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Great Rail Journeys · Independent

Glacier Express Excellence Class, Bernina Express & St Moritz

Swiss alpine rail via Glacier and Bernina Express, St Moritz and Zermatt

Illustration of Glacier Express Excellence Class, Bernina Express & St Moritz

Great Rail Journeys operates this five-day independent Swiss mountain rail circuit departing London and returning to London or Paris. You spend two nights in St Moritz and two nights in Zermatt, with stays in handpicked 4- or 5-star hotels on a bed and breakfast basis. The journey highlights two of Europe's most celebrated mountain trains: the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage railway in operation since 1910 that climbs to the Bernina Pass and crosses deep ravines and waterfalls, and the Glacier Express in Excellence Class, which includes guaranteed window seats, a five-course menu with paired wines for each course, and a dedicated concierge as it travels through snow-capped peaks. Day 4 is unguided, allowing you to explore the car-free village of Zermatt freely, with optional excursions to the Gornergrat Mountain Railway and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Return transport offers a choice of flight (Zurich) or rail via Eurostar from Paris. The trip suits repeat rail travellers, luxury-seekers, and photographers drawn to alpine scenery and two famous trains.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotel choice (4-star or 5-star) depends on availability and your selection; confirm your preferred property and tier when booking
  • Day 4 is unguided; activities and excursions in Zermatt are optional and bookable separately
  • The return journey offers flight or train alternatives (Eurostar via Basel and Paris), but flight is the default option included

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: St Moritz

    St Moritz

    Your journey begins with a morning flight from London to Zurich. On arrival you'll take the train from Zurich airport to Chur. From Chur the train starts to climb up into the mountains, arriving in St Moritz. On arrival in St Moritz you'll transfer to your chosen hotel. Choose between one of our handpicked hotels, either 4* or 5* on a B&B basis. St Moritz is a playground, but it's also a town of alpine beauty and is surrounded by stunning scenery.

    Meals: Breakfast

  2. Day 2railovernight: St Moritz

    The Bernina Express

    Experience a world-famous train journey aboard the Bernina Express today. In operation since 1910, this astounding route has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. You'll travel in panoramic carriages, enjoying 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'll descend towards Poschiavo, 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. Your journey ends in Tirano, from where the return journey begins back to St Moritz for your second night in your chosen hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    The Glacier Express

    Today you'll board the magnificent Glacier Express for a breathtaking journey through this alpine landscape. Excellence Class gives you a truly special journey, with guaranteed window seats, a five-course menu with pairing wines for each course, and a dedicated concierge. Your journey begins with a climb up to the winter ski resort of Andermatt, and continues its climb upwards into the snow-capped mountains. The train reaches the journey's highest point before descending along the beautiful Rhone Valley at a slow and steady pace. On 'The Slowest Express Train in the World', you'll travel through classic Swiss scenes of green meadows and turquoise river gorges, before arriving in the car-free town of Zermatt in the early evening. On arrival in Zermatt, you'll transfer to your chosen hotel. Note: There will be no Glacier Express trains running between 13th October to 7th December.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    Enjoy a free day in Zermatt, the charming Swiss car-free village in the mountains, with breathtaking views of the iconic Matterhorn. Travel by rail, on the Gornergrat railway, or by cable-car, to the higher mountains, or take a walk around the village centre, where you'll find many restaurants, cafes and bars. Or, take one of the numerous hiking trails nearby. Alternatively, choose from optional excursions bookable at a supplement.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5rail

    Return to London

    Your tour comes to its close today with your train journey from Zermatt to Zurich airport where you'll take your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, you can take the train from Zermatt to Visp, then from Visp to Basel, from Basel to Paris Gare de Lyon, and from Paris Nord back to London St Pancras via the Eurostar.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Bernina Express ascends to Bernina Pass at more than 7,300 feet, passing the turquoise waters of Lago Bianco
  • Day 3Glacier Express Excellence Class climbs through the mountains to Andermatt and beyond, with guaranteed window seats and five-course wine-paired menu
  • Day 4Free day in Zermatt with optional Gornergrat Mountain Railway or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise excursion

Included

  • 4 nights hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast)
  • First Class Rail in Switzerland
  • Excellence Class Carriage on the Glacier Express
  • Panoramic carriage journeys on the Glacier & Bernina Express
  • Return flights between London and Zurich

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes First Class rail throughout Switzerland, Excellence Class on the Glacier Express, Panoramic carriages on the Bernina Express, and the Gornergrat Mountain Railway. Return flights London-Zurich are also included.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
This is an independent tour. You make your own way from hotel to station each day and navigate the itinerary self-guided; however, Great Rail Journeys provides hotel accommodation and pre-arranged rail bookings.
Which trains are featured?
The Bernina Express (UNESCO World Heritage route, St Moritz to Tirano in Panoramic Class), the Glacier Express (St Moritz to Zermatt in Excellence Class), and the Gornergrat Mountain Railway (Zermatt to Gornergrat). Day 1 uses standard trains from Zurich to Chur to St Moritz.
What hotels are included?
Two nights in St Moritz (choice of Hotel Schweizerhof 4-star or Kempinski Hotel 5-star) and two nights in Zermatt (choice of Parkhotel Beau-Site 4-star or Hotel Mont Cervin Palace). All on bed and breakfast basis.
How much walking is involved?
Days 1, 2, 3, and 5 are mostly train-based with station transfers. Day 4 in Zermatt is free; the village is car-free and walkable, with nearby hiking trails and optional mountain railway or cable-car excursions.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included. Optional excursions in Zermatt (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Gornergrat, Alpine Crossing, hiking guides) and meals beyond breakfast are extra.

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