000 m. If you want to go even higher, you should include the excursion Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in your programme. Overnight in Zermatt.

  5. Day 5

    Zermatt and return journey

    Breakfast at the hotel. Time at leisure and individual return journey. This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Free travel on Upper Engadine mountain railways; the suggested Diavolezza excursion offers high-altitude views.
  • Day 3Day 3: Eight-and-a-half-hour Glacier Express journey in Excellence Class from St. Moritz to Zermatt, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels through the Swiss Alps.
  • Day 4Day 4: Optional Gornergrat cog railway ascent from Zermatt, Europe's highest open-air cog railway, offering panoramic views of the Matterhorn and snow-capped peaks above 4,000 metres.

Included

  • Train journey in 1st class from/to domicile, Half Fare Travelcard basis
  • Seat reservation in the Glacier Express Excellence Class
  • Window seat, concierge, tablet with Bordinfotainment, access to the Glacier Bar, starter plate with champagne, regional multi course menu including wine, tea time in the afternoon, snacks, coffee, juices, soft drinks
  • 2 nights in St. Moritz, 4*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast
  • 2 nights in Zermatt, 4*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes first-class rail travel from your domicile to St. Moritz and seat reservation in Glacier Express Excellence Class. Travel is priced on a Half Fare Travelcard basis; you must hold or purchase this card separately.
What is the Glacier Express Excellence Class?
It is the most exclusive carriage on the Glacier Express. Amenities include panoramic windows, adjustable seats, window-seat guarantee, on-board concierge, a tablet with entertainment, access to the Glacier Bar, a multi-course lunch with wine, and afternoon tea.
Which hotels are included?
Two nights at a four-star hotel in St. Moritz and two nights at a four-star hotel in Zermatt. Both rooms are standard doubles with breakfast included.
How much free time is there?
Day 2 in St. Moritz and Day 4 in Zermatt are entirely free. In St. Moritz, guests have complimentary access to Upper Engadine mountain railways. In Zermatt, optional excursions to the Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise are available.
What is the journey like on the Glacier Express?
The eight-and-a-half-hour route from St. Moritz to Zermatt passes through 91 tunnels, crosses 291 bridges, and climbs to the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres. You will see the Landwasser Viaduct, Rhine Gorge, and views of the Matterhorn and other Alpine peaks.

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