How much does it cost?

From £2,055 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $2,776 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Which trains are included?

The Bernina Express (St Moritz to Tirano and return) and the Glacier Express (St Moritz to Zermatt) in Standard Class panoramic carriages. Optional upgrades to First Class or Excellence Class are available on the Glacier Express.

Is this escorted or independent?

This is an independent tour. You choose your hotels and manage your own schedule; Day 4 in Zermatt is entirely free to explore as you wish.

Breakfast is included daily at the hotels. Lunch and dinner are not included, though the Glacier Express offers optional lunch onboard.

When does this trip run?

The operator has not published specific departure dates in the trip information. Contact Great Rail Journeys to confirm availability and booking windows.

Great Rail Journeys · Independent tour

Glacier Express – St Moritz to the Matterhorn

Alpine rail circle from London via St Moritz and Zermatt on two UNESCO trains

Great Rail Journeys operates this five-day independent tour combining two of Europe's most celebrated mountain railways with stays in Switzerland's premier alpine destinations. You depart London by morning flight, arriving in St Moritz, where you spend two nights in a 4-star or 5-star handpicked hotel. Day two takes you on the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage route since 1910, climbing above 7,300 feet past turquoise lakes and deep ravines in panoramic carriages. On day three you board the Glacier Express for the journey south to Zermatt, arriving to views of the Matterhorn. Your fourth day is free to walk the car-free village, ride the Gornergrat Mountain Railway, or explore nearby hiking trails. On day five you return to Zurich and London by flight, or alternatively travel overland via Basel and Eurostar. This pace suits independent travellers seeking luxury accommodation paired with world-class scenic rail journeys rather than a fully guided itinerary.

Price history

Across 5 checks, this price has risen £120 since 4 Jul, to £2,055.

Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. 3 of 5 points are a live read of the operator's page. Hollow points are values shown when the trip was first listed here and never confirmed with the operator.

What to know before you look closer

Hotel choice in each city depends on tier selected (4-star or 5-star); confirm your preference with Great Rail Journeys when booking
Glacier Express lunch and First or Excellence Class upgrades are optional extras at additional cost; the base package includes Standard Class
Day 5 return to London offers two routing options: direct flight from Zurich or overland via Basel and Eurostar; confirm in advance

Day by day

Day 1railovernight: St Moritz
Getting to St Moritz
Your journey begins with your choice of outbound travel: a morning flight from London to Zurich, then train via Chur to St Moritz (regional flights available); or a leisurely two-day rail journey via Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Nord, changing to Paris Gare de Lyon for Basel, an overnight stay in Basel, then on by train to Chur and St Moritz (upgrades to First Class available). On arrival you transfer to your chosen hotel, either 4-star or 5-star, on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 2railovernight: St Moritz
The Bernina Express
Experience a world-famous train journey aboard the Bernina Express, in operation since 1910 and awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Travelling in panoramic carriages, you ascend the Bernina Pass, reaching the summit at more than 7,300 feet, passing the turquoise waters of Lago Bianco and the Palü Glacier at Alp Grüm, before descending towards Poschiavo and crossing into Italy via the corkscrew viaduct at Brusio. The journey ends in Tirano before the return to St Moritz for a second night.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3railovernight: Zermatt
The Glacier Express
Board the Glacier Express for a breathtaking journey through the alpine landscape. Choose a classic carriage or upgrade to First Class (more space, fewer passengers, extra leg room) or Excellence Class (guaranteed window seats, a five-course menu with pairing wines, dedicated concierge). Whichever class you choose, your carriage benefits from panoramic windows. The journey climbs to the winter ski resort of Andermatt and onward to the journey's highest point, before descending along the Rhone Valley, passing green meadows and turquoise river gorges, arriving in car-free Zermatt in the early evening. You may choose to enjoy a two-course or three-course lunch onboard. Please note: no Glacier Express trains run between 12th October and 5th December.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4railovernight: Zermatt
Zermatt
Enjoy a free day in the charming, car-free village of Zermatt with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. Travel by rail on the Gornergrat railway, or by cable car to the higher mountains, walk around the village centre, or take one of the numerous hiking trails nearby. Alternatively, choose from optional excursions bookable at a supplement.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5rail
Getting to London
Your tour comes to its close today with a choice of return travel: a train journey from Zermatt to Zurich airport for your flight back to the UK; or by rail from Zermatt to Visp, then Basel, on to Paris Gare de Lyon, and from Paris Nord back to London St Pancras via the Eurostar (upgrades to First Class available).
Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2The Bernina Express ascends the Bernina Pass above 7,300 feet, passing turquoise Lago Bianco in UNESCO World Heritage panoramic carriages
Day 3Board the Glacier Express for an alpine journey through the Swiss mountains in panoramic standard, First Class, or Excellence Class carriage
Day 4Free day in car-free Zermatt; ride the Gornergrat Mountain Railway for views of the Matterhorn, hike nearby trails, or explore the village

Included

4 nights hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast)
Standard Class Rail in Switzerland
First Class Rail upgrades available
Panoramic carriage journeys on the Glacier & Bernina Express
Return Flights between London and Zurich

Not included

Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £2,055 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $2,776 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Which trains are included?: The Bernina Express (St Moritz to Tirano and return) and the Glacier Express (St Moritz to Zermatt) in Standard Class panoramic carriages. Optional upgrades to First Class or Excellence Class are available on the Glacier Express.
Is this escorted or independent?: This is an independent tour. You choose your hotels and manage your own schedule; Day 4 in Zermatt is entirely free to explore as you wish.
Are meals included?: Breakfast is included daily at the hotels. Lunch and dinner are not included, though the Glacier Express offers optional lunch onboard.
When does this trip run?: The operator has not published specific departure dates in the trip information. Contact Great Rail Journeys to confirm availability and booking windows.