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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Grand Swiss Rail Odyssey

17-day Swiss rail odyssey from Zurich through Alpine passes to Lucerne

Illustration of Grand Swiss Rail Odyssey

Marvellous Escapes operates the Grand Swiss Rail Odyssey, a 17-day tailor-made rail journey through Switzerland for those seeking to travel by train across Alpine terrain. The trip departs London and ends in Lucerne, moving through seven cities: Zurich, Chur, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Montreux, Interlaken, and Lucerne. You will spend three nights in Zurich at the start and end, with two-night stays elsewhere, allowing unhurried exploration of each location. The package includes a Swiss Pass for standard-class travel on three celebrated trains: the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt with onboard lunch, the Bernina Express from Chur into Italy's Poschiavo Valley and back, and the GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken. Included excursions reach the Matterhorn via Gornergrat, Jungfraujoch (the Top of Europe) via cogwheel railway, Mount Pilatus by steepest cogwheel, and Mount Titlis by rotating cable car. Days blend guided rail journeys with independent time to walk medieval old towns, visit museums, and relax by lakes. Hotel accommodation and breakfast are included throughout.

What to know before you look closer

  • The operator publishes no information about which specific hotels you will stay in; final accommodation depends on your booking tier and city preferences; contact Marvellous Escapes to confirm star ratings and facilities.
  • The from-price of GBP 3,299 does not state whether flights or the London rail option are included; confirm the cost breakdown before booking.
  • Days 2, 7, 11, 13, 15, and 16 are partly or wholly unguided excursions; you make your own way to Rhine Falls, Stein am Rhein, St. Moritz activities, Jungfraujoch, Mount Pilatus, and Mount Titlis.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Today, you will fly from London to Zurich. Alternatively, roundtrip rail is available from London via Paris. Upon arrival, take time to explore Zurich’s charming Old Town, picturesque lakeside, or vibrant shopping streets before settling in for the night.

  2. Day 2overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Embark on a half-day journey from Zurich to experience the sheer majesty of Rhine Falls and the picturesque charm of Stein am Rhein, Europe's largest waterfall and a medieval town of cobbled streets and half-timbered houses.

  3. Day 3overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Continue with your exploration of Zurich today, where narrow winding lanes reveal centuries-old buildings and charming squares. Explore the Grossmünster and Fraumünster, the Kunsthaus Zurich, or take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Lake Zurich.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Chur

    Chur

    Today you’ll head off on a captivating journey from Zurich to Chur aboard the SBB Swiss Rail, immersing yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland. Arriving in Chur, Switzerland's oldest city, you'll step into a charming Alpine town.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Chur

    Chur

    Following breakfast, set off on the Bernina Express, beginning in the snow-clad peaks of the Alps, including the iconic Bernina Pass, and descending into the verdant Poschiavo Valley near Tirano, where you can enjoy traditional Italian pizza, before the northbound return leg.

  6. Day 6railovernight: St. Moritz

    St. Moritz

    Today you’ll embark on a rail journey from Chur to St. Moritz, passing over the iconic Albula Line, a UNESCO World Heritage route known for its stunning viaducts, before the glamour of St. Moritz comes into view.

  7. Day 7overnight: St. Moritz

    St. Moritz

    Begin your day in St. Moritz with a leisurely stroll around Lake St. Moritz, browse its luxury boutiques on Via Serlas, or take a funicular or cable car to the summit of Piz Nair for sweeping vistas of the Engadin Valley.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    Embark on the iconic Glacier Express today, traversing the Landwasser Viaduct and other striking bridges at a leisurely pace, with a delightful onboard lunch and a glass of Swiss white wine, before reaching Zermatt for a relaxing two-night stay.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    Embark on the Gornergrat Cog Railway, ascending over 10,000 feet in a mere 33 minutes, with breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Matterhorn and majestic glaciers from the summit.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Montreux

    Montreux

    Departing Zermatt, your train journey meanders through the picturesque Valais region, with a brief stop in Visp, before arriving in Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva.

  11. Day 11overnight: Montreux

    Montreux

    Today you’ll discover the enchanting Chateaux de Chillon, an iconic medieval fortress on the shores of Lake Geneva, with complimentary entry included via your Swiss Pass.

  12. Day 12railovernight: Interlaken

    Interlaken

    Board the Golden Pass train, ascending above Lake Geneva through a mountain tunnel at Jaman, continuing to Chateaux d'Oex, Gstaad and Zweisimmen, before reaching Interlaken for a two-night stay.

  13. Day 13overnight: Interlaken

    Interlaken

    Today, journey through Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen to the summit of Jungfrau Mountain, the 'Top of Europe', taking in the Great Aletsch Glacier, Europe's largest glacier, before returning to Interlaken.

  14. Day 14overnight: Lucerne

    Lucerne

    Following breakfast, depart Interlaken and travel through lush greenery and picturesque villages to Lucerne, greeted by the city's medieval charm, Chapel Bridge and Water Tower.

  15. Day 15railovernight: Lucerne

    Lucerne

    Embark on a scenic hour-long steam cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, then board the world's steepest cogwheel railway to the summit of Mount Pilatus, home to the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel.

  16. Day 16railovernight: Lucerne

    Lucerne

    Today, embark on a day excursion including a train ride, gondola ascent, and rotating cable car to the summit of Mount Titlis, at 3,328 metres above sea level, before returning to Lucerne for a Swiss Pass lake cruise.

  17. Day 17

    Return home

    Following check-out from your hotel in Lucerne, travel to Zurich, then to Zurich Airport for your return flight to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 5The Bernina Express descends from the snow-clad Alps through the famous Bernina Pass into the verdant Poschiavo Valley near Tirano, where you enjoy traditional Italian pizza before the northbound return.
  • Day 8The Glacier Express traverses the Landwasser Viaduct and other striking bridges at a leisurely pace, with onboard lunch and Swiss white wine, arriving in Zermatt.
  • Day 9The Gornergrat Cog Railway ascends over 10,000 feet in 33 minutes, revealing panoramic views of the Matterhorn and glaciers from the summit.
  • Day 13A day excursion reaches Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe, passing through Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen to view the Great Aletsch Glacier, Europe's largest.
  • Day 15A steam cruise on Lake Lucerne is followed by a ride on the world's steepest cogwheel railway to Mount Pilatus at 3,328 metres.

Included

  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Zurich with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Chur, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Montreux, Interlaken & Lucerne with breakfast included
  • Flights to and from the UK (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras)
  • Travel in comfort in standard class throughout your journey with a Swiss Pass
  • Excursion on the Gornergrat Cog Railway
  • Half-day trip to Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein
  • Day trip to Jungfraujoch
  • Day trip to Chateaux de Chillon

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes a Swiss Pass for standard-class travel on the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and GoldenPass Express, plus rail journeys between all cities and excursion trains (Gornergrat Cog Railway, Jungfrau cogwheel, Mount Pilatus cogwheel, Mount Titlis rotating cable car).
What trains are featured?
The Glacier Express (St. Moritz to Zermatt), Bernina Express (Chur to Tirano and return), and GoldenPass Express (Montreux to Interlaken) are the signature named trains. Regular SBB Swiss Rail connects other cities.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is a tailor-made rail holiday. Marvellous Escapes arranges hotels, trains, and excursions, but many days include unguided activities and free time to explore each city on your own.
How many nights do I stay in each city?
Three nights in Zurich and Lucerne; two nights each in Chur, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Montreux, and Interlaken.
What is included in the price?
Hotel accommodation with breakfast, flights from the UK or roundtrip rail from London St. Pancras, Swiss Pass travel in standard class, the Gornergrat Cog Railway, Rhine Falls half-day trip, Jungfraujoch day trip, and Chateaux de Chillon entry.
How much walking is involved?
Daily city walks are modest; most days allow you to set your own pace. Excursion days include cogwheel and cable car ascents with associated walking at summits.

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