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Grand Milan to Paris via the Highlights of Switzerland

Multi-city Alpine rail journey from Milan to Paris via Switzerland

Illustration of Grand Milan to Paris via the Highlights of Switzerland

Railbookers runs this 11-day, 10-night rail journey from Milan to Paris, moving through St. Moritz, Zermatt, Interlaken, and Lucerne on eight named trains, including the Bernina Express, the Glacier Express, and the Jungfrau railway. Day 2 crosses the Bernina Pass on the Bernina Express, and day 4 rides the Glacier Express over the Landwasser Viaduct on an eight-hour journey to Zermatt. Day 5 climbs the Gornergrat cog railway to 3,090 meters for views of the Matterhorn, and day 7 reaches the Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 meters, with the option to walk on a glacier. Day 9 crosses Lake Lucerne by boat before climbing Mount Pilatus on the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. An 8-day Swiss Pass covers most of the Swiss travel, and the journey ends with an overnight stay in Paris. The trip suits experienced rail travelers drawn to high alpine scenery and several named scenic trains in one itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Engadin Card used in St. Moritz, which covers the funicular and cable car to Piz Nair, is only available from May to October, so travelers outside that window will not get this specific inclusion.
  • The 35 listed hotels are accommodation OPTIONS across tiers and six cities rather than fixed stops, ranging from mid-tier properties to five-star hotels such as the Armani Hotel Milano and Four Seasons Hotel Milano, so the hotel you get depends on the tier you choose.
  • The evidence available to us does not list current departure dates for this trip; confirm scheduling directly with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Milan

    Your Journey Begins in Milan

    Welcome to Milan! On arrival, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Be sure to visit the Gothic Duomo di Milano, the city's crowning glory. Also pay a visit to the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, home of 'The Last Supper'. Stroll through the Brera district and enjoy the art galleries and exquisite dining.

  2. Day 2railovernight: St. Moritz

    Bernina Express to St. Moritz

    After breakfast this morning, take the train from Milan to Tirano, then board the famed Bernina Line of the Bernina Express to St. Moritz. Enjoy beautiful valley and mountain views from the panoramic sightseeing cars on this epic route that runs over the Bernina Pass. Once in St. Moritz, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. You'll pick up your Engadin Card (May-Oct only).

  3. Day 3overnight: St. Moritz

    St. Moritz

    Make use of your Engadin card today with a ride on the local funicular and cable-car to Piz Nair (May-Oct only). This mountain peak rewards all visitors with some spectacular views of Graubunden and beyond. If you'd rather simply relax, spend some time strolling around the gorgeous lake or dining in one of the many restaurants.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    Glacier Express to Zermatt

    Today, enjoy the full splendour of one of Switzerland's most famous journeys, the Glacier Express. Early in the journey the train cruises over the impressive Landwasser Viaduct. This train winds its way over numerous high passes and meanders past many small Swiss lakes and villages until pulling into Zermatt nearly 8 hours after departure.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Zermatt

    Gornergrat Day Trip

    Today, take an exciting ride on the Gornergrat cog railway, which climbs from 1,604 metres above sea level to 3,090 metres in just 33 minutes, and is a marvel of 19th century engineering. From the top, take in one of the most spectacular panoramas in all of Switzerland with the iconic outline of the Matterhorn.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Interlaken

    Zermatt to Interlaken

    Another lovely train journey awaits you today, from Zermatt to Interlaken. On arrival in Interlaken, check in for a two-night stay and begin exploring the popular resort town. Enjoy one of the many friendly hikes around town or shop for watches at one of the boutiques.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Interlaken

    Jungfrau Day Trip

    After breakfast, take the short hop to Interlaken where you will use your Swiss Pass to board the historic railway line to Europe's highest railway station, at 3,454 meters above sea level. There is an ice sculpture gallery and the opportunity to take a walk on a glacier, as well as a restaurant and what is believed to be the world's highest chocolate shop. On your way back down, the route takes you through the village of Lauterbrunnen from where you get a good view of a gorgeous waterfall.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Lucerne

    Interlaken to Lucerne

    Take the scenic, short train ride from the Interlaken Ost Station to Lucerne. After getting settled, begin exploring all this stunning Central Switzerland city has to offer. The medieval Chapel Bridge is a great place to start.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Lucerne

    Mount Pilatus Day Trip

    Today, enjoy a trip to the top of the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. First enjoy a scenic hour's steam cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad where you then take the 30-minute ride which has an average gradient of 35%. At the top you'll find the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel and restaurant. Make your way back down the mountain massif via the gondola and cable car to Kriens and a short bus ride to Lucerne.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Paris

    Lucerne to Paris

    After breakfast this morning, board the train in Lucerne for your journey to Paris via Basel. Enjoy more of the spectacular Swiss mountain scenery on the way and on arrival in Paris, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Visit the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral or go shopping along the Rue St. Honore.

  11. Day 11rail

    Depart Paris

    Check out of your hotel this morning and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, perhaps with additional nights in a particular destination, one of our Rail Specialists would be happy to help you with all the details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Bernina Express runs from Tirano to St. Moritz over the Bernina Pass, with valley and mountain views from panoramic sightseeing cars.
  • Day 4The Glacier Express crosses the Landwasser Viaduct and winds over high passes and past small Swiss lakes on an eight-hour journey to Zermatt.
  • Day 5The Gornergrat cog railway climbs from 1,604 to 3,090 meters in 33 minutes for panoramic views of the Matterhorn.
  • Day 7The Jungfrau railway reaches Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 meters, with an ice sculpture gallery and the option to walk on a glacier.
  • Day 9A scenic hour's steam cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad is followed by a ride on the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, up Mount Pilatus.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Milan
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in St. Moritz
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Interlaken
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Lucerne
  • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Paris
  • Engadin Card (May-Oct only)
  • Gornergrat day trip
  • Jungfrau day trip
  • Mount Pilatus day trip
  • Paris metro ticket
  • 8-day Swiss Pass

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included throughout, including the Bernina Express, the Glacier Express, the Gornergrat cog railway, the Jungfrau railway, the Mount Pilatus cog railway, and an 8-day Swiss Pass.
Which trains are used?
Eight are named in the itinerary: the Gornergrat cog railway, the Bernina Express, the Mount Pilatus cog railway, TGV Lyria, the Jungfraujoch railway, the Glacier Express, SNCF, and Trenitalia.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 35 hotel options across Milan, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Interlaken, Lucerne, and Paris, ranging from Starhotels Anderson Milan and Crowne Plaza Milan City to the Armani Hotel Milano and Four Seasons Hotel Milano.
How long is the trip?
The itinerary runs 11 days and 10 nights, moving through Milan, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Interlaken, Lucerne, and Paris.
What is included besides rail and hotels?
An 8-day Swiss Pass, the Engadin Card (May to October only), day trips to Gornergrat, the Jungfrau, and Mount Pilatus, a Paris metro ticket, and breakfast at every hotel.
How strenuous is the trip?
It reaches high alpine altitudes, including the Jungfraujoch at 3,454 meters with an optional glacier walk, the Gornergrat at 3,090 meters, and Piz Nair by cable car, plus 'friendly hikes' mentioned around Interlaken.

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