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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Glacier Express Excellence Class, Bernina Express & St Moritz

Swiss alpine rail loop: Glacier and Bernina Express, St Moritz and Zermatt

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

Vacations By Rail operates this five-day independent rail vacation through the Swiss Alps, where you stay in two celebrated upmarket resorts while riding two of the world's most renowned mountain trains. The journey begins and ends in St Moritz and Zermatt, famous alpine towns where you occupy either a 4-star or 5-star hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Day two takes you on the UNESCO World Heritage Bernina Express through tunnels and across the Bernina viaduct to Tirano, Italy, with views into deep ravines before returning to St Moritz. Day three is the centrepiece: the Glacier Express in exclusive Excellence Class, with guaranteed window seats, a five-course meal with wine pairings, and a dedicated concierge, as the train climbs to Andermatt and descends into the Rhône Valley. Your final full day in Zermatt includes the heritage Gornergrat Mountain Railroad, which has carried passengers since 1898 to elevations exceeding 10,100 feet for views of the Matterhorn and dozens of surrounding peaks. This trip suits repeat rail travellers and luxury-seekers who value independent travel with the security of pre-booked accommodation and rail, and photographers drawn to Alpine scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Glacier Express does not run between October 13 and December 7; confirm availability for your dates before booking
  • Your final hotel in Zermatt depends on which tier you select (4-star Parkhotel Beau-Site or the unrated Hotel Mont Cervin Palace); confirm your specific accommodation with Vacations By Rail
  • Flights are not included; you arrange and pay separately for arrival and return travel
  • Optional excursions in Zermatt (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Matterhorn Return Alpine Crossing, hiking) incur additional costs

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: St Moritz

    Arrival in St Moritz

    On arrival in St Moritz, you'll transfer to your selected hotel. Choose between one of our handpicked hotels, either 4-Star or 5-Star on a B&B basis. St Moritz is world-famous alpine resort popular with celebrities and royalty, nestled within the Engadine Valley.

  2. Day 2railovernight: St Moritz

    Bernina Express

    Experience the UNESCO World Heritage Bernina Express, through tunnels and over bridges with deep ravines below, through the Albula Tunnel and over the Bernina Pass to Tirano in Italy, then return to St Moritz.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    Glacier Express

    Board the Glacier Express in exclusive Excellence Class with guaranteed window seats, a five-course menu with wine pairings and a dedicated concierge, climbing to Andermatt and descending the Rhône Valley to Zermatt. Note: no Glacier Express trains run between 13th October and 7th December.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    Matterhorn views in Zermatt

    Board the heritage Gornergrat Mountain Railroad, transporting passengers to over 10,100 feet since 1898, for views of the Matterhorn and 29 peaks over 13,000 feet. Optional excursions available at a supplement.

  5. Day 5

    Homeward bound

    Tour concludes; make your way from Zermatt to the airport for your flight home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Bernina Express descends through the UNESCO World Heritage Bernina Pass and over the Bernina viaduct with deep ravines visible below, reaching Tirano in Italy before returning to St Moritz
  • Day 3Board the Glacier Express in Excellence Class with guaranteed window seats, dining on a five-course menu with wine pairings while climbing to Andermatt and descending the Rhône Valley to Zermatt
  • Day 4Ride the heritage Gornergrat Mountain Railroad, operating since 1898, to over 10,100 feet for views of the Matterhorn and 29 peaks over 13,000 feet

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

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights

Also sold by

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?
Yes. First Class rail on the Bernina Express and exclusive Excellence Class on the Glacier Express are included, as is the Gornergrat Mountain Railroad.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Independent. Vacations By Rail pre-books your hotels and rail tickets; you travel on your own following the planned itinerary.
Which hotels are available?
In St Moritz, choose between the 4-star Hotel Schweizerhof or 5-star Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski. In Zermatt, the 4-star Parkhotel Beau-Site or Hotel Mont Cervin Palace.
What is included in the price?
Four nights hotel accommodation with bed and breakfast, first-class and Excellence Class rail as described, and panoramic carriage journeys on the Glacier and Bernina Express. Flights and insurance are not included.
When does the Glacier Express operate?
The train runs daily except between October 13 and December 7 each year; no trains operate during that closure period.
How much walking is involved?
The heritage Gornergrat Mountain Railroad climbs to over 10,100 feet; optional hiking excursions are available at extra cost in Zermatt. Most days centre on train travel and hotel transfers.

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