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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Grand Swiss Rail Odyssey - Excellence Class

17-day Swiss rail circle from Zurich on Glacier Express, Bernina Express, GoldenPass

Illustration of Grand Swiss Rail Odyssey - Excellence Class

Marvellous Escapes operates this 17-day tailor-made rail holiday through Switzerland, departing Zurich and concluding in Lucerne. The journey connects seven Alpine and lakeside towns across a well-paced itinerary, with hotel stays of 2 to 3 nights per location and train travel on three named services: the legendary Glacier Express in Excellence Class from St. Moritz to Zermatt, the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express through Alpine peaks and the Poschiavo Valley, and the GoldenPass Express across mountain terrain from Montreux to Interlaken. Days blend independent exploration of medieval town centres, lakeside strolls, and boutique shopping with included excursions: the Gornergrat Cog Railway ascent near the Matterhorn, a half-day visit to Rhine Falls, the journey to Jungfraujoch for views of Europe's largest glacier, and cogwheel or cable car ascents of Mount Pilatus and Mount Titlis. Breakfast is included at every hotel, all rail fares are covered by a Swiss Pass, and flights from the UK or alternative roundtrip rail from London St. Pancras are part of the package. This trip suits repeat rail travellers seeking premium comfort, luxury seekers who value leisure and refined dining, photographers drawn to Alpine vistas and UNESCO heritage routes, and those preferring guided comfort without the planning burden.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price is in GBP (4,199 pounds). Conversions to other currencies are subject to exchange rates at the time of booking.
  • The trip spans 17 days with hotel stays of 2 to 3 nights per location; confirm final hotel names and star ratings directly with Marvellous Escapes, as the pack does not name specific properties.
  • Flights from the UK are included, or roundtrip rail from London St. Pancras; confirm your preferred transport with the operator at booking.

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

    Board the legendary Glacier Express Excellence Class for an unforgettable ride from St. Moritz to Zermatt. Settle into exclusive lounge seating and enjoy refined service, curated wines and gourmet dining as you cross the Oberalp Pass, the journey's highest point at 2,033m, arriving at the foot of the Matterhorn.

  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 5Day 5: the Bernina Express descends from snow-clad Alpine peaks through the famous Bernina Pass into the Poschiavo Valley, with a stop in Tirano for traditional Italian pizza before the return journey.
  • Day 8Day 8: board the Glacier Express in Excellence Class, crossing the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres, with exclusive lounge seating, refined service, curated wines and gourmet dining as you arrive at Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn.
  • Day 9Day 9: ascend the Gornergrat Cog Railway over 10,000 feet in 33 minutes for panoramic views of the Matterhorn and glaciers from the summit.
  • Day 13Day 13: journey to Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe', to view the Great Aletsch Glacier, Europe's largest glacier.
  • Day 15Day 15: steam cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad followed by the world's steepest cogwheel railway to Mount Pilatus summit.

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 all train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes travel throughout your journey with a Swiss Pass, covering the Glacier Express in Excellence Class, the Bernina Express, and the GoldenPass Express, as well as supplementary rail excursions such as the Gornergrat Cog Railway, Jungfrau cogwheel, and Mount Pilatus cogwheel railway.
What is included in the accommodation?
Hotel accommodation with breakfast is included at all seven locations: 3 nights in Zurich and Lucerne, and 2 nights each in Chur, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Montreux, and Interlaken.
How is this trip transported to Switzerland?
Flights from the UK to Zurich and return are included. Alternatively, roundtrip rail from London St. Pancras is available; confirm your preference with Marvellous Escapes when you book.
Which named trains does the itinerary use?
The Glacier Express (St. Moritz to Zermatt, Excellence Class), the Bernina Express (Chur to Tirano and return, Standard Class), and the GoldenPass Express (Montreux to Interlaken, Standard Class).
What excursions are included?
The package includes the Gornergrat Cog Railway ascent near Zermatt, a half-day trip to Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein, a day trip to Jungfraujoch, a day trip to Chateaux de Chillon with entry via Swiss Pass, Mount Pilatus via steam cruise and cogwheel railway, and Mount Titlis via gondola and rotating cable car.
How much walking is involved?
Most days include city exploration on foot in Zurich, Chur, St. Moritz, Montreux, Interlaken, and Lucerne. Additional activities involve cable car and cogwheel railway ascents. No extensive hiking is required, though comfort with stairs and standard luggage handling is expected.

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