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Great Rail Journeys · Independent

Glacier Express – St Moritz to the Matterhorn

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

Illustration of Glacier Express – St Moritz to the Matterhorn

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.

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

  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. Choose a classic carriage aboard the Glacier Express or upgrade to First class or Excellence class. First class has the benefit of more space to stretch out and fewer passengers in your carriage, for extra leg room. 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. 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. You may wish to enjoy a two course or three course lunch onboard. Please note: There will be no Glacier Express trains running between 12th October to 5th December.

    Meals: Breakfast

  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 St Moritz to the Matterhorn 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 you'll travel by train 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 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
  • Panoramic carriage journeys on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express
  • Return flights between London and Zurich

Not included

  • Cancellation and Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

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.
What is included in the price?
Four nights of bed and breakfast accommodation in 4-star or 5-star hotels, Standard Class rail travel within Switzerland, panoramic carriage journeys on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, and return flights between London and Zurich.
How much walking is involved?
The train journeys themselves require minimal walking. In Zermatt you can walk around the car-free village centre, ride the Gornergrat Mountain Railway, or undertake hiking trails of your choice; these are optional.
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.

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